The City Hall building will be closed to the general public on Fridays from June 6, 2025 through August 29, 2025. San Rafael Community Centers, Libraries, Al Boro Parking Services, and all Public Safety services will remain open and maintain normal Friday hours.

 
San Rafael neighborhood street scene

Planning Division

Planning Division

The Planning Division provides information on land use, zoning, site development standards and processes applications for land use permits and land divisions.  Most projects submitted fall into two categories, Design Review or Use Permit. If you are constructing a structure of any kind, you may need design review. If you are modifying a land use, you may need a use permit. The information below is taken from the San Rafael Zoning Ordinance.

Current Department Hours and City Holidays

Planning Contacts

Planners Phone Email
Margaret Kavanaugh-Lynch, Planning Manager (415) 485-3095 margaret.kavanaugh-lynch@cityofsanrafael.org
Kristina Estudillo, Principal Planner (415) 458-5048 kristina.estudillo@cityofsanrafael.org
Jose Herrera Preza, Principal Planner  (415) 485-3094 jose.herrerapreza@cityofsanrafael.org
Renee Nickenig, Associate Planner (415) 485-3397 Renee.Nickenig@cityofsanrafael.org
Michaela O'Brien, Assistant Planner (415) 485-3468 MichaelaO@cityofsanrafael.org

 

Planning Department News

Rendering of 930 Irwin Facing Northeast

Planning Commission Approves 930 Irwin Development Project

Posted on May 27, 2025

Planning Commission Approves New Housing at 930 Irwin Street On May 13, 2025, the San Rafael Planning Commission approved a proposal to build new housing at 930 Irwin Street, at the corner of 4th Street and Irwin Street. The Planning Commission found the project to be consistent with the City’s Downtown Precise Plan, Zoning Ordinance,...
Rendering of 555 Northgate proposed development project.

555 Northgate Dr. Development Project – Application Remains Incomplete

Posted on May 12, 2025

A proposal to build 200 new affordable homes at 555 Northgate Dr. has been resubmitted to the City of San Rafael on April 2, 2024. Following an initial determination that the application was incomplete in fall 2023, the developer  resubmitted the application on April 2, 2024. City staff have completed their second review of the...

Public Hearing Notice for 930 Irwin Street

Posted on May 12, 2025

Public Hearing Notice for 930 Irwin Street  NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE SAN RAFAEL PLANNING COMMISSION  Date: May 13, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901  The San Rafael Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed new residential development at...
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