Get help from the Planning Division
The Planning Division offers a variety of complimentary and fee-based informational services to help you with Planning-related questions.
Need to know
There are 3 main types of services offered
- Self help for past permits, zoning, and development standards
- Complimentary for quick or general questions
- Fee-based for a deeper dive with the team and specific requests
Self help services
Find historic building and planning permits at our Online Records Search - San Rafael
Find your zoning district and applicable development standards Zoning Information - San Rafael
Complimentary informational services
Are you in the beginning stages of your project? Do you have a quick or general question?
Submit a planning inquiry using our form
Submitting a planning inquiry using our form at the bottom of the page is often the best way to get help as you can get a written reply with links to applicable information. This ensures that the planner receives the information needed to answer your question in a timely fashion.
You can also email us at community.development@cityofsanrafael.org with the address or Assessor’s Parcel Number associated with your inquiry.
Walk-in services
You can get help right away at our public service counter during business hours – no appointment needed. Walk-in service is on a first-come, first-serve basis
1400 Fifth Avenue, Top Floor
San Rafael, CA 94901
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4pm. Lunch break from 12-1.
Friday: closed to the public but available through phone or email.
Phone service
We also provide general information over the phone. When you call during regular business hours, your call is assigned to the team member on duty. The team member will return your call within 24 to 48 hours. Call us at (415) 485-3085
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee-based informational services
Do you have lots of questions that need a deeper dive with our team? We provide additional services for your needs that go beyond a walk-in session. Here are the different services and when you might want to use one.
Meeting with planner - $172
Use this service to get help understanding zoning rules and site constraints for potential projects. Anyone can apply (commercial property owners, homeowners, business owners, etc). This service includes one hour of staff time, including:
- 30-min of time for staff to prepare for your meeting.
- 30-min meeting with staff to answer Planning-related questions only.
Zoning verification - $344
A Zoning Verification is a written response to a request regarding the current land use and zoning for a specific property, including information on variances, special permits/exceptions, ordinances or conditions, and violations. This service includes two hours of staff time, including:
- 1 hour of research
- Written zoning verification letter
Planning consultation - $516
A Planning Consultation is a general planning service that exceeds the level of service provided in a Meeting with a Planner. Use this service to get help understanding zoning rules and site constraints for potential projects and to get written recommendations regarding your project’s compliance with planning standards. This service pays for three hours of staff time, including:
- One-hour meeting with staff to answer Planning-related questions only.
- One-hour of time for staff to prepare for your meeting.
- Written response to your planning inquiries.
Preapplication – $2,241
A Preapplication is typically used for larger projects like subdivisions or housing projects and requires property owner authorization. This service includes:
- More in-depth research on our rules as it relates to your project.
- Comments from other agencies to include in the report.
- 30-minute virtual meeting if desired, with applicable agencies
A written report on our rules, permit requirements, and environmental review needs.