Priority Area A: Economic Development and Neighborhood Vitality
Strengthen local business growth, revitalize neighborhoods, and create vibrant community spaces that foster economic prosperity and enhance quality of life.
Core Services
Process permits for major planning projects
Process permits efficiently and ensure new projects align with City plans, community vision and comply with state and local laws.
Process business licenses
Process business licenses for new and existing businesses.
Maintain safety
Ensure the safety and upkeep of buildings, properties, and neighborhoods through effective code enforcement and public education.
Facilitate community engagement
Build partnerships with community groups and community members to increase involvement in neighborhood development.
Provide business support
Provide current and prospective businesses with resources and customer support to enhance business success.
Preserve neighborhood cleanliness
Remove graffiti, reduce illegal dumping, illegal food vending, sweep streets regularly, and maintain clean and welcoming public spaces.
Strengthen the local economy by supporting existing businesses and attracting new enterprises. - A.1
A.1.1 Reduce commercial vacancies through business expansion, attraction, and retention efforts and enhanced customer support via the San Rafael GO Program.
A.1.2 Explore the creation of new revenue streams to fund economic growth and vitality through partnerships to identify mutually beneficial investments.
A.1.3 Drive local economic activity through promotion of destination tourism, enhancing special events, and optimizing city-owned assets by leveraging targeted marketing initiatives.
A.1.4 Evaluate the Cannabis Program and determine if changes are needed to support a well-regulated, transparent, and sustainable cannabis industry while balancing community concerns and benefits.
A.1.5 Assess the existing tourism funding model to determine if alternative models would enhance tourism sector growth for San Rafael.
Transform City gateways and public spaces to be more inviting and enhance civic pride. - A.2
A.2.1 Create and implement a gateway beautification program with enhanced signage, landscaping, and public art that reflects the City’s identity and vibrancy.
A.2.2 Develop and implement a program for enhancing and maintaining high visibility public spaces that signals thoughtful investment and care for the places people see and use every day.
A.2.3 Continue implementation of a comprehensive, citywide illegal dumping program.
Enhance neighborhoods to be the most resilient, diverse, and vibrant places to live, work, and visit. - A.3
A.3.1 Deliver placemaking elements through funded public art projects in the Downtown San Rafael Art District.
A.3.2 In partnership with the downtown business owners and stakeholders, continue evaluating the development of a community benefit district that would expand services downtown.
A.3.3 Update the special event permit program to streamline the special events process and identity opportunities for partnerships with the City to facilitate more special events.
A.3.4 Develop the North San Rafael Priority Development Area Plan.
A.3.5 Develop an East San Rafael Specific Plan using the City’s inclusive resident engagement philosophy; collaborate with the community and Canal Alliance to ensure alignment with their community vision plan (Nuestro Canal, Nuestro Futuro).
A.3.6 Complete a feasibility assessment and phased implementation plan for the Tree Ordinance revision that prioritizes high-impact, low resource requirements aligned with General Plan 2040 policies. Phase 1 will focus on integrating existing LIDAR inventory data, establishing basic tree protection standards, and developing a multi-year roadmap for expanding the program as resources become available.
Streamline and modernize the City’s land use regulatory framework to facilitate development and growth. - A.4
A.4.1 Update the City’s Objective Design Standards.
A.4.2 Update the Citywide Zoning Ordinance to align with the General Plan 2040.
Calendar Year 2024 by the Numbers
6,878
Building inspections conducted to process permits
$126.9M
Valuation of new of construction or remodels/additions
3,742
Building permits issued
Business licenses processed
882
Illegal dumping complaints responded to
2.9%
Retail Vacancy Rate