Public Works Permits
Permits during COVID-19 Shelter in Place
The 9am-noon Tuesday, Thursday in-person counter hours are suspended, however we are still issuing encroachment permits, reviewing building and planning permits, and transportation permits remotely for essential construction work.
County Health Department Guidance on Essential Construction Work: https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/
So long as social distancing practices are used during construction, a variety of projects are allowed. All residential construction projects that are partly completed can continue to completion in order to ensure health and safety. The Order prohibits new construction projects unless they are adding to the supply of our county’s housing stock (i.e. building a second unit, building a new home, etc.) or maintaining the habitability of homes in order to avoid displacement of residents. Business construction projects related to maintaining or upgrading essential business, government or health care infrastructure are also allowed to go forward.
Encroachment Permits
Applications may be submitted online. https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/epapply/
Requests for inspections may also be submitted online (contractors should upload photos of completed work): https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/ep-inspections/
Please also use this form to request a deferred inspection of your encroachment permit.
DPW staff contact for minor temporary Encroachment Permits: JC Agcaoili, John.Agcaoili@cityofsanrafael.org
DPW staff contact for Utility Encroachment Permits: Diane Dillon, Diane.Dillon@cityofsanrafael.org
Grading Permits
Grading Permits may be submitted electronically for review and approval.
DPW Staff Contact: Josh Minshall, Josh.Minshall@cityofsanrafael.org
Land Development Permits
Subdivision maps, improvement plans, tideland, watercourse, easements etc. may be submitted electronically. Phone appointments may be made for essential work.
DPW Staff Contact: Josh Minshall, Josh.Minshall@cityofsanrafael.org
Transportation Permits
PDF forms can be found on the Transportation Permits webpage. Completed forms may be submitted electronically to Willie Lagleva, Willie.Lagleva@cityofsanrafael.org.
Sewer Permits
Sewer Permits can be downloaded from the San Rafael Sanitation District webpage. Completed forms may be emailed to Cindy Hernandez, Cindy.Hernandez@cityofsanrafael.org.
For Encroachment Permits Only: Please notify us of start date and schedule an inspection by using this form.
The Department of Public Works issues three major types of permits:
1. Encroachment Permits
An encroachment permit is needed to conduct activities in the “public right of way,” which is public property in the City of San Rafael such as driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters. You need an encroachment permit if any structure, object or improvement is placed or constructed in, under or over any public right of way.
2. Grading Permits
Grading is the removal or deposition of earth material by artificial means. Earth material is defined as any rock or natural soil or combination thereof. Grading is generally a combination of excavation (cuts) and placement (fill) of soil. Common examples of grading include, but are not limited to, construction of driveways, building pads, site improvements or reservoirs, and restoration/stabilization of hillsides, slopes or stream banks.
3. Transportation Permits
A transportation permit is required anytime a vehicle and/or load exceeds the following legal dimensions, on roads in the City of San Rafael.