This white paper was developed by Paul Jensen with assistance from a Sustainability Intern and the Department of Public Works. The intent was to catalog the studies and resources conducted to date that could serve as a resource for adaptation planning efforts related to sea level rise and flood impacts. It concludes next steps for … Continued
This project was part of a year-long collaborative design challenge that brought residents, public officials and other experts together to develop innovative solutions to strengthen the Bay Area’s resilience to sea level rise, storms, flooding, and earthquakes. The Elevate San Rafael project envisioned a new future for the San Rafael waterfront that not only physically … Continued
The San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protection Action Plan outlines goals to proactively address the growing risks of wildfires. The primary objectives include: Ordinance changes to mitigate wildfire risk Additional staffing, funds, and resources to address hazards & expand public education Expanded and new fuel reduction and preparedness efforts Improving and increasing vegetation management plans
In 2019, the City Council adopted the San Rafael Climate Action Plan 2030 (CCAP 2030). CCAP 2030 primarily focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the pollution that causes climate change. The plan also acknowledges the need to adapt to the effects in two programs: Sea Level Rise – Prepare and adapt to a rising sea … Continued
Building off the foundation of the BayWAVE Vulnerability Assessment and more current resources, City staff prepared the Flood Risk & Sea Level Rise Adaptation Report, which was incorporated into General Plan 2040. This report “set the stage” by providing guidance on how to develop an adaptation plan. The report suggested the following: Establish clear objectives … Continued
Great! Thank you for taking steps to help San Rafael adapt to wildfire. You can email pictures of your newly adapted space to srfd.dspace@cityofsanrafael.org. Please include your address in the subject line. Please make sure your pictures are clear and show the broader area. If possible, try to take pictures similar to those that were … Continued
In February of 2021, after a multi-year process including a citizens advisory committee and dozens of public and community meetings, City Council adopted our enhanced Citywide Vegetation Standards to better protect our City from the risks of a devastating wildfire. Since adoption, staff have worked diligently to knock on every door in San Rafael to … Continued
Prior to issuing pre-citation notices or citations staff make multiple attempts to connect with residents. This includes in person visits to each property during which staff will knock on doors. If no one is home, information is left at the door. This information included details on hazards observed from the right of way, and directions … Continued
Residents may submit a Request for Review (RFR)to see they they qualify for an exemption to the citywide vegetation standards outlined in SRMC 4.12. These are reviewed and potentially approved by the Fire Chief or designee. Staff are happy to talk with you about ways to alter your vegetation to improve its safety and increase … Continued
Residents may submit a Request for Review (RFR) for vegetation that does not pose a community hazard and can be well maintained. Staff are happy to meet with residents to explain options for minimizing risks and therefore improving odds that an RFR for an exemption will be approved by the Fire Chief or designee. For … Continued
