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.

 

Archives: FAQs

Our sewer lateral is in need of replacement, can we replace the lateral?

Yes, utilities (including roads) are considered essential functions and are given broad discretion to make their own determination about how they proceed with their projects.  Utilities requesting an encroachment permit must validate that they consider the work to be essential when filing the encroachment request.For existing permits, please fill out the form on the website for reactivation. Without a new or reactivated … Continued

​Can I get an encroachment permit?

Yes, however please refer to the construction FAQs above first. Utilities (including roads) are considered essential functions and those doing work on utilities are given broad discretion to make their own determination about how they proceed with their projects.  Utilities requesting an encroachment permit must validate that they consider the work to be essential when filing … Continued

Do I need to provide an off-street parking space for my ADU?

One parking space is required per ADU, unless:  The ADU is located within one-half (½) mile walking distance of public transit.  The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant district.  The ADU is created through conversion of existing space (either in the main structure or a detached structure).  On-street parking permits are required … Continued

Are fire sprinklers required?

Fire sprinklers cannot be required in an ADU if sprinklers are not required for the primary residence. Construction of an ADU does cannot trigger a requirement that fire sprinklers be installed in the proposed or existing primary dwelling. 

How can I tell if my property is within half a mile from transit?

No off-street parking is required for an ADU that is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.  “Public transit” means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed … Continued

How can I legalize an existing unpermitted ADU?

Unpermitted JADUs and ADUs follow the same building permit review process and California Building Code requirements as new construction, very similar to additions or remodels. Attached ADUs will need to have fire rated separations, egress, and separate electrical and mechanical systems per California Building Codes.  The application for building permits should include plans for review … Continued

What fees are charged for ADU/JADU permits and plan review?

The planning fees associated with the construction of an ADU/JADU are included in the building permit application. The planning fee is based on the project’s total cost valuation. Additional flat rate fees include electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees. The following fees are waived for ADU builds less than 750 sq feet: impact fees, general … Continued

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