Archives: FAQs

What specific city services could this locally controlled measure support?

Funding from a potential measure would support essential city services, such as: Providing disaster and health emergency preparedness – Paramedics, Fire Department, Emergency Operations Center response to emergencies. General elements of emergency preparedness include, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Maintaining 911 emergency response times – ensuring quick response times to 911 calls from the time the call hits … Continued

Celebration Photos: January 30, 2020

I want to get a debris box to clean up, is that allowed?

Debris boxes may be permitted for cleanup to bring a residence into safe, sanitary and habitable condition, as well as for work necessary to essential business or infrastructure.

Can I get an encroachment permit for a moving container (such as a POD)?

Moving services that facilitate moves that are allowed under the order are permissible. The order allows moves only if it is not possible to defer the move, if the move is necessary for safety, sanitation or habitability, or if the move is needed to preserve access to shelter. When moving, quarantine requirements may be necessary, … Continued

I saw a crew doing work near my residence, how do I know they are permitted doing essential work?

Most utility work is considered essential are given broad discretion to make their own determination about how they proceed with their projects. Encroachment permits can be viewed by map on https://sanrafael.buildingeye.com/publicworks. Individual permits can be looked up on https://epermits.cityofsanrafael.org/ETRAKIT3/default.aspx Keep in mind that emergency work may start before the permit shows in the system.

I had an encroachment permit prior to March 31, 2020, what should I do?

All previously active encroachment permits were automatically suspended on that date. Please fill out the form on the website. If you are planning on waiting do to the work, thank you for helping! Just let us know on the form and we can note your status. If you are doing essential work and must continue, please … Continued

We plan on tree trimming or landscaping within the Right-of-Way can we do the work?

Hired landscapers would be permissible if the project is necessary for essential infrastructure. Trimming may be part of maintaining essential infrastructure, such as branches covering a street sign or to allow for required sight distance, or protection from electrical wires.

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

Our driveway or sidewalk is in poor condition can we get an encroachment permit to repave?

Yes, sidewalks and access to the roadway are considered part of essential infrastructure. It is also permissible as necessary to make the site safe and secure.

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