Archives: FAQs

If I performed repairs prior to the Sidewalk Repair Program can I receive retroactive payment?

No, property owners cannot receive retroactive payment to repairs made independently with a contractor, and outside of the official Sidewalk Repair Program. Only applicants accepted to the program through the random selection process are eligible for City cost-share in their repairs. If you have any ambiguity over whether your repair will qualify for City cost-sharing, contact us before you do the repair.

If I am selected for the program and have a portion of my sidewalk approved for City cost-sharing, but want additional work done at my own cost (e.g. driveway replacement, etc.), does it also need to be done at prevailing wage rates?

Only if it is the same proposal and same contract. Separate proposals that do not have City involvement will not be required to pay prevailing wages.

Who is eligible for this program?

You must be a property owner within incorporated San Rafael (applications may not be submitted by renters). Each property (APN) is able to submit one application. If one property owner owns multiple properties within San Rafael, each property may apply for the program separately. Property owners with sidewalk damage due to private construction (cut, removal, … Continued

Will I receive a repair quote before I agree to the repairs? Am I committed to performing repairs once I submit the application?

Yes, it is the expectation of the City is that all program applicants will follow through with the identified sidewalk repairs in the pre-construction inspection survey. In the pre-construction inspection conducted by the City, the City will identify all needed sidewalk repair and replacement, tree root shaving/removal, and required sidewalk/curb-gutter replacement. This is the (a) city approved work. Once the property owner receives their pre-inspection … Continued

What does the pre-construction inspection survey consist of?

Department of Public Works staff will inspect selected program applicants for: Required sidewalk replacement Required tree work (root shaving or tree removal) Sidewalk/Curb-Gutter replacement required Sidewalk shaving for displacement (for very slight displacements only) Once the survey is complete, you will be emailed a copy to share with the contractor.

Are driveways eligible for the Sidewalk Repair program?

No, driveways and driveway aprons are not eligible for City cost-share. If selected for the program, owners wishing to get driveway work done may have it done at the same time as any sidewalk work, but the owner will be responsible for the full cost of the repair and will be billed accordingly.

What is the average cost of sidewalk repairs to each property owner in the current sidewalk program?

Cost will vary depending on the condition of the sidewalk. If accepted into the program, costs will be split evenly (50/50) between the property owner and the city. Property owners can expect city coverage up to $2,000 for sidewalk repair and 100% of the cost for curb and gutter repair and replacement (up to $4,000).

Where can I get updates from the police department in an emergency?

During the North Bay Fires, we saw that some of the normal methods of communication were ineffective. The San Rafael Police Department utilizes several different social media platforms to communicate. The San Rafael Police Department is on Twitter, Facebook, Nixle and Nextdoor. Registering for updates is as easy as signing up with an email address … Continued

What are the benefits to participating in the Sidewalk Repair Program?

Participating in the City’s sidewalk repair program is both efficient and cost-effective. Not only do property owners benefit by the City cost sharing in the repairs, but all encroachment permit fees and related inspection fees are also absorbed by the City.

If the City moves to districts for the 2020 election will the City then have to redraw the districts in 2021 after the 2020 census data?

Yes.The City’s next election is 2020, and the lines would have to be reconsidered upon the release of the Census the following year. See Elec. Code § 21620 which states “After the initial establishment of the districts, the districts shall continue to be as nearly equal in population as may be according to the latest federal decennial census … Continued