Purpose

The City of San Rafael recognizes the emotional significance of roadside memorials in the public right of way and seeks to provide a compassionate approach to their management while upholding public safety, accessibility, and the orderly use of public spaces. This program establishes clear guidelines for the placement, maintenance, and removal of roadside memorials to ensure they do not pose safety risks or interfere with public infrastructure.

Program Overview

This program allows for the temporary placement of roadside memorials for up to 30 days from the date of establishment with the City.

The City reserves the right to remove any memorial that:

• Exceeds the 30-day timeframe.
•  Is improperly placed or obstructs public pathways.
• Poses safety concerns for pedestrians or traffic.
• Falls into disrepair.
• Interferes with routine maintenance.

When a memorial is to be removed, the City will make reasonable efforts to contact the responsible party for retrieval of memorial items. The City will store the items for 60 days to allow family members to retrieve the items. While staff will handle items with care and respect, the City is not responsible for lost or damaged items left in the public right-of-way or on public property.

A roadside memorial is defined as the placement of materials on a City sidewalk, roadway, or right-of-way as a tribute that commemorates a person who has died. Deaths of animals or pets would not be eligible.

Requirements

• Memorials must be placed as close as possible to the incident site while ensuring they do not obstruct pedestrian pathways, roadways, or public infrastructure.
• If a memorial encroaches on private property, written permission from the property owner must be obtained.
• Memorials must not obstruct sidewalks, curb ramps, or other accessible pathways to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Prohibited Items: Unattended candles, glass, sharp objects, or any other hazardous materials as determined by the Public Works Director.
  • Prohibited items will be removed immediately by the City.
  • Music, loud noise, or sound-producing devices are not permitted at roadside memorials.

Size Limits:

• Height: 24 inches (measured from the ground surface).
• Width: 24 inches (measured along the roadway).
• Depth: 6 inches (measured perpendicular to the roadway).