Roadway Clearance Projects
In order to improve evacuation routes, vegetation will be reduced along roads in priority hillside neighborhoods throughout the City. Project locations were selected based on input from San Rafael Fire Department (SRFD) engine operators and City road width data. The project has been funded by the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (Measure C).
Work will focus on roadside vegetation that is 14 feet above the road surface and up to 10 feet from road edges. Clearing vegetation and tree limbs from these areas will improve emergency responder access, reduce the amount of heat that evacuating residents might be exposed to during a fire, improve visibility, and expand usable width of roadways on narrow hillside streets.
The roadside vegetation management work being conducted under this project is work that property owners are legally required to maintain under the California Fire Code and the San Rafael Municipal Code (SRMC 4.12), but have not. The Fire Chief has authorized the removal of this vegetation to reduce hazardous conditions along evacuation routes.
Neighborhoods where work will occur, with tentative schedules:
Neighborhood |
Schedule |
Lincoln/ San Rafael Hill | Completed, June 2021 |
Gerstle Park, West End, Fair Hills, Bret Harte & Picnic Valley (approximately 5.8 miles) | Completed, November 2021 |
Bayside Acres | Completed, January 2022 |
Country Club, Dominican/Black Canyon, Montecito/Happy Valley | Completed, February 2022 |
Rafael Meadows/Los Ranchitos, Santa Venetia & Mont Marin | Completed, March 2022 |
Bret Harte & Picnic Valley Phase 2 & California Park | Completed, March 2022 |
City-wide Phase 3 | Anticipated Start, November 2022 |
If you have received a mailer indicating roadside clearance, work may occur in your area starting November 2022. If you have not received a mailer, work may not be performed near your property.
Before & After




If you have any questions about the City’s roadway clearance program please contact our Vegetation Management Specialist, Calvin Schrader at 415-485-3457 or calvin.schrader@cityofsanrafael.org.