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.

   

Search Results

Filters

1038 Results Found

How to Apply for an Outdoor Dining Permit

"... . One-time License Agreement fee of $1,758 (2025) (Current fees per Fee Resolution can ... Schedule). Outdoor Dining License Agreement form ... completed as follows: Do not enter a date ... with name of business owner and type of business entity (e.g., “John Jones, an individual, dba ... corporation,” or “Jones and Jones, a partnership,” or “Small Investments, a limited partnership ..."

Submit the following documents to the City of San Rafeal, Planning Division. Apply to Planning Online! Review and complete the General Application Form Site Plan showing location of outdoor seating including: Number of tables and other personal property. Removable improvements for which approval is sought, for example tables, chairs, umbrellas, planters and any proposed barriers. Details...

Do I need an encroachment permit?

"... permits are required if you plan to do any construction work in the public right ... , parks, city facilities) or in the street. Common reasons you'll need one: Utility ... Sidewalk dining Debris boxes Fences/walls Construction staging ... and applications are followed and that work is done safely with minimal impact to nearby property and pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle travel. ..."

Encroachment permits are required if you plan to do any construction work in the public right-of-way. Meaning, any work in the sidewalk area, in an easement, on city owned property (median islands, parks, city facilities) or in the street. Common reasons you'll need one: Utility saw-cuts Excavation News stands Bicycle racks Sidewalk dining Debris boxes...

Something is hanging from, or tangled in, the Utility Pole wires

"... The City does not maintain the utility poles. These are maintained by various agencies - you ... . These are maintained by more than one agency - most likely AT&T or Xfinity.  You can call either ... one and they will investigate the issue. AT&T: 1-800 ... (note: you do ..."

The City does not maintain the utility poles. These are maintained by various agencies - you will want to contact them directly to let them know of the issue: The wire/pole is closest to the ground: These are communication poles. These are maintained by more than one agency - most likely AT&T or Xfinity.  You...

What are the differences between a Specific Plan, Precise Plan, Master Plan, a Community Plan and a Neighborhood Plan? How do each of these Plans relate to the citywide General Plan?

"... is that it combines a policy document (ex. goals, policies and programs) with a regulatory document (zoning ... and citywide zoning ordinance for the Specific Plan area.  By law, a Specific Plan is required to include ... . This Precise plan will include all of the elements and content of a Specific Plan (including a zoning ... Plan, a Community Plan is not a regulatory document. Community Plans do not include zoning ... and does not include zoning regulations or development standards. As a Neighborhood Plan may or may ..."

While there are similarities and overlap, each Plan type is distinctive and have different elements and purposes.   The purpose of all these plans to is conduct future planning.  The different plans look at a finer level of detail for future planning a specific geographic area.  The following is a description of each Plan type and...

San Rafael Volunteer Program

"... the one ... to do ... at 91 Larkspur St. in San Rafael. Please do not show up to volunteer ... at the temporary shelter, and please do not bring items to donate. Follow the following accounts ..."

San Rafael Volunteers The San Rafael Volunteer Program is undergoing a transition. If you'd like to volunteer for a specific department, please reach out to them directly by clicking on Departments and choosing the one you are interested in. If you are inquiring about volunteering or helping out victims of the Canal apartment fire, the...

Frequently Asked Questions for the Proposed East San Rafael Residential Parking Permit Program

"... ) permits per household. For Zone 1, while each household may purchase up to one (1) permit, there are more ... and the current number of cars parking in the area, we do not anticipate there being any additional ... permit provides an allowance to park within the permit’s zone; it does not guarantee ... do guest passes work ... : If I have visitors staying for the weekend, do I need to purchase multiple guest passes ..."

General Parking, Program Rationale, and Timeline  Q: What is the purpose of the proposed Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program?  The proposed RPP program aims to rebalance residential parking demand by encouraging parking in the Commercial and Kerner areas through safety improvements and incentives.   Q: How will this program solve parking shortages?  Analysis of parking conditions...

Outdoor Grills

"... setting up, using and cleaning your BBQ grill. Unattended cooking remains the number one cause ... and condominium apartments within 10’ of combustible construction. Do not operate a grill right ... sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure ... by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department ... . If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. ..."

It is anticipated that many backyard barbecue’s will be in use during a power outage. Please exercise extreme caution during these times of elevated fire risk and keep safety in mind when setting up, using and cleaning your BBQ grill. Unattended cooking remains the number one cause of fires and fire related injuries in San...

How to Cancel a Pool Reservation

"...  Refund back to the same payment method (please do not choose return to Account ... will need to do this for each person. Please email ... requests may be requested between people on the same account, as long as the request is done in writing ..."

If you are unable to make your reserved swim time, you may either cancel your reservation online and receive a 50% refund or you can transfer your reservation to another member within your account. Requests for cancellations must be made a minimum of three hours prior to the start of a swim reservation to receive...

What does the Recreation Division do?

The Recreation Division provides parks, recreation and child care services. It's role is to promote health and wellness, increase cultural unity, and facilitate community participation and interaction. The division fosters human development, focusing on children, youth, families and seniors.  It also provides opportunities to explore and engage in positive activities, and it works to protect...

What does the Finance Department do?

The Finance Department provides financial information, policy analyses, and recommendations that help the City Council and all City Departments make decisions about how to allocate resources. They account for those resources and discloses the financial condition of the City and the results of its operations in the year end Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and also prepares...

What does the Fire Department do?

The Fire Department provides the delivery of fire and rescue services is serious business and as such, we strive to provide the best public fire services available; a service that is capable, compassionate, predictable and sustainable.

Fences, Signs and Other Applications

"... to 4 feet in height provided they do not obstruct vehicle sight distance at driveways or intersections ... Dining Public Property We require an outdoor dining license agreement for businesses ... or business location changes. For more information regarding Outdoor Dining on Public Property ...  Outdoor Dining on Public Property Handout ... Occupations The home occupation requirements are from Chapter 14 (the Zoning Ordinance) of the San ..."

Note: All Planning applications use the same application form. Fences Fences and walls located in the front and street side yard may be up to 4 feet in height provided they do not obstruct vehicle sight distance at driveways or intersections per §14.16.295. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 7 feet without a...

What does the Library Department do?

The library offers full physical and digital collections with books, movies, television shows, and music for all ages. In-library services include computers and WiFi, events and classes, and research and homework assistance. Their digital branch offers downloadable eBooks and eAudioBooks, cover-to-cover magazines and newspapers, live homework help, and tons more. The library also extends beyond our...

What does the Parking Division do?

"... safe and convenient parking with prompt, courteous, and professional service. They are a one-stop shop ..."

The Parking Division provides safe and convenient parking with prompt, courteous, and professional service. They are a one-stop shop for all your parking needs, including payments, appeals, and requests like abandoned vehicle tows and meter bag reservations.

What does the Police Department do?

The Police Department works with members of the community, community groups, and other City departments to proactively address crime, quality of life issues, and to enhance a feeling of safety for our residents, business owners, and those who visit this great City.

What does Public Works do?

The Public Works Department's mission is to ensure San Rafael’s infrastructure meets the needs of our vibrant and growing city through careful management of major improvements and the maintenance of our city’s assets.

What does the Sanitation District do?

The Sanitation District serves the Central San Rafael area, south from the top of Puerto Suello Hill and includes the unincorporated areas within this jurisdiction. Our crew of eight maintains 32 pump stations, 13 miles of force main, and clean 132 miles of sewer pipelines. This collection and transportation system then delivers wastewater for treatment to...

I Need To Remove A Dead Tree or Cut Vegetation Around My Home. Who Can I Hire to Do This Work?

"... in wildfire preparedness. Any licensed tree company or arborist should do fine for tree removals. We don't ... a landscaping service is fine, too. Be sure they carry insurance. Grass cutting should be done with string ..."

See https://www.firesafemarin.org/contractors for a list of contractors who've completed basic training in wildfire preparedness. Any licensed tree company or arborist should do fine for tree removals. We don't typically recommend specific contractors, and have had good experiences with nearly every tree service you'll find in the "yellow pages" or Google. Ensure that they are a...

Downtown Historic Preservation Information

"... ”?  Existing plans and zoning rules for Downtown were ... development, housing, infrastructure, and historic preservation issues.  It also includes new zoning ... , this process can be streamlined. How do I ... designated as eligible landmarks in a survey done over 40 years ago, and about 35 buildings ... the Planning Commission.  The standards do not generally apply to interior spaces. Properties ..."

Downtown Historic Preservation Information For questions regarding Downtown Historic Preservation Contact Renee Nickenig This page provides comprehensive information on historic resources  data collected through the Downtown Precise Plan program.  It includes the following components: Access to the Summary Report Webinar Information (Feb 23, 24, 25) Frequently Asked Questions DPR Forms May 2021 Revised Summary Report...

Business License Division

"... zoning ... Department for zoning regulations. Your initial business license tax certificate as well as any ... tax certificates are evergreen.  That means they do ... with the City and has paid or is in the process of paying any required business tax or related fees.  It does ... not mean that a business is in compliance with any other legal requirements, including zoning ..."

The City of San Rafael requires most businesses operating within City limits to apply for and maintain a business license, which is a local tax.

Close window