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What does the Economic Development Department do?

The Economic Development Department works to improve the business environment in San Rafael. They are here to help you with your business location questions, permit process issues, real estate investment needs, or other business assistance. They also provide real estate project planning, oversee special events throughout the City, and administer various special projects.

What does the Human Resources Department do?

The Human Resources Department serves as a strategic partner to both our internal and external customers, providing leadership, expertise, support and guidance with benefits administration & wellness, workplace safety, workers compensation & risk management, policies & procedures and long range strategic planning. The Human Resources Department also focuses on employee development and training, recruitment and selection and...

Learn About AB-38 Inspections

"... High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) is sold, the seller must ... this documentation by the close of escrow, you and the buyer can negotiate a new agreement. One ... Agents Should Do ... whether a property is located within a designated fire severity zone by going to the following ... Zone ..."

What is an AB-38 Inspection? AB-38 requires that when a home located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) is sold, the seller must provide documentation that the property complies with specific wildfire home hardening disclosure requirements and, in some cases, has undergone a defensible space inspection. How this affects transactions...

Who is eligible for this program?

"... by renters). Each property (APN) is able to submit one application. If one property owner owns multiple ... with sidewalk damage due to private construction (cut, removal, etc.) do not qualify for a City cost-share in sidewalk repairs under the 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,...

What does the City Attorney's office do?

The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of San Rafael, as an entity. Because of the nature of the City Attorney's role, they cannot represent or provide legal advice to individual residents. They are therefore unable to respond to individual requests for legal advice or representation.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Mini-Grant Program

"... in San Rafael whose proposals address one or more of the following programs goals ... , the City of San Rafael will reimburse each grantee up to a maximum of $1,000 (one thousand ... Do I Apply ... the project accurately reflects the work to be done (25 points ... that do not clearly specify the location of the business or the CPTED strategies ..."

What is the Mini-Grant? The City of San Rafael spends nearly a quarter of a million dollars annually addressing the problem of public dumping. Nearly 20% of Public Works’ Streets Division time is spent collecting and disposing of waste that is dumped on City streets and sidewalks, creating a public nuisance and safety hazard for the community. ...

Current Planning Handout, for Homeowners

"... for providing information to the general public regarding the land use and zoning ... applications for compliance with the City’s zoning, land use and development standards ... . Examples of zoning applications that require discretionary review and approval by the Current Planning ... their plans. Should they do so, consider how you would like your neighbor to respond to you. Make sure ... or comments. If your neighbor chooses to do so, they may make changes to their plans in response to your ..."

Current Planning Division The Current Planning Division is responsible for providing information to the general public regarding the land use and zoning regulations that apply to properties within the City, conducting review of proposed land use and development projects to ensure consistency with City Ordinances and General Plan Policies, and making environmental determinations for projects...

Visitors

"... dining ... at one ... things to do for the whole family. Explore our beautiful local parks, bay ..."

Come find out why San Rafael is a great place to visit.Stroll through our Downtown District and discover unique dining, shopping and cultural opportunities. Pick up some of the freshest produce in the region at one of our farmers markets. Find fun educational things to do for the whole family. Explore our beautiful local parks, bay shoreline and acres of open space.

What is the difference between a PDA, a TPA (Transit Priority Area) and a TPP (Transit Priority Project) and are they related or linked in any way?

"... law, Plan Bay Area and PDAs do not regulate or dictate local zoning and cannot supersede local land ... , they do not authorize how environmental review is performed and determined on a project within its ..."

There is a significant difference between a PDA and both a Transit Priority Area and a Transit Priority Project;. While there may be overlap in the areas defined as a PDA, TPP, or TPA, they are not directly related or linked. A PDA is a planning and financing tool that is part of the Plan...

How does the Supreme Court Grant's Pass ruling affect San Rafael's ability to start moving campers?

"... decision does not provide the City with any immediate relief. The City anticipates ... (SRMC 19.50). However, the City still faces legal risk in doing so, and unfortunately ..."

The City’s ability to enforce its current camping regulations at the Mahon Creek Area encampment (including Anderson Drive) is limited due to an ongoing federal lawsuit which is based on claims brought under the “state-created-danger” doctrine via the Fourteenth Amendment and under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Grant’s Pass decision reversed the Ninth Circuit...

SAFE (Specialized Assistance for Everyone)

"... address minor medical complaints that do not require emergency room care. Left untreated, some ... . How Does It Work? Calls for service involving mental health ... is needed. The SAFE Team does not provide emergency medical care or perform involuntary mental health ..."

The City of San Rafael has partnered with Petaluma People Services Center to start a mobile mental health crisis response team. This team, referred to as "SAFE" (Specialized Assistance For Everyone), went into service on March 29th, 2023. The SAFE team is modeled after the CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) program in...

Temporary Banner Permit

"... -tenant buildings, any proposed lighting of the banner, and method of banner attachment. Drawings do ... of the permit.Banner sign permit fee.Review CriteriaOne banner ... with two street frontages are allowed two banners under one permit, provided that both banners have ... permits shall be permissible provided that the banner does not change, the extension request ... (i.e., banners on awnings) provided that they do not project to within two feet of the curbline ..."

Submittal Requirements for Temporary BannersTo obtain a temporary banner permit the following information must be provided:A completed City of San Rafael Planning Application form.A photograph of the site showing the proposed location of the banner.Three (3) illustrative drawings denoting the banner size (length and width), design, location as it would appear on the building, linear...

Single Family Zoning Additional Regulations

"... Zoning ... side yard fences and walls may be up to 4 feet in height provided they do not obstruct vehicle sight ... a.m. Nonconforming Structures (§14.16.270C) Buildings which do not comply ... with current zoning regulations are considered nonconforming structures. A legally-built ... by the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Ordinance contains design requirements, which minimize the impact ..."

What Are Some Additional Single-Family Zoning Regulations? Abandoned Vehicles (Chapter 11.38) Vehicles parked on public street right-of-way for longer than 72 hours are considered abandoned and may be subject to tow by Police/Traffic. Accessory Structures (§14.16.020) The following setbacks appy to structures detached from the main residence, such as carports, sheds, pool houses: Front and...

California "Daylighting" Law

"... doing ... zones and improve visibility for pedestrians. "No Parking from Here to Corner ... " Signs: Installing clear signage in areas near crosswalks to mark no-parking zones, providing ... a consistent visual reminder for drivers. Designated Loading Zones or Short-Term ... Parking: Repurposing daylighted parking spaces for short-term uses, such as loading zones ..."

Due to a new statewide "Daylighting Law" (Assembly Bill 413), it is now illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if the approach does not have any red curbs painted. The law aims to improve safety by creating more visibility at intersections. This aligns...

What current challenges is the City of San Rafael facing?

"... Incorporated in 1874, San Rafael is one of California’s oldest cities. With streets, sidewalks ... , which was built in 1909, do not meet current seismic safety standards nor accessibility standards ..."

Incorporated in 1874, San Rafael is one of California’s oldest cities. With streets, sidewalks, bridges, storm drains, libraries and other public buildings constructed as San Rafael grew throughout the 20th Century, the aging infrastructure needs repair and improvements. For example, San Rafael has 331 miles of streets that require ongoing pothole repair and repaving. Failing...

What can't I compost?

"... to natural compostable materials. Please DO NOT put any of the following items ... Service website and use the "Where does it go, Joe?" tool. Even a small amount of trash in the compost bin means all the material goes to waste! ..."

Marin’s local compost facility WM Earthcare produces high-quality compost to grow organic food. Which is why we CANNOT accept any plastics labeled as compostable or bio-degradable because they take twice as long to break down when compared to natural compostable materials. Please DO NOT put any of the following items in your green cart for compost: NO compostable...

How can I ensure the timely processing of my business license application or renewal?

"... There are a few things to be sure to do so we can process your ... Division to get their zoning approval ahead of time ..."

There are a few things to be sure to do so we can process your business license in a timely fashion: Register online and promptly respond to any follow-up emails and additional requests. If your business is located within city limits, Contact the Planning Division to get their zoning approval ahead of time. Pay the...

Special considerations

"... transportation may be in short supply. Can you count on a loved one or neighbor to help evacuate you ... network, the faster those resources can get to everyone who needs them. Do you have ..."

Will you need extra welfare checks, or a place to stay during power outages, heat waves, and so on? Discuss your plan with family or friends and neighbors who can assist you in your area of need. Will you need transportation assistance in an evacuation? Accessible public transportation may be in short supply. Can you...

Starting a Business

"... Zoning ... the zoning ... ? 5. Do I need ... money to get off the ground. In fact 82% of businesses that fail do so because of a lack of cash ... . Name your business If you're not doing business under ..."

1. Develop a Plan To help you clarify your goals and create some action steps, develop a solid business plan. One that identifies potential issues, estimates costs, and provides concrete action items and milestones for your business.Check out these resources to get you started 2. Research Zoning Requirements If your business requires a commercial location, contact our Planning Department...

Do I need a business license and how do I get one?

A business license is a tax required of most businesses that conduct business within the city limits of San Rafael, even if your physical office is located outside city limits. Business license taxes help to pay for street maintenance, police and fire protection, and other services that benefit businesses and the general public. You need...

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