What is Single-Family Zoning? The Zoning Ordinance Title 14 of the San Rafael Municipal Code establishes standards and procedures so that development is consistent with San Rafael’s General Plan 2020. San Rafael is divided into Zoning Districts as shown on the zoning maps, which includes the allowable uses and construction requirements for single-family lots. There...
Thanksgiving is a day to reflect on all we are thankful for, enjoy food together and spend time with friends and loved ones. Although it may not at the top of your menu or shopping list, focusing on safety can keep a happy holiday from taking a tragic turn. The San Rafael Fire Department has...
Sign Permit Application New commercial business signs intended for public view (e.g., on an exterior business frontage or an interior sign placed within 10 feet of an exterior facing window) are subject to review and approval of a sign permit. Signs composed of professionally manufactured individual letters are generally preferred over hand-painted, box or can...
Preparing a Shadow Diagram Section 14.25.030(C)(10) of the Zoning Ordinance require the submittal of a shadow diagram in some instances. Sections of the Zoning Ordinance limit the shading of active recreational areas and solar collectors on adjacent properties by more than 10% between the hours of noon and 3:00 p.m. on December 21, the Winter...
Zoning Amendments An applicant may initiate rezoning for a property to another district that is consistent with the City of San Rafael General Plan 2020 Land Use Map, or an amendment to zoning text. Zoning amendments are a legislative action that requires a favorable recommendation by a super-majority of the Planning Commission and adoption of...
Recreational Area Replacement Policy – Multi-Family Development Multifamily residential development including apartment complexes and condominiums (generally containing three or more units) are required to provide a minimum square footage of common outdoor recreational area that must be properly maintained. Therefore, when filling in a pool or modifying an existing multifamily project recreation area, the area...
When is a PCN Required? The State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will advise an applicant whether a PCN determination must be obtained from the local agency in order for ABC to issue a license to sell alcohol at the subject location. A PCN determination may be required if the subject census tract contains...
Meeting Protocol and Tips for Effective Public Hearings What is the Planning Commission? The Planning Commission is composed of seven members, consisting of San Rafael residents who are volunteers and not City officials, appointed by the City Council to serve four-year terms. (SRMC Chapter 2.16) What are the duties and responsibilities of the Planning Commission?...
The Marin Master Gardeners (MMG) began working in the gardens at the Falkirk Cultural Center in 2002. MMG are volunteers trained by University of California Cooperative Extension and have since formed a partnership with Falkirk Cultural Center and the City of San Rafael that has proven to be beneficial and beautiful. There are now more...
PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL/IN-FILL DEVELOPMENT Per Section 14.18.040 of San Rafael Municipal Code Downtown Parking District Downtown Outside of District Outside Downtown Affordable Housing / State Density Bonus Parking Standards (includes handicap and guest parking) Studio 1 1 1 (1.5 space if unit over 500 sq. ft.) 1 1 BRM 1...
City of San Rafael Recommended Parking Lot Trees Botanical Name Common Name Crown Diameter 20-30 Ft. Crown Diameter Trees Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud 20' Chitalpa tashkentensis Chitalpa 20' Lagerstroemia indica x L. faurei clones Crape Myrtle 20' Malus sp. 'Snowdrift', 'Golden Raindrops' Crabapple 20' Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius', 'Thurndercloud' Cherry Plum or...
Lot Line Adjustments and Lot Consolidations All requests to adjust or consolidate a lot line(s) between or among four (4) or fewer existing, legal and adjacent record lots of land (aka, parcels or lots) shall require the filing of an application with the Department of Community Development. The application shall be filed by the property...
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...
