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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...

Conditional Use Permit

"... Municipal Code (SRMC) contains several zoning districts (i.e., residential, commercial & office ... is a discretionary zoning decision required in order for a “conditionally permitted” land use ... to verify conformance with prescribed zoning standards; such as parking requirements, floor area ... condition or characteristic of the use. The City of San Rafael Zoning Ordinance can ... and Chapter 14.22-Use Permit How do I apply for a Use Permit? A General Application ..."

What is a Conditional Use Permit? The City of San Rafael Municipal Code (SRMC) contains several zoning districts (i.e., residential, commercial & office, industrial, marine, public/quasi-public, parks/open space, and water) which identify uses that may be permitted, not permitted or conditionally permitted within each district. A Use Permit is a discretionary zoning decision required in...

Junior Second Unit

"... 14.16.286 of the Zoning Code. A Junior Second Unit may be proposed as an alternative to (in lieu ... facilities or shared facilities with the main residence. A Junior Second Unit does not need ... lock. A Junior Second Unit does not require additional parking. However, a Junior Second ... : Density/Size Limitation - A maximum of one Junior Second unit shall ... which do not exceed 6 feet in length. Off-Street Parking - The main ..."

What is a Junior Second Unit? Junior Second Unit means an additional, independent living unit which is created through the conversion of an existing bedroom within an existing single-family residential dwelling as part of the single-family use, and subject to defined standards in Section 14.16.286 of the Zoning Code. A Junior Second Unit may be...

How do I register my new business?

"... to make sure your business location is zoned properly for the business you want to do. Once ..."

If you would like to register your new business, you should first check with our Planning Division to make sure your business location is zoned properly for the business you want to do. Once a location has been secured you will need to complete a Business License Application online, within 45 days of operation.

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...

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...

Citizens are advised to create an emergency supply kit with enough supplies to last up to a week. That includes:

"... Setting aside one gallon of drinking water per person, per day ... . Flashlights (Do not use candles ..."

Setting aside one gallon of drinking water per person, per day. Non-perishable food that is easy to prepare without power. Non-electric can opener, along with forks, spoons, and knives. Adequate baby and pet food if a household has either or both. Flashlights (Do not use candles.) At least two extra sets of batteries. A battery-powered...

Employment & Homelessness - Pt 3

"... to $30,000 in an emergency fund before I do anything else with my savings. The purpose of this fund ... States should have at least $15,000 saved, how many people actually do? Let's ask an even simpler ... to surveying done by GoBankingRates.com ... , there are millions of Americans who genuinely cannot find jobs, and even when they do, wages ... , and they will do everything they possibly can ..."

As we've seen, over the last 20 years a huge number of Americans have stopped participating in the labor force. We've also seen that for the average worker, wage growth has stagnated for over 40 years. The final piece to the puzzle of how employment affects homelessness is the way these trends impact personal savings/wealth....

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...

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...

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...

City Attorney Comments City Council Meeting 9.19.2022

"... and outs of the process. I will do my best with limited time tonight. In addition to what I am saying ... it, you asked? What has the City Attorney and everyone else at City Hall been doing about it until now ... truthful, honest, and accurate in everything they do, including, in particular, in writing ... investigator, or really anyone who doesn't do these kind of investigations all the time ... . At this moment in history, the only kind of person whom I can rely upon to do it correctly in a way that I can ..."

CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS 9/19/2022 Good evening, I am Rob Epstein. I am the city attorney of San Rafael. By having an elected city attorney, our City is different from all the other cities and towns in Marin as well as the County, all of whom appoint their legal counsel. For the past two weeks, I...

How are speed limits set?

"... The following speed limits are established by State law and do ... 25 MPH in school zones when children ..."

The following speed limits are established by State law and do not need to be posted in order to be enforced: 25 MPH speed limit in business and residential districts 25 MPH in school zones when children are present 15 MPH speed limit in alleys; at intersections and railroad crossings where visibility is limited and...

How do I contact the City Council?

"... on the nature of your email, the City Council will do one of the following: If your email contains ..."

There are a couple ways to contact your City Council. You can email all of them at once, by using an online Contact Form that sends the message to all members of the City Council, including the Mayor, or you can email or call them individually. Depending on the nature of your email, the City Council will...

City of San Rafael to Publish Report from Marin Builders Association on Permit Customer Satisfaction

"... of data collection, one-on-one interviews, surveys, and focus groups the Marin Builders Association ... and homeowner surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews. The report captures feedback from nearly ... generally pleased with the permitting experience in San Rafael. Don Jeppson, Chief Building Official ... received in each category, however there is of course, always more we can do to create an even better ... customer experience. We will continue to innovate and partner with our community to get things done ..."

In partnership with the Marin Builders Association and the Marin Economic Forum, the City of San Rafael recently participated in a pilot program to gather and analyze feedback from the City’s permit applicants. The Customer Satisfaction Assessment Program is a new pilot program managed by the Marin Builders Association aimed at helping improve the permit...

Volunteer Spotlight: Tamra Peters

"... and is a great way to meet others because it’s done with a team of 5 or more households. Each household goes ... for people who have already done a lot. For more information or to sign up for a team go ... helped in so many ways, I lost count! What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work ... ? I enjoy working with the teams of people who do the program. I love to see them shift ... and friends, encouraging them to do the program too. What accomplishment are you most proud ..."

Describe your volunteer activity with San Rafael? I created the Resilient Neighborhoods Program in 2011 and have been running it since as a full-time volunteer. Resilient Neighborhoods is a Marin program that works to bring residents together to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, prepare for emergencies, and make their communities safer and stronger. The program...

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...

Slip Lane Pilot FAQs

"... to many residents, vehicles do not make a complete stop at the northmost stop sign and quickly turn right ... on Montecillo, then again turning right on Bamboo Terrace. When the driver does not take the time ... is generally defined as a short, one-way lane that allows a vehicle to turn onto a cross ... does the City plan to make these improvements? Why can't the City stripe the crosswalks now ... CIP projects that are used to upgrade curb ramps, replace city-owned sidewalks, and do minor sidewalk ..."

What is happening at Montecillo Road and Manual T. Freitas Parkway (Freitas)? The City received requests to close the slip lane on the north side of Freitas Parkway at Montecillo and Bamboo Terrace. According to many residents, vehicles do not make a complete stop at the northmost stop sign and quickly turn right on Montecillo,...

Nick Giusti, Employee of the 4th Quarter 2016

"... a great attitude and truly leads by example. I will list several instances where Captain Giusti has gone ... eagerness to do what’s right and lead by example. Exhibits a Leadership Role ... staff As stated before Captain Giusti goes above and beyond doing his position on the team ... to assist the move to temporary fire station at 519 4th St. Captain Giusti has personally gone above ... have gone unnoticed, and put in many off-duty hours to assist on this extremely challenging project.” -An inspired colleague of Captain Giusti ..."

"Nick was selected for his ongoing exemplary service to the community, and the contributions he brings to the fire department." -City Manager Jim Schutz Nick Giusti, Fire Captain, was recognized as the Employee of the 4th Quarter of 2016! “Captain Giusti excels in ALL the categories listed for Employee of the Quarter. He has a great...

Mandatory Recycling and Organics Law

"... does ... do ... and food scraps such as fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, shells ... materials, and Please DO NOT put any of the following items in your green cart ..."

In 2016, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1383 into law to keep food and other compostable materials ("organics") out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Starting January 2022, all California residents and businesses are required to compost all organic waste. In addition, this law will require food-producing businesses to donate excess edible food...

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