Newsroom

City of San Rafael, Trust for Public Land and County of Marin Secure Future Canal Neighborhood Park, Unlocking Decades-Long Community Vision

Posted on November 17, 2025

Today, the City of San Rafael, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the County of Marin, Marin Community Foundation, and Canal Alliance, announced the successful acquisition of the 1.65-acre former boatyard property at 620 Canal Street – the first step in advancing development of a waterfront park and community gateway designed to...

Public Hearing for Project at 1248 Fifth Avenue (1230 Fifth AvenueProject)

Posted on November 7, 2025

The San Rafael Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed new residential development at 1248 Fifth Avenue (1230 Fifth Avenue Project), located at the on the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and C Street. Date: November 18, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 Project Overview ...

City Council Approves New Mobile Vending Program-Implementation to Begin by Spring 2026

Posted on November 7, 2025

On Monday November 3, 2025 the San Rafael City Council approved the final reading of an ordinance to establish a mobile vending permit program in San Rafael. The program centers around a three-prong approach of (i) strengthening the City’s enforcement tools, (ii) providing multiple paths to legalization, and (iii) supporting local entrepreneurship. The program includes...

Metal fence in front of a building being demolished.

930 Irwin Property – Demolition Under Way

Posted on November 7, 2025

Demolition work began this week at 930 Irwin Street in preparation for the construction of a new 210-unit multifamily development. Approved last spring, the project marks a significant step forward in expanding local housing options in San Rafael. Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year, with staff from the...

City and County to Co-Host In Person Info Session on 350 Merrydale Shelter Project

Posted on October 28, 2025

On November 6, the City of San Rafael and County of Marin will co-host a community information session about the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project at the Hoytt Theater inside the Osher Marin JCC. Community members are invited to drop in, learn more, and speak directly with the subject matter experts working on the...

930 Irwin Residential Development Issued Demolition Permit

Posted on September 25, 2025

The City of San Rafael has issued a demolition permit in preparation for the construction of a new eight-story, 210-unit residential building at 930 Irwin Street. In addition to the residential units, the development will feature ground-floor amenities for residents and a garage with 232 parking spaces. The multifamily project also includes 18 affordable units...

Demolition Underway for Mixed Use Residential Building at 703 Third Street

Posted on September 2, 2025

On Monday August 25th demolition began in preparation for a new 119-unit residential development located at the gateway to downtown San Rafael at 703 3rd St. The project’s demolition phase is anticipated to last four weeks, during which time some intermittent sidewalk and road closures may occur. What to Expect During Demolition: Work Hours: Monday...

800 Mission Ave – Aegis Senior Living Now Open

Posted on September 2, 2025

On Friday August 22, Aegis Senior Living San Rafael officially opened its doors, introducing 101 new studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences in the heart of downtown. The Mission-style building, which was designed to echo San Rafael’s historic architecture transforms a site that had been vacant for years. When fully occupied, Aegis will welcome over 100...

Mobile Vending Enforcement Action – July 11, 2025

Posted on July 16, 2025

Friday Night – The City of San Rafael's Code Enforcement Division, Police Department and Marin County EHS conducted a joint code enforcement effort on Friday, July 11, starting at about 6:15 pm and concluding about 9:15 pm. 13 unpermitted food vendors were contacted EHS confiscated about 500 lbs of food SRPD wrote a couple parking...

RFQ – Plan Check and Inspection Services

Posted on June 2, 2025

The City of San Rafael’s Community and Economic Development (CED) Department is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify qualified consultants to provide the following on-call services: Plan Check Review; and Building Inspections. Respondents may choose to provide services in one or both areas. Respondents for plan check review should demonstrate a capacity to...

Planning Commission Approves 930 Irwin Development Project

Posted on May 27, 2025

Planning Commission Approves New Housing at 930 Irwin Street On May 13, 2025, the San Rafael Planning Commission approved a proposal to build new housing at 930 Irwin Street, at the corner of 4th Street and Irwin Street. The Planning Commission found the project to be consistent with the City’s Downtown Precise Plan, Zoning Ordinance,...

Rendering of 555 Northgate proposed development project.

555 Northgate Dr. Development Project – Application Remains Incomplete

Posted on May 12, 2025

A proposal to build 200 new affordable homes at 555 Northgate Dr. has been resubmitted to the City of San Rafael on April 2, 2024. Following an initial determination that the application was incomplete in fall 2023, the developer resubmitted the application on April 2, 2024. City staff have completed their second review of the...

Public Hearing Notice for 930 Irwin Street

Posted on May 12, 2025

Public Hearing Notice for 930 Irwin Street NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE SAN RAFAEL PLANNING COMMISSION Date: May 13, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 The San Rafael Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed new residential development at...

Northgate Town Square Redevelopment Officially Moves Forward Following City Council Approval

Posted on February 26, 2025

Northgate Town Square redevelopment project has officially received the green light from the San Rafael City Council after the approval of key land entitlements, marking a major milestone for the City’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Northgate area. This significant development is expected to transform the former mall location into a pedestrian friendly hub with...

Northgate Mall Redevelopment: City Council Hearing Will Be Held on December 2nd

Posted on November 27, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL On December 2, 2024 the City Council will hold public hearing to consider and possibly take an action on (1) A Resolution of the City of San Rafael City Council certifying an Environmental Impact Report, ( 2) An ordinance of the City of San...

Northgate Town Square-Public Hearing Schedule Update

Posted on November 1, 2024

Northgate Town Square Schedule Update: At the September 24th Study Session, staff presented a tentative public hearing schedule showing November 18th as the first City Council hearing. That date has since been updated. A hearing on the first reading of the rezoning Ordinance and all other entitlements is now planned to be held on December 2nd...

Northgate Mall Redevelopment: Planning Commission Hearing will be held on October 29th

Posted on October 25, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE SAN RAFAEL PLANNING COMMISSION On October 29, 2024, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider and make a recommendation to the City Council about [1] whether to adopt the Final Environmental Impact Report for the comprehensive redevelopment of the existing Northgate Mall at 5800 Northgate...

Northgate Town Square Environmental Impact Report Released-October 18, 2024

Posted on October 18, 2024

Northgate Town Square Environmental Impact Report Update Final Environmental Impact Report is available today! The Northgate Final Environmental Impact Report was released today, October 18, 2024. It can be found here. Background: The Final EIR document has been prepared to respond to comments received on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the...

Food Vending Code Enforcement – October 8, 2024

Posted on October 16, 2024

In collaboration with the County of Marin Health and San Rafael Police, City Code Enforcement staff have conducted food vending enforcement operations throughout the City over the past several weeks. For vendors who persist in non-compliance, continued coordination with the County and escalation of penalties will occur. During recent operations, multiple vendors have been engaged,...

Dominican Valley Project Update

Posted on October 14, 2024

Since the last incompleteness determination was made, the applicant submitted additional information to staff and withdrew their request for a density bonus. At that point, staff was able to determine that the project is now complete pursuant to the Permit Streamlining Act and the applicant withdrew their appeal of the staff determination that the project...

Northgate Mall Redevelopment: Planning Commission Study Session will be held on September 24th

Posted on September 16, 2024

On September 24, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. the Planning Commission will hold a study session to discuss the comprehensive redevelopment of the existing Northgate Mall at 5800 Northgate Drive into a new, phased mixed-use development with approximately 217,520 square feet of commercial uses and 1,422 residential units on the 44.76-acre site. No decision will be...

Northgate Mall Project Open House for the Community on August 26th

Posted on August 20, 2024

Merlone Geier, owner and developer of Northgate Mall, is welcoming the community to review the redevelopment plan. This is a great opportunity to meet the development team and ask questions about the project. Representatives from the City will also be in attendance. Details can be found below. Date: Monday, August 26, 2024 Time: 6-8pm Location:...

Dominican Residential Project – Resubmittal of July 25, 2024

Posted on August 18, 2024

The Dominican Residential Project was resubmitted to the City of San Rafael on July 25, 2024. The project is currently under review by city staff. Please check the Project Page for more information on the Development Application Submittal Materials.

Merlone Geier Submits Revised Project Plans for Northgate Town Square

Posted on June 26, 2024

Important Updates for the Northgate Town Square Project! Dear San Rafael Community, On June 4th, Merlone Geier Partners (MGP), owner and developer of Northgate Mall, submitted revised plans for the Northgate Town Square Project to the City. Several revisions respond to the comments and feedback from San Rafael’s Design Review Board and community over the...

News Release: The ADU Center Expands to Marin County

Posted on May 9, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2024 The ADU Center expands to Marin County San Rafael, CA – The ADU Center, formerly The Napa Sonoma ADU Center, is a leader in growing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the North Bay since 2020 and is thrilled to announce its...

Dominican Residential Project – Resubmittal of March 29, 2024

Posted on April 4, 2024

The Dominican Residential Project was resubmitted to the City of San Rafael on March 29, 2024. The project is currently under review by city staff. Please check the Project Page for more information on the Development Application Submittal Materials.

Merlone Geier Submits Alternative Concept SB330 Preliminary Application for Northgate Town Square

Posted on March 19, 2024

For immediate release: Merlone Geier, the owner of the Northgate Mall in Terra Linda, recently submitted a preliminary application under SB 330 proposing an alternative concept for the Northgate project. SB 330, also known as the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, allows developers to streamline the approval of housing development project applications. SB 330 constrains...

Planning Commission Hears Public Comment on Northgate Draft Environmental Impact Report

Posted on February 16, 2024

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the City of San Rafael’s Planning Commission met to hear public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). City staff gave a presentation that provided an overview of the Draft EIR, some findings from the report, and the purpose of the California Environmental Quality Act. The Commission listened to...

Northgate Mall Redevelopment: Planning Commission Meeting for Public Comment Only will be on February 13

Posted on February 1, 2024

On February 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. the Planning Commission will receive public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the comprehensive redevelopment of the existing mall into a new, phased mixed-use, density bonus development with approximately 225,000 square feet of retail and 1,422 residential units on a 44.76 -acre site. No decision will...

Northgate Mall Redevelopment Draft Environmental Impact Report Released

Posted on January 5, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: April Talley, Project Director April.Talley@cityofsanrafael.org 415-485-3050 Northgate Mall Redevelopment Draft Environmental Impact Report Released SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 5, 2024 – The City of San Rafael today released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Northgate Mall Redevelopment Project, marking an important milestone in the City’s review and consideration of...