California State Coastal Conservancy Beginning in 2012, the California State Coastal Conservancy advanced San Francisco Bay restoration efforts with a project to analyze subtidal restoration techniques and restore critical eelgrass and oyster habitat, while learning more about the potential physical benefits of biological reefs along the shoreline. A pilot project was conducted in San Rafael … Continued
In 2017, the County of Marin, in partnership with local jurisdictions, developed a sea level rise vulnerability assessment for the eastern Marin shoreline from the Golden Gate Bridge to the county line north of Novato. BayWAVE aimed to increase awareness and preparation for sea level rise impacts. The assessment catalogs impacts across six different sea … Continued
Local governments must adopt a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to be eligible to apply for federal funding pre and post disaster. The San Rafael plan also includes a wealth of analysis about local risks and identifies mitigation strategies to reduce the vulnerability to hazards such as wildfire, flooding, storms and erosion, drought, and … Continued
This white paper was developed by Paul Jensen with assistance from a Sustainability Intern and the Department of Public Works. The intent was to catalog the studies and resources conducted to date that could serve as a resource for adaptation planning efforts related to sea level rise and flood impacts. It concludes next steps for … Continued
This project was part of a year-long collaborative design challenge that brought residents, public officials and other experts together to develop innovative solutions to strengthen the Bay Area’s resilience to sea level rise, storms, flooding, and earthquakes. The Elevate San Rafael project envisioned a new future for the San Rafael waterfront that not only physically … Continued
The San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protection Action Plan outlines goals to proactively address the growing risks of wildfires. The primary objectives include: Ordinance changes to mitigate wildfire risk Additional staffing, funds, and resources to address hazards & expand public education Expanded and new fuel reduction and preparedness efforts Improving and increasing vegetation management plans
In 2019, the City Council adopted the San Rafael Climate Action Plan 2030 (CCAP 2030). CCAP 2030 primarily focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the pollution that causes climate change. The plan also acknowledges the need to adapt to the effects in two programs: Sea Level Rise – Prepare and adapt to a rising sea … Continued
Building off the foundation of the BayWAVE Vulnerability Assessment and more current resources, City staff prepared the Flood Risk & Sea Level Rise Adaptation Report, which was incorporated into General Plan 2040. This report “set the stage” by providing guidance on how to develop an adaptation plan. The report suggested the following: Establish clear objectives … Continued
Great! Thank you for taking steps to help San Rafael adapt to wildfire. You can email pictures of your newly adapted space to srfd.dspace@cityofsanrafael.org. Please include your address in the subject line. Please make sure your pictures are clear and show the broader area. If possible, try to take pictures similar to those that were … Continued
In February of 2021, after a multi-year process including a citizens advisory committee and dozens of public and community meetings, City Council adopted our enhanced Citywide Vegetation Standards to better protect our City from the risks of a devastating wildfire. Since adoption, staff have worked diligently to knock on every door in San Rafael to … Continued
