Archives: FAQs

Prohibit shake and wooden roofs

Following City Council action in May 2022, all shake and wooden roofs would be required to be replaced by May 31, 2027. Financial assistance may be available to assistant residents with this change. Please reach out to Wildfire Prevention in the Fire Department to learn more. Why? Wooden roofs are much more susceptible to ignition … Continued

Establish a “parking box” program in residential hillside neighborhoods

Parking will only be permitted in designated “boxed” areas which will be designed to assure emergency vehicles can access all streets in San Rafael. Why? Our Municipal Code currently prohibits parking on narrow street unless six feet (6’) from center is maintained unobstructed. This standard is confusing, hard to enforce, and does not guarantee fire … Continued

Apply wildfire building codes citywide

Requirements that once only applied to parcels in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) will be applicable to all parcels within the City of San Rafael. For example, if you are replacing the windows throughout your home, they will need to meet the fire resistant building material requirements as outlined in California Fire Code Section 7A. Why? Wildfire knows no … Continued

Require modifications to vegetation surrounding all structures on a property

No vegetation except for 3-inch grass or succulents is to exist within 0’-5’ of any structures on the property. Vines and ivy will have to be well-irrigated and maintained. Mulch or similar ground covering is only permitted when no contact is made with combustible exterior walls or plants.   Why? Many of the recent large fires were spread by windblown embers which started many … Continued

Require that residents remove hazardous vegetation from their property

All property owners in San Rafael, both public and private, will be required to remove all juniper, bamboo, acacia, and Italian cypress from their property.    Why? While no plant is “fire proof”, there are many attractive plants that are less fire prone or fire safe. Removing some of the most pervasive and fire prone plants from San Rafael will reduce wildfire risk and … Continued

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