Archives: FAQs

I saw a crew doing work near my residence, how do I know they are permitted doing essential work?

Most utility work is considered essential are given broad discretion to make their own determination about how they proceed with their projects. Encroachment permits can be viewed by map on https://sanrafael.buildingeye.com/publicworks. Individual permits can be looked up on https://epermits.cityofsanrafael.org/ETRAKIT3/default.aspx Keep in mind that emergency work may start before the permit shows in the system.

I had an encroachment permit prior to March 31, 2020, what should I do?

All previously active encroachment permits were automatically suspended on that date. Please fill out the form on the website. If you are planning on waiting do to the work, thank you for helping! Just let us know on the form and we can note your status. If you are doing essential work and must continue, please … Continued

We plan on tree trimming or landscaping within the Right-of-Way can we do the work?

Hired landscapers would be permissible if the project is necessary for essential infrastructure. Trimming may be part of maintaining essential infrastructure, such as branches covering a street sign or to allow for required sight distance, or protection from electrical wires.

Our sewer lateral is in need of replacement, can we replace the lateral?

Yes, utilities (including roads) are considered essential functions and are given broad discretion to make their own determination about how they proceed with their projects. Utilities requesting an encroachment permit must validate that they consider the work to be essential when filing the encroachment request.For existing permits, please fill out the form on the website for reactivation. Without a new or reactivated … Continued

Our driveway or sidewalk is in poor condition can we get an encroachment permit to repave?

Yes, sidewalks and access to the roadway are considered part of essential infrastructure. It is also permissible as necessary to make the site safe and secure.

Can I get an encroachment permit?

Yes, however please refer to the construction FAQs above first. Utilities (including roads) are considered essential functions and those doing work on utilities are given broad discretion to make their own determination about how they proceed with their projects. Utilities requesting an encroachment permit must validate that they consider the work to be essential when filing … Continued

Do I need to replace parking if I convert my covered parking at my home?

When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, replacement off-street parking is not required.

Do I need to provide an off-street parking space for my ADU?

One parking space is required per ADU, unless: The ADU is located within one-half (½) mile walking distance of public transit. The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant district. The ADU is created through conversion of existing space (either in the main structure or a detached structure). On-street parking permits are required … Continued

Are fire sprinklers required?

Fire sprinklers cannot be required in an ADU if sprinklers are not required for the primary residence. Construction of an ADU does cannot trigger a requirement that fire sprinklers be installed in the proposed or existing primary dwelling.

How can I tell if my property is within half a mile from transit?

No off-street parking is required for an ADU that is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit. “Public transit” means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed … Continued