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Getting Around in San Rafael

We are lucky to have miles of beautiful streets and trails, places to take in some beautiful views, numerous transit stops and endless room to explore. Whether you choose to take the bus, travel by car or walk about the City, we're here to help you reach your destination. Public Transit Marin County offers local,...

What is the sales tax in the city?

Effective 10/1/2022, the current sales tax rate in San Rafael is 9.25%.  Check out the break down:   State General Fund 3.94% County Health and Safety 1.56% City of San Rafael 1.00% San Rafael Transactions and Use Tax - 3/31/2034* 0.75% Measure R - 4/1/2021 - 3/31/2030 0.25% Marin County Measure A (Parks and Open...

How are speed limits set?

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 find out about delinquent property tax?

If you would like to find out if there are delinquent property taxes associated with your property you can look up your parcel number through Marin Map and then search for your property tax bills online. If you find that your property taxes are delinquent, you can pay them  online or by phone at 1-800-985-7277.

People are speeding in my neighborhood. How can I get them to slow down?

At the neighborhood and community level, outreach and education between neighbors can be helpful in increasing traffic safety, particularly in reducing speeding. Most tickets and crashes take place close to home, and many speeders live in the neighborhoods in which they are speeding. Education campaigns can include presentations to community groups, door-to-door visits, stickers and...

What causes traffic in San Rafael?

Traffic results for many reasons. One of the reasons for increased traffic in San Rafael is the current upswing in the economy (more people are working and shopping). Another is increased construction activity (both public and private). We upgraded all of our signals so they can communicate with the SMART train (so when the train...

How do I get around the city?

We have lots of great local bus routes provided by Marin Transit. Golden Gate Transit also provides regional bus service to San Francisco, the East Bay, and Sonoma County. San Rafael is also connected to the North Bay 101 corridor by the SMART Train. You can conveniently pay for all types of Bay Area transit...

Do I need an encroachment permit?

Encroachment permits are required if you plan to do any construction work in the public right-of-way. Meaning, any work in the sidewalk area, in an easement, on city owned property (median islands, parks, city facilities) or in the street. Common reasons you'll need one: Utility saw-cuts Excavation News stands Bicycle racks Sidewalk dining Debris boxes...

What can I do if I'm bothered by someone smoking?

If you feel comfortable, you can ask the person smoking to stop and let them know it’s against the law in San Rafael (if they are smoking in a place where it’s not allowed). If you live in a housing unit that shares a wall with another, you can contact your landlord, property owner, or...

Who handles enforcement of San Rafael’s smoking laws?

Landlords and property owners are required to enforce housing related smoking laws through lease agreements. The County of Marin’s Health and Human Services assists with enforcement. You can reach them at (415) 473-3020. Outdoor smoking laws are trickier to enforce. Although police officers have the ability to issue warnings and citations, they are typically engaged...

How do I find out if my apartment complex has a no smoking policy?

San Rafael law prohibits smoking in all apartment and condo complexes (if your home shares a wall with another home - you can’t smoke there). A housing complex is only allowed to create outdoor smoking areas if they meet certain criteria. Landlords and property managers are required to enforce this law through lease agreements. For...

Where is smoking prohibited in San Rafael?

Smoking is prohibited in all of Downtown San Rafael, our parks and open space, and within any housing that shares a wall with another unit (apartments, condos and duplexes). More information can be found at www.cityofsanrafael.org/smokefree and www.smokefreemarin.com.

Who comes to my house when I call 9-1-1?

If the call is about a fire or a medical emergency, firefighter paramedics are the first responders to your home when you call 9-1-1. Since fire stations are located in neighborhoods throughout the City, the firefighter paramedics can reach your home quickly. If you need to go to the hospital, we'll get you there.  If...

What is the paramedic tax and how do I pay it?

Residents and businesses located within San Rafael, Marinwood and unincorporated county islands within San Rafael pay a tax for emergency medical services (EMS) as a part of their property tax bill. The tax helps fund emergency medical services including ambulances and paramedics at San Rafael Fire Stations. Residents of San Rafael and partnering jurisdictions are...

I received a traffic citation. What are my next steps?

Traffic If you received a traffic citation, you should receive a courtesy notice (within two weeks) from the court explaining the "bail" amount you can pay and give you details on how to contest the ticket.  If you don't get a courtesy notice, you are still responsible for contacting the court on or before the...

If I live near open space, does my property have a high fire risk?

Generally, if your property touches open space you are probably located in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). These are areas that combine higher vegetation fire risks with homes and structures. You can find out if your home is located in the WUI by checking this document for your address or call our Vegetation Management Specialist...

Neighborhoods

San Rafael is home to over 30 different neighborhoods as shown on the map below. Residents all over San Rafael choose to coordinate and socialize with fellow neighbors to keep their community beautiful, to prepare for disasters and to exchange information about local issues of shared concern. Many neighborhoods have volunteer associations you can join....

Where can I get fingerprinted?

The Marin County Sheriff offers Live Scan and ink fingerprinting. But first, you'll need to make an appointment. They offer more information on their website.

How do I know if I’m being scammed?

Most scammers reach out via phone calls or emails. If the request seems suspicious, do not send money or gift cards and do not provide any personal information. Here is a great list of warning signs, along with the Federal Trade Commission’s most recent scam alerts. If you have already given money and realize that...

How do I report a barking dog?

First, try calmly talking to the dog owner to make sure they are aware of the problem.  Then, if the problem persists, you can call the police non-emergency line at (415) 485-3000. Depending on other call priorities, officers may respond on multiple occasions to issue warnings before issuing a citation.

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