Search Results

Are You Prepared? | Disaster Preparedness

"... evacuation zone ... to do ... is and what to do. Don't forget to practice! Your plan is only a piece of paper unless you can ... do it quickly and correctly. A good plan that everyone can follow can save lives. Prepare ... ., there is (on average) only one first responder for every 200 people in the community. The ability ..."

Preparation is critical to successfully navigating through an emergency to safety. The City of San Rafael Emergency Management team is committed to the preparedness of our whole community. This includes working with community groups and leaders, businesses and individuals across the City to enhance our combined disaster resiliency from the ground up. Are you looking...

United Against Hate Week

"... do ... doing ... done, the weeds are placed in compost bins, so the energy it took for the weeds to spread across ... languages. LOVE is the bedrock of human nature. It’s one ..."

What is United Against Hate Week? United Against Hate Week (UAHW) is a call for seven days of local civic action by people in every community to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. United Against Hate Week was created by...

How do I register my new business?

"... to make sure your business location is zoned properly for the business you want to do. Once ..."

If you would like to register your new business, you should first check with our Planning Division to make sure your business location is zoned properly for the business you want to do. Once a location has been secured you will need to complete a Business License Application online, within 45 days of operation.

Report of Residential Building Record (RBR)

"... ) on the property are in conformance with State and local building codes and zoning ordinances, and were ... been made to the property are in conformance with State and local building codes and zoning ... , no enforcement action will be taken by the City. Failure to do so will result in the issuance ... information. Work done without a permit (for example): 2nd dwelling unit ..."

To apply for your Resale Inspection online click HERE! A Residential Resale Report is a building permit records check and physical inspection of all residential units. Most jurisdictions in Marin County require a Point of Sale inspection on residential properties. Our report will list all building permits on the report. For any permits that have...

City Manager and Chief of Police make comments about racial justice

"... seen in Minneapolis and throughout the country does not represent the policing we do here in our ... races who care deeply for the community, and we know there is still more work to do to guarantee ... and government work for everyone in our community. There is much we are doing well right now ... and there is more we can do. A few quick examples. Body-worn cameras became standard equipment at the San ... residents. But even with these few examples, there is so much more to do. To start ..."

At the June 15, 2020 City Council meeting, City Manager Jim Schutz and Chief of Police Diana Bishop made comments about racial justice. Watch this video to see their full remarks. Full transcript: City Manager Jim Schutz Thank you Mayor and Council. As you know, this is the time on our agenda when I typically...

Housing Inspection Program

"... . How does the program work ... that do not meet the requirements of City and State codes. Ample time is then given for the needed ... repairs to be made and a re-inspection will be conducted to verify that the corrective work has been done ..."

The Periodic Housing Inspection Program ensures that all residential rental properties with three or more units are safe and habitable. Through systematic inspections, this program guarantees that those who reside in rental units in San Rafael have a safe, livable space which meets the City and State codes for habitability. How does the program work?...

How are speed limits set?

"... The following speed limits are established by State law and do ... 25 MPH in school zones when children ..."

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...

Citizens are advised to create an emergency supply kit with enough supplies to last up to a week. That includes:

"... Setting aside one gallon of drinking water per person, per day ... . Flashlights (Do not use candles ..."

Setting aside one gallon of drinking water per person, per day. Non-perishable food that is easy to prepare without power. Non-electric can opener, along with forks, spoons, and knives. Adequate baby and pet food if a household has either or both. Flashlights (Do not use candles.) At least two extra sets of batteries. A battery-powered...

Mandatory Recycling and Organics Law

"... does ... do ... and food scraps such as fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, shells ... materials, and Please DO NOT put any of the following items in your green cart ..."

In 2016, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1383 into law to keep food and other compostable materials ("organics") out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Starting January 2022, all California residents and businesses are required to compost all organic waste. In addition, this law will require food-producing businesses to donate excess edible food...

Minor Permits not requiring a plan review:

"... . Please note: these permits generally do not need plan review, with a few ... here if you do not already have one ... equipment to be removed and replaced Only one overlay is allowed ... Retrofit windows & doors only (does not disturb framing ..."

**ATTN CUSTOMERS** Effective 1/1/2023 all Building Permits issued after this date will be valid for 2 years. Minor permits such as water heater & furnaces, etc. will be valid for 180 days only. If your permit is not Finaled by the expiration date you will need to pay a renewal fee. Please note: these...

How to Fight Mold

"... . Whether you do the job yourself or hire a contractor, the following steps should be taken to destroy mold ... or windows, one into the wind and the second facing away. If necessary, use a fan to increase the air flow ... If you find one patch of mold, conduct a thorough search of your house ... thoroughly again. Alternatively, you can steam clean them lightly and dry rapidly. Do not soak ... . Washable drapes that can be safely bleached may be salvageable. Dry-cleaning should be done ..."

If you live in a damp house, or if you have ever experienced flooding, your home may be breeding an often invisible and always unwelcome intruder—mold. Mold can cause allergies and respiratory disease, and the toxins it produces can wear down the immune system— leaving people, especially children, vulnerable to many illnesses. If you discover...

How do I contact the City Council?

"... on the nature of your email, the City Council will do one of the following: If your email contains ..."

There are a couple ways to contact your City Council. You can email all of them at once, by using an online Contact Form that sends the message to all members of the City Council, including the Mayor, or you can email or call them individually. Depending on the nature of your email, the City Council will...

What does the Digital Service and Open Government Department do?

"... , citywide open data initiatives, and performance measurement. They do this by leveraging digital principles ..."

The new demands of the digital era require a new approach to government. Technology now touches everything in the 21st century. Digital Service and Open Government provides oversight of the City's technology operations, service design, community engagement, help desk support, network infrastructure, citywide open data initiatives, and performance measurement. They do this by leveraging digital...

Prepare for Climate Change

"... connected to others are more resilient, happy, and healthy. One of the most important things we can do ... you can build community and individual resilience. Remember, you don't need to do it all, just do ... one thing to start ... we do it with a coach and peer support ... to do ..."

Marin County is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Northern California but runs the risk of flooding due to low elevations and climate change. The City of San Rafael recognizes that being prepared for the future means adapting. Community Resilience Studies consistently show that those who are more connected to others are...

Permits Requiring Plan Review: Residential & Commercial

"... here if you do not already have one ... "Temporary Outdoor Dining Area" (Commercial Parklet) This permit is for the use ... of commercial out door dining areas with vertical structures associated with the dining area ..."

**ATTN CUSTOMERS** Effective 1/1/2023 all Building Permits issued after this date will be valid for 2 years. Minor permits such as water heater & furnaces, etc. will be valid for 180 days only. If your permit is not Finaled by the expiration date you will need to pay a renewal fee. New Structures,...

What is the next step in the process for the project?

"... and if they do, if and how they want propose the revise the plans ... At this point, we will not update this site, until we receive a formal application, or indication that one will be filed. ..."

The Conceptual Review and Pre Application process have been completed and comments from city staff, the Design Review Board and Planning Commission and the public being forwarded to the applicant. So, there is no further action on the part of the city, unless we receive a formal application. At this point, the decision to pursue...

Slip Lane Pilot FAQs

"... to many residents, vehicles do not make a complete stop at the northmost stop sign and quickly turn ... right on Montecillo, then again turning right on Bamboo Terrace. When the driver does not take ... is generally defined as a short, one-way lane that allows a vehicle to turn onto ... Parkway. When does the City plan to make these improvements? Why can't the City stripe the crosswalks ... of larger CIP projects that are used to upgrade curb ramps, replace city-owned sidewalks, and do ..."

New FAQs added October 2025 What construction will be happening at Montecillo Road and Manuel T Freitas Parkway (Freitas)? The City is moving forward with implementing interim solutions to the closed slip lane on the north side of Freitas Parkway at Montecillo and Bamboo Terrace based on preliminary designs reviewed during the Bicycle and Pedestrian...

Little Free Library

"... are not subject to permitting or licensing requirements of the City. LFLs are permitted in any zoning ... (latch, knobs) that are no higher than 48”; Have a depth that does not exceed the side reach ... from a wheel chair at 10” Have latches and knobs that do not require twisting of the wrist ..."

What is Little Free Library? Little Free Library (LFL) is a community free book exchange. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. These libraries are typically in the form of a small wooden box mounted on a post and are located where passersby can easily access the books. Placing your Little...

Hey Residents, It's Easy Being Green!

"... one ... the building energy sector. What's one more thing you can do to make this world a better place tomorrow ... do ... one ... thing you can do to make your life a little ..."

Climate change has been called one of the greatest challenges facing society today. Emissions from the transportation sector were responsible for the greatest percentage of our community's greenhouse gas emissions, followed by emissions from the building energy sector. What's one more thing you can do to make this world a better place tomorrow? What can...

Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) - 2025 LRA Map Update

"... The State of California has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ ... by State law, the City of San Rafael must adopt these maps. Before doing so, we invite public ... Hazard Severity Zone Maps Public Comment ... . How Fire Hazard Severity Zones Are Determined The updated maps are based ... Rafael welcomes public feedback on the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps before their adoption ..."

The State of California has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, which identify wildfire hazard areas within both State Responsibility Areas (SRAs), such as China Camp, and Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs). As required by State law, the City of San Rafael must adopt these maps. Before doing so, we invite public comment...

Filters

1004 Results Found