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New construction · San Rafael

How does hillside zoning affect new construction in San Rafael?

Hillside parcels in San Rafael carry slope-based limits on FAR, retaining walls, grading export, and access. Hillside Residential overlays add slope-band density, ridgeline rules, and Design Review Board action.

What changes the answer in San Rafael.

Hillside Residential overlays add slope-band density, ridgeline rules, and Design Review Board action. Grading thresholds and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater requirements apply per City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division; sloped parcels require geotech and an erosion-control plan. Site access in San Rafael can require temporary street-use or encroachment permits depending on street width, on-street parking restrictions, and proximity to schools or transit corridors.

  • Hillside Residential overlays add slope-band density, ridgeline rules, and Design Review Board action.
  • Grading thresholds and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater requirements apply per City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division; sloped parcels require geotech and an erosion-control plan.
  • Site access in San Rafael can require temporary street-use or encroachment permits depending on street width, on-street parking restrictions, and proximity to schools or transit corridors.
  • Franciscan complex bedrock and colluvium; geotech required for hillside lots.

Source-backed note

City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division applies the local hillside ordinance at plan check; a geotechnical report and grading plan are typically required.

Local authority: City of San Rafael Community Development Department — Building Division

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