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GIS

Our GIS is extremely helpful when looking for zoning information, checking jurisdiction and much more. Here are some helpful tips and tricks:

Search Tips:

  1. Use numbers for numbered streets: 3rd, 4th, or 5th NOT ‘third’, ‘fourth’, or ‘fifth’
  2. No periods after ‘st’, ‘ave’, etc.
  3. Use dashes in Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APN’s) like ‘123-456-78’

Instructions on How to Find Your Property Zoning:

  1. Enter the address or APN into the search box at the top left of the map, then hit the search (magnify) button or “enter”.  
  2. If you entered a valid San Rafael address or APN your search result will display in a box on the map.
  3. If the box states “Jurisdiction: San Rafael”, then the property is in the City of San Rafael and the zoning for the property is listed on the “Zoning” line.
  4. If the box states “Jurisdiction: Unincorporated” or “Jurisdiction: San Anselmo”, then the property is not located within the City of San Rafael and you should contact the County of Marin Community Development Agency or Town of San Anselmo Planning Department. Please note: there are some properties that have the City name of “San Rafael”, but are located in Unincorporated County of Marin.

    If your property is split by two jurisdictions, the box will state “Jurisdiction: San Rafael/ Unincorporated” or “Jurisdiction: San Rafael/Town of San Anselmo”. The box will only show the zoning for the City of San Rafael; you will need to contact the other jurisdiction for their zoning.

  1. If your property has two zonings separated by a dash (” – “), that means that the first part of the zoning is the base district PLUS an overlay district. An example of this is “M-C”, which means “Marine District with Canal Overlay”.  If your property has two zonings separated by “and”, then different parts of the property have different zonings. An example of this is “GC and W”, which means “General Commercial” on one part of the property and “Water” on another.
  2. Once you find the zoning, go back to the original page (which should be open in a separate browser tab) to view more detail about your zoning including links to property development standards and land use regulations. Make sure to scroll down to see all the possible zoning designations.
  3. If you have further questions about the zoning, please feel free to contact the planning division at 485-3085 or planning@cityofsanrafael.org and leave a message or email for a planner (we will return your call/email within 48 business hours or stop by and talk to a planner on duty during open counter hours (M and Th’s from 8:30am to 5:00pm or T, W or Fr’s from 8:30am to 12:45pm)
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