The City Council of San Rafael, above, would like to provide a status update regarding homeless encampments and confirm that there are no encampments in any City Parks at this time.
The City’s camping ordinance regulates camping in San Rafael. It also prohibits camping within 100 feet of playgrounds, within 250 feet of schools, in San Rafael Open Space, and at certain public properties including Albert Park, Boyd Park, and the Falkirk Cultural Center.
In recent years, these three parks have had large, unregulated encampments locate within them—impacting the public use and enjoyment of the shared public space. As a result of this, the City took the action of prohibiting camping on those properties.
Encampments have historically not formed in other City parks, as individuals experiencing homelessness tend to locate themselves near social service providers and nonprofit partners.
The big picture: The ordinance is part of San Rafael’s broader homelessness approach. The City is dedicated to maintaining safe and accessible public spaces. The San Rafael Police Department, Safe Team, homeless outreach staff, and other relevant agencies regularly monitor all City parks for compliance with the camping ordinance and status of any newly established encampments.
Share your thoughts: San Rafael has established a Homelessness Solutions Working Group for community members to explore ongoing challenges and potential solutions regarding homelessness. The work of this group will serve as a foundation for the City’s Homelessness Solutions Action Plan, which will be developed in 2025. The next meeting will be held on March 11 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, in person and virtually over zoom.
For detailed information about San Rafael’s homelessness response, including more information on the ordinance, please visit the city’s website. You can also reach out directly to our staff by emailing EndHomelessness@CityofSanRafael.org.
The Council will meet on Monday February 3, the City of San Rafael will hold a City Council meeting at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.
Details:
- Regular Meeting: Begins at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
- City Manager and Councilmember Reports: Reports from the City Manager and Councilmembers, including updates on meetings and conferences attended.
- Consent Calendar: Approval of minutes from the January 21, 2025 meeting; Voter-Approved Tax Oversight Committee 2023-2024 Annual Report; resolution for compensation of the San Rafael Sanitary District Manager/Engineer; proclamation supporting Black History Month.
- Special Presentations: Caltrans will provide information on the Manuel T. Freitas and Highway 101 roundabout project.
- Other Agenda Items: Canal Broadband Feasibility Study Final Report
Get Involved:
View the full agenda and watch the meeting online via Zoom or YouTube. Participate in person or submit public comments ahead of the meeting.
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