Brief Summary of Downtown San Rafael, CA

Quick Appraisal Knowledge (QAK #18)

The City of San Rafael is bounded by Ignacio Valley, Loma Verde, and Lucas Valley preserves to the north; San Pablo and San Francisco bays to the east; the unincorporated towns of Fairfax, San Anselmo, Kentfield, and Ross to the east; and the unincorporated towns Corte Madera and Larkspur to the south. San Rafael has a current population of 58,994 and represents the county seat of Marin County.

Downtown San Rafael is the center of San Rafael's activities, with a diverse mix of uses including retail, business, finance, government, culture, entertainment, community service and housing. Retail related activities are crucial to the health and vitality of Downtown. Downtown retail uses are unique and specialized, with an emphasis on local merchants and businesses. Many people who work in the downtown area occupy both newer class A office buildings as well as restored and refurbished Victorians.

Downtown also has a wide range of residential uses including condominiums, apartments, duplexes and single-family homes. Cultural, recreation and entertainment activities are also concentrated within the downtown core, (i.e. Falkirk Cultural Center and Rafael Theater). Residents and visitors alike have access to bookstores, libraries, art galleries, theater and museums, as well as street musicians and outdoor concerts. Downtown is also a gathering place for entertainment, cultural and special events such as Farmers Market, the Cinco de Mayo Festival and the Film Festival. Our Downtown is a very attractive place with tree lined streets, flowers and good architecture. Downtown has six districts, which have individual images and functions, but are not totally distinct and separate from one another.

Fourth Street is a dynamic and growing center of retail and business activity. Fourth Street is used throughout the year for our many special events and celebrations. Fourth Street is a popular shopping and restaurant center serving a regional market with small-scale and larger shops, restaurants and service businesses lining the street. The district offers many events and entertainment and cultural opportunities for San Rafael residents and greater Marin. There are also a number of financial institutions and upper floor offices in the district. The Fourth Street retail core will continue to be an active and growing regional retail and cultural center offering a mix of small specialty retail shops, larger retail stores, personal services and offices.

Uses along the street are those which foster an active and healthy retail center. These uses typically have a high customer turnover, contribute to and benefit from a high volume of pedestrian traffic, provide storefront and window displays, and offer merchandise or a service likely to be included during a shopping visit downtown. Evening activity is promoted by maintaining a mix of uses including businesses and restaurants with evening hours of operation, and entertainment and cultural uses. In keeping with the district's existing character, mixed-use buildings with housing or offices above ground floor retail uses are encouraged.

Residential uses are allowed on the rear ground floor, second floor and above. Facade changes and new development must be compatible with the pattern and character of the many attractive and historic buildings along Fourth Street. Pedestrian-oriented street frontages must be provided to maintain human scale in building design. A continuity of retail stores and display windows is required. In order to promote robust retail activity, the highest development intensities in San Rafael are allowed in the Fourth Street retail core.

Building height will typically range from two to four stories with opportunities for additional height up to five stories where a specific amenity or community benefit is provided. In the Fourth Street retail core, office and banking uses are allowed on the rear ground floor, second floor and above, and the street level uses are intended to provide a continuous interesting pedestrian environment supportive of retail uses. The following standards allow office and banking uses to have a presence on downtown's retail streets provided that any street frontage use is customer-service related and open to the public. In addition, to foster a pedestrian-oriented streetscape, offices and financial institutions in the 4SRC should be designed consistent with the downtown design guidelines.

The Hetherton Gateway District has been revitalized and is a grand entrance to Downtown. Newer office buildings in the Gateway serve workers from San Rafael and other Marin communities. The Transportation Center provides environ¬mentally friendly ways for people to get to and from Downtown.

The Lindaro District has undergone the greatest change of all the Down¬town Districts and now enhances the image of our Downtown. It is a landmark development of office, retail, recreation and residential uses. The district is beautifully landscaped, well utilized, with strong connections to the Fourth Street Retail Core, the Transportation Center and the restored San Rafael Creek.

Second and Third Streets have become aesthetically pleasing boulevards that function as a safe and efficient transportation corridor. This well landscaped office and retail area has been significantly upgraded and gives travelers a positive impression of Downtown San Rafael.

The West End Village is both a residential neighborhood and a special shopping area with a character distinctly different from the rest of Fourth Street. This area has been visually enhanced over the years but has maintained its unique identity and appealing atmosphere.

The Fifth/Mission District is known for its tree lined streets and pleasant sidewalks. It serves as the civic center and cultural district. It is improved with small offices, apartment buildings, churches and schools. Falkirk Cultural Center, the Belrose Theater and the many Victorian buildings add a special feel to the District.