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San Rafael adopts roadside memorial policy limiting displays to 30 days, offers commemorative bench option
Summary
Council approved a roadside memorial policy that allows temporary memorials within the right-of-way for up to 30 days with an application requirement, safety rules and prohibited items; staff will promote commemorative bench/table sponsorships as a permanent alternative.
The San Rafael City Council on June 23 adopted a roadside memorial policy intended to balance families’ desire to honor loved ones with public safety and accessibility requirements.
Bernadette Sullivan of Public Works told the council the proposed policy permits memorial items near an incident location provided they do not obstruct sidewalks, curb ramps or other infrastructure and comply with ADA standards. "The proposed policy overview includes that memorials may be installed near incident locations, but must not obstruct walkways or infrastructure," Sullivan said. The policy requires an application that the city will use to contact families, and memorials would be allowed for up to 30 days from the date of the application.
For safety reasons the policy forbids items such as glass, sharp objects and unattended candles; prohibited items removed by staff would be stored for 60 days to allow families to retrieve them. The policy also bans amplified sound and limits the size (24 inches height measured from the ground surface for certain elements) to avoid sight-line and ADA conflicts.
Staff emphasized the policy’s goal of offering a respectful short-term option while promoting the city’s commemorative bench-and-table sponsorship program as a permanent alternative. Council members asked how the application process would work for memorials that are placed organically; staff said city staff would attempt to contact family members and that the 30-day period would begin from the date an application is completed.
The council adopted the resolution approving the roadside memorial policy by a 4–0 vote.
