San Rafael reports several large pre-applications, including a proposed 285-unit project at 515 Third Street

Greg Miner of the Community Economic Development Department presented a quarterly pipeline update highlighting a set of large pre-applications and active applications now in the city’s review process.

Staff said pre-applications submitted recently include: 515 Third Street (a proposed 285‑unit, seven‑story housing development on the former United Markets/Whole Foods site); 88 Vivian (129 units on a site that was formerly a bowling alley); 700 B Street (a proposed 331‑unit project at the Safeway location); 901 East Street (roughly 200 units) and a proposed 192‑unit project that would be 100% affordable on another site previously entitled for market-rate housing. Miner said many developers submitted pre-applications ahead of a recently adopted park-impact fee that begins a three-year phase‑in (50% the first year, 75% the second, 100% thereafter).

Active formal applications in review include a Kaiser hospital seismic-replacement project for which the city’s environmental consultant is preparing a draft EIR. Other formal applications include a mix of multi‑family and single‑family developments that staff expects to advance to the planning commission in coming months.

Council members and attendees asked clarifying questions about fee use, where park-fee revenues will be allocated and whether commercial uses could be reintroduced to sites that show 100% residential in the pre‑application. Staff noted state law limits the city’s ability to force commercial space in qualifying housing projects and emphasized the city will pass along community feedback during project review.

Staff said they will continue to publish pipeline updates online and will return with materials as formal applications advance through environmental review and planning commission hearings.