____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: _______________________
Disposition: ___________________________
Agenda Item No: 2.e
Meeting Date: March 16, 2026
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Public Works
Prepared by: Aaron Tubbs,
Operations and Maintenance
Superintendent
April Miller, Public Works Director
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY UPDATE
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN UPDATED INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY; CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060(b)(3), 15301, 15304
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Resolution to adopt an updated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy.
BACKGROUND:
In 2007, the City created an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program outlining policies and procedures to minimize pesticide applications throughout the City. The program was intended to reduce the use of alternative weed control methods, such as mowing, mulching, and more natural methods to control vegetation.
In 2014, the City Council adopted the City’s IPM Policy, which was subsequently modified to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Water Systems (MS4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements. This modification to the policy included regulations related to Urban Creek Diazinon and Pesticide Toxicity, which are consistent with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements. The modification further outlined the City’s goal to reduce reliance on and to minimize the use of pesticides that threaten water quality in San Rafael’s operations and City property.
Following the 2014 Policy update, the County of Marin developed a list of acceptable pesticides used by its maintenance divisions. This regularly updated list includes a wider array of pesticides now used by the City.
In 2017, the Department of Public Works met with engaged community members who offered their input on improving the City’s Policy. Their primary focus was on expanded posting of signage where pesticides were being used, increased training, clarification of pesticides in and around City Buildings, and adopting the County’s list of approved products. With community members' help, a new policy was developed to address those issues.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 14393, updating the IPM Policy on September 18, 2017.
ANALYSIS:
City staff recommends that the City Council update the IPM Policy to address the following:
Integrated Pest Management Coordinator
The previous Policy noted the Parks Superintendent as the designated IPM Coordinator. Due to restructurings within the Department of Public Works, there is no longer a Parks Superintendent on staff.
The IPM Coordinator is now the Operations and Maintenance Superintendent.
Approved Use of Products list
The previous list was outdated and only included products for landscape use. The list has been updated and now includes approved structural use products for contractors working on pest control issues at City facilities. The IPM Policy also notes that the City will be using the currently available list of approved products from the County of Marin to keep the IPM program up to date.
The draft IPM Policy was sent to labor representatives with the Service Employees International Union, Local 1021 (SEIU, Local 1021) and the San Rafael Mid-Management Employee Association (SRMMEA) for comment, and no feedback has been received.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The Department of Public Works has continued to consider community concerns as it updates the IPM Policy. The proposed changes do not change or alter the previous requests. There have been no requests to change our process since the Policy was approved. The draft IPM Policy was sent to community groups who have previously expressed interest in sustainability for review. No feedback has been received from the community groups regarding the proposed updates.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Adoption of the Integrated Pest Management Policy is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Commonsense Exemption) because it can be seen with certainty that amending the City's pest management practices to reflect the updated practices that reduce herbicides will not have a significant effect on the environment.
The project is also categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) as the use of the pesticides will result in minor and temporary changes to already existing public facilities, which will be less invasive than prior City practices.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact relating to these changes.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider in this matter:
1. Approve the resolution adopting the attached IPM Policy.
2. Direct staff to modify the IPM Policy.
3. Reject the proposed changes and direct the staff to utilize the current IPM Policy.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Resolution to adopt an updated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Proposed IPM Policy and the County of Marin Approved Product List
3. Proposed IPM Policy with Tracked Changes
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ADOPTING AN UPDATED INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY; CEQA DETERMINATION:
EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060(b)(3), 15301, and 15304 WHEREAS, in 2007, the City created an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program outlining policies and procedures to minimize pesticide applications throughout the City; and WHEREAS, in 2014, the City Council adopted the City’s IPM Policy, which was subsequently modified to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Water Systems (MS4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, the Department of Public Works met with engaged community members who offered their input on improving the City’s Policy, and on September 18, 2017, the San Rafael City Council adopted Resolution No. 14393 updating the IPM Policy; and WHEREAS, City staff recommends that the Council adopt a resolution to update the policy to reflect current positions in the Department of Public Works and to update the list of approved products; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the Integrated Pest Management Policy is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Commonsense Exemption) because it can be seen with certainty that amending the City's pest management practices to reflect the updated practices that reduce herbicides will not have a significant effect on the environment; and WHEREAS, this activity is also exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), which addresses the maintenance of existing facilities; and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), as the use of the pesticides will result in minor and temporary changes to already existing public facilities, which will be less invasive than prior City practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby finds and resolves as follows:
1. That all of the above findings are true and correct; and
2. Adoption of the Integrated Pest Management Policy is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Commonsense Exemption); and
3. The activity is also exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), which addresses the maintenance of existing facilities; and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), as the use of the pesticides will result in minor and temporary changes to already existing public facilities; and
4. That the Council of the City of San Rafael does hereby adopt the attached Integrated Pest Management Policy dated March 2026.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of said City on the 16th day of March 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
____________________________
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
San Rafael Policy and Procedures
Integrated Pest Management Program
Scope of IPM Policy
This policy governs the pesticide application by City employees, contractors hired by the City, and persons acting under the authority or on behalf of the City in the care and maintenance of City parks, landscaped areas, and all other City-owned properties.
The term "pesticides" is a general term that includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides.
The City of San Rafael is committed to a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program guiding the management of its parks, landscaped areas, public rights-of-way, buildings, and other essential public properties.
The purpose of this IPM program is to ensure and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of citizens, visitors, and City staff by clearly defining the City's pest management strategy, the priorities for administering this strategy, and the various means by which these priorities may be realized. Public access to records and information relating to the City's pesticide use is an essential component of a successful IPM program, and San Rafael is fully committed to providing all pertinent information to the public in a timely, comprehensive, and understandable manner.
The City realizes that some pesticides are potentially hazardous to human health and the environment and shall administer this IPM program with a focus on long-term suppression of pest problems with minimum impact on human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. The least toxic pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates such a need, pursuant to the provisions of this policy.
1. The City of San Rafael's IPM program will include the following components:
Policy No.
Subject: Integrated Pest Management
Resolution No.
Issue Date:
Revision Date: March, 2026
Prepared By: Aaron Tubbs, Operations and
Maintenance Superintendent
Approved By:
a) Educate and train City staff, including contractors, landscapers, and facility managers, in the IPM program, practices, and policy.
b) Require City pesticide application contractors to implement the IPM Policy on all property owned, leased, or managed by the City and to report the types and amounts of pesticides used by the contractor on City-owned property. c) Reduce to the maximum extent practicable the use of pesticides. d) Consider taking a "no-action" approach in addressing certain pest control issues. e) Review and consider available non-chemical options before using a chemical pesticide.
f) Identify pests and the least toxic methods to control pests. g) Identify, evaluate, and minimize or eliminate conditions that encourage pest problems.
h) Conduct careful and efficient inspection, monitoring, and assessment of pest problems by designated personnel or a contractor knowledgeable of IPM methods.
i) Maintain records by City departments on IPM methods considered and used to prevent and control pests.
j) Comply with all applicable state and federal regulations, including pesticide use and reporting.
k) Provide open public access to all IPM program information and records via website.
I) Conduct decision-making based on the best available science and data. m) Keep the County Agricultural Commissioner informed of water quality issues related to pesticides and of violations of pesticide regulations (e.g., illegal handling) associated with storm water management.
As the City plans for the development of new parks and landscaped areas, or the rehabilitation of existing areas, specific attention will be directed toward including specifications that eliminate or reduce the need for chemical pesticides (e.g., mowing strips next to fencing, covering all new planting areas with mulch, etc.).
Integrated Pest Management Coordinator
The Operations and Maintenance Superintendent shall be designated as the IPM Coordinator.
The IPM Coordinator is primarily responsible for implementing the IPM Policy and coordinating efforts to implement IPM techniques within the Public Works Department. The Coordinator is responsible for communicating goals and policy decisions to appropriate City staff and contractors, as well as ensuring proper training of all employees involved with the IPM program, and all contractors who perform landscape maintenance on the City's behalf.
Only individuals specifically designated by the IPM Coordinator as Pesticide Applicators should be permitted to apply pesticides on City parks, landscaped areas, and other essential public lands. Applicators should possess a Qualified Applicator Certificate or Qualified Applicator License, issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
The IPM Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that pesticide use is recorded and made available for public review pursuant to the provisions of this policy.
Education and Training of Staff
Education and training of personnel are critical to the success of this IPM program. Employees involved in the maintenance and associated operations of City property, including the City's parks, landscaped areas, and other essential public lands, or with the purchasing, storage, handling, and application of pesticides shall receive all the mandated, necessary, and reasonable IPM training required to perform such work in an efficient and safe manner, consistent with the provisions and intent of this policy.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) training in IPM and training in the use of non-chemical methods of pest control are important to a successful program. In addition to formal training, the City shall provide "Safe Handlers" training to all staff assisting in the application, storage, or handling of pesticides or pesticide-related equipment. This shall include training specific to the IPM Policy. To the greatest extent practicable, City staff will ensure that all contractors hired to perform IPM-related work on the City's behalf have received appropriate education and training. The Public Works Department is dedicated to providing adequate funding and budget planning to maintain training and educational opportunities for all employees.
Use of Alternatives to Herbicide
The City is fully committed to the use of pesticide alternatives whenever practicable.
Currently, the Parks Division utilizes the application of mulch materials to discourage weed growth and encourage plant health. An agreement between the City and its contract arborist specifies the provision of mulch material generated in the course of the tree maintenance contract. This mulch material is utilized by the Parks Division as a first line of defense against the proliferation of weeds. The Parks Division also uses a weed torch as a post-emergent weed control. In City playgrounds and picnic table areas, where the use of traditional herbicides is not permitted pursuant to this policy, as well as past practice, landscape maintenance crews utilize propane weed torches to burn and discourage weed growth. Extreme care must be exercised with the use of weed torches to avoid touching off unwanted conflagrations, so their use is limited by site and environmental conditions.
Criteria for Selection and Use of Pesticides
There shall be no non-exempt herbicide applications permitted within City playgrounds, picnic table areas, and on the grounds of City Hall and the Library.
It is understood that a completely weed-free landscape environment is not a goal to which the City shall aspire. The Public Works Department shall maintain landscaped areas reasonably weed-free to preserve the function and reasonable aesthetic appearance of public areas and City facilities. With this goal in mind, and considering the Parks Division staffing levels and the division's ability to provide fundamental services, the City shall select herbicides of the least toxic formulation from the current list of Approved Use Products included in this policy from the County.
Herbicides shall be used only after all other non-pesticide means of weed control have been utilized or have been determined to be not feasible in a particular application due to site factors, the ability of staff to provide a particular function or service, or other pertinent factors.
Exemption Process
If the IPM Coordinator accepts a recommendation from the Pest Control Advisor to use a pesticide not on the Approved Use list, the IPM Coordinator shall submit a written request to the Public Works Director for approval. The Director shall approve such requests only if the IPM Coordinator has documented in writing:
1) a compelling need to use the pesticide,
2) a good faith effort to find alternatives to the particular pesticide, 3) that effective, economic alternatives to the particular pesticide do not exist for the proposed use, and
4) that the recommended pesticide is the least toxic pesticide available to control the target pest. Exemptions shall be granted on a case-by-case basis and shall apply to a specific pest problem for a specific and limited time, with the selection and application of such pesticides conforming to the spirit and intent of this policy.
Notification of Pesticide Applications (i.e., posting)
The Department of Public Works shall notify the public of pesticide applications at specific locations. The locations requiring notification shall be maintained on a list (as Attachment A to this policy) and updated as necessary. Notification locations shall be those places where there is a high level of public contact with the landscape. Notification shall be required at those sites listed in Attachment A. Notification shall be accomplished by posted signs at reasonable entry point locations. Notices shall include the product name, EPA Registration # (if applicable), and contact phone number for more information. Notices shall be posted prior to pesticide application and shall remain in place for at least 48 hours. If using a product of concern in an area frequented by people or pets, access shall be restricted for 48 hours. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Exempt, National Organic Program (NOP) approved, or other such non-toxic or botanical pesticides shall be exempt from these notification requirements.
Record Keeping of Pesticide Applications
The IPM Coordinator shall be responsible for maintaining records of all pesticide applications on City property performed by the City staff, or by contractors or persons authorized to apply pesticides on behalf of the City. The City shall maintain these records for a period of four (7) years, and shall make the information available to the public upon request. Application records shall include at least the following information: site of application, date of application, target pest, name of the product, active ingredient of the pesticide(s) applied, EPA registration number, amount of product applied, and the pesticide signal word. In addition, IPM records shall include a list of all exemptions granted, as well as the written justifications developed for the consideration of those exemptions.
The IPM Coordinator shall strive to make this information available via an IPM website in a prompt and efficient manner, with the understanding that its provision is not only the legal right of any member of the public, but also a critical component of a successful IPM program.
The IPM Coordinator shall track IPM Policy implementation by periodically reviewing pesticide use by city staff and outside contractors. In order to report on pesticide use when requested by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the IPM Coordinator shall keep records of the City's own use of pesticides of concern and the pesticides of concern used by the permittees' hired contractors on City-owned or maintained property. Pesticides of concern include glyphosatebased products.
Exemption to This Policy
An exemption to this pesticide policy will be made in order to control the proliferation of biting or stinging insects such as yellow jackets, wasps, mosquitoes, and other similar pests.
Generally, the Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District administers the control of these insects. In addition, the City will exempt any governmental entity from the provisions of this policy whose authority preempts that of the City.
Attachment A
Locations requiring public notification for pesticide applications:
1. Albert Park & San Rafael Community Center
2. Bernard Hoffman Field
3. Boyd Park
4. Falkirk Cultural Center
5. Freitas Park
6. Gerstle Park
7. Munson Park
8. Oleander Park
9. Peacock Gap Park
10. Pickleweed Park & Community Center
11. Ranchitos Park
12. Russom Park
13. Santa Margarita Park
14. Shoreline Park
15. Spinnaker Point I, II, III, IV
16. Sun Valley Park
17. Terra Linda Recreation Center
18. Victor Jones Park
19. Pedestrian Right-of-Ways
20. City Public Buildings
a. San Rafael City Hall
b. B Street Community Center
c. Albert J Boro Community Center
d. Terra Linda Community Center
e. San Rafael Fire Stations
f. San Rafael Parking Garages and Parking Lots
g. Downtown San Rafael Public Library
f. Falkirk Cultural Center
h. Corporation Yard
i. All Child Care Facilities
j. Boyd Gate House
Marin County 2025 DRAFT Structural Allowed Products List: Regular Use Line #
Product
(Trade Name) Active Ingredient Type Signal Word EPA Reg # Organic
Certification?
Minimum Risk aka
Eco Exempt? California Groundwater
Protection List? Prop 65 EPA Carcinogenicity Primary Use 1 Eco PCO ACU
2-phenethyl propionate, SF,
OW Insecticide Caution 67425-14-AA No No No No Not Listed Structural
insects -
crawling
insects
2 Ecovia WD
Thyme Oil, 2-Phenethyl
Propionate
Insecticide Caution N/A No Yes No No No
Crawling and
flying insects
3 Essentria G
Eugenol (Clove oil), Thyme
oil Insecticide Caution N/A No Yes No No Not Listed EU List Crawling and
flying insects
4 Essentria IC Pro
Sodium Laurel Sulfate,
Geraniol, Clove Oil,
Cornmint Oil Insecticide Caution N/A No Yes No No Not Listed EU List Crawling and
flying insects
5 EVAC Botanical
rodent repellent
Balsam fir oil; other
ingredients - fragrance oil,
plant fibers Repellant N/A
82016-1-
64405 No No No No Not Listed
Rodent
repellent
6 Freshcab
Balsam fir oil; other
ingredients - fragrance oil,
plant fibers Repellant N/A
82016-1-
64405 No No No No Not Listed
Rodent
repellent
7 Cimi Shield Knock-Out Soybean Oil Insecticide N/A N/A No Yes No No No Bed Bugs All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held in accessible sites. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling (415) 473-4381 (Voice/TTY/CRS dial 711) or by e-mail at [email protected] at least five work days in advance.
Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon written request.
Marin County 2025 DRAFT Structural Allowed Products List: Special Use Line #
Product
(Trade Name) Active Ingredient Type Signal Word EPA Reg # Organic Certification? Minimum Risk aka Eco
Exempt?
California
Groundwater
Protection List? Prop 65 EPA Carcinogenicity Primary Use 1 Borid; orthoboric
acid a.i. = 99% Boric acid SF, EW, OW, SS Insecticide Caution 9444-129 No No No No Not Listed Insects, roaches, ants, silverfish,
termites
2 Concern
Diatomaceous
Earth Diatomaceous earth Insecticide Caution 50932-12 Yes No No Yes Not Listed Fleas, crawling insects 3 DRAX Nutrabait;
orthoboric acid a.i.
= 5%, Boric acid SF, EW, OW, SS Insecticide Caution 9444-131-AA No No No No Not Listed Ants; public health concerns from
insects
4 Gentrol IGR Hydroprene a.i. = 90%, SF Insecticide Caution 2724-469 No No No No Not classifiable as to human
carcinogenicity
Cockroaches, drain flies, bedbugs and
stored products pests
5 Max Force Ant Gel,
bait station a.i. =
0.001% Fipronil, SF, EW, OW, SS Insecticide Caution 432-1256 No No No No Possible Carcinogen Insects, ants 6 Max Force FC Roach
Bait Station a.i. =
0.01% Fipronil, SF, EW, OW, SS Insecticide Caution 432-1257 No No No No Possible Carcinogen Insects, roaches 7 MaxForce FC Ant
Killer Bait Gel Fipronil Insecticide Caution 432-1264 No No No Possible
Human Carcinogen No Data EU List Ants
8 MaxForce FC
Professional Insect
Control Roach Killer
Bait Gel Fipronil Insecticide Caution 432-1259 No No No Possible
Human Carcinogen No Data EU List Roaches
9 Mother Earth D
Diatomaceous earth, SF, OW,
SC Insecticide Caution 499-509 Yes No No Yes Not Listed Fleas, crawling insects 10 Niban Granular;
orthoboric acid a.i.
= 5% (AKA NIBOR) Boric acid SF, EW, OW, SS
Insecticide,
molluscicide Caution 64405-2 Yes No No No Not Listed
Insects, roaches, ants, silverfish,
snails, slugs, earwigs
11 Nibor-D
Disodium Octaborate
Tetrahydrate 98% Insecticide Caution 64405-TN1 No No No No Not Listed Insects, roaches, ants, silverfish,
snails, slugs, earwigs
12 Terro PCO (AKA
DOMINANT)
Sodium tetraborate
decahydrate a.i. = 5.4% Insecticide Caution 149-8-64405 No No No No Not Listed Insects, ants 13 Dominant
Sodium tetraborate
decahydrate a.i. = 5.4% Insecticide Caution 64405-23 No No No No Not Listed Insects, ants All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held in accessible sites. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling (415) 473-4381 (Voice/TTY/CRS dial 711) or by e-mail at [email protected] at least five work days in advance. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon written request.
Marin County 2025 DRAFT Landscape Allowed Products List: Regular Use Line #
Product
(Trade Name) Active Ingredient Type Signal Word EPA Reg # Derivation Organic
Certification?
Minimum Risk aka
Eco Exempt?
California
Groundwater
Protection List? Prop 65
EPA
Carcinogenicity Primary Use
1 Agri-fos
Phosphorous acid,
SF Fungicide Caution 71962-1 Synthetic No No No No No Sudden Oak Death (SOD) treatment 2 Azaguard Azadirachtin Insecticide Caution 70299-17 Natural Yes No No No No Control of indoor and outdoor pests 3 Civitas Mineral oil
Fungicide/
Insecticide Caution 69526-13 Synthetic Yes No No No No
Fungicide and Insecticide for turf on
golf courses, sports and athletic
fields
4 Companion Bacillus subtilis Fungicide Caution 71065-3 Natural Yes No No No No To improve health and vigor of turf
grass at the golf course
5 Competitor Ethyl oleate Surfactant Caution CA 2935-50173 Natural No No No No No Used as a surfactant 6 Dipel Pro DF
Bacillus
thuringiensis Insecticide Caution 73049-39 Natural Yes No No No No Used on golf course and sports turf
to control sod web worms
7 Essentria IC3
Rosemary oil,
Geraniol,
Peppermint oil Insecticide Caution N/A Natural No Yes No No Not Listed EU List Crawling and flying insects 8 Pentra-bark
Polyethylene glycol,
SF Surfactant Caution CA 83416-50001-AA Synthetic No No No No No Surfactant for Agri-fos, used in
combination for SOD treatment
9 PT Wasp Freeze II Prallethrin Insecticide Caution 499-550 Synthetic No No No No No Emergency wasp nest destruction
for spray treatment of in ground or
aerial wasp nest posing significant
hazard to public
10 Reliant Phosphoric acid Fungicide - SOD Caution 83416 Synthetic No No No No No 11 Sluggo
Iron phosphate SF,
EW, OW Molluscicide Caution 67702-3 Synthetic Yes No No No No Used as nail and slug bait for
landscapes
12 Tract 70
Clarified
Hydrophobic Extract
of Neem Oil
Fungicide/
Insecticide/ Miticide Caution 70051-CA-001 Yes No No No No 13 Tri Tek
residue of mineral
oil Insecticide Caution 48813-1 Natural Yes No No No No
pests in the egg stages, including
spider mites, armored scale, soft
14 Essentria Wasp and
Hornet Spray
1.50% Peppermint
oil, 0.15% Sodium
lauryl sulfate Insecticide Caution
Eco-Exempt (FIFRA
25b) Synthetic No Yes No No No
Emergency wasp nest destruction
for spray treatment of in ground or
aerial wasp nest posing significant
hazard to public
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held in accessible sites. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling (415) 473-4381 (Voice/TTY/CRS dial 711) or by e-mail at [email protected] at least five work days in advance. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon written request.
Marin County 2025 DRAFT Landscape Allowed Products List: Special Use Line #
Product
(Trade Name) Active Ingredient Type Signal Word EPA Reg # Organic Certification? Minimum Risk aka Eco
Exempt?
California
Groundwater
Protection List? Prop 65 EPA Carcinogenicity Primary Use 1 Suppress Caprylic acid, capric acid Herbicide Warning 51517-9 Yes No No No No Non-selective, post emergent foliar applied burndown for weeds and grasses
2 Safer Soap
Potassium salts of fatty
acids, ethyl alcohol, SF,
OW Insecticide Warning 42697-59 Yes No No No No Civic Center Atrium and certain landscape plants 3 Finalsan-O
Ammoniated soap of
fatty acids Herbicide Warning 67702-34-70051 Yes No No No No Non-selective foliar applied for weed, grass, algae and moss 4 Finalsan
Ammoniated soap of
fatty acids Herbicide Warning 67702-8 Yes No No No No Non-selective foliar applied for weed, grass, algae and moss 5 Drione
Pyrethrin and piperonyl
butoxide Insecticide Caution 432-992 No No No No Possible For treatment of wasp nest posing significant hazard to public 6 Fusilade II Fluazifop-P-butyl Herbicide Caution 100-1084 No No No Yes No Used to reduce Bermuda grass in landscapes with high value plantings; also used in areas where Goat grass has been difficult to eradicate
7 Heritage Azoxystrobin Fungicide Caution 100-1093 No No Yes No No Used for control of anthracnose, brown patch, Fusarium patch, gray snow mold, and Phythium blight at McInnis GC
8 Specticle FLO indazilflam Herbicide Warning 432-1518 No No Yes No No Pre-emergent used for the control of annual grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held in accessible sites. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling (415) 473-4381 (Voice/TTY/CRS dial 711) or by e-mail at [email protected] at least five work days in advance. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon written request.
San Rafael Policy and Procedures
Integrated Pest
Management Program
Scope of IPM Policy
This policy governs the pesticide application by Ccity employees, and contractors not only Department of Public Works employees, but also contractors hired by the City, and persons acting under the authority or on behalf of the City in the care and maintenance of City parks, landscaped areas, and all other City- owned properties. The term "pesticides" is a general term that includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides.
The City of San Rafael is committed to a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (I PM) program guiding the management of its parks, landscaped areas, public rights-of-ways, buildings, and other essential public properties.
The purpose of this IPM program is to ensure and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of citizens, visitors, and City staff by clearly defining the City's pest management strategy, the priorities for administering this strategy, and the various means by which these priorities may be realized. Public access to records and information relating to the City's pesticide use is an essential component of a success fullful IPM program, and San Rafael is fully committed to providing all pertinent information to the public in a timely, comprehensive, and understandable manner.
The City realizes that some pesticides are potentially hazardous to human health and the environment, and shall administer this IPM program with a focus on long termlong-term suppression of pest problems with minimum impact on human health, non-target organisms, Policy No.
Subject: Integrated Pest Management
Resolution No.
Issue Date:
Revision Date: September, 2017 March, 2026
Prepared By: Aaron Tubbs, Operations and
Maintenance SuperintendentDave
Davenport, Park Maintenance Supervisor
Approved By: Jim Schutz, City Manager
and the environment. Least The least toxic pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates such a need, pursuant to the provisions of this policy.
1. The City of San Rafael's IPM program will include the following components:
a) Educate and train City staff, including contractors, landscapers, and facility managers, in the IPM program, practices, and policy.
b) Require City pesticide application contractors to implement the IPM Policy on all property owned, leased, or managed by the City and to report the types and amounts of pesticides used by the contractor on City-owned said property. c) Reduce to the maximum extent practicable the use of pesticides. d) Consider taking a "no-action" approach in addressing certain pest control issues. e) Review and consider available non-chemical options before using a chemical pesticide.
f) Identify pests and the least toxic methods to control pests. g) Identify, evaluate, and minimize or eliminate conditions that encourage pest problems.
h) Conduct careful and efficient inspection, monitoring, and assessment of pest problems by designated personnel or a contractor knowledgeable of IPM methods.
i) Maintain records by City departments on IPM methods considered and used to prevent and control pests.
j) Comply with all applicable state and federal regulations, including pesticide use and reporting.
k) Provide open public access to all IPM program information and records via website.
I) Conduct decision-making based on the best available science and data. m) Keep the County Agricultural Commissioner informed of water quality issues related to pesticides and of violations of pesticides regulations (e.g., illegal handling) associated with storm water management;.
As the City plans for the development of new parks and landscaped areas, or the rehabilitation of existing areas, specific attention will be directed toward including specifications that eliminate or reduce the need for chemical pesticides (e.g., mowing strips next to fencing, covering all new planting areas with mulch, etc.).
Integrated Pest Management Coordinator
The Parks Operations and Maintenance Superintendent shall be designated as the IPM Coordinator. The IPM
Coordinator is primarily responsible for implementing the IPM Policy and coordinating efforts to implement IPM techniques within the Public Works Department. The Coordinator is responsible for communicating goals and policy decisions to appropriate City staff and contractors, as well as ensuring proper training of all employees involved with the IPM program, and all contractors who perform landscape maintenance on the City's behalf.
Only individuals specifically designated by the IPM Coordinator as Pesticide Applicators shall should be permitted to apply pesticides on City parks, landscaped areas, and other essential public lands. Applicators should possess a Qualified Applicator Certificate or Qualified Applicator License, issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
The IPM Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that pesticide use is recorded and made available for public review pursuant to the provisions of this policy.
Education and Training of Staff
Education and training of personnel is are critical to the success of this IPM program.
Employees involved in the maintenance and associated operations of City property, including the City's parks, landscaped areas, and other essential public lands, or with the purchasing, storage, handling, and application of pesticides shall receive all the mandated, necessary, and reasonable IPM training required to perform such work in an efficient and safe manner, consistent with the provisions and intent of this policy.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) training in IPM and training in the use of non-chemical methods of pest control are important to a successful program. In addition to formal training, the City shall provide "Safe Handlers" training to all staff assisting in the application, storage, or handling of pesticides or pesticide-related equipment. This shall include training specific to the IPM Policy. To the greatest extent practicable, City staff will ensure that all contractors hired to perform IPM relatedIPM-related work on the City's behalf have received appropriate education and training. The Public Works Department is dedicated to providing adequate funding and budget planning to maintain training and educational opportunities for all employees.
Use of Alternatives to Herbicides
The City is fully committed to the use of pesticide alternatives whenever practicable.
Currently, the Parks Division utilizes the application of mulch materials to discourage weed growth and encourage plant health. An agreement between the City and its contract arborist specifies the provision of mulch material generated in the course of the tree maintenance contract. This mulch material is utilized by the Parks Division as a first line of defense against the proliferation of weeds. The Parks Division also uses a weed torch as a post emergentpostemergent weed control. In City playgrounds and picnic table areas, where the use of traditional herbicides is not permitted pursuant to this policy, as well as past practice, landscape maintenance crews utilize propane weed torches to burn and discourage weed growth.
Extreme care must be exercised with the use of weed torches to avoid touching off unwanted conflagrations, so their use is limited by site and environmental conditions.
Criteria for Selection and Use of Pesticides
There shall be no non-exempt herbicide applications permitted within City playgrounds, picnic table areas, and on the grounds of City Hall and the Library.
It is understood that a completely weed freeweed-free landscape environment is not a goal to which the City shall aspire. The Public Works Department shall maintain landscaped areas reasonably weed- free , to preserve the function, and reasonable aesthetic appearance of public areas and City facilities. With this goal in mind, and considering the Parks Division staffing levels and the division's ability to provide fundamental services, the City shall select herbicides of the least toxic formulation from the current list of Approved Use Products included in this policy from the County.
Herbicides shall be used only after all other non-pesticide means of weed control have been utilized or have been determined to be not feasible in a particular application due to site factors, the ability of staff to provide a particular function or service, or other pertinent factors.
Exemption Process
If the IPM Coordinator accepts a recommendation from the Pest Control Advisor that a pesticide outside of the Approved Use list should be utilizedto use a pesticide not on the Approved Use list, the IPM Coordinator shall submit a written request to the Public Works Director for approval. The Director shall approve such requests only if the I PM Coordinator has documented in writing:
1) a compelling need to use the pesticide,
2) a good faith effort to find alternatives to the particular pesticide, 3) that effective, economic alternatives to the particular pesticide do not exist for the proposed use, and
4) that the recommended pesticide is the least toxic pesticide available to control the target pest. Exemptions shall be granted on a case by casecase-by-case basis and shall apply to a specific pest problem for a specific and limited time, with the selection and application of such pesticides conforming to the spirit and intent of this policy.
Notification of Pesticide Applications (i.e., posting)
The Department of Public Works shall notify the public of pesticide applications at specific locations. The locations requiring notification shall be maintained on a list (as Attachment A to this policy) and updated as necessary. Notification locations shall be those places where there is a high level of public contact with the landscape. Notification shall be required at those sites listed in Attachment A. Notification shall be accomplished by posted signs at reasonable entry point locations. Notices shall include the product name, EPA Registration # (if applicable), and contact phone number for more information. Notices shall be posted prior to pesticide application and shall remain in place for at least 48 hours. If using a product of concern in an area frequented by people or pets, access shall be restricted for 48 hours. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Exempt, National Organic Program (NOP) approved, or other such non-toxic or botanical pesticides shall be exempt from these notification requirements.
Record Keeping of Pesticide Applications
The IPM Coordinator shall be responsible for maintaining records of all pesticide applications on City property performed by the City staff, or by contractors or persons authorized to apply pesticides on behalf of the City. The City shall maintain these records for a period of four (7) years, and shall make the information available to the public, upon request. Application records shall include at least the following information: site of application, date of application, target pest, name of the product and , active ingredient of the pesticide(s) applied and, EPA registration number, amount of product applied, and the pesticide signal word. In addition, IPM records shall include a list of all exemptions granted, as well as the written justifications developed for the consideration of those exemptions.
The IPM Coordinator shall strive to make this information available via an IPM website in a prompt and efficient manner, with the understanding that its provision is not only the legal right of any member of the public, but also a critical component of a successful IPM program.
The IPM Coordinator shall track IPM Policy implementation by periodically reviewing pesticide use by city staff and outside contractors. In order to report on pesticide use when requested by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the IPM Coordinator shall keep records of the City's own use of pesticides of concern and the pesticides of concern used by the permittees' hired contractors on City ownedCity-owned or maintained property. Pesticides of concern include glyphosate basedglyphosate-based products.
Exemption to This Policy
An exemption to this pesticide policy will be made in order to control the proliferation of biting or stinging insects such as yellow jackets, wasps, mosquitoes, and other similar pests.
Generally, the control of these insects is administered by the Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control Districtthe Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District administers the control of these insects. In addition, the City will exempt any governmental entity from the provisions of this policy whose authority pre-emptspreempts that of the City.
Attachment A
Locations requiring public notification for pesticide applications:
1. Albert Park & San Rafael Community Center
2. Bernard Hoffman Field
3. Boyd Park
4. Falkirk Cultural Center
5. Freitas Park
6. Gerstle Park
7. Munson Park
8. Oleander Park
9. Peacock Gap Park
10. Pickleweed Park & Community Center
11. Ranchitos Park
12. Russom Park
13. Santa Margarita Park
14. Shoreline Park
15. Spinnaker Point I, II, III, IV
16. Sun Valley Park
17. Terra Linda Recreation Center
18. Victor Jones Park
19. Pedestrian Right-of-Ways
20. City Public Buildings
a. San Rafael City Hall
b. B Street Community Center
c. Albert J Boro Community Center
d. Terra Linda Community Center
e. San Rafael Fire Stations
f. San Rafael Parking Garages and Parking Lots
g. Downtown San Rafael Public Library
f. Falkirk Cultural Center
h. Corporation Yard
i. All Child Care Facilities
j. Boyd Gate House