MINUTES
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M.
In-Person:
City Hall Council Chambers
1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
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Present: Councilmember Bushey
Councilmember Hill
Vice Mayor Kertz
Councilmember Llorens Gulati
Mayor Kate
Absent: None
Also Present: Interim City Manager Paul Navazio
Chief Assistant City Attorney Andrea Vishveshwara
City Clerk Lindsay Lara
Mayor Kate called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and invited City Clerk Lindsay Lara to call the roll.
STUDY SESSION
a. 2026 Second City Council Housing Study Session
Presentation on Housing Development in San Rafael and Potential Changes to Housing Policies and Review Procedures and Accompanying Work Plan Implications (CED) Community and Economic Development Director Micah Hinkle introduced newly hired Assistant Director/Chief Building Official Lou Kirk and introduced Assistant Director Greg Minor, Planning Manager Margaret Kavanaugh-Lynch and Housing Program Manager Alexis Captanian who presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Richard Falk, Jeff Rhoads, San Rafael Heritage, Aaron Burnett, Canal Alliance, Tom Monahan, Matt Guthrie, Chris Hart
Staff responded to questions from public comment.
Staff responded to further questions from the City Council.
Councilmembers provided feedback on the housing policy options presented by staff.
The Council generally supported directing staff to proceed with Pathway A to evaluate potential amendments to the Downtown Precise Plan density limits, while expressing little support for pursuing amendments that would require reopening the Housing Element at this time. Councilmembers acknowledged that this work could affect the Council Work Plan and requested that staff return with additional information before any further policy decisions are considered.
Regarding the City's inclusionary housing policies, Councilmembers generally supported further evaluation of the development standards applicable to below market rate units to provide greater clarity and maintain consistency between affordable and market-rate units while considering changes in state housing law. Councilmembers emphasized the importance of preserving the integration of affordable units within developments, avoiding unintended outcomes from stacking concessions, and ensuring the City's standards remain clear and effective.
Councilmembers expressed differing views on whether to undertake a broader review of the City's inclusionary housing requirements, including affordability percentages and related policy provisions. While several members favored maintaining the current requirements unless future conditions demonstrate a need for change, others supported exploring whether refinements or additional flexibility should be considered as housing policies continue to evolve. Councilmembers also expressed interest in monitoring the effectiveness of the City's policies and comparable jurisdictions over time and revisiting the issue as appropriate.
Councilmembers indicated they did not wish to pursue a ministerial housing approval process at this time.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Kate adjourned the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
__________________________
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS _____DAY OF____________, 2026
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KATE COLIN, Mayor