SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — The San Rafael Planning Commission on Nov. 4 unanimously adopted a resolution finding that the city's planned acquisition of two parcels at 350 Merrydale Road and 3833 Redwood Highway conforms with the city's General Plan.

Greg Minor, assistant director of community and economic development, told commissioners the acquisition is being considered under California Government Code section 65402, which requires a planning agency to review proposed public acquisitions for conformance with the General Plan. "You're being asked to consider whether or not the proposed acquisition conforms with the general plan," Minor said during the staff presentation.

The property, about 2.5 acres with three single-story buildings and a large parking area, was last used as an adult school and has been vacant since 2020. Staff said the city is pursuing a potential grant from the County of Marin to buy the site and expects the project to move forward in two phases: an interim shelter intended to begin in early 2026 and a longer-term affordable housing development.

Under the staff plan, the interim shelter would accommodate roughly 65 people and operate for an initial two-year period with the option of a two-year extension only if additional funding is secured; in no case would an interim use extend beyond June 30, 2029. Staff described a concept of placing tiny homes on the surface parking area, using the existing buildings for meetings and bathroom facilities, providing meals prepared off-site, and supplying showers via mobile shower units. Minor emphasized operational constraints: "There won't be any cooking on-site," he said.

For the permanent phase, the city has a grant-term target to have at least 80 affordable housing units entitled by June 30, 2028. Staff noted the parcel was previously entitled in 2020 for 45 townhomes but construction never commenced. City planners estimated that after subtracting easements and other undevelopable areas the site's net developable area is roughly 1.7 acres, producing a base capacity of about 77 units before applying state density bonus provisions.

Staff flagged that the site's general plan designation (Community Commercial Mixed Use) and existing planned development zoning allow residential and higher-density uses. Minor also noted that state law on low-barrier navigation centers can allow shelter uses in mixed-use or high-density zones.

A public commenter, Sergio Bridal of the NorCal Carpenters Union, urged the commission to ensure strong labor standards on future construction. "Labor standards are the foundational protections that ensure our workers are treated fairly with dignity and respect," Bridal said, urging prevailing wages, apprenticeship requirements and local-hire goals.

After closing the public hearing, a commissioner moved to adopt the resolution of conformity; Commissioner Havan seconded. The roll call vote recorded all commissioners present voting in the affirmative and the motion passed unanimously. The commission's resolution recommends that the City Council consider the grant agreement and purchase steps; City Council will consider the grant agreement on Nov. 17 and the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider county grant authorization on Nov. 18.

City staff said detailed development approvals, financing, and entitlements for the permanent housing phase will follow the standard review process and that the interim shelter design and operations would be subject to conditions negotiated as part of the city's purchase and grant agreements.

With the Planning Commission action complete, the acquisition and the associated grant agreement will be addressed by the City Council and the Marin County Board of Supervisors in mid-November, and any subsequent construction or use permits would come through the city's standard entitlement channels.