San Rafael Municipal Code Ch. 2.19 Archeological Resources Protection

Certain lands and geographic areas within the city of San Rafael contain significant archeological resources, which include deposits and remains of the local Native Americans and other early inhabitants. These deposits and remains represent an important part of the early history of San Rafael and the culture of the Native American community. Without proper regulations and monitoring, continued excavation and grading activities within the city council significantly impact these resources.

In recognizing the importance of protecting significant archeological resources, the city of San Rafael has determined to:

(a) Establish a procedure for identifying, when possible, archeological resources and potential impacts to such resources prior to authorizing excavation and grading activities;

(b) Provide valuable information and direction to property owners in the community in order to make them aware of these resources;

(c) Implement measures that would preserve and protect valuable archeological resources, when there is a potential for encountering such resources;

(d) Establish a procedure which would ensure that appropriate advisory agencies and organizations are contacted and consulted, when there is a probability that archeological resources could be encountered during an activity involving grading, excavation, and/or construction;

(e) Establish and implement specific protection and preservation measure in the event archeological resources are encountered during grading, excavation and/or construction.

(Ord. 1772 § 2 (part), 2001).

Geographic areas of archeological sensitivity shall be depicted on a citywide map. This map shall be prepared by an archeologist and shall be maintained by and kept on file with the city department of community development. This map shall:

(a) Identify sensitivity level based on the criteria adopted by council resolution;

(b) Be used as a reference by the city whenever considering or analyzing projects involving excavation and grading; and

(c) Be reviewed and updated periodically as new information becomes available.

(Ord. 1772 § 2 (part), 2001).

Specific procedures and regulations shall be implemented by the city to ensure the protection of archeological resources as adopted by council resolution.

(Ord. 1772 § 2 (part), 2001).