San Rafael Considers 8-Story Apartment Building Proposal

The 105-unit development would include affordable housing units and exceed current zoning limits.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A real estate developer, Monahan Pacific Corp., has filed an application to build an eight-story, 105-apartment building on the northern edge of downtown San Rafael. The proposed building would contain 65 one-bedroom and 40 two-bedroom units, with 11 affordable units for low-income and very low-income households. The project would exceed current zoning limits through a state density bonus law, requiring waivers from the city's height, length, and setback requirements.

Why it matters

This project is part of a broader trend of increased housing development in San Rafael, as the city seeks to address the region's housing shortage. However, the proposal's height and density have drawn some local opposition, raising questions about the balance between accommodating growth and preserving the character of the city's downtown.

The details

The new proposal for 790 Mission Ave. at Lincoln Avenue is the fourth project that Monahan Pacific has in the works in San Rafael. The building would be 85 feet tall and 125 feet long, exceeding the city's 40-foot height limit and 75-foot length limit. The developer is seeking 18 waivers from city regulations, including for setbacks and a requirement to provide civic space. The project would also require the demolition of an existing office building and a house.

  • Monahan Pacific filed a preliminary application for a similar project in August 2025.
  • The new formal application was filed in March 2026, within the 180-day window required under Senate Bill 330.

The players

Monahan Pacific Corp.

A real estate developer seeking to build the 105-apartment building in downtown San Rafael.

Robert Placak

The owner of the 0.43-acre lot and existing office building that would be demolished for the project.

Tom Monahan

The president of Monahan Pacific Corp.

Ken Dickinson

A San Rafael resident who has appealed the city's approval of a previous high-rise apartment project.

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What they’re saying

“When COVID hit, we realized that we could do our business remotely. I decided about a year ago that I didn't want to continue being a landlord. I thought Tom Monahan would be the perfect person based on the positive things he's done with his buildings.”

— Robert Placak, Owner of the existing office building (marinij.com)

“If the project is meant to support transit-oriented development, why is the parking supply essentially one space per unit? What provisions are being made for alternatives like bicycles?”

— Ken Dickinson, San Rafael resident (marinij.com)

What’s next

The San Rafael City Council will review the project application and consider granting the requested waivers and approvals.

The takeaway

This proposed development highlights the ongoing tension in San Rafael between accommodating growth and preserving the character of the city's downtown. As the region grapples with a housing shortage, projects like this will continue to face scrutiny from both supporters and opponents.