Municipal code
San Rafael Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of San Rafael, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-09-27
- Contents
- 287 chapters · 2,758 sections
- Jurisdiction
- San Rafael
Contents
- Article I — Name, Rights and Liabilities of the City
- Article II — Boundaries
- Article III — Powers of The City
- Article IV — Elections
- Article V — Initiative, Referendum and Recall
- Article VI — City Officials
- Article VII — The Council
- Article VIII — Executive and Administrative Departments
- Article IX — Public Library
- Article XI — Educational Department
- Article XII — Revenue and Taxation
- Article XIII — Public Works and Contracts
- Article XIV — Franchises
- Article XV — Miscellaneous
- Article XVI — Off-Street Vehicular Parking
- Article XVII — Disciplinary Action
▸Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 1.04 — ADOPTION OF CODE
- Chapter 1.08 — RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 1.12 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 1.16 — DISCLOSURE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
- Chapter 1.40 — CODE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY AND POWERS
- Chapter 1.42 — JUDICIAL REMEDIES
- Chapter 1.44 — ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
- Chapter 1.46 — ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS
- Chapter 2.02 — ELECTIONS
- Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.08 — OFFICERS
- Chapter 2.10 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
- Chapter 2.12 — DEPARTMENTS
- Chapter 2.16 — BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
- Chapter 2.18 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
- Chapter 2.19 — ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES PROTECTION
- Chapter 2.20 — CIVIL SERVICE
- Chapter 2.22 — BACKGROUND CHECKS
- Chapter 2.24 — ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.28 — PRESENTATION AND PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
- Chapter 2.32 — REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
- Chapter 2.34 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.40 — PUBLIC HEARINGS
- Chapter 2.44 — LEASE OF TIDELANDS AND SUBMERGED LANDS
- Chapter 2.50 — RECOVERY OF COSTS
- Chapter 2.52 — POLICE ACQUISITION AND USE OF 'MILITARY EQUIPMENT'
- Chapter 2.55 — PURCHASING POLICY
- Title 3 — FINANCE AND TAXATION
- Chapter 3.01 — ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION BY COUNTY
- Chapter 3.04 — FISCAL YEAR
- Chapter 3.08 — PROPERTY TAXATION
- Chapter 3.12 — GAS TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND
- Chapter 3.16 — SALES TAX
- Chapter 3.17 — USE TAX
- Chapter 3.18 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.19 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX [2014]
- Chapter 3.20 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.22 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.24 — PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES FEE
- Chapter 3.26 — PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT EXCISE TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — PARAMEDIC SERVICE SPECIAL TAX
▸Article 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
- Article 2 — FINANCING FACILITIES
- Article 3 — BONDS
- Article 4 — SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS
▸Article 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
- Article 2 — PUBLIC FACILITIES FEES
- Chapter 3.34 — FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES
- Chapter 3.36 — SPECIAL LIBRARY SERVICES PARCEL TAX
- Chapter 3.40 — CANNABIS INDUSTRY TAX
- Chapter 3.42 — PARCEL TAX FOR PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ALBERT PARK MAIN
- Title 4 — FIRE
- Chapter 4.04 — RIGHT OF ENTRY
▸Chapter 4.08 — FIRE CODE
- Chapter 4.12 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE — VEGETATION MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 5.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 5.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.16 — TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 5.20 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 5.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 5.28 — SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED
- Chapter 5.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 5.34 — REGULATION OF SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES, BICYCLES AND ELECTRIC
- Chapter 5.35 — OPERATION OF ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICES
- Chapter 5.36 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 5.38 — REGULATIONS FOR MEDIANS
- Chapter 5.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 5.44 — STOPPING FOR LOADING OR UNLOADING ONLY
- Chapter 5.48 — STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN
- Chapter 5.52 — RESTRICTED USE OF CERTAIN STREETS
- Chapter 5.56 — TRAINS
- Chapter 5.60 — PARKING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.64 — FIRE TRAILS, HIKING TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND PARK LANDS
▸Chapter 5.74 — BAIL SCHEDULE FOR VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 5.81 — TRIP REDUCTION AND TRAVEL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS
- Title 6 — ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.04 — POULTRY, FOWL AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.10 — ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.16 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
- Title 7 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 7.04 — GENERAL
- Chapter 7.08 — DISASTER COUNCIL
- Chapter 7.12 — DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 7.16 — EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION
- Chapter 8.04 — GAMBLING
- Chapter 8.06 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 8.08 — CURFEW FOR MINORS
- Chapter 8.12 — MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC OFFENSES
- Chapter 8.13 — NOISE
▸Chapter 8.15 — TOBACCO PRODUCT RETAIL SALES, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
- Chapter 8.16 — OBNOXIOUS CONDUCT
- Chapter 8.18 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- Chapter 8.19 — SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE
- Chapter 8.20 — INTRUSION DETECTION ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 8.30 — VEHICLES USED FOR HUMAN HABITATION
- Chapter 8.35 — GRAFFITI PREVENTION AND REMOVAL
- Chapter 8.36 — DISPLAY OF MATERIALS HARMFUL TO MINORS
- Chapter 8.38 — REGULATION OF FIREARMS DEALERS
▸Chapter 8.40 — REGULATION OF SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINES
- Chapter 9.04 — CLEAN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR AND HEALTH PROTECTION
- Chapter 9.06 — FOOD HANDLING
- Chapter 9.08 — RABIES
- Chapter 9.12 — OFFENSIVE WASTES AND GROWTHS
- Chapter 9.19 — SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL AND EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY
- Article I — Purpose and Definitions
- Article II — Storage and Disposal
- Article III — Edible Food Recovery Requirements
- Article IV — License or Contract
- Article V — Responsibilities of Authorized Collector
- Article VI — Rates
- Article VII — Inspections and Enforcement
- Chapter 9.20 — INDUSTRIAL WASTE
- Chapter 9.22 — REGULATORY FEES FOR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.23 — REGULATORY FEES FOR CONDITIONALLY EXEMPT SMALL QUANTITY GENERATOR
- Chapter 9.24 — WELL STANDARDS
- Chapter 9.30 — URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION PREVENTION
- Chapter 9.40 — REGULATORY FEE FOR CLEAN STORMWATER ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 10.04 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
- Chapter 10.09 — DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 10.12 — DISTRIBUTION OF ADVERTISING MATERIAL
- Chapter 10.16 — AUCTIONS
- Chapter 10.20 — PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 10.24 — DOG KENNELS AND PET SHOPS
- Chapter 10.32 — BOWLING ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.36 — CARD ROOMS
- Chapter 10.44 — CARNIVALS AND CIRCUSES
- Chapter 10.48 — COMMERCIAL PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS AND ITINERANT MERCHANTS
- Chapter 10.50 — REGULATIONS OF SIDEWALK VENDORS
- Chapter 10.52 — AUTO WRECKING
- Chapter 10.60 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Chapter 10.64 — ADVERTISING DISPLAYS ALONG FREEWAYS
- Chapter 10.68 — CLOSING OUT SALES, FIRE SALES, AUCTION SALES, ETC.
- Chapter 10.72 — GARBAGE AND REFUSE DUMPS
- Chapter 10.76 — COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION SYSTEMS FRANCHISES
- Chapter 10.80 — PRIVATE PATROLS
- Chapter 10.84 — TOW CAR BUSINESS AND OPERATORS
- Chapter 10.85 — POLICE ROTATION TOWING SERVICES
- Chapter 10.90 — MASSAGE THERAPY
- Chapter 10.92 — REGULATION OF FOODWARE FOR RETAIL FOOD VENDORS
- Chapter 10.94 — SINGLE USE CARRY OUT BAGS
- Chapter 10.96 — CANNABIS BUSINESS
- Chapter 10.98 — RENTAL HOUSING SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION
- Chapter 10.100 — RENTAL HOUSING DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- Chapter 10.105 — CAUSE REQUIRED FOR EVICTION
- Chapter 10.110 — SHORT-TERM RENTAL PROGRAM
- Chapter 10.111 — RELOCATION ASSISTANCE IN OPPORTUNITY ZONES
- Chapter 11.01 — ELEVATION BASE
- Chapter 11.04 — ENCROACHMENTS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 11.12 — TREES
- Chapter 11.16 — SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PROCEEDINGS
- Chapter 11.20 — PUBLIC MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING
- Chapter 11.24 — PETITIONS REQUESTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 11.28 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT
- Chapter 11.30 — WATERCOURSES
- Chapter 11.32 — SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 11.34 — FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND DEDICATIONS OF STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 11.36 — DEMOLITION PERMITS
- Chapter 11.38 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 11.40 — RIGHT OF ENTRY
- Chapter 11.50 — PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT POLICY
- Title 12 — BUILDING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 12.100 — ADOPTED CODES
- Chapter 12.101 — GENERAL
- Chapter 12.102 — APPLICABILITY
- Chapter 12.103 — DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY
- Chapter 12.104 — DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL
- Chapter 12.105 — PERMITS
- Chapter 12.106 — FLOOR AND ROOF DESIGN LOADS
- Chapter 12.107 — SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS
- Chapter 12.108 — TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
- Chapter 12.109 — FEES
- Chapter 12.110 — INSPECTIONS
- Chapter 12.111 — CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
- Chapter 12.112 — SERVICE UTILITIES
- Chapter 12.113 — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Chapter 12.114 — VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 12.115 — STOP WORK ORDER
- Chapter 12.116 — UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT
▸Chapter 12.200 — CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
Overview- 3.1. All buildings where improvements occur during any three (3) year period that cumulatively…
- 3.2. All buildings, except R-3 occupancies, in excess of three thousand (3,000) square feet th…
- 3.3. A change in the use of a building that results in a higher fire or life safety hazard whe…
- 3.4. Where fire sprinklers are required by provisions of this code, they shall be extended thr…
- 1011.6 Stairway Landings. There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stai…
- 1807.4 Wooden retaining walls. Wooden retaining walls may not be used to support any building …
- Chapter 12.210 — CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.220 — CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.230 — CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.235 — CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.240 — CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.245 — CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.250 — CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.255 — CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.260 — INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.265 — INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 12.300 — ADDRESSING OF BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES
- Chapter 12.310 — APARTMENTS AND HOTELS—PERIODIC HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM AND
- Chapter 12.315 — EXPEDITED PERMITTING PROCESS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Chapter 12.320 — EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR
- Chapter 12.325 — MOVING AND RELOCATION OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES
- Chapter 12.335 — REPORT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING RECORD
- Chapter 12.340 — UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDING MITIGATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 12.345 — WOOD-BURNING APPLIANCES
- Chapter 12.350 — GATE SAFEGUARDS
▸Chapter 12.360 — SINGLE-FAMILY MODEL REACH CODE—FLEXPATH
- Title 13 — SETBACKS
- Chapter 13.16 — CANAL HARBOR LINES
- Chapter 13.20 — VARIANCES
- Chapter 14.01 — TITLE, COMPONENTS AND PURPOSES
- Chapter 14.02 — ORGANIZATION, APPLICABILITY AND INTERPRETATION
- Chapter 14.03 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 14.04 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (R, DR, MR, HR)
▸Chapter 14.05 — COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE DISTRICTS
- Chapter 14.06 — INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS (I, LI/O, CCI/O, LMU)
- Chapter 14.07 — PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PD)
- Chapter 14.08 — MARINE DISTRICT (M)
- Chapter 14.09 — PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC DISTRICT (P/QP)
- Chapter 14.10 — PARKS/OPEN SPACE DISTRICT (P/OS)
- Chapter 14.11 — WATER DISTRICT (W)
- Chapter 14.12 — HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT (-H)
- Chapter 15.155 — Urban Lot Splits).
- Chapter 14.13 — WETLAND OVERLAY DISTRICT (-WO)
- Chapter 14.14 — EICHLER AND ALLIANCE HOMES OVERLAY DISTRICT (-E/A)
- Chapter 14.15 — CANALFRONT REVIEW OVERLAY DISTRICT (-C)
▸Chapter 14.16 — SITE AND USE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 14.17 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- Chapter 14.18 — PARKING STANDARDS
- Chapter 14.19 — SIGNS
- Chapter 14.20 — ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORITY
- Chapter 14.21 — ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMITS
- Chapter 14.22 — USE PERMITS
- Chapter 14.23 — VARIANCES
- Chapter 14.24 — EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 14.25 — ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN REVIEW PERMITS
- Chapter 14.26 — REQUESTS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
- Chapter 14.27 — AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 14.28 — APPEALS
- Chapter 14.29 — PUBLIC NOTICE
- Chapter 14.30 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 15.01 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 15.02 — MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS (FIVE OR MORE LOTS)
- Chapter 15.03 — MINOR SUBDIVISIONS (FOUR OR FEWER LOTS)
- Chapter 15.04 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 15.05 — LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS AND CONSOLIDATIONS
▸Chapter 15.06 — SUBDIVISION DESIGN STANDARDS AND MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 15.07 — STANDARDS FOR HILLSIDE SUBDIVISIONS
- Chapter 15.08 — DEDICATIONS AND RESERVATIONS
- Chapter 15.09 — PARK DEDICATION AND IN-LIEU FEES
- Chapter 15.10 — EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 15.11 — SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS AND SECURITIES
- Chapter 15.12 — CONDOMINIUMS
- Chapter 15.13 — REVERSION TO ACREAGE
- Chapter 15.14 — CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE
- Chapter 15.15 — MERGER OF SUBSTANDARD LOTS
- Chapter 15.155 — URBAN LOT SPLITS
- Chapter 15.16 — VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 15.17 — CORRECTIONS, AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS
- Chapter 15.18 — DEFINITIONS
▸Title 16 — SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS
- Title 17 — WATERS AND WATERWAYS
- Chapter 17.10 — DUMPING, DREDGING AND CONSTRUCTION WITHIN TIDAL WATERWAYS
- Chapter 17.20 — ANCHORING AND MOORING IN THE SAN RAFAEL CANAL AND SAN RAFAEL BAY
- Chapter 17.30 — WATERCRAFT TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
- Chapter 17.40 — VESSEL SANITATION AND DOCK SAFETY
- Title 18 — PROTECTION OF FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
- Chapter 18.10 — STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT, PURPOSE AND METHODS
- Chapter 18.20 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 18.40 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 18.50 — PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
▸Chapter 18.60 — VARIANCE PROCEDURE
- Title 19 — PUBLIC PARKS, PROPERTY, AND OPEN SPACE
- Chapter 19.10 — LAND AND WATER AREAS
- Chapter 19.20 — PARKS AND RECREATION
- Chapter 19.30 — ASSEMBLIES AND PARADES IN PUBLIC STREETS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY
▸Chapter 19.40 — EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 19.50 — CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Title 20 — MOBILEHOME RENT STABILIZATION
- Chapter 20.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
▸Chapter 20.08 — RENT INCREASES
- Chapter 20.12 — RENTAL DISPUTE HEARING PROCESS
▸Chapter 20.16 — REMEDIES—VIOLATIONS—PENALTIES
Overview- 14.12 to be Ch. 14.15; amends §§ 14.74.010 and
- § 14.32
- 13.307 and 13.316 of the Uniform Fire Code;
- § 14.75
- § 14.74
- § 12.20
- 12.32 and 12.38, building codes (12.12, 12.14,
- 12.28 and 12.32, building regulations (12.12, 12.14,
- 2.36 and 2.37 (1.08, 1.12, 1.40, 1.42, 1.44, 1.46)
- 12.28 and 12.32, building regulations (12.12, 12.14,
- 11.06 and 11.08, encroachments in the public
- 3.34 1874 7- 6-09 Social host div. 2 8.19.060
- 15.01 1879 2- 1-10 Amends chapter 2 Dltd 12.44.010—
- 12.44 12.44.060
- § 12.46
- § 8.14
- § 12.12
- § 12.13
- § 12.14
- § 12.16
- § 12.21
- § 12.23
- § 12.30
- 14.17 Performance
- § 12.22
- § 12.36
- 5.38 related to
- 5.12 regarding
- § 2.60
- § 12.24
- § 12.25
- § 12.34
- § 12.40
- § 12.42
- § 12.45
- 10.111 entitled 10.111.090
- § 8.10
- § 5.70
- 2.22 entitled