San Rafael · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, a duplex is allowed in 4 base zones (R, DR, MR and HR, 1 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 3 (PD, R/O and P/QP, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 5 (San Rafael use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R, DR, MR and HR
- Needs a permit: PD, R/O and P/QP
- Not allowed: GC, NC, O, C/O and FBWC
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Rafael Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a duplex can go
San Rafael's code calls this use “Duplex residential”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R | Allowed — see note Note *: Pursuant to regulations and restrictions outlined in Section 14.16.282 | § 14.04.020 |
| DR | Allowed | § 14.04.020 |
| MR | Allowed | § 14.04.020 |
| HR | Allowed | § 14.04.020 |
| PD Planned Development | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note PD: No use other than an existing use or a temporary use is permitted in a PD district except in accord with a valid development plan (14.07.020 A). | § 14.04.020 |
| R/O | Needs a conditional use permit | § 14.05.020 |
| P/QP Public/Quasi-Public | Needs a conditional use permit | § 14.09.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 14.16.282 SB 9 Housing Developments (R district only).
- State law: SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21) allows two homes on most single-family lots with a ministerial permit, also where this table says no.
- Not covered here: DMU (Downtown Mixed Use): S3 says all land use regulations are in the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code, not in the packet.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Rafael
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a duplex in the PD zone in San Rafael?
Only with a conditional use permit. San Rafael's use table lists it that way in PD (Planned Development) (§ 14.04.020). The code adds a condition: “No use other than an existing use or a temporary use is permitted in a PD district except in accord with a valid development plan (14.07.020 A).”
Can I have a duplex in the GC zone in San Rafael?
No. San Rafael's use table does not allow it in GC (§ 14.05.020).
Can I have a duplex in the R zone in San Rafael?
Yes, with a condition. San Rafael's use table lists it as allowed in R (§ 14.04.020). The code adds a condition: “Pursuant to regulations and restrictions outlined in Section 14.16.282”
General information, not legal advice.
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