ADU rules in San Rafael, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
San Rafael follows state ADU law (Government Code §66341-66342) and has local implementing zoning standards in Chapter 14. ADUs up to 850 sq ft (or 1,000 sq ft for a 2-bedroom) are ministerially approved on lots with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft are also permitted.
San Rafael's ADU webpage outlines the path: ministerial review under state-law preemption, 4-ft minimum side/rear setback, no owner-occupancy requirement (with limited exceptions), and exemption from local parking requirements for ADUs within ½ mile of transit. JADUs require owner occupancy in either the primary unit or the JADU. ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals (under 30 days) in San Rafael.
Unpermitted ADUs are abatable under §12.100.010 and may require legalization or removal. Operating an ADU as an STR is a Chapter 10.110 violation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Rafael, CA
§19.20.080(4) prohibits the use of amplified sound in city parks and buildings without a permit. Combined with the citywide §8.13 noise limits, this is the m...
San Rafael, CA
Parking or storing large commercial vehicles in San Rafael residential zones is restricted by zoning, with weight/length thresholds limiting what may be kept...
San Rafael, CA
Driveway approaches in San Rafael require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved paved surface...
San Rafael, CA
RV, trailer and boat storage on residential lots in San Rafael is regulated by zoning, which restricts placement and prohibits living in a parked RV. The cit...
San Rafael, CA
§5.40.040(1) makes it unlawful to repair or wash any motor vehicle on a city street. Routine driveway washing and minor home maintenance are not affected, bu...
San Rafael, CA
Shared boundary fences in California are governed by the Good Neighbor Fence Act (CA Civil Code §841), presuming adjoining owners share the cost equally afte...
See how San Rafael's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.