Homelessness & Encampment Rules in San Rafael, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in San Rafael or are thinking about moving there, homelessness & encampment rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Rafael has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of homelessness & encampment rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Sit-Lie Rules

San Rafael's municipal code broadly bans placing, keeping or maintaining any obstruction on a public sidewalk under §8.12.110: a general provision the city can apply against blocked passage from belongings, encampments or displays, unless another code section separately authorizes it.

Key details: Rule: No obstructions on sidewalks. Citation: SRMC § 8.12.110. Scope: Citywide, all sidewalks. Not sit/lie-specific: General obstruction language only. Penalty basis: Title 1, Ch. 1.42 general penalty.

Placing or leaving any obstruction on a public sidewalk without another code section authorizing it violates §8.12.110, enforced as a general infraction or misdemeanor under Title 1, Chapter 1.42.

Compared to other cities, San Rafael takes a harder line on sit-lie rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Encampment Sanitation

San Rafael bans camping outright in parks, parking garages, public facilities, near playgrounds and schools, and on sidewalks and rights-of-way, and imposes strict size, setback, and structure limits on camping elsewhere on public property.

Key details: Banned in: parks, garages, facilities, ROW. Playground buffer: 100 feet. School buffer: 250 feet. Solo campsite cap: 200 sq ft. Compliance window: 48 hours.

Camping in a banned location (parks, garages, facilities, playground/school buffers, sidewalks, rights-of-way) must stop immediately on notice. Size, clearance, or setback violations elsewhere get a 48-hour cure period; unpermitted structures are tagged and removed by the city if not taken down within 48 hours.

Compared to other cities, San Rafael takes a harder line on encampment sanitation. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

San Rafael is tougher than many cities when it comes to homelessness & encampment rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in San Rafael, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on San Rafael's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.