Sign Regulations in San Rafael, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in San Rafael or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Rafael has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Political Signs
San Rafael caps noncommercial political and election signs at 32 square feet per site, 90 days display per year, with removal required within 10 days after the election: no permit needed.
Key details: Size cap: 32 sq ft per site. Duration: 90 days per calendar year. Post-election removal: Within 10 days. Permit: None required.
Exceeding the 32-square-foot cap, displaying beyond 90 days per year, or failing to remove an election sign within 10 days after the election is a sign code violation, punishable under SRMC Chapters 1.40–1.46.
Digital Billboards
San Rafael bans electronic message and animated signs citywide, including digital billboards, with narrow exceptions for time-temperature displays and city-installed multilingual community service signs; off-site billboard advertising is separately prohibited under the sign ordinance.
Key details: Electronic message signs: Prohibited citywide, narrow exceptions. Billboards: Prohibited outright, §14.19.080(D). City exception: 48 sq ft community service signs only. Enforcement: Removal order; misdemeanor for noncompliance.
Prohibited sign is subject to a removal/abatement order from the community development director after written notice; failure to comply is a violation of Chapter 14.19, punishable under the city's code enforcement chapters (1.40-1.46).
This is one of the stricter rules in San Rafael's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Window Signs
San Rafael caps window signage at 25% of a framed or continuous window's area, measuring multi-pane windows as a single whole; permanent window signs also count toward the business's overall sign allotment.
Key details: Coverage cap: 25% of window area. Multi-pane windows: Measured as one framed area. Upper floors: Ground floor only outside downtown. Permanent signs: Count toward overall sign allotment.
A window sign exceeding the 25% coverage cap or placed on an ineligible upper floor is a prohibited/nonconforming sign subject to a removal order; continued violation is punishable under the city's code enforcement chapters.
Garage Sale Signs
San Rafael allows up to two garage or yard sale signs, each 10 square feet or smaller, without a sign permit, but only for seven days before and four days after the sale, and never on public poles or fences.
Key details: Max signs: Two per sale. Max size: 10 sq ft each. Display window: 7 days before, 4 after. Permit: None required. Placement: Private property only.
A sign left up past the allowed window, oversized, or posted on a utility pole, streetlight, or public fence is subject to a removal/abatement order; continued violation is punishable under the city's code enforcement chapters (1.40-1.46).
Freeway-Facing Signs
San Rafael allows larger freestanding signs, up to 72 square feet and 21 feet tall (25 feet with a setback bonus), for businesses fronting the Highway 101/I-580 frontage roads.
Key details: Applies to: Lots fronting US 101/I-580. Max sign area: Up to 72 sq ft. Max height: 21 ft (25 ft with bonus). Small-lot tier: Same 32 sq ft as citywide.
Erecting a freestanding sign that exceeds the area or height limits in Table 14.19-1 for the applicable frontage tier is a sign code violation, enforceable under SRMC Chapter 14.19's prohibited-sign and enforcement provisions.
The Bottom Line
San Rafael's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Rafael is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from San Rafael's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.