San Rafael, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt deck size
- 200 sq ft or less
- Exempt deck/patio height
- 30 inches above grade
- Must be
- detached, not part of egress
- Larger/attached decks
- require building permit
Summary
In San Rafael, Marin County, California, small, low, detached decks up to 200 square feet and 30 inches high, and patios up to 30 inches above grade, are exempt from a building permit.
Decks not exceeding two hundred (200) square feet (18.58 m 3 ) in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches (seven hundred sixty-two (762) mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a building, are not part of any path of egress and meets required setbacks as defined in Title 14.r.Replacement of glazing or replacement of glazing in hazardous locations with tempered glazing.s.Grading under fifty (50) cubic yards (38.23 m 3 ) pursuant to Title 14. Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance:
i.Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.ii.Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefore.iii.Replacement of branch circuit over-current devices of the required capacity in the same location.iv.Repair or replacement of current carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control device.v.Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.vi.Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.vii.Removal of electrical wire, coax or communication wire.viii.Replacement of light fixtures in single family and accessory structures. Temporary uses:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code §12.105.020(q) exempts decks from a building permit if they don't exceed 200 square feet, aren't more than 30 inches above grade at any point, aren't attached to a building, aren't part of an egress path, and meet required setbacks under Title 14. Section 12.105.020(f) similarly exempts patios, sidewalks and driveways up to 30 inches above adjacent grade without foundations. Larger, higher, or attached decks and patios require a building permit under §12.105.010; small uncovered patios/decks 30 inches or less are also excluded from lot-coverage calculations under §14.16.132.
Violations & Fines
Building an attached deck, or one exceeding 200 square feet or 30 inches in height, without a building permit and required setback compliance is a violation enforceable under Title 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a small backyard deck in San Rafael without a permit?
Is a ground-level patio exempt too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California building safety overview
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