San Rafael, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Section 10.84.010 makes it unlawful for any person, firm, partnership or corporation to engage in the business of towing motor vehicles from public and private property, or from specially reserved private customer parking areas serving business, commercial, professional and industrial establishments, without first obtaining a permit, whenever the tow requires use of the public streets to complete the job. Property owners who reserve parking for their own customers must post signs stating the lot is limited to customers and that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the registered owner's expense, using towing rates the city council has approved and kept on file with the city clerk and police chief (§ 10.84.020).

To apply, an operator files with the chief of police the business's ownership structure, names and addresses of owners and employees, a schedule of city-council-approved towing rates, and a deposit equal to the annual business license fee plus a processing fee set by council resolution (§ 10.84.030). The chief investigates the applicant's moral character and business integrity and may require fingerprints and photographs of any officer or employee (§ 10.84.040), then issues the permit if the applicant and its principals show good moral character and a history of good business practice (§ 10.84.050).

Permits run for one year and renew on written notice with payment of the annual business license fee, subject to the chief's recommendation (§ 10.84.060), and a separate annual investigation fee applies (§ 10.84.070). Governmental agencies and emergency roadside assistance calls are exempt from the permit requirement, and the chapter does not excuse compliance with state towing law (§§ 10.84.110, 10.84.120).