Public Conduct in San Rafael, CA (2026)
6 verified public conduct rules for San Rafael, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Skateboarding Rules
San Rafael bans skateboarding, roller skating, bicycling and e-mobility devices on sidewalks and streets wherever the city posts prohibition signs, and separately bars riding any of them in a way that cuts off vehicle or pedestrian right-of-way, under SRMC §5.34.010 and §5.34.030.
San Rafael Skateboard Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 5.34.010
In any area where official signs are posted prohibiting such acts, it is unlawful for any person to ride any skateboard or similar device, or to skate using roller skates, on the public sidewalk or street. In any area where official signs are posted prohibiting such acts, it is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle, an electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD), or similar devices ...
Loud Party Ordinance
San Rafael's Social Host Ordinance makes it unlawful for a property owner, tenant, or host to knowingly allow an "unruly gathering" where underage persons consume alcohol or drugs, imposing liability and police response costs on the responsible person.
San Rafael Social Host Ordinance
Significant RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 8.19.050
It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any responsible person to knowingly host, permit, or allow an unruly gathering to occur at private property in the city concerning which the responsible person has a right of possession specified in Section 8.19.030(J). For purposes of this chapter, a responsible person knowingly hosts, permits or allows an unruly gathering whenever the responsible perso...
Loitering Rules
San Rafael bars lingering or loitering on any street median narrower than four feet for more than a few minutes, citing pedestrian safety on medians not built for prolonged use.
San Rafael Street Median Loitering Ban
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 5.38.020
(a)It is prohibited for any person to linger or loiter on any median less than four (4) feet in width located within any public roadway.(b)This prohibition is required to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and motorists, as small medians are not designed to accommodate prolonged pedestrian use. The only exceptions to this prohibition are for the following circumstances: (1) as may be necessa...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
San Rafael's Clean Indoor and Outdoor Air ordinance bans smoking in nearly all unenclosed public spaces: parks, plazas, dining patios, service areas, apartment common areas, and every sidewalk in Downtown San Rafael.
San Rafael Outdoor Public Smoking Ban
Significant RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 9.04.050(B)
Smoking shall be prohibited in the unenclosed areas of the following places within the city limits of the City of San Rafael except in such places in which smoking is already prohibited by state or federal law...:1.Public places, including public plazas.2.Within twenty feet (20') of a working road or building and construction crew.3.Recreation areas.4.Open space.5.Service areas.6.Dining areas.
Jaywalking
San Rafael bars pedestrians from crossing anywhere but a marked crosswalk within any business district, and everywhere else requires crossing at right angles to the curb unless a marked crosswalk is available. Sections 5.36.020 and 5.36.030 make both an infraction under Section 5.12.020, punishable by up to a $500 fine under Section 1.42.010.
San Rafael Jaywalking and Crosswalk Law
Light RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code §§ 5.36.020, 5.36.030
5.36.020 - When pedestrians must use crosswalks. No pedestrians shall cross a roadway other than by a crosswalk in any business district. 5.36.030 - Crossing at right angles. No pedestrians shall cross a roadway at any place other than by a route at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb except in a marked crosswalk.
Public Alcohol Use
San Rafael bans consuming alcohol or holding an open container anywhere on city-owned or controlled public property, parks, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and civic buildings, unless the city has issued a permit.
San Rafael Public Alcohol Consumption Ban
Heavy RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 8.18.030
It shall be unlawful for any person to consume an alcoholic beverage or to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in or upon any city park, open space, playground, recreation area, or other public place, including, but not limited to, the grounds of city hall, the Falkirk Mansion, any community center, or any city street, sidewalk, pathway, lane, alley, parking lot, garage, parking ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Rafael city rules.
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