Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in San Rafael, CA (2026)
2 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for San Rafael, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
In San Rafael, the owner of any lot adjacent to or fronting a sidewalk must repair and maintain it at the owner's own cost, regardless of whether the city has given notice or made past repairs itself.
San Rafael Sidewalk Repair Duty
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code § 11.60.020
The property owner of lots or portions of lots adjacent to or fronting on any portion of a sidewalk shall repair and maintain the sidewalk in a safe and non-dangerous condition at the owner's cost and expense. The property owner shall have the primary and exclusive duty to fund and perform such repair and maintenance, whether or not the city has notified the property owner of the need for such ...
Encroachment Permits
Anyone who wants to place a structure, landscaping, a debris box, scaffolding or any other private improvement in a San Rafael public street or sidewalk needs an encroachment permit from the director of public works first. The permit comes with mandatory $1 million liability insurance, city indemnification, and construction standards, and an unpermitted encroachment is itself a public nuisance the city can abate.
San Rafael Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit
Some RestrictionsSan Rafael Municipal Code §§ 11.04.030.010(A), 11.04.030.030(A), 11.04.030.140
It is unlawful for any person, utility or special district to encroach or to make or to cause to be made any encroachment without first having obtained the required encroachment permit or license from the director as prescribed in this chapter. The requirements herein for an encroachment permit or license shall be in addition to any other permit that may be required under this code for the work...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Rafael city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Marin County →