San Rafael, CA Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Jurisdiction
- San Rafael city limits only
- Citation
- SRMC § 1.08.020
- Enforcement tools
- Administrative citation or order
- Fine payment window
- 30 days from citation
Summary
San Rafael's municipal code defines "public nuisance" through a specific catalog of property conditions, broken windows, garbage cans left in yards, debris, and abandoned vehicles visible from the street, that code enforcement staff act on citywide.
"Public nuisance" means any condition caused, maintained or permitted to exist, which violates any provision of this code or applicable state codes... or which consists of any of the following: ...4.Broken windows constituting hazardous conditions or inviting trespassers and malicious mischief;...7.Garbage cans stored in front or side yards and visible from public streets;8.Packing boxes, lumber, trash, dirt and other debris either inside or outside buildings or located on vacant property and visible from public streets.
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
San Rafael Municipal Code § 1.08.020 defines "public nuisance" for citywide code-enforcement purposes and lists the recurring conditions officials cite: overgrown or hazardous vegetation, broken windows, discarded furniture or machinery visible from the street, garbage cans left in front or side yards, packing boxes and debris, stagnant-water containers, and abandoned or disabled vehicles visible from public streets. City code enforcement officials, not Marin County staff, investigate these conditions inside San Rafael city limits and may issue an administrative citation under SRMC Chapter 1.44 or pursue an administrative order under Chapter 1.46.
Violations & Fines
Administrative citation fines are set by a schedule adopted through city council resolution (SRMC § 1.44.030) and are due within 30 days of the citation (§ 1.44.040); repeat violations within 36 months draw increased fines, and unpaid fines can lead to a code enforcement assessment lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions count as a "public nuisance" in San Rafael?
Does this rule apply outside San Rafael city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California code violation reporting overview
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