San Rafael, CA Filming & Production: Street Closures (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Minor encroachment permit
- Issued by
- Public Works Director
- Max duration
- One year
- Dedicated film permit
- None exists
Summary
San Rafael, California, in Marin County has no dedicated film-permit ordinance; instead it treats any private closure of a public street, including for filming, as a temporary encroachment requiring a minor encroachment permit.
"Temporary encroachment" means an encroachment which is intended to continue for a specified, limited period of time, not to exceed one (1) year, and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:...4.Closure for limited periods of time of public streets, driveways or public areas not under control of the state or the county;...A temporary encroachment or minor continuing encroachment shall be approved only upon issuance of a minor encroachment permit.
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 Section 11.04.020 defines a 'temporary encroachment' to include the 'closure for limited periods of time of public streets, driveways or public areas not under control of the state or the county.' Under Section 11.04.040.010, that closure, whether for a film shoot, a private event, or any other use, may proceed only after the applicant obtains a minor encroachment permit from the Public Works Director, valid for up to one year. The city's business license tax schedule separately taxes commercial filming as a business, but the street-closure permit itself runs through this encroachment chapter, not a standalone film ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Closing a street without the required minor encroachment permit is unlawful under Section 11.04.030.010 and is enforceable as an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a public nuisance abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Rafael issue a separate film permit?
Who approves the street closure?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
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