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San Rafael, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

WUI map adopted
July 2, 2007
Zone classification
Very high fire severity zone
Compliance deadline (in WUI)
August 1, 2021
Compliance deadline (citywide)
April 1, 2022
Enforced by
San Rafael Fire Chief

Summary

San Rafael has its own mapped Wildland-Urban Interface, adopted in 2007 under SRMC §4.12.010, designating a very high fire severity zone under Government Code §51179 that triggered citywide vegetation-management compliance by April 1, 2022.

This chapter establishes a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) in the city, as described in the City of San Rafael Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) map, dated July 2, 2007, on file with the city clerk, as it may be amended hereafter from time to time by city council resolution, which is a designation of a very high severity zone as provided in Government Code Section 51179, and establishes citywide specific vegetation management standards which will be required for all properties in the WUI on or before August 1, 2021 and for properties outside the WUI by April 1, 2022.

View official code

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 has formally designated a Wildland-Urban Interface under SRMC §4.12.010, mapped citywide as of July 2, 2007 and amendable by city council resolution. The WUI marks a very high fire severity zone under Government Code §51179 and triggers the vegetation-management duties in Chapter 4.12: full compliance was required inside the WUI by August 1, 2021, and citywide (including areas outside the mapped WUI) by April 1, 2022. Marin County's unincorporated areas next to San Rafael, such as Marinwood and Lucas Valley, fall under separate Marin County and CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area rules, not this city ordinance.

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 4.12's WUI and vegetation standards is a misdemeanor/infraction under SRMC §1.42.010, and the city may abate the condition as a nuisance and bill the owner for abatement and administrative costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Rafael's WUI the same as the state's Fire Hazard Severity Zone map?
No. SRMC §4.12.010 sets a locally adopted WUI map; a separate State Responsibility Area defensible-space duty under Pub. Res. Code §4291 is enforced by CAL FIRE where it applies.
Does the WUI designation cover all of San Rafael?
The WUI follows the boundary on the city's 2007 map on file with the city clerk; the same vegetation standards were extended citywide by April 1, 2022 regardless of the mapped boundary.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Rafael

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSignificant RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All San Rafael rules

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