Before You Build in San Rafael, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

§14.16.140 regulates fence materials and visibility, including how opacity at the front yard interacts with sight distance and design review. Standard wood, vinyl, and chain link are permitted; barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones.

A building/zoning permit is generally required in San Rafael for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Building Code. Standard residential fences at the height limit may be permit-exempt.

San Rafael zoning typically allows fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3–4 feet in front yards, with corner sight-visibility limits and hillside/view considerations. Taller fences require a permit or variance.

Shared boundary fences in California are governed by the Good Neighbor Fence Act (CA Civil Code §841), presuming adjoining owners share the cost equally after 30 days' notice. Spite fences over 10 feet are a private nuisance (§841.4).

Pools in San Rafael must be enclosed under the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act: a barrier at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-closing, self-latching gates, plus at least one additional drowning-prevention feature.

Pool construction in San Rafael must meet the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act — barriers, anti-entrapment drain covers, and electrical bonding. A building permit and inspections are required.

Above-ground pools holding more than 18 inches of water in San Rafael require a building permit and the same barrier protection as in-ground pools; ladders must be removable or secured when unattended.

San Rafael follows state ADU law (Government Code §66341-66342) and has local implementing zoning standards in Chapter 14. ADUs up to 850 sq ft (or 1,000 sq ft for a 2-bedroom) are ministerially approved on lots with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft are also permitted.

Converting a garage to living space in San Rafael requires a building permit and zoning review for egress, light/ventilation and parking; converting to a separate unit is often processed as an ADU under state law.

Sheds in San Rafael must meet zoning setback rules for accessory structures. Under the California Building Code, a building permit is generally required for sheds over 120 square feet; smaller sheds still must meet placement rules.

Open burning in San Rafael is regulated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the fire department; residential yard-waste burning is generally prohibited and barred on Spare the Air days. Defensible-space clearance applies in the city's hillside fire zones.

Recreational fires in approved fire pits using clean, dry wood are generally allowed in San Rafael subject to fire-code clearances and Spare the Air / red-flag day restrictions; fires must be attended and a safe distance from structures and vegetation.

Outdoor watering in San Rafael is subject to the Marin Municipal Water District's conservation rules, including assigned watering days/times and runoff prohibitions during drought. California's MWELO applies to larger new/renovated landscapes.

Owners maintain trees on their own property in San Rafael; street trees and protected/heritage trees are managed by the city, which requires approval before pruning or removing them.

Owners may remove most trees on private property in San Rafael; removal of street trees or protected/heritage trees requires city approval, and replacement may be required during development.