San Rafael, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Chapter 19.50 flatly bans camping in city parks, parking garages, and public facilities, within 100 feet of any playground, within 250 feet of any school, and on any sidewalk or public right-of-way. On other public property, camping is allowed only within tight time-place-manner limits set by 19.50.040: a 200-square-foot cap per solo camper (400 sq ft for up to four people), a 10-foot clearance around each site and from other campsites or utility infrastructure, a 5-foot setback from paved roadways, and a ban on permanent building materials (fabric tents/tarps and removable pallets or sandbags are allowed). Enforcement under 19.50.050 requires immediate cessation for camping in the flatly banned areas, gives campers 48 hours to fix size or clearance violations, and gives 48 hours to remove an unpermitted structure before the city removes it itself. The chapter took effect May 6, 2024, and was amended September 3, 2024 and April 21, 2025.