San Rafael, CA Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential limit
- 1 hour
- Weight threshold
- over 10,000 lbs unladen
- Reset requirement
- leave block face 2+ hrs
- Exception permit
- 1 year, renewable
- Appeal
- to city council
Summary
San Rafael bars parking commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds, trailers, or oversized vehicles longer than one hour on residential streets, unless the owner gets a discretionary exception permit from public works.
No person shall park any commercial vehicle of more than ten thousand (10,000) pounds unladen gross weight, any oversized vehicle, any trailer, semi-trailer, utility trailer or auxiliary dolly (as these vehicles are defined in the California Vehicle Code) for more than one (1) hour upon any city street or portion thereof, within any residential district (Chapter 14.04), planned residential development district (Chapter 14.07), public/quasi-public district (Chapter 14.09), or parks/open space district (Chapter 14.10), within the city.
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
Section 5.40.140(A) of the San Rafael Municipal Code caps parking of any commercial vehicle over ten thousand (10,000) pounds unladen gross weight, any oversized vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, utility trailer, or auxiliary dolly at one hour in residential districts (Chapter 14.04), planned residential development districts (14.07), public/quasi-public districts (14.09), and parks/open space districts (14.10). A vehicle must leave the block face and stay out at least two hours before returning. Owners may apply to the director of public works for a one-year exception permit, reviewed on sightlines, traffic patterns, proximity to residences, and business need; permit grants, denials, and revocations can be appealed to the city council (Section 5.40.140(E)).
Violations & Fines
Vehicles parked beyond the one-hour residential limit without an exception permit can be cited; the permit process is the only route to exceed the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park a work truck in front of my San Rafael house overnight?
Does this apply in commercial zones too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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