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San Rafael, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)

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

Key Facts

Applies to
Lots fronting US 101/I-580
Max sign area
Up to 72 sq ft
Max height
21 ft (25 ft with bonus)
Small-lot tier
Same 32 sq ft as citywide

Summary

San Rafael allows larger freestanding signs, up to 72 square feet and 21 feet tall (25 feet with a setback bonus), for businesses fronting the Highway 101/I-580 frontage roads.

"Freeway-Oriented" means those businesses and uses directly facing a frontage road, which is both parallel to and generally level with US Highway 101 or Interstate 580. Freeway-Oriented* 50—75 feet 15 feet 32 sf 6 feet Monument; 249+ feet 35 feet 72 sf 21 feet** Monument, Pole/Pylon.

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

Under Table 14.19-1 of SRMC §14.19.053(L), a 'freeway-oriented' business, one directly facing a frontage road parallel to and roughly level with US 101 or I-580, gets larger freestanding-sign allowances than the citywide default. A lot with 50-75 feet of frontage is capped the same as elsewhere: 32 square feet, 6 feet tall, monument-only. A 100-249-foot-frontage lot can reach 50 square feet; a 249-plus-foot lot can reach 72 square feet and 21 feet tall, with monument or pole/pylon signs allowed. A height bonus of one foot per five feet of extra setback applies, up to 25 feet total.

Violations & Fines

Erecting a freestanding sign that exceeds the area or height limits in Table 14.19-1 for the applicable frontage tier is a sign code violation, enforceable under SRMC Chapter 14.19's prohibited-sign and enforcement provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a freeway-facing business in San Rafael get a bigger sign than other businesses?
Yes, on lots with 100+ feet of frontage: up to 50 or 72 square feet under Table 14.19-1, versus the 32-square-foot citywide default for smaller lots.
What counts as 'freeway-oriented' under this rule?
A business or use directly facing a frontage road that is parallel to and roughly level with US Highway 101 or Interstate 580, per SRMC §14.19.053(L).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Rafael

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsPolitical SignsSome RestrictionsDigital BillboardsHeavy RestrictionsWindow SignsSome RestrictionsGarage Sale SignsSome 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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