San Rafael, CA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max signs
- Two per sale
- Max size
- 10 sq ft each
- Display window
- 7 days before, 4 after
- Permit
- None required
- Placement
- Private property only
Summary
San Rafael allows up to two garage or yard sale signs, each 10 square feet or smaller, without a sign permit, but only for seven days before and four days after the sale, and never on public poles or fences.
D.Special Function and One-Time Event Signs. Signs, posters and notices for special functions and one-time events are permitted subject to the following:1.A maximum of two (2) signs, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area for each sign;2.Signs shall be posted on-site or off-site on private property. Such signs shall not be placed on utility poles, streetlights or fences located on public property;3.Signs shall not be displayed for more than seven (7) days prior to or more than four (4) days after the function or event;6.No sign permit is required.
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 Municipal Code § 14.19.070(D) treats a garage, yard, or estate sale sign as a 'special function and one-time event sign.' Up to two signs are allowed, each no larger than 10 square feet, placed on-site or off-site but only on private property: never on utility poles, streetlights, or fences located on public property. Display is capped at seven days before the event and four days after, with an absolute 30-day maximum for any special-function sign, and no sign permit is required. A sign placed in a window also counts toward the separate 25% window-area cap in § 14.19.070(D)(5).
Violations & Fines
A sign left up past the allowed window, oversized, or posted on a utility pole, streetlight, or public fence is subject to a removal/abatement order; continued violation is punishable under the city's code enforcement chapters (1.40-1.46).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a garage sale sign in San Rafael?
Can I put my garage sale sign on a street light pole?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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