San Rafael, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 25 or more persons
- Issued by
- City manager
- Fee
- Set by council resolution
- Appeal
- Permit decisions are final
Summary
San Rafael requires a city manager permit for exclusive use of any park or building, or for any gathering of 25 or more people, before the event can take place.
A person wanting either (1) exclusive use of any park, building or portion thereof, or (2) use of a park, building or portion thereof for gatherings of twenty-five (25) or more persons, must apply for and obtain a permit for such use, activity or event, from the city manager. It is unlawful for any person to engage in any use of any park, building or portion thereof, for which a permit is required, without obtaining such a permit.B.Permits issued pursuant to this section shall entitle permittees, for the duration of said permit, to exclusive use of the portion of the park or building specified in said permit.C.The fees for issuance of permits issued pursuant to this section shall be set forth by separate resolution of the city council.D.Nothing in this section shall require persons or entities to obtain a permit for expressive activities. Permit requirements for expressive activities are set forth in Chapter 19.30 of this Code. (Ord. No. 1998, § 4(Exh. A), 8-16-2021)
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
SRMC § 19.20.030 requires anyone seeking exclusive use of a city park or building, or planning a gathering of 25 or more people, to obtain a permit from the city manager before the event. Applications go through the city manager's office, and fees are set by council resolution. The city manager may attach conditions covering hours, location, crowd limits, security, and cleanup, and the permit decision is final with no right of appeal. Expressive activities such as protests are exempt from this permit and instead follow Chapter 19.30 or 19.40's separate rules.
Violations & Fines
Using a park or building in a way that requires a permit, exclusive use or a 25-plus person gathering, without first obtaining one is unlawful and enforceable as a public nuisance under SRMC Chapters 1.40–1.46.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small family picnic?
Is a permit required for a protest or rally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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