San Rafael, CA Special Events & Permits: Parklets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Annual streetary encroachment permit, Public Works
- Max size
- 2 parallel parking spaces per business
- Parking floor
- 70% of nearby on-street parking must remain
- Setbacks
- 18-inch travel lane, 2-foot wheel stop
- Legacy deadline
- Existing streetaries needed permits by Dec 1, 2022
- Violation
- Misdemeanor; 30-day cure notice before termination
Summary
San Rafael calls its parklets "streetaries": outdoor eating areas built inside on-street parking spaces next to a restaurant. Chapter 11.70 requires an annual streetary encroachment permit from the public works director, caps them at two parking spaces in commercial districts, and bars them from ADA spots, colored curbs, hydrants, and bike lanes.
A.Streetaries are permitted in existing parking spaces within the right-of-way in all commercial districts.B.Streetaries are only permitted in the parking spaces within the right-of-way directly adjacent to the food service establishment street frontage.C.Notwithstanding subsection A, above, streetaries shall not be permitted along streets with (1) peak hour parking restrictions or (2) speeds limits greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.D.Notwithstanding subsection A, above, streetaries shall not be permitted in parking spaces that (1) are ADA designated, (2) are adjacent to curbs designated for no parking (red curb), passenger loading zones (white curb), commercial loading zones (yellow curb), limited parking zones (green) and/or any other colored curb zones with restrictions, (3) would block or obstruct any fire hydrant, fire department sprinkler or standpipe hose, or other public safety infrastructure, (4) would obstruct utility access panels, manhole covers, storm drains, street valves, or any other type of utility assets, or (5) would obstruct any bicycle facility.
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
010). 277 of Title 14. 030). 040). 060). 050). 100). m. other nights.
Violations & Fines
Operating a streetary without a valid encroachment permit is a misdemeanor under Section 11.70.120 and can trigger any enforcement remedy authorized by law. Existing streetaries as of the October 3, 2022 ordinance had to obtain a permit and pay fees by December 1, 2022 or face closure. The director may issue a written notice of violation; the permit terminates in 30 days unless the violation is corrected or a hearing is requested, and the city may inspect any streetary annually or as needed and revoke a permit that threatens public health, safety or welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a San Rafael restaurant build a parklet on the sidewalk instead of in a parking space?
How many parking spaces can a streetary use in San Rafael?
What happens if 70 percent of nearby parking isn't available?
Can a San Rafael streetary serve alcohol or host live music?
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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