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San Rafael, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

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

Key Facts

Requirement
City license agreement, not a permit
Insurance
$1,000,000 liability, city insured
Pathway
Minimum 6-foot clear width
Revocable
At the city council's pleasure

Summary

San Rafael bars restaurants from using city sidewalks or rights-of-way for outdoor seating without a license agreement with the city, requiring $1 million liability insurance and a 6-foot clear pathway.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, the use of city sidewalks or other city rights-of-way for outdoor eating areas is prohibited without a license agreement between the adjacent food service establishment and the city, which license agreement shall be in lieu of any environmental design review permit, use permit, administrative use permit, encroachment permit or other permit required for use of the city sidewalk or right-of-way for such purpose.

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

SRMC §14.16.277 requires any food service establishment that wants outdoor seating on a San Rafael city sidewalk or other public right-of-way to first sign a license agreement with the city: in lieu of, not in addition to, an environmental design review permit, use permit, administrative use permit or encroachment permit. The agreement must be in a city-attorney-approved form, meet the operating standards of SRMC §14.17.110(C), name the city as an additional insured for at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage, and indemnify the city. Barriers must leave a minimum six-foot clear pedestrian pathway. The community development director approves the license, and the city council can revoke it at will.

Violations & Fines

Placing tables, chairs or barriers on a city sidewalk without a signed license agreement is unauthorized use of the public right-of-way, subject to removal and code enforcement action by the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a San Rafael restaurant put tables on the public sidewalk?
Only under a license agreement with the city per SRMC §14.16.277: it replaces, rather than supplements, the usual use permit or encroachment permit.
How much clearance must be left on the sidewalk?
A minimum six-foot-wide clear pedestrian pathway, per SRMC §14.16.277(E).

Sources & Official References

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All San Rafael rules

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