Ordinances You Need to Know in San Rafael, CA
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to San Rafael, CA.
Local jurisdiction: City of San Rafael, California.
25 Percent of Residence Maximum
San Rafael limits a home occupation to no more than 25 percent of the gross area of the residence and prohibits use of a garage, recreational vehicle, or accessory structure for the home occupation.
Source: City of San Rafael Code of Ordinances
Code section: San Rafael Municipal Code §14.16.220(C)(2)
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
On-Site Workers Must Be Residents
San Rafael requires a home occupation to be conducted by resident occupants of the dwelling, subject to the specific cottage-food exception in the code.
Source: City of San Rafael Code of Ordinances
Code section: San Rafael Municipal Code §14.16.220(C)(1)
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
One Client and One Extra Vehicle at a Time
San Rafael limits a home occupation to one client at a time and limits associated traffic and parking to no more than one additional vehicle at a time.
Source: City of San Rafael Code of Ordinances
Code section: San Rafael Municipal Code §14.16.220(C)(5)
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
No Outside Business Storage
San Rafael prohibits outside storage related to a home occupation.
Source: City of San Rafael Code of Ordinances
Code section: San Rafael Municipal Code §14.16.220(C)(4)
Official code status: Current local code
NTL verified: September 3, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.