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San Rafael · Building on your lot

Lot splits under SB 9 in San Rafael

San Rafael's own rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the San Rafael Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Rafael's code says

San Rafael code What San Rafael's code adds
How the lot may be divided
  • One of the 2 new lots must be at least 40% of the original lot's area.
    Applies: Applies to urban lot splits.
    § 15.155.030 · code text
    One (1) of the two (2) parcels shall not be smaller than forty percent (40%) of the lot area of the original parcel area of the subdivision.
Minimum new lot size
  • Each of the 2 new lots must be at least 1,200 square feet.
    § 15.155.030 · code text
    Each of the two (2) parcels shall have a minimum lot size of one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet.
Standards
  • The city cannot apply standards that block 2 units on either new lot or force units under 800 square feet.
    § 15.155.030 · code text
    Any standards that would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of two (2) units on either of the resulting parcels or that would result in a unit size of less than eight hundred (800) square feet, shall not be imposed.
  • No setback applies to an existing structure or one rebuilt in the same place at the same size.
    Applies: Applies only to an existing structure or a replacement built in the same location and to the same dimensions.
    § 15.155.030 · code text
    No setback shall be imposed for an existing structure, or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.
  • Each new lot must have access to, give access to, or border a public street or right-of-way.
    § 15.155.030 · code text
    Each parcel shall have access to, provide access to, or adjoin the public right-of-way.
  • Each new lot must have the easements or other property rights needed for public services and facilities.
    § 15.155.030 · code text
    Each parcel shall possess easements and/or other necessary property rights required for the provision of public services and facilities.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in San Rafael?

San Rafael's code: Each of the 2 new lots must be at least 1,200 square feet. (§ 15.155.030); The city cannot apply standards that block 2 units on either new lot or force units under 800 square feet. (§ 15.155.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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San Rafael Municipal Code — full text