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San Rafael · Building on your lot

Park and impact fees for new homes in San Rafael

San Rafael's own rules on park and impact fees for new homes, with the code text for every value.

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 park fee is set
  • The fee equals the value of the land and improvements that would have been dedicated.
    Applies: When no park or recreation facility is proposed in the subdivision.
    § 15.09.030 · code text
    The fee shall be equal to the value of the land and improvements, which would have been required for dedication in Section 15.09.025. The value of the land shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.09.045.
Parkland per 1,000 residents
  • The park standard is 3 acres for each 1,000 residents.
    § 15.09.020 · code text
    It is found and determined that the public interest, convenience, health, welfare, and safety require that three (3) acres of property for each one thousand (1,000) persons residing within the city be devoted to neighborhood and community park and recreational purposes in accordance with the recreation element of the San Rafael general plan.
When the fee applies
  • Subdivisions of 50 or fewer parcels or lots pay a fee instead of dedicating land.
    § 15.09.030 · code text
    if the proposed subdivision contains fifty (50) or fewer parcels or lots, the subdivider shall be required to pay a fee in an amount determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.09.040.
  • Condominium, stock cooperative or community apartment projects over 50 units may have to dedicate land, even with fewer parcels.
    § 15.09.030 · code text
    when a condominium project, stock cooperative, or community apartment project, as defined in Section 1351 of the Civil Code, exceeds fifty (50) dwelling units, dedication of land may be required notwithstanding that the number of parcels or lots may be less than 50.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What park or impact fees apply to a new home in San Rafael?

San Rafael's code: The fee equals the value of the land and improvements that would have been dedicated. (When no park or recreation facility is proposed in the subdivision.) (§ 15.09.030); The park standard is 3 acres for each 1,000 residents. (§ 15.09.020).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific San Rafael property

Ask GoCodebook how San Rafael's park and impact fees for new homes rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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