Signs on homes in San Rafael: the local rules

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
Election and other noncommercial signs	32 square feet total per site; no sign permit required Applies: Temporary noncommercial signs (political, election and other noncommercial messages) § 14.19.070 · code text The total sign area permitted per site or place of business shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Up to 90 days per calendar year Applies: Temporary noncommercial signs § 14.19.070 · code text Noncommercial signs may be displayed for a maximum of ninety (90) days per calendar year. Remove no later than 10 days after the election Applies: Signs relating to an election § 14.19.070 · code text Signs relating to an election shall be removed no later than ten (10) days following the election.
Signs that need no permit	For-sale and leasing signs Applies: Temporary real estate sale and leasing signs § 14.19.070 · code text No sign permit is required. Election and other noncommercial signs Applies: Temporary noncommercial signs § 14.19.070 · code text No sign permit is required. Garage-sale signs Applies: Special function and one-time event signs, including garage, yard or estate sale signs § 14.19.070 · code text No sign permit is required. Up to 5 square feet, 1 per building for each street frontage; no sign permit required Applies: Building and street address signs § 14.19.030 · code text Building and Street Address Signs. Each sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet in size and one per building for each street frontage.
For-sale and open-house signs	Up to 5 square feet; 1 per building; no sign permit required Applies: On-site sale or lease sign at a single-family, duplex or multiple-family home; not in the public right-of-way (sidewalk, travel or parking lane, median) § 14.19.070 · code text Ground-mounted or placed on the building, not exceeding five (5) square feet and one (1) in number per building for single-family, duplex residential and multiple-family residential uses. Up to 5 square feet each; no more than 5 signs; no sign permit required Applies: Off-site open house signs; 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Thursdays (brokers open) and holidays; not in public right-of-way § 14.19.070 · code text A-frame or ground-mounted, placed off-site such as for announcement of an open house, not exceeding five (5) square feet in size.
Other temporary signs	Up to 2 signs, each up to 10 square feet, on private property; no sign permit required Applies: Special function and one-time event signs, including garage sales; display no more than 7 days before and 4 days after, never over 30 days § 14.19.070 · code text A maximum of two (2) signs, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area for each sign;

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What signs may I put up at my home in San Rafael?

San Rafael's code: 32 square feet total per site; no sign permit required (Temporary noncommercial signs (political, election and other noncommercial messages)) (§ 14.19.070); Up to 90 days per calendar year (Temporary noncommercial signs) (§ 14.19.070).

Signs on homes in San Rafael

What San Rafael's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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