San Rafael · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, a live-work unit is needs an administrative use permit in 9 (GC, NC, O, C/O, R/O and 4 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (San Rafael use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: GC, NC, O, C/O, R/O, FBWC, LMU, M and 1 more
- Not allowed: I, LI/O and CCI/O
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Rafael Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a live-work unit can go
San Rafael's code calls this use “Live/work quarters”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| GC | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.05.020 |
| NC | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.05.020 |
| O | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.05.020 |
| C/O | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.05.020 |
| R/O | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.05.020 |
| FBWC Francisco Boulevard West Commercial | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note *: New development and redevelopment within the Francisco Boulevard West commercial district shall be subject to initial use permit review by the planning commission (14.05.020 A.1). | § 14.05.020 |
| LMU | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.06.020 |
| M Marine | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.08.020 |
| P/QP Public/Quasi-Public | Needs an administrative use permit | § 14.09.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Chapter 14.17 standards; Section 14.17.100 (C)(9) (Live/work quarters).
- Not covered here: DMU (Downtown Mixed Use): S3 says all land use regulations are in the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code, not in the packet.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Rafael
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a live-work unit in the GC zone in San Rafael?
Only with an administrative use permit. San Rafael's use table lists it that way in GC (§ 14.05.020).
Can I have a live-work unit in the I zone in San Rafael?
No. San Rafael's use table does not allow it in I (§ 14.06.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a live-work unit at an address in San Rafael
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