Marin County · California
San Rafael ADU guide: local rules, permits & property planning
San Rafael distinguishes its detached-ADU preapproval program from other ADU types. It also identifies several local fee waivers for smaller units, so size can affect both the review route and the agency budget.
Local planning guide · Reviewed October 2, 2026
What matters for an ADU in San Rafael
Permitting authority: City of San Rafael — ADUs and JADUs
Official local guidanceLocal rules and design checks
| Topic | Local guidance |
|---|---|
| Program scope | The City’s preapproved-plan program applies to detached ADUs. |
| Local review | Confirm the application type with San Rafael Planning before treating an attached unit or conversion as part of that program. |
| Permit package | Use the City’s ADU resource and online planning application instructions to establish the site-specific materials. |
Selected local requirements, not a complete zoning determination. Confirm the current rules for your address with the responsible agency.
Fees and budget checks
The City’s ADU page identifies waivers for units under 750 square feet, including impact, general-plan-maintenance and street-maintenance fees. Request a complete assessment of remaining Building and outside-agency charges before budgeting.
San Rafael ADU fee-waiver guidanceHow to start the permit process
Check the property and ADU type with Planning, select custom or detached-preapproved drawings, and assemble the applicable application through the City’s online process.
Plan resource
San Rafael detached-plan program
The City offers a preapproval pathway specifically for detached structures. An attached addition should be evaluated through its own application route.
View the original sourceSan Rafael ADU questions
- Can an attached addition use the detached-plan program?
- The City describes that program as detached-only. Ask Planning which application applies to an attached proposal.
- Does a small ADU avoid every City fee?
- The City names particular waived categories. Obtain the remaining permit, review and agency charges in writing.
Sources for this guide
- City of San Rafael — ADUs and JADUs
- San Rafael detached-plan program
- San Rafael online planning applications
Local sources reviewed October 2, 2026. Historical examples retain their stated dates. Contact ADU California to confirm project availability; this guide does not establish an office location or property approval.
A useful first review
Separate what is available from what still needs verification.
01
Confirm the property
Start with a complete address and review the available parcel, building, and map context.
02
Identify the unknowns
Keep missing setbacks, easements, utilities, access, hazards, and local requirements visible.
03
Choose the next review
Use the preliminary result to prepare a focused conversation with the required professionals and agencies.
Explore project types
Compare the scope before choosing a solution.
These pages explain the questions each project type introduces. They do not assert that a particular scope is permitted or suitable for your address.
Compare planning footprints
See common ADU sizes before choosing a design.
These model pages are planning references only. They are not a statement that a particular size is allowed or buildable at a San Rafael address.
California directory
Explore more city guides.
The next useful action
Put your address at the center of the conversation.
The online review is preliminary and is not a permit decision, survey, engineering opinion, construction document, final price, or guaranteed schedule.