San Francisco Supervisor Alan Wong just kicked off a “dumb” laws contest—part tongue-in-cheek, part serious—asking locals to call out outdated or downright odd city rules. He wants to find those regulations that make daily life harder than it needs to be, and maybe get rid of a few if it makes sense.
If you’re a Marin County commuter or just someone who enjoys the city’s quirks, this contest is a reminder that big-city codes can drift pretty far from common sense. Sometimes, rules turn into trivia instead of serving any real purpose.
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What the contest seeks to change
Wong’s office says they’re looking for help to modernize San Francisco’s rules, especially the ones that trip up small business owners, neighbors, or visitors. If your entry wins, it could actually spark a repeal effort and start a wider conversation about how city codes get written—or misinterpreted—over time.
People in Marin towns like Mill Valley, Novato, and San Rafael know that local nuance matters. Sometimes, a rule meant to keep things orderly ends up making life harder for small entrepreneurs just trying to make ends meet.
A tour of oddities in the city’s legal ledger
San Francisco’s always had its share of oddball laws. There was once a rule (thankfully gone) that targeted “unsightly” people under the infamous ugly law. These days, Wong points to gems like a health code that bans carrying bread or pastries in an uncovered basket. Sounds silly, but imagine a bakery run in Castle Valley—sure, it’s SF-specific, but it’s real and still on the books.
There’s also a rule that says you can’t pick weeds or remove soil, flowers, or grass from parks without asking the Recreation and Park Department first. That one would definitely frustrate anyone running a community garden near Corte Madera or San Anselmo.
And then there’s Section 694, which flat-out bans selling used underwear for use as a wiping rag. Some folks just find that one gross, not helpful. These rules might get a laugh in the Outer Sunset, but they also make you wonder—why do some codes stick around, and what’s the real impact from the Mission District to the Richmond?
People across the bay have reacted with everything from eye-rolls to genuine confusion. Some even question if these things should be illegal at all. Wong says they’ll look at repeals carefully, since fixing a code shouldn’t just be a joke—it should actually help.
How Marin residents can participate
For Marin County, this contest is a nudge: government isn’t just a one-way street. City hall can change rules, but only if people speak up when something’s outdated or just plain annoying. If you’ve run into a rule that feels unnecessary or ancient, here’s your shot to point it out, explain why it’s a problem, and suggest how to fix it.
In places like Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross, or Larkspur, your story could help spark a bigger conversation about cleaning up local codes—think small businesses, outdoor dining, park rules, or just neighborhood vibes.
So, how do you jump in? Try this:
- Submit a short description of the rule. If you can, include the actual wording, where it applies, and how it affects people or businesses in Marin spots like Mill Valley or Novato.
- Add a real-life example or quick story—maybe something from Sausalito or Marin City—showing how the rule causes headaches or confusion.
- Say why you think changing it would make daily life better without causing new hassles.
- Keep an eye on Wong’s official channels. If you win, you’ll get a shout-out on social media and maybe even kick off some bigger changes in San Francisco and Marin County.
Why this matters for Marin County
For folks in San Rafael, Tiburon, Fairfax, and San Anselmo, this contest reaches beyond city lines. It’s honestly a nudge to cut back on outdated codes now and then, so small businesses have a fair shot and people can get around with less red tape.
SF’s rules don’t exactly match Marin’s, but the idea—getting the public involved in updating things—feels pretty familiar around here. Everyone wants rules that are clear and fair, especially in busy spots like the Golden Gate Bridge approaches or on Nicasio Valley Road and Alexander Avenue.
The Bay Area keeps changing, and Marin City plus the towns along the 101 are definitely watching how city leaders and locals hash things out. Whether you’re in Novato or Marinwood, this whole thing is a reminder that real improvements usually start with regular people who spot the details—like a bakery’s basket of pastries or some park rule that’s just stuck around forever.
Ever wondered about a weird rule that’s overdue for a change? You can absolutely speak up.
Marin County readers get a say in this bigger regional talk. In a place where every town has its own vibe and people actually show up to be heard, your voice might matter more than you think.
Here is the source article for this story: San Francisco supervisor wants to hear what you think are ‘dumb’ laws in new contest
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