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The Dedication Policy
The Dedication Policy provides guidelines for the process of dedicating property for permanent use as parkland or open space. The purpose of such a binding restriction is to guarantee the preservation of District properties as public open space. An annual review of lands in which the District hold property interest is required of the Parks, Open Space and Cultural Commission and a recommendation to the Board of Directors is required on lands ready for dedication. The policy also addresses those lands that remain as undedicated open space and describes the management of these lands.

Preservation Program Policy
The Preservation Program Policy identifies the standards that the Open Space District uses to identify and acquire open space lands throughout Marin County.
These guidelines outline the specific criteria utilized by the District when selecting lands for purchase. Preservation techniques, methods to determine project priority and the funding mechanisms
used to secure open space lands are also included.

Management Policy
The Management Policy provides guidelines and general goals for the operation, maintenance and management of open space areas under the jurisdiction of Marin County. Those activities that are allowed and encouraged on open space lands as well as those that are prohibited are identified by these regulations. The policy also provides rules for group use and bicycle use of open space lands, describes policy for operation and maintenance efforts in coordination with other agencies and identifies fire hazards efforts, encroachment policy and financial responsibility.

Marin County Open Space District Code
The Marin County Open Space District Code applies to the management and administration of the Marin County Open Space District including, use and protection of lands owned, maintained or otherwise managed by the District. The Land Use portion of the Code identifies District enforcement and permit issuing authority as well as appropriate visitor conduct; such as care of property and facilities, rules for group use, noise level requirements and disorderly conduct. In addition, the Code seeks to protect wildlife and other natural resources including water and archeological site on District lands. Vehicle and traffic regulations, including bicycle use, also fall under the provisions of the Code.
Regulations for the presence of domestic animals such as dogs, horses and other animals on open space lands as well as rules for outdoor fires, fireworks, and smoking are contained in the Code.

Acquisition Policy
The Open Space District acquires lands in accordance with the Environmental Quality
Element of the Marin Countywide Plan, which identifies upland greenbelts and other environmentally significant lands to be preserved as open space. Each January, the District's Board of Directors approves an Open Space "shopping list," which guides the District's land acquisition efforts for the calendar year. The District uses a variety of methods to acquire lands for open space purposes. By far the most common method is outright purchase. However, the District also acquires land by gift or donation, by transfer from other land management agencies and by dedication from the owners of lands being subdivided.

The funds which the District uses to purchase open space come from several sources, including the District's own fund (generated from local property taxrevenues), state funds, grants from private sources (including the Marin Community Foundation), and revenues from local assessment districts and community facilities districts. Typically, two or more funding sources are tapped to provide the funds necessary for an open space purchase. All land purchases and their funding arrangements must be approved by the District's Board of Directors before the purchase can proceed. For more information regarding the Open Space District's land acquisition efforts, contact the Districts  Planning and Acquisition Manager at (415) 499-6387.