Effective October 17, 2014 grocery stores and pharmacies will no longer be able to provide single-use plastic carryout bags at checkout. Full details here.

These retailers can sell recycled content paper bags at checkout for a minimum of 10 cents. The stores will keep this revenue to offset the higher cost of paper bags.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags – this is the “minimal impact” option.

Stores will continue to be able to offer plastic bags without handles for produce or meat or paper or plastic bags for prescriptions.

Reducing single-use plastic bags will help clean our streams, reduce litter along our roadways and encourage sustainable practices in our city.

The following Novato stores will be affected by Ordinance 1590:

View Ordinance 1590 here.

Please review this document. Page One lists work that requires a permit. Page Two lists work that does not require a permit.

 If this document doesn't make the answer clear, please contact the Building Division at 415-899-8989 for assistance, before proceeding with any construction. You may also come in to One Stop Shop to discuss your project in person.

One Stop Shop Hours:

Monday - Thursday
9am - 11am

Building, Planning and Code Enforcement

The letter is a courtesy notice to remind you that your permit will expire because the 180 day time limit from the date of issuance, or date of your last inspection, is getting near. Permits remain valid if you receive inspection(s) within 180 days from date of issuance. Once you have an inspection, the 180 day time period is automatically extended from the date of the inspection up to a full two years from date of issuance. Follow the instructions on the letter to obtain an inspection, or request for an extension if you are not ready for an inspection.

The City’s zoning ordinance regulates land uses. Some businesses are not allowed in certain zones or may require a use permit. If you plan to operate a business in your home, a Home Occupation Permit is required before obtaining a business license.

Contact the Planning Division for more information:

City of Novato
Community Development 
922 Machin Avenue 
Novato, CA 94945 

Phone  (415) 899-8989

Counter Planner Schedule:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

To obtain a business license, you will be asked to complete an application form. If the business is located in Novato, you will also need a Zoning Clearance or Home Occupation Permit from the Department of Community Development. In addition, some businesses may need a permit from the Police Department.

Please review our brochure for all the details on how and when you can obtain a license.

You can write to building@novato.org to request a onetime extension. You need to provide your permit number, name, address and phone number plus the reason for the extension request.  Then you will receive an approval or denial of your request.

If you send your request by US Mail you will not receive a confirmation that the request was approved. Only those requests that cannot be approved will receive a reply.

The Wildland Urban Interface fire areas (also referred to as WUI zones) are specific areas within the City of Novato being identified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones by the Novato Fire Protection District, based on the requirements of the Wildland Urban Interface code adopted by the State of California.

Permit records may be available in our digital documents database, available at the City of Novato Community Development office at 922 Machin Avenue. The research kiosk is self-serve with instructions provided. Office hours for this research are 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. We are closed for lunch from 1 -2 PM.  City offices are closed on alternating Fridays and on selected holidays. Please consult our calendar before coming in.

If you purchased the home in Novato after 1988, then the seller was required to provide you with a Residential Resale Inspection Report completed by the City. A research of permits for the property is part of the resale report along with disclosure of work done with permits and without permits or safety violations.

Online Records Search Now Available:

This ePermits database link accesses the City's permit, projects and Code Enforcement case records dating from approximately 2000 until present, as well as real-time status of current plan reviews, code enforcement, and field inspections.

Click here to access the ePermits database. 

No. A new business license application is required if there is a change of ownership. Complete change of Address, Ownership.

Please visit novato.org/bl to apply for and purchase a business license.

All persons and business entities located or doing business in the City of Novato are required by City ordinance to obtain a business license. A new business license is also required if the business changes location, ownership or name. The fee is a fixed rate depending on the number of employees for most businesses.

To obtain a business license, you will be asked to complete an application form. If the business is located in Novato, you will also need a Zoning Clearance or Home Occupation Permit from the Department of Community Development. In addition, some businesses may need a permit from the Police Department.

As part of the annual renewal process for the BID, the BID Advisory Board is required to prepare an annual report each year on or before November 1. Among other things, the annual report includes a proposed work plan and detailed budget for the upcoming year, summary of accomplishments and information outlining the method and basis for levying the BID assessment.

A protest against the levy of assessments may be made orally or in writing.  An oral protest shall be made at the public hearing however, to count in calculating whether businesses paying 50% or more of the proposed assessments are against the assessments, a protest must be in writing. Each written protest shall (i) be filed by an owner of a business located within the business improvement district, (ii) be signed by person shown on the official records of the City as being the owner or designated agent of that business.  For purposes of BID protests, the “official records” of the City are the City business license database.  If the person signing the protest is not shown on the official records of the City of Novato as the owner of the business, then the protest shall contain or be accompanied by written evidence that the person is the “designated agent” for the corporation or entity. A written protest may be withdrawn from record at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing. 

1. The City of Novato does not agree with Mr. Shenkman’s accusation. However, if the City contests his accusation in court and loses, then the City of Novato will have to pay court fees and defense fees. Additionally, the City will also have to pay for the plaintiff’s legal fees. The City of Palmdale reportedly ended up paying the plaintiffs’ attorneys $4.5 million through the appeals court (in addition to fees paid to its own attorney). The City of Santa Clara was recently hit with an award of $4.1 million (though it is currently appealing), and the lawyers who sued the City of Santa Monica and recently won a judgment against it have been quoted in the press as saying that their fees “have already reached $8 million” before the appeal was even filed (again, in addition to the City’s own legal fees. Thousands, if not millions of dollars, that Novato can spend on improving our streets and parks and provide services for seniors and the youth or revitalizing our downtown, will no longer be available for its residents. 
2. If the City also decides to do nothing about moving to district elections, other plaintiffs can file suit, thus increasing the chances of the City having to go to court and paying more from our City's budget.
3. If the City goes to court and loses, the courts may ultimately determine how the districts should be drawn. Having the City maintain control of the process, and having constituents be a part of this process, is much better for the City.

¿Por qué la ciudad está procediendo con la transición a elecciones por distritos en vez de impugnar la carta del Sr. Shenkman? 

1. La ciudad de Novato no está de acuerdo con la acusación del Sr. Shenkman. Sin embargo, si Novato impugna su acusación en la corte y pierde, entonces la ciudad tendrá que pagar los costos del tribunal y los honorarios de defensa. Además, la ciudad también tendrá que pagar los honorarios legales del demandante. La ciudad de Palmdale supuestamente terminó pagando a los abogados de los demandantes $4.5 millones a través de la corte de apelaciones (además de los honorarios pagados a su propio abogado). La ciudad de Santa Clara recientemente recibió una sentencia monetaria de $4.1 millones (aunque actualmente está apelando), y los abogados que demandaron a la ciudad de Santa Mónica, y que recientemente ganaron una sentencia en su contra de esa ciudad, han sido citados en la prensa diciendo que sus honorarios “ya han alcanzado los $8 millones”, antes de que se presentara la apelación (de nuevo, además de los propios honorarios legales de la ciudad). Miles, y hasta millones de dólares, que Novato puede gastar mejorando nuestras calles y parques y brindando servicios a las personas mayores y los jóvenes o revitalizando nuestro downtown, ya no estarían disponibles.
2. Si Novato también decide no hacer nada para hacer el cambio a elecciones por distritos, otros demandantes pueden presentar una demanda, lo que aumenta la posibilidad de que la ciudad tenga que acudir a la corte y pagar más con los fondos del presupuesto actual de Novato.
3. En última instancia, si la ciudad va a la corte y pierde, la corte puede determinar como se deben trazar los distritos. Es mucho mejor para Novato asegurarse de que la ciudad mantenga el control del proceso, y que los constituyentes tomen parte en las vistas públicas.

There is less risk of litigation if the City moves forward with district elections this year.

¿Por qué tenemos que celebrar elecciones definidas por distritos en el año 2019?
Hay menos riesgo de litigios si la ciudad procede en este año con elecciones por distritos.

Per the County of Marin, there are 35,000 registered voters, and the County charges $4 to $10 per vote. Only 2-3 districts will be up in a given election year, and the estimated total cost would be $56,000 to $210,000. There are also initial costs for demographic and legal services relating to the districting process.

¿Cuáles son los costos para los contribuyentes de que las elecciones por distritos se realicen en 2019?
De acuerdo al condado de Marin, ya que hay 35,000 votantes registrados en Novato, el condado cobra de $4 a $10 por voto. Solo de 2 a 3 distritos estarán sujetos a elecciones en un año electoral, por lo que se estima una cantidad aproximada de $56,000 a $210,000. Al inicio de este proceso para establecer los distritos, también hay costos relacionados con servicios demográficos y legales.

Although a councilmember is elected by voters in their district, they still participate and vote on citywide matters.

Si un concejal es elegido en su distrito, ¿ese concejal podrá votar sobre asuntos de la ciudad que no afecten a su distrito?

Aunque un concejal es elegido por los votantes en su distrito, el o ella participa y vota sobre asuntos que afectan a toda la ciudad.

Per our Council  Policy Manual (section 3.07), their duties and responsibilities will be to act as a presiding officer at all City Council meetings, act as a Ceremonial Head or Representative of the City at various events, act as a Spokesperson for the Council, act as a Signatory to all documents, and issues proclamation and make declarations. Additionally, the mayor assigns councilmembers to committees.

Si el alcalde es elegido de manera general, ¿cuáles serían sus poderes y responsabilidades?

De acuerdo con nuestro Manual de Políticas del concejo (sección 3.07), sus deberes y responsabilidades serían presidir sobre todas las reuniones del concejo, actuar como maestro de ceremonias o representante de la ciudad en diversos eventos, actuar como portavoz del concejo, actuar como signatario de todos los documentos, y emitir proclamaciones y declaraciones. Además, el alcalde asigna concejales a los varios comités.

No. Currently, the only seats that are up in 2019 are Mayor Eric Lucan, Councilmember Pam Drew, and Councilmember Josh Fryday. Adopting district-based voting does not shorten any councilmember's term.

¿Estarán sujetos a elecciones en 2019 todos los escaños de los concejales actuales de Novato?
No. Actualmente, los únicos asientos que están sujetos a votación en 2019 son el alcalde Eric Lucan, la concejal Pam Drew y el concejal Josh Fryday. La adopción de la votación por distritos no acorta el término de ningún concejal.

We don't know yet, until the Council adopts the ordinance certifying the districts. Councilmembers will serve out their current terms, but district lines will affect who is able to run for future positions on the Council.

¿Cómo impactarán los límites de los distritos a los escaños de los actuales concejales?
Todavía no sabemos, ya que el concejo municipal no ha adoptado la ordenanza que establece los distritos. Los concejales cumplirán sus términos actuales, pero las líneas que definen los distritos afectarán a quién puede postularse para futuros escaños en el concejo.

The City Council with public input.

¿Quién determina los límites de los distritos?
El concejo municipal con las aportaciones del público.

No current Councilmember’s term may be cut short or extended as a result of the districting process.  Under existing City and State law, three of the five City Council seats are up for election in November 2019, and two City Council seats are up for election in November 2022.  As part of the districting process, the City Council must decide which three of the five new districts will be up for election in 2019, and which of the remaining two will be up for election in 2022.

Si se establecen cinco distritos (uno para cada asiento del concejo municipal), ¿cuáles de los distritos estarán sujetos a elecciones en 2019?
El proceso que establece los distritos no afecta el plazo de los escaños del concejo, no se pueden acortar o extender. De acuerdo con leyes estatales y de la ciudad, tres de los cinco escaños del concejo municipal serán sujetos a elecciones en noviembre de 2019, y los otros dos escaños en noviembre de 2022. Como parte del proceso que establece los distritos, el concejo municipal debe decidir cuales tres de los cinco nuevos distritos estarán sujetos a elecciones en 2019, y cuales de los dos restantes estarán programados para el año 2022. 

Incumbent Councilmembers were previously elected “at-large” and will continue to represent the City at-large until the end of their natural terms or they otherwise vacate their seats.  Simply because one or more Councilmembers live in a newly elected district does not mean that one or more of those Councilmembers “represent” that district.  To the contrary, when each district seat is up for election pursuant to the election rotation to be adopted by the City Council, the voters residing in that particular district will elect a candidate who resides in that district to represent the district on the City Council.  Thus, if two or more current Council incumbents live in the same district and are all interested in running for election in the future, they must run against one another when that district seat is up for election. How that plays out, however, depends on the specific circumstances for each incumbent:

• If both incumbents’ at-large seats expire in 2019, and their district’s seat is up for election in 2019, the incumbents would need to run against one another in the 2019 to represent the district.
• If both incumbents’ at-large seats expire in 2022, and their district’s seat is up for election in 2022, the incumbents would need to run against one another in 2022 to represent the district.
• If one of the incumbents’ at-large seats expires in 2019 and the other expires in 2022, and their district’s seat is up for election in 2022, then the incumbent whose term expires in 2019 would need to “sit out” until the election in 2022, at which time he or she could run against the other incumbent (who would be finishing his or her at-large term).
• If one of the incumbents’ at-large seats expires in 2019 and the other expires in 2022, and their district’s seat is up for election in 2019, then the incumbent whose at-large term does not end until 2022 has a choice to make:  (1) remain in the at-large seat, complete that term through 2022, and then sit out for two years in order to run as a challenger for the district seat when it is up for election again in 2024; or (2) run for the district seat in 2019 and, if elected, vacate his or her at-large seat, which would then need to be filled for the remainder of the at-large term (until 2022) via Council appointment or a special election pursuant to state law.

¿Qué sucede si dos o más miembros titulares del concejo están emparejados en el mismo distrito del nuevo concejo?
Los miembros actuales del concejo fueron elegidos previamente por medio de elecciones generales y continuarán representando a la ciudad de esa manera hasta el final de sus términos. El simple hecho de que uno o más miembros del concejo viven en un distrito recién establecido no significa que uno o más de esos miembros del consejo representan ese distrito. Por el contrario, cuando la rotación de elecciones que será adoptada por el concejo municipal determine cuando un asiento en un distrito en particular está sujeto a elecciones, los votantes que residen en ese distrito elegirán un candidato que reside en ese distrito para representar al distrito en el concejo municipal. Por lo tanto, si dos o más miembros actuales del concejo viven en el mismo distrito y todos están interesados en postularse para una elección en el futuro, deben competir entre sí cuando el escaño del distrito esté listo para la elección. Sin embargo, esto se va a desenvolver dependiendo de las circunstancias específicas de cada titular:

• Si los escaños de ambos incumbentes expiran en 2019, y el escaño del distrito está sujeto a la elección de 2019, los incumbentes deberán enfrentarse en el 2019 para representar al distrito.
• Si los escaños de ambos titulares expiran en 2022, y el escaño del distrito está sujeto a las elecciones de 2022, los titulares tendrían que competir entre sí en 2022 para representar al distrito.
• Si uno de los escaños de uno de los titulares expira en 2019 y el otro se vence en 2022, y el escaño del distrito está sujeto a la elección en 2022, entonces el titular cuyo plazo expira en 2019 tendría que dejar su plaza hasta la elección en 2022, momento en el que él o ella podría competir contra el otro titular (que estaría terminando su mandato basado en elecciones generales).

• Si uno de los escaños generales de uno de los titulares expira en 2019 y el otro se vence en 2022, y el escaño del distrito está sujeto a la elección en 2019, entonces el titular cuyo mandato general no finaliza hasta 2022 tiene la opción de: (1) permanecer en el escaño general, completando su plazo hasta el año 2022, y luego tendría que retirarse del concejo por dos años y luego postularse como candidato para el escaño del distrito cuando esté nuevamente sujeto a elecciones en 2024; o (2) postularse para el asiento del distrito en 2019 y, si es elegido, desocupar su escaño general, que luego deberá llenarse por el resto del período general (hasta 2022) a través de un nombramiento del concejo o una elección especial en conformidad con ley estatal.

As required by the United States Constitution, the U.S. Census will be conducted in 2020.  It is anticipated that the results of the 2020 Census will likely require the Council districts to be redrawn in 2021/2022 in order rebalance the City’s population amongst the five districts.  Thus, it is possible that the districts adopted by the Council in 2019 will be used for the 2019 election only, and new/different/revised districts will be in place for the 2022 election.

¿Cuándo serán rediseñados los distritos?
Como requiere la Constitución de los Estados Unidos, el Censo se va a llevar a cabo en 2020. Se anticipa que los resultados del Censo de 2020 requerirán que los distritos del concejo se vuelvan a trazar en 2021/2022 para reequilibrar la población de la ciudad entre los cinco distritos. Por lo tanto, es posible que los distritos adoptados por el consejo en 2019 se utilicen solo para las elecciones de 2019, y que se establezcan distritos nuevos, diferentes, o revisados para las elecciones de 2022.

Currently, and until their respective terms are complete, all five Councilmembers represent the City at-large. Who represents each district can only be determined by future elections after the proposed district-based election system is adopted. State law, however, requires the City to adopt both a district map and the election rotation for the five Council seats (i.e., which of the three districts will be up for election in 2019, as three council seats are due to be filled in November 2019, and which two will be up for election in 2022). Accordingly, each of the draft maps provides not only the district numbers that would be up for election in 2019 versus 2022, but also provides the corresponding seats, based on present residency, of the current at-large Councilmembers that will be up in 2019 and 2022 regardless of the districting process. 

¿Por qué se ilustran los nombres de los miembros actuales del concejo en los mapas preliminares junto a los números de los distritos?
Actualmente, y hasta que se completen sus respectivos términos, los cinco concejales representan a la ciudad en general. Quién eventualmente represente a cada distrito solo se puede determinar por futuras elecciones después de que se adopte el sistema electoral basado en distritos. Sin embargo, la ley estatal requiere que la ciudad adopte el mapa de los distritos y la rotación de las elecciones para los cinco escaños del concejo (es decir, cuál de los tres distritos estará listo para la elección en 2019, ya que en Novato se deben llenar tres escaños del concejo en noviembre de 2019, y cuáles serán los restantes dos escaños a ser sujetos a elecciones en 2022). A consecuencia de esto, cada uno de los mapas preliminares proporciona los distritos que serían sujetos a elecciones en 2019 versus 2022, y también proporcionan los asientos correspondientes, basados en la residencia actual, de los concejales que ahora sirven en general y que estarán disponibles y sujetos a elecciones en 2019 y 2022.

That depends on the outcome of the census. State law requires that in the year following every census, cities evaluate whether redistricting is necessary, based on the new population counts, to ensure compliance with equal population requirements and the federal Voting Rights Act.

¿Revisará Novato la composición de sus distritos luego del censo de 2020?
Eso depende del resultado del censo. La ley estatal requiere que al año siguiente a cada censo, las ciudades evalúen si la redistribución de distritos es necesaria, como resultado de los nuevos conteos de población, para garantizar el cumplimiento con los requisitos de que cada distrito tenga la misma población y la Ley Federal de Derecho al Voto.

 All of Novato public streets are currently evaluated annually for paving projects. The selection of streets scheduled for paving in upcoming years is based on their Pavement Condition Index (PCI), field inspections, proximity to on-going and upcoming projects or utility work (to avoid potential conflicts) and paving history. Once the preliminary selection is complete, the list of candidate streets is posted on the City’s website and presented to City Council at a public hearing to be considered for Prohibition of Excavation.

No. you need to get a permit to install a sidewalk underdrain.

No, you only need a permit if you encroach into City right-of-way such as the driveway approach and sidewalk and sidewalk underdrains.

When the trench bedding is placed with the pipe in the trench before backfilling.

When the forms are placed before placing concrete and again after the concrete is placed and cured.

Submit changes to the City Project Engineer in charge of your project.

The City contracts with DC Electric, to maintain the more than 4,500 streetlights and 31 traffic signals in Novato. To report an outage, please call the 24-hour hotline at 866-523-8386 and please include the exact location of the outage (e.g. at the NW corner of x and x streets).

Yes! Check out our Current Job Openings page.

You must check the job announcement for the final filing date. To be considered, all applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

No, the City does not accept employment applications via fax. All applications must be submitted online for open positions at www.governmentjobs.com.

We accept applications for specific positions that are coming available so an application for "any" job is not available. 

Once the final filing date has passed, it typically takes a few days to review the submitted applications. We will notify all candidates of their status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently when applying for a position. 

The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department hires part time staff throughout the year for its various programs and activities; however, we hire a large number of staff between March – May for our summer programs.

If you are interested in applying for a part time job with the PRCS Department, please complete a part time job application and state which program area you are interested in. Scan your completed application and send as an attachment to NovatoFun@novato.org.

Our staff will forward your application to the appropriate supervisor and they will follow up with you directly.

Good luck!

 
The Annual MTSC Holiday Craft Faire is held on the first weekend in December at 1560 Hill Road in Novato. It is open on Friday evening and Saturday during the day. The faire is co-sponsored by the Novato Senior Citizens Club and the Novato Garden Club. Admission is always free, and everyone is welcome to attend!

This is a juried faire, and vendors must be selected to participate. Vendor applications are available in the beginning of July, and they can be picked up at the Margaret Todd Senior Center or the Novato Gymnastics Center, and they can also be downloaded by visiting www.novatofun.org and clicking on the "Events" link. They are also emailed to the Crafts Fair E-list. To be added to this list, please call (415) 899-8290, Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm to request to be added.  

Yes, many steps have been taken to ensure the security of your online transactions. Security is provided by our software company, the Active Network, who uses the highest encryption strength available. Active Network follows the PCI standards for credit card security.

To get more information about placing an ad in our PRCS Activity Guide please call (415) 899-8290.

Novato Fun E-Connect is our online registration system. You can use the Novato Fun E-Connect to register for classes, check on availability of classes, check your account, and make payments to your account. You can also check on availability of a facility, and get information on facilities offered by the Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services. To get started using E-Connect, visit www.novatofun.org and click on "Registration".

Full refunds will be issued for a program altered or canceled by the City, or if a participant is dissatisfied with any program. Refund requests must be made no later than one working day after the program ends. Refund and/or program transfer requests must be accompanied by a Refund/Transfer request form, which can be found by visiting www.novato.org/prcsforms. A Refund/Transfer request form and our Refund Policy are also available at our customer service locations.

Registrations paid by cash or check will be refunded by a City check. Credit card purchases will be refunded to the credit card used to register for the program. It may take up to three weeks to receive refund checks. Refunds may be prorated to cover nonrefundable costs such as service fees, partial class attendance, materials, prepaid transportation, and tickets. Once the following programs have started, no refunds will be given: day camps, gymnastics camps, specialty camps, or one-day programs.

The Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department Activity Guide gets published twice each year: May - November, and November - April. The activity guides get mailed to all Novato residents, and can also be picked at our PRCS Customer Service locations: Margaret Todd Senior Center and the Novato Gymnastics Center.

The most current issue of the PRCS Activity Guide can also be found on the PRCS webpage: www.novatofun.org, under the "Activity Guide" link.

 
The Recreation, Cultural & Community Services Commission typically meets on the second Thursday of odd-numbered months in the Council Chambers at 7:00pm. Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings. For more information please visit:

http://novato.org/government/boards-commissions-committees/recreation-cultural-community-service-advisory-commission

The City does not offer transportation for seniors, but we have information on other organizations that do. Please stop by the Margaret Todd Senior Center’s front desk to pick up a helpful handout entitled, “Transportation Options in Marin.” The Novato Independent Elders Program created a green sheet that lists all of the transportation options available in the area, from large organizations such as Dial-A-Ride to taxis that offer senior discounts.

The PRCS Department offers a wide variety of special events that range from flea markets and craft fairs to outdoor concerts and play street programs. For a look at our past and upcoming special events please visit: www.novato.org/events.

There are four easy ways to register for classes:

1) Register online using E-Connect by visiting www.novatofun.org.
2) Fax completed registration form with Visa/MC/AmEx or Discover Card information to (415) 899-8219.
3) Mail completed registration form with payment to one of the customer service locations listed below.
4) Register in person at one of the locations listed below. 

Margaret Todd Senior Center: 1560 Hill Road, Novato, CA 94947. Phone: (415) 899-8290. Fax: (415) 897-0293. Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Novato Gymnastics Center: 950 Seventh Street, Novato, CA 94945. Phone: (415) 899-8279. Fax: (415) 897-6395. Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4:30pm.

Please review this document. Page One lists work that requires a permit. Page Two lists work that does not require a permit.

 If this document doesn't make the answer clear, please contact the Building Division at 415-899-8989 for assistance, before proceeding with any construction. You may also come in to One Stop Shop to discuss your project in person.

One Stop Shop Hours:

Monday - Thursday
9am - 11am

Building, Planning and Code Enforcement

The letter is a courtesy notice to remind you that your permit will expire because the 180 day time limit from the date of issuance, or date of your last inspection, is getting near. Permits remain valid if you receive inspection(s) within 180 days from date of issuance. Once you have an inspection, the 180 day time period is automatically extended from the date of the inspection up to a full two years from date of issuance. Follow the instructions on the letter to obtain an inspection, or request for an extension if you are not ready for an inspection.

You can write to building@novato.org to request a onetime extension. You need to provide your permit number, name, address and phone number plus the reason for the extension request.  Then you will receive an approval or denial of your request.

If you send your request by US Mail you will not receive a confirmation that the request was approved. Only those requests that cannot be approved will receive a reply.

Yes. The Plumbing Code has always required a permit. The code changes reflect safety requirements to make the installation safer. Example: Elevating the gas water heater in the garage a minimum of 18 inches above the floor to avoid possible fire or explosion from gasoline fumes from a vehicle, lawnmower or other sources of gasoline. Additional seismic strapping is another example.

The minor permits for small projects (decks, kitchen or bathroom remodeling, window replacements, water heaters, furnaces, reroofing) can be handled during our “One Stop Shop” over the counter. Hours for “One Stop Shop” are Monday - Thursday mornings 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 922 Machin Avenue.

Other projects are placed in “Fast Track Plan Check” and we try to return plan check comments within 15 working days to the applicant. The more detailed the submittals, the faster the approval. Major projects, once through the Planning Division, are placed in the “Fast Track Plan Check” and we try to return the plan check comments within 20 working days to the applicant.

No, as long as it is not over 6 feet high and does not exceed 3 feet in height from back of side walk for 15 feet or at an intersection so a motorist has line of sight for pedestrians and traffic.

Call the automated Inspection Hotline 415-899-8240. Please have your permit documents available before calling.

Residential accessory structures are permitted within residential zones. Placement is dependent on minimum setbacks, maximum height requirements and lot coverage which are dependent on your property's zoning. Call the Planning Division to obtain the specific standards for your property.

Novato Municipal Code Section 19.34.032 - Accessory Residential Uses and Structures

To report potential zoning and building code violations you may contact Code Enforcement at (415) 899-8989, or download the Code Enforcement Complaint Form and send via email, drop off at City Administrative Offices, OR mail to:

City of Novato
Attn: Code Enforcement
922 Machin Ave
Novato, CA 94945

The City regulates the removal or alteration of trees to preserve scenic beauty, maintain property values, minimize erosion problems and maintain the attractiveness of the Novato area. A tree removal/alteration permit is required on private property to:

1. Remove a tree more than 6 inches in diameter (19 inches in circumference) located on vacant land or properties other than developed single-family lots; or
2. Remove, trim, prune, or alter a heritage tree. A heritage tree has a diameter of 24 inches or more (circumference of 75 inches or more) measured 24 inches above existing grade. All tree removal work shall be conducted by licensed tree care professionals.

City of Novato Tree Removal Guide

A garage can be converted to living space (e.g. bedroom, family room, etc...) if the required number of parking spaces are provided and the appropriate interior garage dimensions of 20 feet by 20 feet for a 2-car garage or 10 feet by 20 feet for a single car garage are provided. If only a one car garage is provided, an additional independently accessible paved 9 feet by 19 feet space must be provided outside of the required front yard setback.

• Single-family dwellings require 2 parking spaces, 1 in a garage.
• Duplexes require 2 parking spaces for each unit, 1 in a garage and located within 100 feet of the unit it serves.

Yes you can. Please go to the City of Novato website to File a Police Report. 

This system is used to report:

• non-violent property crimes
• that occurred within the Novato city limits 
    o In some cases the Novato Police Department will allow you to report incidents from
       other jurisdictions. Please call 415-897-4361 to determine if you can report an incident
       from outside Novato’s jurisdiction
• with no known suspects
• where the value lost is less than $1,000.00

For all violations, your court date, time and location are on the front of the notice to appear. You will receive a courtesy notice in the mail from the courts. In all infraction cases you must do one or more of the following for each violation:

• Pay the fine (bail)
• Appear in court
• Contest the violation
• Correct the violation (when applicable**)
• Request traffic school (when applicable**)
• Request trial by written declaration

If you DO NOT contest the violation:

• Pay the bail amount. Refer to the courtesy notice for instructions. You will not have to appear in court. You will be convicted of the violation, and it will appear on your driving record at DMV. A point may be charged to your DMV record and your insurance may be adversely affected.

• Traffic school. You may be able to avoid the point count by completing traffic school. You must pay the bail amount, and you may have to pay other fees. After you attend traffic school the violation will be dismissed and the point count will not be added to your DMV record. Refer to the courtesy notice for instructions.

To contest the violation:

• Court trial. You may either, send a certified or registered letter, go on-line or go to the Marin County Traffic Court in person before the appearance date to request a future court trial date. You will be required to submit the bail amount.

• Trial by written declaration. Send a registered letter or go to the court before the appearance date to request a trail by written declaration. Submit the bail amount. You will be given forms to allow you to write a statement and to submit other evidence without appearing in court. The Officer will also submit a written statement. The judicial officer will consider the evidence and decide the case.

For more information contact the clerk of the court at:

Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94901
415-444-7180, MarinCourt.org 
 

Read Letter from ICE/Homeland Security (pdf file)

Victim Notification Program

Yes, depending on staffing. Members of the Novato Police Department can provide tours of the Police Department. These tours usually include the whole building and the patrol cars, equipment and basic information on what the officer’s job entails. When available an officer will also talk to children and explain the equipment he or she carries on their utility belt and general safety issues.

Tours of the Department need to be arranged several weeks in advance by contacting the Professional Standards Unit at 415-897-4361.

A provisional license may be issued to a person at least 16 years of age but under the age of 18 years of age. The person shall hold an instruction permit for not less than six months prior to applying for a provisional license. Restrictions on the provisional license are printed on the back of the license and include, but are not limited to:

• May not drive between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is 25 years or older.

• May not transport passengers who are under the 20 years of age.

The full disclosure of the provisional license for the State of California can be found under the California Vehicle Code Section VC 12814.6.

Any traffic complaint that involves a life-threatening situation such as a road rage incident can be made by calling 911.

Other traffic complaints may include, but are not limited to, speeders in your neighborhood, abandoned vehicles on the street, junk vehicles on private property, and parking violation complaints. You can call the Novato Police Department non-emergency number at 415-897-4361.

Under the Novato Municipal Code section 18-7.3, parking for more than 72 hour is prohibited. No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle or trailer shall park such vehicle or trailer upon any street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours.

Abandoned vehicle complaints are forwarded to police interns who will prioritize them in the order received.  Vehicles are then marked with a courtesy notice to the registered owner. 

If the vehicle is not moved at least 1/10th of a mile within the 72 hour period, which begins when the vehicle is marked, it can be cited and towed in accordance with California Vehicle Code 22651(k).  The fine for this citation is $275.00. 

You may report the abandoned vehicle online by using the following link:

• Abandoned Vehicle Report

You may also report the abandoned vehicle by contacting the Novato Police Department's non-emergency number at 415-897-4361.  Advise the call taker of the location and description of the vehicle.

If the Novato Police Department has towed your vehicle, you need to come to the Police Department and obtain a vehicle release form. This can be done during normal business hours.

The main police building is located at 909 Machin Ave.

The lobby hours at the Police Department are Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm.

Have your driver’s license, insurance and registration available. Once you have obtained a release you can go directly to the tow company that towed the vehicle, pay the fees and receive your vehicle.

For other tows you may go directly to the tow yard that towed your vehicle and pay the tow fees.
The Police Department can tell you which to company towed the vehicle.

Yes. An alarm permit is required from the Police Department. It does not require a building permit.

Citizens can download an Alarm Permit Application on the City of Novato website, or call 415-899-7017 to request an application by mail. Printed copies are also available at the Novato Police Department at 901 Machin Avenue. Volunteer Carole Bennett is available on Mondays to respond to questions.

The permit has a one-time fee of $28, which gives updated contact information to Dispatch. There is no need to renew the permit.

Are there any other costs?

Yes. Remember that officers will always respond to an alarm that is a suspected burglery. If there is no reason for the officers to have responded, however, it is considered a FALSE ALARM. The City Council has an ordinance that assesses a $117 fine for each false alarm (the first one each calendar year is free).

What happens if I don't want to get a permit or pay the fines?

Eventually the location (business or residence) will be placed on a NO RESPOND list and officers will not respond to an alarm at that site.

Evictions are handled through the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. Please refer to their website at marinsheriff.org.

The Sheriff’s Office cannot perform an eviction until the property owner or authorized representative obtains a court order. The standard court order is a Writ of Possession of Real Property (form number EJ-130). You may obtain all the forms needed to complete an Eviction from the California Courts web site.

Process
The eviction process has the following steps:

• The first step is the service of the five-day “Notice to Vacate.” The “Notice to Vacate” is either personally served on the occupant or posted at the eviction address with a copy mailed to the same address. 
  
  
• When the five-day notice has been posted/served, the Civil Deputy will notify the local contact person of the date and time of the restoration appointment. 
  
  
• Our Civil Deputy will provide the local contact person with the “Eviction Restoration Notice.” The “Eviction Restoration Notice” describes the penalties for unlawful re-entry of the property. It also describes the rights and responsibilities of the property owner or authorized representative as to personal property left on the premises.

Yes. The Youth Curfew Ordinance, Novato City Ordinance NO. 1353- Loitering by Juveniles, was adopted in response to an increase in juvenile involve violence, an increase in juvenile gang activity and a request by some parents, guardians an counselors for a law to support them in carrying out their responsibility to exercise reasonable supervision of minors and establish consistent times for their children to be home.

Minors 15 years old and under curfew hours are 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. , except that when the following day is not a school day the hours shall be 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.

Minors 16 & 17 years old curfew hours are 1130 p.m. -5 a.m.,  except that when the following day is not a school day the hours shall be 1230 a.m. – 5.a.m.

Yes!  

When are public notices required? Public notices are required when a land use permit or other matter that requires a discretionary action or public hearing is being considered by the City, the public shall be provided a notice.

Public Hearing: Notice will include date, time and place of hearing. Notice will also include contact information, a general description of the project or matter being considered and a statement of environmental review. Notice will be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City at least ten days before the date of the hearing or action. Public Notice will be mailed at least ten days before the date of the hearing or action. Notice will be mailed to:

• Owners of the project site.
• Local agencies.
• All property owners within a radius of 600 feet from exterior boundaries of the project site.
• Any person who has filed a written request for the notice.

Discretionary Action: Notice will include date and general description of the action, the City official taking action and a general description and explanation of the project, including the location.

How does the City generate its mailing list for property owners? The City uses its Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify all assessor parcels located within a radius of 600 feet from the boundaries of the project site. Once parcels have been identified, we create our mailing lists by utilizing information contained in the most current release of the Marin County Assessor's rolls.

 All of Novato public streets are currently evaluated annually for paving projects. The selection of streets scheduled for paving in upcoming years is based on their Pavement Condition Index (PCI), field inspections, proximity to on-going and upcoming projects or utility work (to avoid potential conflicts) and paving history. Once the preliminary selection is complete, the list of candidate streets is posted on the City’s website and presented to City Council at a public hearing to be considered for Prohibition of Excavation.

Property owners are responsible for repairing the sidewalks that are located on their property. If a sidewalk is in need of repair, you can contact the City who will notify the property owner that repairs need to be made. We will inform property owners that repairs need to be made within 60 days. To report a sidewalk that needs repair please send an email to pw@novato.org and make sure to include the sidewalk location and description of the issue or repair that needs to be made.

The City of Novato does not provide water service. The North Marin Water District is responsible for these services. You can contact them by using the information below:

Main Number: 415-897-4133
Emergencies & After Hours: 415-897-4133

Email: info@nmwd.com

http://www.nmwd.com/ 

The City of Novato is not a full service city, and does not provide trash or recycling collection services. The Novato Sanitary District is responsible for these services. You can contact them by using the information below:

Main Number: 415-892-1694
Garbage Disposal Service: 415-897-4177
Landfill: 415-892-2851
Sewer Emergency: 415-892-1694

Email: info@novatosan.com

http://www.novatosan.com/

For the most current information about street sweeping schedules, please call 415-899-8256. This information is updated regularly. You can also read more about Novato's sweet operations here.

In general, street sweeping follows the schedule below, but is subject to change:

• Downtown Area Every Monday 4:00am to 12:30pm
• Commercial & Industrial Areas Every Other Monday 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM
• Most Residential Areas Tuesday to Friday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

 
Novato's Street Sweep Area Map is available here.

 To talk to a staff member about any street sweeping issues, please call 415-899-8280.

You can now submit an online service request for reporting issues that need city attention. These requests will be directed to the appropriate City of Novato staff member. Some examples of service request items include city building maintenance, parks maintenance issues, streets issues, graffiti, streetlight concerns and general inquiries.

To submit an online service request please visit www.novato.org/servicerequest. Select the appropriate category and topic, complete as much detail as possible, and a City staff member will address your concern as soon as they are able to.

If you have any questions regarding your service request please call 415-899-8900, weekdays 9am - 5pm (note the City is closed on alternating Fridays).

All animal-related services in Novato are provided by the Marin Humane Society through a contract for animal care and regulation services. Animal services provided include the following: 

• Required licensing of dogs and cats
• Pet adoption and low-cost spay and neuter services
• Resident complaints and nuisance reports
• Reports of stray, sick, injured, dead, or rabies-suspect wildlife
• 24/7 response to animal emergencies

 Please contact the Marin Humane Society at 415-883-4621 for further assistance.

The City contracts with DC Electric, to maintain the more than 4,500 streetlights and 31 traffic signals in Novato. To report an outage, please call the 24-hour hotline at 866-523-8386 and please include the exact location of the outage (e.g. at the NW corner of x and x streets).