Marin County · California
Novato ADU guide: local rules, permits & property planning
Novato distinguishes Limited Standard and Traditional Standard ADUs. It also directs owners to a specific set of fire, sanitary, water and public-works agencies, which makes the address-level review central to the project.
Local planning guide · Reviewed October 2, 2026
What matters for an ADU in Novato
Permitting authority: City of Novato — ADUs and JADUs
Official local guidanceLocal rules and design checks
| Topic | Local guidance |
|---|---|
| ADU category | The City separates state-defined Limited Standard units from Traditional Standard units subject to applicable local standards. |
| Attached-unit layout | Novato describes an attached ADU as sharing a wall without an internal connection between the dwellings. |
| Flood and fire conditions | The City FAQ directs applicants to check flood-zone and wildland-urban-interface requirements with the responsible agencies. |
Selected local requirements, not a complete zoning determination. Confirm the current rules for your address with the responsible agency.
Fees and budget checks
Ask Novato for City permit charges and request separate hookup and review estimates from Novato Sanitary, North Marin Water and Novato Fire. The City FAQ explicitly identifies these agencies and Public Works as separate contacts.
Novato ADU FAQs — agency fees and site requirementsHow to start the permit process
Create a Novato Permits account, which the City identifies as its application system since October 1, 2025. Establish the ADU category, prepare site information and coordinate outside-agency requirements before submitting.
Municipal design guidance
Novato’s two-category ADU comparison
The City’s Limited versus Traditional Standard framework helps identify which local controls apply before selecting a design.
View the original sourceNovato ADU questions
- Which online system should I use?
- The City identifies Novato Permits, with an account required to apply.
- Who should check water and fire requirements?
- The City directs owners to North Marin Water District and Novato Fire Protection District, alongside sanitary and Public Works review.
Sources for this guide
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 Novato 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.