Novato, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Section 19.34.030 of the Novato Zoning Ordinance sets the rental rules for accessory dwelling units in the City of Novato, Marin County, California. Subsection K, Rental Period, requires an ADU to be rented to the same person or persons for a term of 30 days or longer. Subsection F separates rental from ownership: an ADU cannot be sold or conveyed separately from the primary dwelling unit, except as Government Code section 66314 provides, but it can be rented separately from the primary dwelling unit. Subsection T turns the rule into a recorded promise.

A deed restriction signed by the property owner or owners and the community development director or designee must be recorded with the Marin County Recorder's office before final occupancy, runs with the land, and binds future owners, heirs, and assigns. The restriction must state that the ADU shall be rented to the same person or persons for a term of 30 consecutive calendar days or longer, and that it cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit except as Government Code section 66341 provides.

It also states that lack of compliance can result in legal action against the property owner, including revocation of any right to maintain an ADU. Junior accessory dwelling units carry a stricter wording in Section 19.34.031: a JADU shall not be rented for a period of less than 30 days and shall not be used as a short-term rental, and the owner must occupy the primary dwelling or the JADU as a principal residence. Units built under the Senate Bill 9 provisions of Section 19.34.029 have their own rental term, longer than 30 days.