Novato, CA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Chapter XIV, section 14-15 of the Novato Municipal Code governs the Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area, and it is the bird-specific rule in the staged code. Subsection 14-15.1(b) bars anyone in the area from hunting, molesting, harming, frightening, killing, trapping, chasing, teasing, shooting or throwing missiles at any bird or animal, and from removing or possessing the young of any wild animal or the eggs, nest or young of any bird. Subsection (c) bans firearms, air rifles, pellet guns, bows and arrows, slings, blank-cartridge devices and any kind of trapping device. Subsection (f) bars a domestic animal from running at large or entering the waters of Pacheco Pond and requires leashes not greater than ten feet in length. Other subsections bar open fires and camping (e), swimming, bathing and wading (g), fireworks (h), motorized vehicles outside designated areas (i), and dumping rubbish or bait (j).

Watching birds is itself confined. Subsection (l) bars hiking, walking, bird watching and nature study in any area other than the parking area adjacent to Bel Marin Keys Boulevard. Subsection (k) allows sport fishing only with rod and line, from the shore, in the area immediately adjacent to the existing parking area. Section 14-15.2 bars entering any area posted closed for purposes of fish, bird or wildlife preservation or enhancement, or due to work in progress, or a potential dangerous condition or potential fire hazard.

Enforcement runs through posting and removal. Section 14-15.4 requires a reasonable number of signs noticing users of the prohibitions, and § 14-15.3 provides that any person using or acting in violation of the section shall be ejected from the Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area. Section 14-15 applies by its terms only inside the Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area.