Novato, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Section 19.20.070.A says the height of a structure cannot exceed the more restrictive of three limits, unless a Master Plan or Precise Development Plan sets a specific height: the Article 2 district limit, the hillside restrictions for sloping sites in Division 19.26, and the fence and wall limits in Section 19.20.040. Height is measured as the vertical distance from finished grade at the base of the structure to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the finished grade at any point. The Director establishes finish grade consistent with parcels in the vicinity, and it cannot be artificially raised to gain building height.

The district figures come from Tables 2-5 and 2-6 in Section 19.10.050. RR-80, RVL-80, RVL-40 and the four R1 rows print a height limit of 30 feet, with 40 feet allowed for barns in RR-80 under its note. Within multi-family districts, R4-6.0, R5-7.5 and R5-4.5 print 30 feet, while every R10 and R20 row prints 35 feet. The Affordable Housing Opportunity overlay also prints 35 feet in Table 2-12.

Subsection C lists exceptions. Chimneys, cupolas, decorative or false gables, monuments, spires, theater scenery lofts, vents, mechanical equipment screening not exceeding 10 percent of the roof area and similar structures can exceed the district limit by a maximum of 8 feet. The Article 2 limits can be increased by a maximum of 20 percent through Design Review under Section 19.42.030, except in the Downtown Core. In the Downtown Core Business or Retail districts the limit can rise by 30 percent up to 45 feet for habitable floor area through Design Review when housing is part of a mixed-use project, an existing or adjacent building exceeds the limit, the use is unique, or the design quality is exceptional. Telecommunications facilities follow Division 19.38.

On hillsides, Section 19.26.050.J requires a vertical separation of at least 25 feet between the top of a structure and the top five-foot contour of a ridge or knoll. Where no other feasible site exists, a structure cannot exceed 16 feet above the highest point on the ridgeline or hilltop within 100 feet.