Novato, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Novato regulates cannabis through Chapter VIII, section 8-11, and the Zoning Ordinance in Chapter XIX. Section 8-11.3 prohibits commercial cultivation, manufacture, processing, storing, laboratory testing, labeling, sale, delivery, distribution and transportation of cannabis in the City of Novato except as the section specifically authorizes. Section 8-11.6(b) then states that no commercial cannabis business permit (CCBP) will issue for outdoor or mixed-light cultivation or for storefront retail sales, which are prohibited. A conventional walk-in dispensary therefore cannot be permitted in Novato.

The City Council has authorized a short list of business types under section 8-11.9(a): non-store front retailers, unlimited in number; testing laboratories, maximum of two; manufacturing, maximum of two; indoor cultivation, maximum of two; microbusiness, maximum of three; and distribution, maximum of one as a standalone Type 11 operation, with no limit when it is ancillary to another listed business. A non-store front retail business sells and delivers from a premises that is not open to the public, with all sales consummated by delivery. A retailer's CCBP also permits delivery services.

Location is controlled by section 8-11.24. Each authorized business must be located in zoning areas detailed in sections 19.12.030 and 19.14.030, satisfy the locational criteria in section 19.34.066, and be listed in Chapter 19's use tables as a permitted or conditionally permitted use. No conditional certificate, CCBP, business license, building permit or community development director certification can be issued for an activity that is not so listed. Section 8-11.15 requires the community development director to certify that the site meets sections 19.12.030 and 19.34.066 before a CCBP issues.

Project standards in section 8-11.24(b) require conformity with the general plan, compliance with zoning and development standards, construction that minimizes odors to surrounding uses, and adequate streets and utilities. The Novato City Council awards conditional certificates at a public hearing in its sole discretion, and a CCBP expires on the earlier of the zoning clearance term or twenty-four months from issuance.