Accessory Structures in Novato, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In the City of Novato, Section 19.34.030 allows one accessory dwelling unit on a lot with a primary single-family dwelling, approved ministerially on a building permit alone. A detached ADU is capped at 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks and a 16-foot height limit.
Novato Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules and Standards
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.34.030
B.Land Use, Zoning and Density. An accessory dwelling unit:1.Represents a residential land use;2.Is not subject to the density requirements of the Novato General Plan or this title; ... C.Maximum Number of Units.1.Single-Family Dwellings. A maximum of one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a lot with an existing or a proposed primary single-family dwelling. ... b.Detached Accessory Dwe...
ADU Impact Fees
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, an accessory dwelling unit under 750 square feet of floor area pays no development impact fees under Novato Municipal Code § 19.34.030.U. A unit of 750 square feet or larger pays fees charged proportionally to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit. The section prints no dollar rates.
Novato ADU Development Impact Fee Exemption
Light RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.34.030
U.Development Impact Fees. Accessory dwelling units that are less than 750 square feet in floor area are not subject to paying development impact fees. Accessory dwelling units that are 750 square feet or larger in floor area shall pay development impact fees charged proportionally in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit.
ADU Rental Restrictions
In the City of Novato, an accessory dwelling unit must be rented to the same person or persons for a term of 30 days or longer under Section 19.34.030(K). The recorded deed restriction repeats the rule as 30 consecutive calendar days, and a junior ADU cannot be used as a short-term rental.
Novato ADU Rental Period: 30-Day Minimum
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.34.030
F.Separate Sale or Conveyance. Except as provided by Government Code section 66314, an accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold or conveyed separately from the primary dwelling unit on a qualifying a lot for development of an accessory dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit may be rented separately from the primary dwelling unit. ... K.Rental Period. An accessory dwelling unit shall be rent...
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, accessory structures in residential districts follow Novato Municipal Code § 19.34.032: a maximum of two, up to 12 feet tall, set back 3 feet from side and rear property lines, and kept out of the required front yard. Aggregate coverage stops at the lesser of five percent of the lot, 30 percent of the primary dwelling’s habitable floor area, or 500 square feet unless design review approves more.
Novato Accessory Structure and Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.34.032
D.Location. ... 3.An accessory structure shall not be located closer than 3 feet to a rear or side property line. An accessory structure that is 40 square feet or less in size may be allowed within 3 feet of a side or rear property line provided that it does not exceed 6 feet in height. ... E.Maximum Number of Accessory Structures. A maximum of two accessory structures shall be allowed unless d...
Garage Conversions
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, a conversion accessory dwelling unit created inside an existing accessory structure under Novato Municipal Code § 19.34.030 needs only a building permit. The unit has no floor area cap, keeps the existing height, and needs a separate exterior entry. A junior unit built in an attached garage must replace the lost parking on site.
Garage Conversions to ADUs in Novato, California
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.34.030
b.Conversion Accessory Dwelling Units—Within Existing Primary Unit Single-Family Dwellings, Proposed Primary Unit Single-Family Dwellings and Existing Accessory Structures.(1)Unit Size.i.An accessory dwelling unit is not subject to a maximum floor area limit when created within the walls of an existing or proposed primary unit single-family dwelling or existing accessory structure. However, an ...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Accessory Structures in Marin County →