Building Setbacks & Zoning in Novato, CA (2026)
2 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In the City of Novato, the residential setback tables set minimum yards by zone and lot-size suffix. R1-20 requires 30 ft front and rear and 15 ft sides, R1-10 requires a 25 ft front, 10 ft sides and a 25 ft rear, and R1-7.5 requires a 25 ft front, 6 ft sides and a 20 ft rear.
Novato Residential Yard Setback Minimums by Zone
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.10.050
TABLE 2-5 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS - LOW DENSITY DISTRICTS Residential Zoning District Maximun Number of Dwelling Units Minimum Lot Size Minimum Setbacks Max. Building Coverage (1) Height Limit (ft) (2) Floor Area Ratio Area (sf) Width (ft) Depth (ft) Front (ft) Side (ft) Street Side (ft) Rear (ft) ... R1-20 20,000 100 100 30 15 15 (4) 30 40% 30 50% R1-10 10,000 75 100...
Structure Height Limits
In the City of Novato, California, Municipal Code § 19.20.070 caps structure height at the most restrictive of the zoning district limit, the hillside slope rules in Division 19.26 and the fence height limits. The district tables print 30 feet for the R1 and RR rows and 35 feet for R10 and R20, with listed exceptions.
Novato Structure Height Limits and Exceptions
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.20.070
A.Maximum Height of Structures. Except where a Master Plan or Precise Development Plan establishes a specific height limit, the height of structures shall not exceed the more restrictive of the following, as applicable:1.The height limit established by the applicable zoning district in Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards);2.The height restrictions provi...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Marin County →