Business Licensing & Operations in Novato, CA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
In the City of Novato, California, an Adult-Oriented Business needs a Regulatory Permit from the Police Chief and must sit 300 feet from another adult business, 500 feet from a religious facility, school, youth-oriented use or public park, and 300 feet from residential zoning. Section 19.23.030 measures each distance in a straight line between property lines.
Novato Adult-Oriented Business Permit and Spacing
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.23.030
An Adult-Oriented Business establishment shall be located only in a zoning district where allowed by Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards), and only on a site that also complies with the requirements of this Section. A.Separation from Incompatible Uses. An Adult-Oriented Business establishment shall not be located within:1.Three hundred feet from any ot...
Massage Establishments
In the City of Novato, California, section 8-4.3 requires a massage establishment permit from the chief of police, a use permit in a zone that allows the use, a city business license and a valid state massage certificate before anyone administers massage for consideration. The establishment permit lasts one year and cannot be transferred.
Novato Massage Establishment Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 8-4.3
a.Massage Establishment Permit. Unless exempt pursuant to subsection 8-4.4, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct, or carry on the business or operation of a massage establishment within the city without first obtaining a permit to operate a massage establishment pursuant to subsection 8-4.5 of this code.b.Use Permit. Massage establishments in the city may operate only in zo...
Tattoo & Body Modification
In the City of Novato, California, a tattoo parlor can open only in a zoning district where Article 2 allows it and only on a site that meets § 19.34.168. The site cannot sit within 1,000 feet of a school, public park or other land use oriented to minors, or within 500 feet of a residential zoning district or conforming residential use.
Novato Tattoo Parlor Location Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.34.168
A tattoo parlor business may be located only in a zoning district where allowed by Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards), and only on a site that also complies with the requirements of this Section. ... A.Separation from Incompatible Uses. A tattoo parlor business shall not be located within:1.1,000 feet from any school, public park or other land use acc...
Tobacco Retail License
In the City of Novato, California, no one can sell tobacco products, electronic smoking devices or tobacco paraphernalia without a tobacco retailer's license for each location, required by section 7-8.3 and renewed each year with the business license. The code also bans flavored tobacco products, self-service displays and pharmacy sales.
Novato Tobacco Retailer License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 7-8.3
a.Tobacco Retailer's License Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a tobacco retailer in the city without first obtaining and maintaining a valid tobacco retailer's license pursuant to this section for each location at which that activity is to occur. Tobacco retailing without a valid tobacco retailer's license is a nuisance as a matter of law. ... f.Self-Service Displays Proh...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
In the City of Novato, California, Municipal Code § 19.34.180 allows only non-commercial vehicle repair at a home in a residential zone, and only when the resident who owns the vehicle does the work. The work must be inside a garage or carport, or stay out of the front and street side setbacks and be screened from view.
Novato Vehicle Repair at Home Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.34.180
A.Repair of Vehicles. Non-commercial service, repair, assembly, modification, restoration, or other work on any motor or recreational vehicle, trailer, or boat may be allowed only under the following conditions:1.The vehicle or boat is owned by a person who resides on the parcel where the work is being done; and2.The property resident is doing the work (repair, assembly, etc.); and3.The work is...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
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