Filming & Production in Novato, CA (2026)
3 verified filming & production rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Location Permits
In the City of Novato, California, it is unlawful to conduct a filming activity without first obtaining a film permit from the chief of police. News filming, filming inside a studio, and filming for criminal investigations or court proceedings are exempt. The rules sit in the Novato Film Permit Ordinance, Municipal Code section 8-9.
Novato Film Permit Requirement for Location Filming
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 8-9.4, 8-9.5, 8-9.16
8-9.4 Permit Required. It shall be unlawful to conduct a filming activity as defined in subsection 8-9.3c without first obtaining a film permit from the chief of police. ... 8-9.5 Permit Exemptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any of the following activities: a.Film activities conducted for news purposes as defined in subsection 8-9.3e.b.Filming activities conducted in a s...
Production Noise
In the City of Novato, California, the chief of police can condition a film permit on restrictions on gunfire, explosions and other noise-creating or hazardous devices, and on restrictions on the hours of filming. The Novato Film Permit Ordinance sets no fixed decibel figure. Limits are written into each permit under section 8-9.9.
Novato Film Production Noise and Hours Conditions
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 8-9.7, 8-9.8, 8-9.9
c.Description of scenes to be filmed including details of any stunts, animals, chase scenes, pyrotechnics, special effects, and number of people used for a particular scene. ... 4.The filming activity creates a substantial risk of injury to persons or property, or is particularly disruptive to a neighborhood. ... 8-9.9 Permit Conditions. In some cases the filming activity may result in an unrea...
Street Closures
In the City of Novato, California, a film permit application involving road closures must be filed not less than ten days in advance. Altered traffic flow needs a traffic operations plan approved by the city engineer, and work in the public right-of-way that could damage city property needs an encroachment permit under section 15-2 before the film permit issues.
Novato Film Shoot Street Closure Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 8-9.6, 8-9.9
a.Any person applying for a film permit hereunder shall file an application for such permit not less than five days in advance of the proposed filming activity where the filming activity requires or involves traffic control, special effects on streets, the application must be filed not less than seven days in advance, and where road closures are involved, not less than ten days in advance. ... ...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Filming & Production in Marin County →