Fire Regulations in Novato, CA (2026)
4 verified fire regulations for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
In the City of Novato, California, no one lights or maintains a fire on public property unless it burns in an apparatus the City of Novato provides, owns or maintains for that purpose, such as a City fire pit, stove, barbeque or fire circle. An adult must stay with every fire until it is completely out and cold to the touch.
Novato Fire Pit and Fire Rules on Public Property
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 14-20.5
It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to do the following on any public property: a.Light or maintain any fire, unless such fire is lighted and maintained only in an apparatus or receptacle (including a fire pit, stove, barbeque or fire circle) provided by, owned, or maintained by the City of Novato for that particular purpose.b.Leave a fire unattended by an adult or leave a locat...
Fireworks
In the City of Novato, California, it is unlawful to store, manufacture, sell or discharge fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes or any similar agency that creates noise or fire. The only exception in § 14-3.1 is a public display given with the written consent of the city council. A violation is a misdemeanor.
Novato Fireworks Ban
Heavy RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 14-3.1
14-3.1 Storage, Manufacture or Sales Prohibited; Permit for Public Display. It shall be unlawful for any person to store, manufacture, sell or discharge any fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes or any similar agency that creates noise or fire within the city; provided, however, that public display of fireworks may be given with the written consent of the city council. ... 14-3.2 Penalties. Any pe...
Brush Clearance
In the City of Novato, development in areas the Novato fire district board defines as high hazard fire areas must eliminate listed hazardous vegetation within 30 feet of all structures before final clearance for occupancy or use. The fire chief can extend the distance to 100 feet for extra hazardous conditions and can direct trimming of trees near chimneys.
Novato Vegetation Clearance Around Structures in High Fire Areas
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 5-21.008
5.Any development/construction to occur in areas defined by the Novato fire district board as high hazard fire areas shall, prior to final clearance for occupancy or use, eliminate all of the following types of vegetation, except single specimen shrubs or trees, within 30 feet (or up to 100 feet for extra hazardous conditions upon direction of the fire chief) of all structures: ... Scotch broom...
Wildfire Zones
In the City of Novato, new and substantially remodeled buildings in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency must meet the California Building Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code as Novato amends it. The amendments bar fire-retardant-treated wood siding, decking and roofing and tighten eaves, walls, doors, glazing and decks.
Novato Wildland-Urban Interface Building Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 4-1.4.7 (WUI Code Sections 501.1, 503.2.2)
501.1 Scope. New and substantially remodeled buildings and structures located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and this code. This chapter applies to building materials, system and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new bu...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Fire Regulations in Marin County →