Landscaping Rules in Novato, CA (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Novato, California, owners must keep trees they maintain at least eight feet above any public right-of-way and free of dead or dangerous growth. Pruning a street tree needs a director permit, and uncorrected hazards become nuisances abated at the owner's expense under Novato Municipal Code § 17-3.
Novato Tree Trimming and Sidewalk Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 17-3.7(a)
a.Care. The property owner shall provide adequate water necessary to maintain all street trees and shrubs and shall provide all root trimming necessary to maintain the public right-of-way. The property owner shall also maintain all trees and shrubs planted adjacent to the public right-of-way on such owner's property which may project over or under the public right-of-way, including the roots th...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Novato, California, a written permit from the community development director is required to alter or remove a heritage tree on any parcel, or to remove one or more trees on any undeveloped parcel. The permit is granted only for a hazard or a damage nuisance, and a ten-calendar-day appeal window follows.
Novato Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 17-1.4
a.Any person desiring to alter or remove a heritage tree on any parcel or remove one or more trees on any undeveloped parcel in the city shall apply in writing to the director for a permit to do so. ... c.The permit may be granted if it is determined that the subject tree (or trees) is, due to its size, type, condition and location:1.A hazard to individuals or existing structures or to the reas...
Weed Ordinances
In the City of Novato, Section 19.31.030(G) makes overgrown, dead, decayed or diseased vegetation on private property unlawful. The section prints no height in inches. Vegetation is conclusively presumed overgrown or dead once it goes 15 days after the Director's notification without being cut and trimmed, maintained, or replaced.
Novato Overgrown Vegetation Rules on Private Property
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.31.030
It shall be unlawful to maintain or fail to maintain any property, or on-site improvements, in a manner that results in any of the following conditions: ... G.Overgrown, Dead, Decayed or Diseased Vegetation. Overgrown, dead, decayed or diseased vegetation on private property. There shall be a conclusive presumption that vegetation is overgrown or dead if it has not been cut and trimmed, not res...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Marin County →