Public Conduct in Novato, CA (2026)
7 verified public conduct rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Skateboarding Rules
In the City of Novato, California, skateboards, in-line skates and scooters are barred from roadways except bike lanes, from sidewalks and private shopping areas where signs are posted, and from parks outside designated areas. Section 18-6.2 governs streets and § 10-20 governs parks and the Novato Skatepark.
Novato Skateboard and Skate Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 18-6.2
a.No person shall ride in, on or operate any skateboard, inline skate or skates, scooters, toy vehicles or any other similar device upon any roadway except in designated bike lanes, or in the absence of a bike lane or sidewalk, on the roadway facing traffic in compliance with the Vehicle Code Section 21956.b.Private Property Areas Open to the Public. No person shall ride in, on or operate any s...
Loud Party Ordinance
In the City of Novato, California, a gathering of three or more people on private property that causes a substantial disturbance through loud and raucous noise is a public nuisance. The first police response brings a warning; a second response within 180 days exposes the owner, occupants and attendees to a misdemeanor fine up to $1,000 or administrative penalties of $750 to $1,000.
Novato Uncontrolled Gathering and Loud Party Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 14-19.2, 14-19.6
c."Uncontrolled gathering" means a gathering of three (3) or more persons on any private property in a manner which constitutes a substantial disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of private or public property by the emanation of loud and raucous noise in violation of Novato Municipal Code section 1-6.4(n). ... b.If enforced as a criminal offense, the violation shall be punishable as a misdemeanor...
Loitering Rules
In the City of Novato, it is unlawful to linger or loiter on any portion of a median less than four feet wide, and unlawful to block a traffic sign or signal on any median for more than two signal cycles, or three minutes where no signal exists. Crossing, emergencies and public works are exempt.
Novato Median Loitering and Lingering Rules
Light RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 18-16.1, 18-16.2
18-16.1 Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms listed below shall have the following meaning: Linger means to remain on a median longer than two traffic signal cycles, or, for locations without a traffic signal, for longer than three minutes, except in an emergency or for public works. Loiter means to stand or linger on a median for any purpose other than to safely and lawfully cr...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
In the City of Novato, California, smoking and tobacco product use, including vaping and marijuana smoke, are prohibited in the unenclosed areas of recreational areas, service areas, public places, dining areas, bars and the common areas of multi-unit residences. Section 7-3.2 sets a 20-foot buffer, and violations carry civil fines of $250 to $1,000 each.
Novato Outdoor Smoking and Vaping Ban
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 7-3.4
a.Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited in the unenclosed areas of the following places within the city:1.Recreational areas;2.Service areas;3.Public places;4.Dining areas;5.Bars;6.Common areas of multi-unit residences, provided, however, that a person with legal control over a common area may designate a portion of the unenclosed area of the common area as a designated smoking...
Jaywalking
In the City of Novato, no pedestrian can cross a roadway other than at a crosswalk in any business district. Everywhere in the city, a pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk must take a route at right angles to the curb or the shortest route to the opposite curb.
Novato Pedestrian Crosswalk and Jaywalking Rules
Light RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 18-8.1, 18-8.2, 18-8.3
18-8.1 When Pedestrians Must Use Crosswalks. No pedestrians shall cross a roadway other than a crosswalk in any business district. ... 18-8.2 Crossing at Right Angles. No pedestrians shall cross a roadway at any place other than by a route at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb except in a marked crosswalk. ... 18-8.3 Standing in Roadways. No person shall stan...
Public Marijuana Use
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, marijuana smoke counts as smoke under the Novato Smoke-Free Air and Health Protection Ordinance in section 7-3. Smoking and tobacco product use, a term that reaches products containing marijuana, are prohibited in the unenclosed areas of recreational areas, service areas, public places, dining areas and bars, with civil fines of $250 to $1,000 per violation.
Novato Public Marijuana Smoking Ban
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 7-3.2, 7-3.4 and 7-3.9
The term "smoke" includes, but is not limited to, tobacco smoke, electronic smoking device vapors, marijuana smoke, and crack cocaine smoke. ... 1.Any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco, marijuana or nicotine that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, including, but not li...
Public Alcohol Use
In the City of Novato, California, it is unlawful to consume, dispense or furnish alcoholic beverages on a public sidewalk, pedestrian way, street, open space or creek right-of-way without a permit from the chief of police. City parks add a ban on possession. A conviction carries a fine up to $500, up to six months in county jail, or both.
Novato Public Alcohol Consumption Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 14-10.1, 14-10.2, 14-10.4
14-10.1 Consume, Dispense, or Furnish in Certain Places. It shall be unlawful for any person to consume, dispense, or furnish any alcoholic beverages upon a public sidewalk, public pedestrian way, public street, or publicly-owned open space, creek or creek right-of-way in this city, without first obtaining a permit from the chief of police to allow the dispensation of such beverages. ... 14-10....
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
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