Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Novato, CA (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
In the City of Novato, the owner of a parcel that abuts the area between the property line and the curb face of a public street is responsible for all maintenance and repairs, including tree root damage, needed to keep sidewalk improvements safe, and is liable for negligence to anyone injured by a failure to do so.
Novato Sidewalk Repair Responsibility for Property Owners
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 15-2.46
For the purpose of this section the term sidewalk improvements shall include any sidewalk, driveway, curbing, bulkhead, retaining wall, paving, masonry work, irrigation or drainage facilities or tree, hedge, shrub, or planting of any kind existing in the area between the property line and roadway curbline (face of curb) of any public street, regardless of such improvements being made by the pro...
Obstruction Rules
Section 15-2.5 of the Novato Municipal Code lists encroachments the City of Novato will not permit at all, including loading docks, advertising sign posts, flashing signs, anything that constricts a watercourse, and vending from a vehicle or pushcart or displaying goods in the right-of-way.
Novato Sidewalk and Right-of-Way Obstruction Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 15-2.5
The following encroachments are specifically prohibited and no applications will be accepted nor permits issued therefor: a.Construction or maintenance of a loading dock on or in a right-of-way.b.Erection or maintenance of a post, pole, column or structure for the support of advertising signs not otherwise permitted by this chapter, except for advertising in bus shelters in nonresidential zones...
Encroachment Permits
In the City of Novato, no person encroaches within, upon, over or under any right-of-way, watercourse, open space or park land without first obtaining a permit under section 15-2. The city engineer issues the written permit, fees are set by city council resolution, and doing the work first doubles the fees.
Novato Encroachment Permit for Streets and Rights-of-Way
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 15-2.4
No person shall encroach or cause to be made any encroachment of any nature whatever within, upon, over, or under the limits of any right-of-way, watercourse, open space, or park land without having first obtained a permit as required by this ordinance.
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Marin County →