Special Events & Permits in Novato, CA (2026)
4 verified special events & permits rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Park Event Permits
In the City of Novato, California, nine kinds of park use need a park permit under Municipal Code § 10-4, including exclusive use, amplified sound, commercial activity, open flames, alcohol and any gathering of 75 or more people. Applications go to the director of parks and recreation 20 to 90 days ahead.
Novato Park Permit and Event Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 10-4
A park permit is required for any of the following uses of park property: a.For exclusive use of a city park or portion thereof.b.For any activity or event which utilizes amplified music or amplified speech (see section 10-16).c.For any activity or event which the public at large is permitted to attend.d.For any commercial activity. ... g.To sponsor or conduct any activity or event in a park, o...
Parade Permits
In the City of Novato, anyone who wants to conduct or sponsor a parade, athletic event or other special event first obtains a special event permit from the chief of police. Events on parks and recreation property, funeral processions and small sidewalk parades of 40 or fewer pedestrians are exempt.
Novato Parade and Special Event Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 15-3.4
Any person desiring to conduct or sponsor a parade, athletic event, or other special event in the city shall first obtain a special event permit from the chief of police. A special event permit is not required for the following: a.Parades, athletic events or other special events which occur exclusively on city property under the jurisdiction of the department of parks and recreation. Those even...
Parklets
In the City of Novato, a downtown business needs a license from the city engineer to build a parklet or streatery in a parking stall or tree well. The applicant needs a ground-floor storefront, a lease with at least two years left, a City of Novato business license, current Downtown Business Improvement District dues, and no unresolved code violations.
Novato Downtown Parklet Licensing Program Eligibility Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 15-6.040
a.Any eligible business may submit an application for a license to establish and operate a Parklet or Streatery provided all of the following is documented in the application:1.The applicant must operate a business at ground-floor, storefront commercial property adjacent to a public street; and2.The applicant must hold a lease with not less than two (2) years remaining; and3.The applicant must ...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
In the Downtown Core of the City of Novato, fronting Grant Avenue and Redwood Boulevard, a restaurant uses the sidewalk for outdoor dining only under a license agreement with the city, administered by the city engineer and tied to a zoning clearance. No separate use permit is required.
Novato Downtown Core Sidewalk Outdoor Dining License
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 15-4.5
a.Business owners may provide for outdoor uses of the sidewalk by entering into a license agreement with the city on an approved city form, to be negotiated, executed, and administered by the city engineer or his/her designee. Outdoor uses of the sidewalk as defined herein shall conform to the design guidelines contained in the Downtown Novato Specific Plan and the applicable standards containe...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Marin County →