Novato, CA Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

Noise on a Novato film shoot is controlled through the film permit rather than through a stand-alone decibel table. Section 8-9.9 of the Novato Municipal Code lets the film permit be conditioned on special requirements, and two of the listed conditions go straight to production noise: restrictions on the use of gunfire, explosions, and other noise-creating or hazardous devices, and restrictions on the hours of filming. A third condition requires adequate notice to affected property owners. The Film Permit Ordinance itself prints no numeric decibel limit and no fixed clock hours, so the permit in hand is the document that sets the numbers for a given shoot.

The applicant has to disclose the loud and hazardous elements up front. The standardized California Film Commission application asks for a description of the scenes to be filmed, including details of any stunts, animals, chase scenes, pyrotechnics and special effects, and the number of people used for a particular scene. It also asks for location maps and daily time charts showing the hours and dates the activity will take place.

The chief of police can refuse a permit when the filming activity creates a substantial risk of injury to persons or property or is particularly disruptive to a neighborhood. Where the problem can be eliminated by reasonable conditions, section 8-9.8 directs the chief to impose conditions instead of denying the permit. Section 8-9.9 also allows the presence of Novato Police Department, Fire Department or Community Development employees at the applicant's expense.

A company that disagrees with a noise or hours condition has an appeal. The applicant can appeal a permit condition by filing a notice with the city clerk within five days after the notice of the condition is mailed or personally delivered. The City Council hears the appeal at its next regular meeting and its decision is final, with a city manager hearing available when time is short.