Novato, CA Filming & Production: Street Closures (2026)

Street closures for filming in Novato run through the Novato Film Permit Ordinance, section 8-9, and the encroachment chapter, section 15-2. The first gate is timing. Section 8-9.6 requires the application not less than five days ahead of filming, not less than seven days ahead where the shoot requires or involves traffic control or special effects on streets, and not less than ten days ahead where road closures are involved. The city manager can waive a deadline for good cause if there is enough time left for the city to process the application and prepare.

If public traffic flow is to be altered, the applicant must prepare a traffic operations plan, which is subject to approval by the city engineer. Under section 8-9.9, all traffic must be positively guided or controlled in compliance with the State Traffic Manual, and the plan must provide at least 48 hours of advance notice to the fire and police departments, the school district bus dispatcher and Golden Gate Transit. The permit can also require Novato Police Department, Fire Department or Community Development employees on site at the applicant's expense.

The chief of police can deny a permit when filming will substantially disrupt the use of a street at a time of traffic congestion, interfere with emergency vehicles, or interfere with street maintenance work or a previously authorized excavation permit. Conditions can be imposed instead of a denial when they cure the problem.

Section 8-9.9(f) adds a second permit. Work in the public right-of-way that would cause destruction of or injury to streets, sidewalks, signals, trees or other city facilities needs an encroachment permit from the city engineer, obtained before the film permit issues. Under section 15-2.13 work under an encroachment permit must begin within 90 days of issuance unless the permit says otherwise, or the permit becomes void, and section 15-2.3 provides that no part of a right-of-way may be unduly obstructed at any time. Activities that cause no damage to city facilities are covered by the film permit alone.