Novato, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

The H overlay protects areas and structures the community has identified as historically significant elements of Novato's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic and architectural heritage. It combines with any primary zoning district, and any land use normally allowed in that district stays allowed.

Subsection D requires a proposed development, alteration, new land use or demolition in the overlay to obtain the permits the primary zone requires and to undergo Design Review. A request for demolition must include an evaluation of the structure's architectural significance prepared by a qualified person approved by the City. Design Review is not required where the Director determines the activity is visually or functionally insignificant, or that an imminent safety hazard exists.

Subsection E sets four standards. Alterations or relocations must not detrimentally alter, destroy or adversely affect the resource and must be compatible with the architectural style, and they must retain the essential elements that make the structure, site or feature historically significant. New construction must follow applicable design guidelines, must not harm the character of the district or of designated landmarks or historic sites, and must be visually compatible, judged by materials, scale, size, height, placement and use.

Subsection F controls demolition. The Building Official can issue a Demolition Permit only after the demolition is approved under Subsection D, and the Review Authority must first find that at least one of five conditions exists: the structures, elements or site are hazardous; repairs or stabilization are not physically possible or economically feasible; the site is required for a public use of greater public benefit with no feasible alternative location; original building elements will be restored or retained in a new structure; or the building elements are not deemed historically significant within the context of the H District.

Archaeological sites fall under Chapter 4-7. A permit is required before any building or grading permit when work will disturb a recorded cultural resource, defined as evidence of human occupation existing prior to 1860. The consulting archaeologist's report is due within 15 days, the community development director holds a hearing within ten calendar days, and any decision can be appealed to the city council in writing within five working days.