Novato, CA Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)

Section 18-10.4 of the Novato Municipal Code is the on-street commercial vehicle rule. Subsection a covers residential districts: no person can park a commercial vehicle, as defined by Section 260 of the California Vehicle Code, of more than 10,000 pounds unladen gross weight for more than one hour on any city street within a residential district (division 19.10), planned residential development district (division 19.14), community facilities district (division 19.14), agricultural district (division 19.08) or parks/open space district (division 19.14). Subsection b applies the same 10,000-pound, one-hour limit in commercial and office districts (division 19.12), planned districts and mixed use districts (division 19.14), except light industrial/office districts. Subsection c closes the dual-district gap: where one side of a street is residential and the other commercial, the limit applies on both sides.

Subsection d covers loading. A commercial vehicle loading, unloading or performing a service to an adjacent property can stay no longer than one hour or the time necessary, and only continuous, uninterrupted work counts. Parking in anticipation of future work, or temporary storage on a city street, is not permitted except under the exception process.

Subsection e sets that process. The owner applies on the public works department form and pays the fee set under the city's fee procedures. The permit lasts one year and is renewable. The director of public works weighs sight distances, traffic patterns, proximity to residential districts, the nature of the business and the location of the applicant's primary place of business, then notifies the applicant, abutting property owners and the local homeowner's association in writing. The permit is final 30 days after mailing and has to be displayed on the dashboard. Appeals go to the city council within 30 days, and the council's decision is final.

A separate weight rule in § 18-10.1 bars vehicles over five tons from traveling or parking on city streets except the truck routes designated in § 18-10.2.