Novato, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Section 19.34.170 of the Novato Municipal Code, Vehicle Parking and Storage in Residential Zones, applies to any residential zoning district in the City of Novato, Marin County, California. Subsection A lets a person park or store any number of operable or inoperable motor or recreational vehicles, including motorcycles, campers, snowmobiles, jet skis, off-road vehicles, boats and trailers, if they are completely confined within a building, garage or accessory structure that screens them from view from adjacent streets and properties.

Subsection B covers outdoors. A maximum of four vehicles of all those types, operable or inoperable, can be parked or stored outdoors, and only under conditions. Only operable vehicles can be parked in the front yard area. The parking area has to be a paved driveway that complies with Division 19.30.070 (Parking Design Standards) and Section 19.20.100E (Limitations on the Use of Setbacks), and adequate sight distance must be maintained under Section 19.20.070 D (Sight Visibility Area Required). Inoperable vehicles cannot be stored or parked within the required parking areas, front yard or street side yard areas. They can be kept only inside a building, garage or accessory structure, or in a rear or side yard where they are screened from view from adjacent streets and properties.

The setback section reinforces the driveway rule. Under § 19.20.100E, required residential parking cannot be located within a front setback area (or a side setback on a streetside corner lot). Non-required residential parking, such as guest parking on a driveway, is allowable within required setback areas only on paved driveways and within paved side yards. Pavement within a front yard setback in a residential zoning district is limited to no more than 50 percent of the area of the required setback, unless a greater percentage of paved area is approved through Design Review. No required setback can be used for the storage of inoperable vehicles, scrap, junk or building materials.

Subsection C adds that vehicles stored or parked on a private parcel in a residential zoning district shall not be used as temporary or permanent living quarters.