Novato, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Division 19.08 of the Novato Zoning Ordinance (Chapter XIX) creates four agricultural and resource districts: A (Agricultural), OS (Open Space), ROS (Restricted Open Space) and C (Conservation). Section 19.08.020 states the aim: to help preserve and maintain agricultural land, natural open space areas, and conserve natural resources while accommodating a built environment that complements the natural environment. The A district is applied to lands to be protected and maintained in agricultural use and is consistent with the Agricultural land use designation of the General Plan.

Section 19.08.030 and Table 2-2 set the permit for each use. In the A district, agricultural accessory structures, community gardens, crop production and horticulture, grazing and hay production, small-animal livestock operations and nurseries or greenhouses without on-site sales are "P" uses, which table note (2) ties to a Zoning Clearance under Section 19.42.020. Agricultural processing, dairy farming, farm produce stands, large-animal livestock operations and nurseries or greenhouses with on-site sales need a Use Permit, processed under Section 19.42.050. A Building Permit is required before any construction, and a use not listed for a district is not allowed (Section 19.06.030.C).

Section 19.08.040 and Table 2-3 print the site standards. Minimum lot area is 60 acres in the A district, and maximum density is 1 dwelling unit per 60 acres for A, compared with 1 dwelling unit per 10 acres for C. The table also prints a height limit of 40 ft for agricultural accessory structures and 30 ft for all other structures.

In the Baylands (B) overlay, Section 19.16.030.E.6 requires agricultural activities to provide buffers from riparian areas, drainage ways, native trees, and wetlands and to retain natural vegetation. Pesticide use must comply with federal and state standards as implemented by the Marin County Agricultural Commission.