Novato, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 15-2.5 of the Novato Municipal Code lists encroachments that are specifically prohibited, so no application is accepted and no permit is issued. They are: a loading dock on or in a right-of-way; a post, pole, column or structure supporting advertising signs not otherwise permitted, except advertising in bus shelters in nonresidential zones under a contract the city manager signs after city council authorization; underground tanks, vaults or elevators, except vaults that are part of facilities owned by public utilities and public agencies; posts, poles or columns carrying lights meant primarily to light abutting private property; signs with flashing or moving lights, except temporary warning signs, barricades or flashers protecting the public during construction; anything that would constrict and reduce the capacity of a watercourse to carry storm water; and injuring, collecting, removing or installing any plant on open space or park land unless the city engineer deems it necessary. Item h bars standing or parking a vehicle, wagon or pushcart from which goods are sold or displayed, and placing goods for sale in the right-of-way, unless the municipal code or another ordinance permits it.

Other sections protect the sidewalk itself. Section 15-2.3 says no part of a right-of-way can be unduly obstructed at any time. Under section 15-2.45(a), no tree, hedge, shrub, planting, fence or trellis can be maintained across an existing walkway in a sidewalk area or shoulder, and no encroachment is allowed that impedes, obstructs or denies pedestrian or other lawful travel or impairs sight distance. Section 15-2.38 bars storing material in the public right-of-way unless the city engineer approves. Section 15-2.31 requires free and unobstructed access to mail boxes, fire hydrants, water gates, valves and manholes. Section 15-2.51 makes it unlawful to place any marking on a street, sidewalk or curb without a permit, except survey, underground-facility and official traffic markings. In a limited operation area designated by council resolution, obstructing more than one traffic lane between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. is prohibited (15-2.29).