Novato, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 10-4 of the Novato Municipal Code lists when a park permit is required: exclusive use of a city park or part of one; any event with amplified music or speech; any activity the public at large is permitted to attend; any commercial activity; any open flame, fire pit or barbeque; sale or barter of goods, food or beverage; any event with 75 or more participants or one that is publicized beforehand; anything the city's park and facility use policies list; and possession, consumption or dispensing of alcoholic beverages.

The application goes to the director of parks and recreation not less than 20 days nor more than 90 days before the use. The director can waive the deadline for good cause, including a free speech event that could not file in time. A person 18 years of age or older must sign or cosign and accept responsibility for the use. The form asks for the park, the start and finish times, the number of people expected, equipment and vehicles, any amplified sound and whether alcohol will be consumed or sold (§§ 10-5, 10-6).

The director must grant or deny within four business days after filing unless the applicant waives that time in writing. Conditions can change the time or location, require monitors or security personnel, restrict amplified sound, require inspection of stages and booths by city personnel or the fire district, and require any other legally required permit. Denial grounds include a park too small for the crowd, a conflict with a city-sponsored event, a late or false application, likely damage to park property, and an open flame during a month of high or very high fire risk (§ 10-7). Fees and deposits adopted by the city council are written into the permit and must be paid within ten business days of receipt or the permit is void (§ 10-13).

Insurance is required for a long list of activities, including concerts, tents, moonbounces, food sales, commercial activity and any event of 150 or more persons, and the certificate is due no less than five business days before the event (§ 10-14). The permit holder must carry the permit during the activity and restore the area afterward (§ 10-35).