Novato, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

The D overlay applies to areas covered by the Downtown Novato Specific Plan and is meant to recognize, protect and enhance the desired character of the downtown area. It can be combined with any primary zoning district. Development must meet the underlying Article 2 district rules and the Article 3 site planning standards, except where Section 19.16.040 says otherwise. If this Section and the Downtown Specific Plan conflict with other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, this Section and the Specific Plan control.

Subsection D.1 makes the design guidelines mandatory: proposed development, facade renovations and new uses must be designed in compliance with the guidelines provided by the Downtown Novato Specific Plan. Signs in the overlay must be pedestrian oriented in conformance with Division 19.32. Subsection D.3 adds special landscape requirements from the Specific Plan on top of Division 19.28.

Height is set in D.2 at 35 feet, with exceptions under Section 19.20.070 C (3). In the Downtown Core Business and Retail districts, up to 45 feet for the habitable floor area, excluding the roof design, can be allowed under that section. Section 19.20.070 allows a 30 percent increase to a maximum of 45 feet through Design Review when housing is incorporated in a mixed-use project, an existing or adjacent building exceeds the height limit, the unique nature of the use requires it, or the building provides exceptional architectural design quality.

Other overlay rules are specific to downtown. Multi-family dwellings are not allowed on First Street. Properties with frontage on both a primary street and a rear alley or accessway must provide elevations, architectural treatments and signage for the rear frontage as part of design review, and the rear frontage must meet the primary street design standards. New development and major renovations must consider paseos, interior courtyards or side yard alleys for pedestrian access to alleys. Mixed-use projects follow Section 19.34.100, and reduced parking requirements appear in Table 3-7 of Section 19.30.040, with adjustments such as waivers for off-peak uses, shared parking, off-site parking and public parking improvements under Section 19.30.050.