Home > Local Rules > Novato

Local ADU Rules

Novato

Last Updated May 21, 2025

ADU Contact:

Vivek Damodaran, Planner II, vdamodaran@novato.org

Standards	Details
Zones allowed	ADU Allowed on any lot when combined with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling or existing multi-family dwellings, where such primary dwellings are a permitted use as specified in the land use tables of Article 2. Allowed on any lot zoned Planned District (PD) when combined with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling or existing multi-family dwellings, where such primary dwelling types are a permitted use in an adopted master plan or precise development plan. JADU Junior accessory dwelling units are an allowed land use where existing or proposed single-family dwelling units are allowed, as listed in the land use tables of Article 2.
Lot Restrictions	None.
Minimum Lot Size
Min/Max ADU Size	Minimum: 150 square feet. Maximum: 50 percent of primary home size up to 850 square feet. In instances where application of the existing or proposed residence living area percentage, floor area ratio, and/or lot coverage do not allow an accessory dwelling unit of the maximum sizes listed above, an accessory dwelling unit of up to a maximum of 800 square feet shall be allowed subject to all other standards. JADUs Maximum: 500 square feet. One ADU and one JADU allowed on single-family properties. Number ADUs allowed on multifamily properties determined in accordance with state law.
ADU Building Height	Up to 16 feet or the height of the existing building when an existing building is converted into an ADU.
Setbacks	None for conversion of existing living area or structure. 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new construction as per state law. 3-foot minimum separation from other structures. Front setback as required by the zoning district applicable to the primary dwelling unit. Side and rear setbacks must meet fire safety requirements.
Parking Requirements	One parking space per ADU required unless one of the following circumstances apply to the ADU: 1) within ½ mile of public transit, or within a historic district or a car share is within one block of the ADU, 2) created by converting or demolishing garage or carport, or 3) when on-street parking permits are required but not offered to ADU occupant, then none required. Tandem parking and parking in setbacks are both allowed.
Owner Occupancy	Not required for ADU or primary residence. Required for JADU.
Sample fees from recent permits	Planning Application Fee: $747 (for those units subject to planning review). Building Permit Application Fee: % of construction valuation. Water and sanitation fees: calculated by Water and Sanitary Districts. Development Impact Fee = Ratio based on size of primary dwelling and ADU size if more than 750 square feet. *Fees are specific to each project and will vary. Fees change regularly. These are provided as examples only.
Other requirements	A deed restriction must include that ADU: 1) shall not be sold separate from primary dwelling unit, 2) shall not be rented for a period less than 30-days, and 4) requirements must be maintained by future owners. Fire sprinklers: needed if required for primary residence Street Addresses: must be the same as the primary dwelling followed by a unique alphabetical identifier (e.g., 1000A Main Street) to assist in emergency response.
Process	Complete applications reviewed by City within 60 days per State law. ADU proposals not defined in Section 65852.2(e)., require a Planning Application review process, otherwise only ministerial building permit. Disclaimer: standards and process may vary. Consultation with the contact is recommended before starting any project.
Exceptions	None.

Wondering what you can build?

Make sure you check out our Learning the Rules page for more step-by-step details