City of Novato, CA

The Planning Division has two primary functions:

• Assisting the community, and ultimately the City Council, plan for the City's future development; and
• Reviewing proposed development projects for conformance with the City's adopted policies and ordinances and environmental laws.

Planning staff work with prospective applicants and neighbors to assure that new development improves the area and is consistent with adopted community-wide objectives.

We are responsible for maintaining and implementing the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, which guide development decisions, and the City's Climate Change Action Plan which seeks to lower emissions of greenhouse gases and adapt to the effects of climate change.