Following feedback from the downtown business community, the Downtown Novato Business Association (DNBA) has requested that the City temporarily suspend the Weekends on Grant street closure program effective April 30. Grant Avenue will remain open to vehicular traffic each weekend as the street closure program is re-evaluated.

“Throughout the pilot program, we have been listening to feedback from our downtown business community”, said Stephanie Koehler, DNBA Executive Director. “We feel fortunate to have been able to launch this program to support our businesses and provide our community a new way to enjoy our Downtown. While it is a challenge to find a solution that works for everyone, we are doing our best to seek compromises and balance everyone’s changing needs."

During the temporary suspension, restaurants will be permitted to continue using sidewalks as well as the parking spaces, in front of and adjacent to, their establishments for dining. Due to current tier restrictions, indoor capacity for some businesses remains limited with modifications in place to allow for adequate distancing.

Additionally, the City will be installing movable swing gates to provide flexibility for potential future closures. These new gates will allow opportunity for daytime vehicular access to businesses Downtown and potential pedestrian-friendly evening street closures.

Last year, Novato became the first community in Marin County to launch a pedestrian-only street access program, which ran from June through November and re-launched in March of this year, to help support local businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.