General requirements for all permits:

• All new permits must adhere to current California Building Code
• Complete a permit application: Standard Permit, Residential Express Permit, and Solar Permit
• For permits applied for by property owner, an Owner-Builder Declaration form must be submitted
• For anyone applying for a permit on behalf of the owner other than the contractor, an Agent Authorization form must be submitted along with the permit application
• All contractors performing work in the City of Novato must have an active City of Novato Business License
• A Waste Management Form or declaration must be provided upon submitting a permit application
• Smoke detectors & carbon monoxide alarms required on all permits with valuation exceeding $1000.00. (Sections 314 & 315 CRC)
• Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Program has been in place as of July 2015 under the city’s NPEDS Phase II MS4 Permit. Building permit applications that contain earth work or grading will require an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP)
• For existing buildings: All multifamily and non-residential projects with the job valuation exceeding the valuation set by the California Division of State Architects for a given year, must complete the Disabled Access Hardship Application Form

Authorized Construction Hours:

• Monday through Friday - 7am to 6pm
• Saturdays - 10am to 5pm
• No construction permitted on Sundays or Official Federal Holidays unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Community Development Director. Section 19.22.070 Novato Municipal Code

All completed applications and forms must be submitted in PDF format to: permitcenter@novato.org

Note: Not all permits related to construction are issued or regulated by the Building Division. Please visit the Public Works Forms and Resources page for information on applying for an Encroachment Permit or Grading Permit.