Housing Element 2023-2031 (6th Cycle)

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The Housing Element is an important part of the Novato General Plan, laying out specific policies for addressing the City’s housing needs in compliance with State law and local interests. The Housing Element is updated on a regular “cycle”. Novato is currently operating within the 6th Housing Element cycle, addressing the City's housing needs for the next 8 years (2023-2031).

The Revised Housing Element will enable the City to preserve, improve, and allow the development of housing for all income segments of the community and demonstrates how the City intends to meet the regional housing needs (RHNA numbers) assigned by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). The RHNA for the City includes a total of 2090 housing units consisting of 570 Very Low Income, 328 Low Income, 332 Moderate Income, and 860 Above Moderate Income.

On May 7, 2024, the City Council adopted the Revised Housing Element (Resolution 2024-031). Subsequent to adoption, the City has began implementing the policies and programs detailed in the Housing Element. Upcoming public meetings, as well as a table detailing the City's progress regarding policy and program implementation, can be found below.

Revised 6th Cycle Housing Element - April 2024

"Just Cause" Tenant Protections Ordinance

Recent & Upcoming Meetings & Workshops

Upcoming Housing Element workshop and meeting information will be posted when available.

Date, time & location	Details

Prior Meetings & Workshops

Prior Housing Element workshop and meeting information will be posted when available.

Date, time & location	Details

Plan Implementation

Housing Element Implementation in Action

The City’s revised General Plan Housing Element (6th Cycle, 2023-2031) was adopted by the City Council on May 7, 2024. The Housing Element includes policies and programs intended to facilitate the production, protection, and preservation of housing in the City of Novato. In many instances, it is necessary to amend the City’s Municipal Code with new local ordinances to implement programs and/or to respond to policy direction set forth by the Novato City Council. These adopted ordinances can be found on our Online Records Library webpage.

Policy / Program(s)	Implementation Status
1.A Rezone for RHNA shortfall	On January 23, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1711, which rezoned sites for RHNA shortfall.
1.B Streamline the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)	On January 28, 2025, City Council adopted Ord. No. 1721, amending the City's ADU and JADU ordinances for consistency with state regulations. City has contracted with ADU Marin to provide information to the public regarding ADUs. Permit-ready plan coordination is in-process.
2.A Develop and adopt a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Ordinance	On August 25, 2026, the City Council decided to continue off-calendar a draft ordinance to implement Program 2.A. City staff will consider amendments to the draft ordinance and present a revised ordinance to the City Council for review and consideration.
2.G Amend and monitor Inclusionary Housing Ordinance	On August 31, 2026, the City issued an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance RFP for consultant services for assistance with implementing Program 2.G.
3.A Ensure the Affordable Housing Requirements Ordinance remains consistent with State Density Bonus law.	On September 10, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No 1718, which amended the zoning ordinance regarding affordable housing requirements associated with density bonus.
3.B Revised Hillside and Ridgeline Protection Regulations	The City is in the process of hiring a consultant to assist City staff with implementing Program 3.B.
3.C Adopt Marin County objective design standards for multi-family housing.	On October 10, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1705, which established objective design standards for all residential developments with two or more units. Processing times need to be reviewed by December 2025.
3.D Design review and use permit process improvements.	On August 25, 2026, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt new zoning code regulations to implement Program 3.D. The ordinance will be scheduled for a second reading and adoption by the City Council. Commissioner and City Council training is ongoing and scheduled as new housing laws are enacted.
3.E SB 35 Processing and Permit Streamlining	On August 25, 2026, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt new zoning code regulations to implement Program 3.E. The ordinance will be scheduled for a second reading and adoption by the City Council.
3.F Evaluate and adjust impact fees	On June 9, 2026, the City Council approved a resolution to authorize the City Manager to hire Harris & Associates to assist City staff with implementing Program 3.F.
3.I Allow comparable zoning district standards to apply in the Planned (PD) Zoning District	On August 25, 2026, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt new zoning code regulations to implement Program 3.I. The ordinance will be scheduled for a second reading and adoption by the City Council.
4.A Allow emergency shelters consistent with State law.	On March 25, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1723, which amended the zoning code regarding the permitting of emergency shelters.
4.B Allow Low Barrier Navigation Centers consistent with state law .	On September 10, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No 1718, which amended the zoning ordinance regarding low barrier navigation centers.
4.C Allow farmworker/employee housing consistent with State law.	On September 10, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No 1718, which amended the zoning ordinance regarding farmworker/employee housing.
4.D Allow Single Room Occupancy units (SROs) to facilitate the provision of affordable housing.	On September 10, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No 1718, which amended the zoning ordinance regarding SRO units.
4.E Allow community/residential care facilities consistent with State law.	On March 25, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1723, which amended the zoning code regarding the permitting and allowances of community/residential care facilities.
5.C Amend the City's condominium conversion ordinance.	On September 10, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No 1718, which amended the municipal code regarding condominium conversions.
5.F Preserve mobile home parks.	The City replaced a sewer pump at the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club in the fall of 2023. On July 9, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1716, which established additional rent controls for residential units within mobile home parks.
5.G Regulate the displacement of residential units.	On April 28, 2026, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1731, which established tenant eviction protections. The City continually monitors proposed residential developments for demolition of residential units consistent with SB 330 and AB 1397, and Density Bonus Law.
5.I Expand “just cause” eviction protections to all tenants.	On April 28, 2026, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1731, which established tenant eviction protections.
5.J Enforce Statewide tenant protections (AB 1482) locally and require participation in non-binding mediation for rent increases greater than five percent.	May 13, 2025 – Rooted in Marin: Strategies for Anti-Displacement was presented to the Novato City Council by Chris Logan, a Partnership for Bay Future Fellow. May 20, 2025 – The Novato Community Development Department presented a draft Anti-Displacement and Tenant Protection workplan to the City Council.
5.L Assistance for renters with animal companions or pets.	Survey results of rental properties that allow pets is posted on the City’s website
6.D Implement General Plan policies related to the Northwest Quadrant neighborhood.	On August 26, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1727, which established a Dangerous Buildings ordinance to address buildings, including rental properties, that are not safe for habitation.