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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Novato
Except for listed exemptions, a permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a building or structure, or installing/altering/replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. The city bulletin lists common examples including additions, remodels, reroofs, windows, sheds, retaining walls, HVAC, water heaters, service panels, lighting, and many plumbing fixtures/systems.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses up to 120 square feet
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within stated dimensional limits
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are under 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons
Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
Certain window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies
Minor electrical repair/maintenance, temporary testing/servicing, portable mechanical equipment, and limited plumbing leak/stoppage repairs that do not involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses up to 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within stated dimensional limits
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are under 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Certain window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies
- Exempt Minor electrical repair/maintenance, temporary testing/servicing, portable mechanical equipment, and limited plumbing leak/stoppage repairs that do not involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures
Note: Exempt work still must comply with code and other laws/ordinances. Novato also notes some otherwise exempt structures may still be regulated by other provisions, and emergency repair permits must be submitted by the next working business day.
Required documents
- The city directs applicants to submit required documents and plans through the portal, and publishes project-specific completeness checklists and forms, including ADU, JADU, single-family dwelling, townhouse, two-family dwelling, and commercial TI/addition checklists, plus CALGreen forms and trade-specific forms
- Building code
- The city applies the current California Building Codes and cites California Building Code sections A105.1 and A105.2 in its permit bulletin. Inference from current city materials: Novato appears to be operating under the 2022 California code cycle, because its forms page includes 2022 CALGreen checklists and current city project documents reference the 2022 CBC/CEBC.
- Permit validity
- City materials quoting California Building/Residential Code section 105.5 state a permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days after issuance, or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days after commencement; the building official may grant written extensions.
- Owner-builder
- The city publishes CSLB owner-builder guidance and, in current city permit documents, requires an authorization form when a property owner designates an agent to apply for an owner-builder permit.
- Contractor requirements
- For residential express permits, permits are limited to licensed contractors or qualified permit agents with a valid CSLB license, and contractors must also hold a valid City of Novato business license. For other work, contractor licensing is governed by California law; the city links applicants to CSLB consumer resources.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: no public citywide permit turnaround estimate was posted in the reviewed materials; the Building Division says it strives to provide next-day inspections when possible.
- 01 Create a Novato Permits account before applying online.
- 02 Start the permit or plan check application in the portal and upload the required documents/plans the portal requests for that permit type.
- 03 City staff reviews the submittal; if corrections are needed, resubmit through the portal.
- 04 Pay applicable fees through the portal when invoiced or at issuance.
- 05 After the permit is issued, schedule inspections in the same portal; only listed contacts on an issued permit can request inspections.
- 06 Complete all required inspections before covering work and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: no public citywide permit turnaround estimate was posted in the reviewed materials; the Building Division says it strives to provide next-day inspections when possible.
Source: City of Novato Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Novato building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$77 permit issuance fee; valuation-based permits then add other applicable charges. Some minor permits have flat fees instead.
02
Plan check fee
Generally 80% of the building permit fee if plan review applies; minimum plan review fee $77. Additional planning/public works review fees apply when required.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Many standard building permits are valuation-based; common minor permits use flat fees; additional state/city surcharges may apply.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee (2nd time or more) $92; missed inspection fee $92
05
Penalty (no permit)
investigation fee for work done without permits is equal to the permit fee, in addition to normal permit fees.
The city states fees are generally collected at application or service request for user fees, and at permit issuance or inspection scheduling for regulatory fees; Novato Permits supports secure online payments.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection hours
- Inspection requests are made online for issued permits only. The city says it strives to provide next-day inspections when possible. Authorized construction hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and no construction on Sundays or official federal holidays.
- Time windows
- Inspection requests are made online for issued permits only. The city says it strives to provide next-day inspections when possible. Authorized construction hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and no construction on Sundays or official federal holidays.
Typical sequence: Request inspections after permit issuance, complete all required inspections before concealing work, and follow the inspection list identified by the building inspector for the specific permit. Reinspection note: Reinspection fees apply after the first reinspection; portal scheduling may block unavailable dates due to city non-working days, holidays, or heavy workload.
Source: City of Novato Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Novato permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Novato, CA? ▸
Except for listed exemptions, a permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a building or structure, or installing/altering/replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. The city bulletin lists common examples including additions, remodels, reroofs, windows, sheds, retaining walls, HVAC, water heaters, service panels, lighting, and many plumbing fixtures/systems.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Novato, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Novato, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $77 permit issuance fee; valuation-based permits then add other applicable charges. Some minor permits have flat fees instead.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Many standard building permits are valuation-based; common minor permits use flat fees; additional state/city surcharges may apply.. Plan check fee: Generally 80% of the building permit fee if plan review applies; minimum plan review fee $77. Additional planning/public works review fees apply when required..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Novato, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Novato, CA, follow these steps: 1. Create a Novato Permits account before applying online. 2. Start the permit or plan check application in the portal and upload the required documents/plans the portal requests for that permit type. 3. City staff reviews the submittal; if corrections are needed, resubmit through the portal. 4. Pay applicable fees through the portal when invoiced or at issuance. 5. After the permit is issued, schedule inspections in the same portal; only listed contacts on an issued permit can request inspections. 6. Complete all required inspections before covering work and obtain final approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Novato, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Novato, CA typically run no public citywide permit turnaround estimate was posted in the reviewed materials; the Building Division says it strives to provide next-day inspections when possible.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Novato, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Novato, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses up to 120 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within stated dimensional limits; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are under 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons; Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Certain window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies; Minor electrical repair/maintenance, temporary testing/servicing, portable mechanical equipment, and limited plumbing leak/stoppage repairs that do not involve replacing or rearranging valves, pipes, or fixtures. Note: Exempt work still must comply with code and other laws/ordinances. Novato also notes some otherwise exempt structures may still be regulated by other provisions, and emergency repair permits must be submitted by the next working business day. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Novato, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Novato, CA via: Schedule through the Novato Permit Portal.
last verified April 2026
source City of Novato Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/marin/novato
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Novato Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.