Novato Launches New All-Agency Permit Advice Center

Novato Launches New All-Agency Permit Advice Center
In-person consultations every 1st & 3rd Thursday starting September 5

The City of Novato is pleased to announce the launch of Novato Permit Connections, a new all-agency permit advice center aimed at streamlining the permit process for Novato’s homeowners and small businesses. 

Novato Permit Connections is your go-to resource to ensure you have everything you need to submit your permit application. Submitting an accurate and complete application accelerates the plan review process, ultimately leading to quicker turnaround times and greater predictability in permit requirements.

Starting September 5th, Novato Permit Connections will be available the first and third Thursday of every month from 9am to 11am at our Permit Center located at 922 Machin Avenue. Offering drop-in consultations to homeowners and small business owners, this service provides an opportunity to meet with staff from the City and partner agencies all under one roof — including City permitting, planning, building, public works and code enforcement, as well as representatives from Novato Fire, North Marin Water and Novato Sanitary.

“An informed permit application is an expedited permit application,” said Clare Hartman, Community Development Director. “We’ve joined forces with our local partners to enhance the customer experience during the permitting process. For the first time, city, fire, water and sanitation staff, are together in one location and ready to answer your questions and provide the resources you need to move your projects forward efficiently.”

The City is also introducing updated, user-friendly permit application forms for residential and non-residential permits, as well as new application completeness checklists and guides to support efficient permit submittal.

Whether you are working on a common homeowner project, considering an accessory dwelling unit, or planning for commercial tenant improvements, the City remains committed to enhancing its services and ensuring the permit review process is as straightforward as possible.

For more information, and to access the new permit forms, visit novato.org/building.