Community Development

Welcome to the Community Development Department. Our Department interprets and implements the policies enacted by the community to guide development, ensure a safe environment, and enhance the appearance of Novato. We are committed to working in partnership with the community to make Novato a safe, healthy, attractive and vital place to live and work.

The Community Development Department is located at 75 Rowland Way, Room 110 and consists of four Divisions; Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, and Housing. Each of the Divisions is represented on our web site. I encourage you to review the web pages for each of the divisions to learn about the services we provide.

The Planning Division is responsible for assisting the community in developing land use policies and implementing those policies to insure the City’s character is consistent with the community’s vision. The Planning Division is responsible for reviewing development proposals for consistency with the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance and other City approved policy documents.

The Housing Division manages the City’s affordable housing programs and assists in the development of new affordable housing. Novato has a wide array of affordable housing opportunities.

The Department's Building Division is responsible for reviewing construction plans and regulating construction projects according to state and local Building and Housing Codes. The department participates in the City's "One-Stop Shop" where applicants can obtain minor building permits over the counter.

The Code Enforcement Division investigates and directs the remediation of unsafe and blighted properties. This division also manages the City's Residential Resale Program and the Multi-family Inspection Program.

Thank you for visiting our web site. If you have further questions or comments about development, building safety, code enforcement or housing in Novato please contact us or visit our offices. All of the members of Community Development are eager to assist you.

David Wallace

Community Development Director

415-899-8989      dwallace@cityofnovato.org