Planning Division

The Planning Division implements public policy and provides project review for new development in Novato. Residential, industrial, commercial, public improvements, whether large or small, all require careful consideration for compatibility with the City’s land use/planning goals and objectives. The Planning Division leads the effort, with other departments, to implement the City’s General Plan.  The Division implements the goals and policies of the General Plan through the daily application of the Zoning Ordinance, which includes the processing of a variety of land use requests, including the subdivision of land, commercial and residential design review, use permits, variances and annexations. The Division reviews all development proposals to ensure that they conform to the requirements of the General Plan, provide for protection of the environment, and meet the criteria for zoning, setback, landscaping, access, and other regulations established by the City Council for safe, orderly development.

The Planning Division coordinates and plans long-range community development through revisions to the General Plan, establishment of specific plans, creation of affordable housing goals, transportation system improvements and provisions for land conservation and open space. The Planning staff also provides support for the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Commission, the Zoning Administrator and the Community Development Director, in their decision making processes.

Public Counter Hours:    75 Rowland Way, Room 110, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Mon. - Thur. & every other Friday). Please check the City calendar for alternating Friday closures and holidays.

Planning Phone:     415-899-8989
Planning Fax:         415-899-8217

Email:                Planning@cityofnovato.org

Planning Staff

Planning Manager:     Elizabeth Dunn         493-4711     edunn@cityofnovato.org
Principal Planner:      Alan Lazure              899-8941     alazure@cityofnovato.org
Senior Planner:         Hans Grunt               899-8940     hgrunt@cityofnovato.org
Senior Planner:         Steve Marshall          899-8942     smarshal@cityofnovato.org
Planner II:                Louise Patterson       899-8944     lpatters@cityofnovato.org