Novato amends accessory dwelling unit regulations

Novato city officials have simplified the approval process for accessory dwelling units, eliminating a dual-permit requirement that previously added costs and delays for property owners.

The City Council unanimously approved code amendments that now require only a building permit for all ADUs, removing the additional planning permit that cost homeowners more than $800.

The changes align Novato's regulations with recent state legislation designed to encourage ADU construction as a solution to California's housing shortage.

The updated regulations also incorporate new height limits established by Senate Bill 897, which allows detached ADUs to reach 16 feet in most areas and up to 18 feet near major transit corridors or on lots with multi-story buildings.

Attached ADUs can now be built up to 25 feet high or match the applicable zoning district height limit, whichever is lower.

These modifications reflect the state's ongoing efforts to remove local barriers that have historically limited ADU development.

City planners noted that the previous two-step permitting process provided little additional oversight since most ADU development standards are now governed by state law rather than local ordinances, making the streamlined approach more practical for both applicants and city staff.