Local zoning · Novato

Novato — Signage

Q: How far can a projecting sign extend over the sidewalk?

Projecting signs may extend up to 36 inches over a sidewalk and 24 inches over an alley; they must maintain at least 8 ft of clearance from finished grade and meet the requested height limit (no portion above eave line or parapet) (§ 19.32.070.D ) .

Q: What rules apply to temporary construction or real estate signs?

Construction identification signs: one on‑site sign allowed, max 32 sf , max 6 ft tall, non‑illuminated, and must be removed within 30 days after construction completion (§ 19.32.070.E.1 ) .

Signage under the Novato local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what Chapter 19 (the Novato Zoning Ordinance) says about signs: what types are allowed or prohibited, how area and height are measured, district-by-district limits, special Downtown (D) overlay rules, and the administrative exceptions and nonconforming rules you must know. The rules sit in Division 19.32 (Signs) of the Zoning Ordinance; key controls are the general requirements (§ 19.32.050), zoning‑district standards (§ 19.32.060), and standards for specific sign types (§ 19.32.070) .

Before you design a sign, also check site rules that affect placement and sight distance in the City's development standards and parking rules; see Novato Development Standards and Novato Parking for how sign location interacts with setbacks and drive aisles. Link: Novato Development Standards and Novato Parking. Where design review or an overlay applies, signs must meet the applicable design rules; see Novato Design Review and Novato Overlay Districts.

Core rules (what to read first)

Purpose and applicability: Division 19.32 establishes the purposes for sign regulation (safety, aesthetics, communication) and the scope of the rules (§ 19.32.010 and § 19.32.020) .
Measurement rules: sign area and freestanding sign height are measured per § 19.32.050 (definitions and measurement rules) — e.g., sign area is the smallest rectangle (or combination of rectangles) enclosing all copy and graphics; freestanding sign height is measured from the finished grade adjacent to the base (§ 19.32.050.A–B) .
District sign maximums and allowed sign types are at § 19.32.060 and its Tables (Table 3‑10 and Table 3‑11) (residential/agricultural vs. commercial/industrial standards) .
Specific-type rules (awning, freestanding, projecting, window, temporary, murals, etc.) are in § 19.32.070; key limits (projecting clearance, freestanding height, window coverage) are here (§ 19.32.070.D, B, G, E) .
Exceptions, variances, nonconforming sign rules, and maintenance/abatement are in §§ 19.32.080–19.32.090 and related enforcement provisions .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the sign rules organized by the zoning districts named in the ordinance. For each district I summarize the purpose, typical sign uses allowed, the most decision-relevant numeric limits, and where the district rule applies.

Notes:

All numeric limits below are taken from § 19.32.060 (and Tables 3‑10/3‑11) unless another section is named; supportive details on type‑specific limits come from § 19.32.070. See those sections for full rules and definitions .

A (Agriculture) — and OS (Open Space), C (Conservation), Residential districts

Purpose / typical uses: Low‑intensity, noncommercial identification signs and residential identification (real estate, construction) consistent with residential character (§ 19.32.060.A) .
Key dimensional / content limits:
- Allowed types: wall or monument signs (Table 3‑10) (§ 19.32.060.A) .
- Maximum: 32 sf per sign; up to 64 sf total for all signs on the site (Table 3‑10) (§ 19.32.060.A) .
- Monument max height: 6 ft; wall signs must be below the roof edge (§ 19.32.060.A) .
- Lighting: indirect only (no internal illumination) (Table 3‑10) (§ 19.32.060.A) .
Where it applies: all parcels zoned A, OS, C, and residential zones established by § 19.04.020; temporary construction/real estate signs are allowed per § 19.32.070.E .

BPO (Business & Professional Office), CN (Neighborhood Commercial), CG (General Commercial), CD (Downtown Core), CI, LIO, MU, CF

Purpose / typical uses: Commercial storefront and multi‑tenant center signage; identifies businesses to pedestrians and motorists (§ 19.32.060.B) .
Key dimensional / content limits:
- Refer to Table 3‑11 (sign classes by building frontage and tenant type) for per‑frontage allowances (§ 19.32.060.B) .
- Multi‑tenant center freestanding identification: area equal to 0.25 sf per ground‑floor linear foot of primary building frontage, up to 200 sf (§ 19.32.060.B.2) .
- Projecting signs (pedestrian‑scale): max 36 inches projection over sidewalk, 24 inches over an alley; min clearance 8 ft; max face area 9 sf (§ 19.32.070.D) .
- Freestanding sign height generally limited to 6 ft (see § 19.32.070.B) and multiple signs must be separated 75 ft unless waived (§ 19.32.070.B) .
- Window signs: permanent and temporary window signs may not occupy more than 20% of total window area (§ 19.32.070.G) .
Where it applies: the commercial/office/industrial districts listed in § 19.32.060.B (see Table 3‑11) .

Downtown (D) overlay (Downtown Novato Specific Plan)

Purpose / typical uses: Pedestrian‑oriented signage, scaled to sidewalks and storefronts; murals permitted with design review (§ 19.32.060.C, § 19.32.070.C) .
Key dimensional / content limits:
- Aggregate sign cap: 1 sf of sign area per linear foot of primary building frontage (corner parcels may get an additional 0.5 sf per foot of secondary frontage); no single sign over 25 sf (§ 19.32.060.C) .
- Wall sign specifics: signs must fit within architecturally consistent wall surface; letter height limits apply (e.g., 12 in. maximum letter height in some circumstances) (§ 19.32.070.F / downtown rules) .
- Freestanding signs are generally not allowed in the D overlay except where the underlying zone is CG (§ 19.32.070.B.2) .
- Murals are allowed in the D overlay and are treated in addition to sign area limits; they require design review and findings of compatibility (§ 19.32.070.C) .
Where it applies: parcels within the Downtown overlay shown on the Zoning Map (see the Downtown Novato Specific Plan and overlay provisions) — signs within the overlay must follow Division 19.32 and the Downtown plan (§ 19.32.060.C) .

Quick standards & prohibited items (decision table)

Topic	Rule / Limit	Code Reference
Sign measurement (area, freestanding height)	Area = smallest continuous rectangle(s) around copy; freestanding height measured from finished grade adjacent to base	§ 19.32.050.A–B
Residential / A/OS/C districts	Wall or monument: 32 sf each; 64 sf total; monument 6 ft; indirect lighting only	Table 3‑10 / § 19.32.060.A
Commercial districts (BPO, CN, CG, CD, CI, LIO, MU, CF)	See Table 3‑11 for per‑frontage allowances; multi‑tenant freestanding ID = 0.25 sf/linear ft up to 200 sf	§ 19.32.060.B / Table 3‑11
Downtown (D) overlay aggregate cap	1 sf per linear ft primary frontage (corner: +0.5 sf/ft secondary); no single sign > 25 sf	§ 19.32.060.C
Freestanding sign height & spacing	Max 6 ft (general); signs separated by 75 ft min; Director may waive separation	§ 19.32.070.B
Projecting signs	Max projection 36 in over sidewalk, 24 in over alley; min clearance 8 ft; max 14 ft mounted height limit and 9 sf per face pedestrian scale	§ 19.32.070.D
Window signs	Max 20% of window area; temporary window signs limited to 10 days (ground floor)	§ 19.32.070.G
Temporary signs (construction)	Max 32 sf, 6 ft height, one on‑site; removed within 30 days after completion	§ 19.32.070.E.1
Prohibited signs (examples)	Animated/electronic displays, banners (generally), pennants, pole signs > 6 ft, roof signs, most temporary/portable signs	§ 19.32.030
Exceptions to size	Director/Review Authority may grant up to +25% sign area for special site/building conditions	§ 19.32.080
Nonconforming signs	Cannot be altered, expanded, reestablished after 30 days; destroyed >50% cannot be rebuilt	§ 19.32.090

Practical guidance and interpretations (plain-English synthesis)

Start with area and height rules: measure sign area using the smallest rectangle(s) that enclose the sign copy (§ 19.32.050.A) and confirm freestanding height from finish grade (§ 19.32.050.B) .
If your property is commercial, consult Table 3‑11 and count frontage carefully — multi‑tenant buildings get a separate freestanding allowance up to a cap (§ 19.32.060.B) .
If your property is in the Downtown (D) overlay, treat signs as pedestrian‑scaled: calculate the aggregate cap by linear feet of primary frontage and avoid any single sign over 25 sf; murals are encouraged but require design review (§ 19.32.060.C, § 19.32.070.C) .
Prohibited technology: electronic message boards, blinking/animated signs, and internally illuminated can signs are typically forbidden — plan for indirect or external illumination where lighting is allowed (§ 19.32.030; § 19.32.070.D.7) .
If you need more area for visibility (setback or site size issues), the Director can grant an exception up to 25% for clear functional reasons (not as a routine waiver) (§ 19.32.080) — prepare visual justifications and sight‑distance analysis .
Where a sign projects over public property you will also need an encroachment permit in addition to a Sign Permit (§ 19.32.050.C.1–2) — coordinate with public works and check sight triangle/safety provisions in development standards and Novato Parking and Novato Development Standards .

Checklist

Determine the zoning district for the parcel and whether the Downtown (D) overlay applies; confirm frontage measurement (primary vs secondary). Verify with the jurisdiction. (§ 19.32.060)
Calculate sign area using the measurement rules (§ 19.32.050.A) and check freestanding height from finished grade (§ 19.32.050.B) .
Confirm allowed sign type and numeric limits in Table 3‑10 or Table 3‑11 as applicable (§ 19.32.060) .
For projecting/awning/window signs, confirm clearances and area caps (§ 19.32.070.D, A, G) .
Check prohibited list to ensure the design is not an expressly banned type (electronic, banners, pennants, roof signs, pole signs > 6 ft) (§ 19.32.030) .
If over public right‑of‑way, obtain an encroachment permit in addition to any Sign Permit (§ 19.32.050.C.1–2) .
Prepare professional design drawings and materials documentation (Design Criteria § 19.32.050.D) and show how the sign relates to building architecture and pedestrian orientation; be ready for design review if required — see Novato Design Review .
If the sign will be illuminated, choose allowed illumination (indirect vs. internal) per district rules and § 19.32.060 / § 19.32.070 .
If the sign is nonconforming or you want more area, prepare a written exception request showing the special circumstances (§ 19.32.080, § 19.32.090) .
Verify whether a separate Building Permit is required and whether you must meet structural code standards; consult the California Building Standards Code. Verify with the jurisdiction. (§ 19.32.050; building code references not detailed in Division 19.32) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Whether a sign requires both a Sign Permit and a Building Permit	Structural supports, electrical lighting, or encroachment over public ROW may trigger additional permits and Title 24 compliance	Confirm with the City whether your sign requires a Building Permit and whether Title 24/structural review applies (Verify with the jurisdiction). § 19.32.050
How to allocate sign area on corner lots or multi‑frontage buildings	Downtown overlay and Table 3‑11 use different frontage rules that change allowable aggregate area	Ask Planning staff to confirm what constitutes “primary frontage” and whether secondary frontage allowances apply (§ 19.32.060.C, Table 3‑11).
Electronic/animated content interpretation	The code generally prohibits animated/electronic and flashing signs, but time/temperature displays and certain changeable‑copy signs may be treated differently	Confirm whether your proposed readerboard/display is classified as prohibited “electronic reader board” or allowed changeable‑copy (see § 19.32.030 and § 19.32.070).
Murals vs. signs in Downtown	Murals are explicitly allowed in the Downtown overlay and are counted “in addition to” sign area, but require findings of compatibility	Confirm design review path and required findings for murals in the D overlay (§ 19.32.070.C)
Director discretion & exceptions	The Director may grant ±25% sign area exceptions for visibility or unusual site conditions — this is discretionary	If relying on an exception, prepare strong, site‑specific justification and verify appeal paths (§ 19.32.080)

Plain-English Summary

Novato limits the type, size, height, placement, and lighting of signs through Division 19.32: small monuments and wall signs in residential zones (typically 32 sf each), larger but frontage‑based allowances in commercial zones (see Table 3‑11), and pedestrian‑scaled, façade‑oriented limits in Downtown (aggregate 1 sf/ft frontage, no sign > 25 sf). Projecting signs, window coverage, freestanding heights, prohibited sign types, exceptions, and nonconforming sign rules are all in §§ 19.32.050–19.32.090 — contact Planning to confirm frontage assignments and whether an encroachment or building permit is also required (§ 19.32.060, § 19.32.070, § 19.32.080) .

Information Gaps

The ordinance text in the retrieved files explains numeric sign limits and standards but does not include the current Sign Permit application form, fees, or step‑by‑step permit submittal checklist. Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the City.
The code gives measurement and building permit triggers but does not list a clear crosswalk of which sign types always require a Building Permit (vs. only a Sign Permit). Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction and building permit counter.
Exact text of Downtown (D) overlay ordinance section number for the Downtown Specific Plan provisions was not extracted in full in the retrieved snippets (some Downtown rules are in § 19.32.060.C and design review requirements are referenced elsewhere). Verify district map and precise overlay section through the City or Municode. .

Source References

Novato Zoning Ordinance — Division 19.32 (Signs), including § 19.32.010 (purpose), § 19.32.020 (applicability), § 19.32.050 (general requirements), § 19.32.060 (zoning district sign standards), § 19.32.070 (standards for specific sign types), § 19.32.080 (exceptions), § 19.32.090 (nonconforming signs) — Novato Zoning Ordinance text (Municode import) .
Table 3‑10 (A/OS/C/Residential sign standards) and Table 3‑11 (BPO, CN, CG, CD, CI, LIO, MU, CF sign standards) — § 19.32.060 and associated tables .
Standards for projecting, freestanding, window, temporary signs and murals — § 19.32.070 and related subsections (projecting: D; freestanding: B; window: G; temporary and construction signs: E; murals: C) .
Prohibited sign types list — § 19.32.030 (prohibitions) .
Municode source / root node for Novato Zoning (Chapter 19) — Source: library.municode.com (Novato Municipal Code, Chapter 19) .
For possible structural or electrical permit requirements, consult the California Building Standards Code. (Specific building‑permit crosswalks not found in retrieved sign division.) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Novato Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Novato Zoning Code (Section 19.32.060) High relevance
Novato Zoning Code (Section 19.04.020) High relevance
Novato Zoning Code (Section 19.32.060.C) High relevance
Novato Zoning Code (Section 19.32.060) High relevance
Novato Zoning Code (Section 19.20.070D.) Medium relevance
Novato Zoning Code (Section 19.32.030.F) Medium relevance
Novato Zoning Code (Section 19.32.060.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Novato code library

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of signs are allowed in Novato residential zones?

Residential and Agricultural/Open Space/Conservation zones may have wall or monument signs limited generally to 32 sf each and 64 sf total for all signs on the site; monument signs are limited to 6 ft in height and lighting is indirect only (§ 19.32.060.A) .

How is sign area calculated in Novato?

Sign area is measured by the smallest continuous rectangle(s) enclosing all copy, logos and framing (support framework incidental to the display is excluded); double‑faced signs may be measured as a single face where faces are within 18 inches and parallel (§ 19.32.050.A.1–3) .

Are electronic message boards or LED signs allowed in Novato?

No — animated, electronic message display signs, variable intensity, blinking or flashing signs are listed among the specifically prohibited types (exceptions are narrowly defined such as time/temperature displays); check § 19.32.030 for the prohibition list and discuss any unique technical proposal with Planning (§ 19.32.030) .

What are the Downtown (D) overlay sign rules?

Downtown parcels follow pedestrian‑oriented standards: aggregate sign area is 1 sf per linear foot of primary frontage (corner parcels may get +0.5 sf/ft on secondary frontage), and no single sign may exceed 25 sf. Murals are allowed in addition to sign area but require design review and compatibility findings (§ 19.32.060.C, § 19.32.070.C) .

How far can a projecting sign extend over the sidewalk?

Projecting signs may extend up to 36 inches over a sidewalk and 24 inches over an alley; they must maintain at least 8 ft of clearance from finished grade and meet the requested height limit (no portion above eave line or parapet) (§ 19.32.070.D) .

Can I get a larger sign than the table allows if my building is set far back?

Possibly — the Director or Review Authority may grant exceptions to sign area limits of up to 25% where building setback or exceptional site/structure size requires additional area for effective identification; you must demonstrate the need (§ 19.32.080) .

What rules apply to temporary construction or real estate signs?

Construction identification signs: one on‑site sign allowed, max 32 sf, max 6 ft tall, non‑illuminated, and must be removed within 30 days after construction completion (§ 19.32.070.E.1) .

Are murals counted against my sign area in Downtown Novato?

No — murals allowed in the Downtown (D) overlay are counted in addition to the sign area otherwise permitted, but murals require design review and findings that they are visually compatible (§ 19.32.070.C) .

What happens to nonconforming signs when a business closes?

A nonconforming sign cannot be reestablished after a business is discontinued for 30 days; nonconforming signs also cannot be structurally altered to extend their useful life or expanded; if destroyed to 50% or more of value they generally cannot be rebuilt (§ 19.32.090) .

Do I need to worry about sight distance and parking when siting a freestanding sign?

Yes — all signs must be sited to maintain adequate sight distance from intersections, driveways, and pedestrian/bicycle accessways; freestanding signs must be on a frontage adjacent to a public street and not block sight triangles (see § 19.32.050.C and the sight visibility area requirements in § 19.20.070.D). Also coordinate with Novato Parking where sign placement impacts parking or drive aisles (§ 19.32.050.C) .

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