Novato · Zoning · C
Novato C zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Novato's C zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft tall, the front setback is 30 ft and the minimum lot size is 10 acres to 60 acres, with the conditions listed below (Novato code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (All other structures)
- Minimum front setback: 30 ft
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 30 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10 acres to 60 acres (the code sets a range; the map suffix gives the minimum, for example CON-20 means 20 acres)
- Maximum density: 1 dwelling unit per 10 acres (Maximum number of dwellings allowed per gross acre in a single-family subdivision)
C (Conservation) is a zoning district in Novato. Every value below was read from the Novato Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in C
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 30 ft Applies: All other structures See note 2 below the table in the code. § 19.08.040 · code textTable row “Height limit (2)”, column “C Conservation”: 40 ft for agricultural accessory structures; 30 ft for all other structures. Note 2: Maximum allowed height of structures. See also Section 19.20.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions). |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 30 ft § 19.08.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “C Conservation”: 30 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 25 ft § 19.08.040 · code textTable row “Sides (each)”, column “C Conservation”: 25 ft |
| Minimum rear setback | 30 ft § 19.08.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “C Conservation”: 30 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10 acres to 60 acres Applies: the code sets a range; the map suffix gives the minimum, for example CON-20 means 20 acres See note 3 below the table in the code. § 19.08.040 · code textTable row “Area”, column “C Conservation”: 10 acres—60 acres (3) Note 3: The Zoning Map designations include a suffix denoting the minimum lot area in acres for the Conservation zone. For example, CON-20 requires a minimum lot area of 20 acres. The density suffix shall be applied to property as part of the rezoning process. |
| Maximum density | 1 dwelling unit per 10 acres Applies: Maximum number of dwellings allowed per gross acre in a single-family subdivision See note 1 below the table in the code. § 19.08.040 · code textTable row “Maximum density (1)”, column “C Conservation”: 1 dwelling unit per 10 acres Note 1: Maximum number of dwellings allowed per gross acre in a single-family subdivision. The actual number of units allowed is determined through the applicable subdivision or land use permit process, and there is no guarantee that the maximum density may be achieved. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C:
- Maximum building height: 40 ft — Agricultural accessory structures § 19.08.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for C in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Novato Municipal Code.
Other Novato zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Novato's C zone?
30 ft (all other structures) — Novato Municipal Code § 19.08.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Novato's C zone?
30 ft — Novato Municipal Code § 19.08.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Novato's C zone?
25 ft — Novato Municipal Code § 19.08.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Novato's C zone?
30 ft — Novato Municipal Code § 19.08.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Novato's C zone?
10 acres to 60 acres (the code sets a range; the map suffix gives the minimum, for example CON-20 means 20 acres) — Novato Municipal Code § 19.08.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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