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Novato · Building on your lot

Building on a hillside in Novato

Novato's own rules on building on a hillside, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Novato Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Novato's code says

Novato code What Novato's code adds
Soils or geology report
  • A geotechnical report naming soil or geology risks to stability, with mitigation, is required in the constraint analysis.
    Applies: Undeveloped hillside sites needing Design Review.
    § 19.26.030 · code text
    Regardless, the analysis shall be accompanied by a geotechnical report, which identifies and proposes mitigation measures for any soils or geological conditions that may affect site stability or structural integrity.
Grading and retaining walls
  • Retaining walls should generally be no higher than 8 feet; split taller walls into terraces.
    Applies: Hillside design guideline for parcels averaging 10% slope or more; applied as deemed applicable.
    § 19.26.040 · code text
    Generally, no retaining wall should be higher than 8 feet.
When hillside rules apply
  • Average slope of 10% or more.
    Applies: Hillside standards cover new structures, additions (including accessory structures), subdivisions and other development on such parcels.
    § 19.26.020 · code text
    The standards in this Division apply to subdivisions, uses, new structures, additions to existing structures including accessory structures and to all other development on parcels with an average slope of 10 percent or greater.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Novato?

Novato's code: Average slope of 10% or more. (Hillside standards cover new structures, additions (including accessory structures), subdivisions and other development on such parcels.) (§ 19.26.020); Retaining walls should generally be no higher than 8 feet; split taller walls into terraces. (Hillside design guideline for parcels averaging 10% slope or more; applied as deemed applicable.) (§ 19.26.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Novato's building on a hillside rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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