Novato · Zoning · BPO
Novato BPO zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Novato's BPO zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft (Novato code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.40
BPO (Business and Professional Office) 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 BPO
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 | 35 ft See note 3 below the table in the code. § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Height limit (3)”, column “BPO Business and Professional Office”: 35 ft Note 3: Maximum allowed height of structures. See also Section 19.20.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions). |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “BPO Business and Professional Office”: 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Area”, column “BPO Business and Professional Office”: 10,000 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% See note 1 below the table in the code. § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Building coverage (1)”, column “BPO Business and Professional Office”: 40% Note 1: Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered by structures. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.40 § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “BPO Business and Professional Office”: 0.40 |
Uses in BPO
Uses the code's use tables allow in BPO, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs an use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in BPO:
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft — if adjacent to a single-family residential zone § 19.12.040
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — if building is over 20 ft in height at the building setback line and adjacent to a single-family residential zone § 19.12.040
- Minimum side setback: None required — not adjacent to a single-family residential zone § 19.12.040
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — if adjacent to a single-family residential zone § 19.12.040
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — if building is over 20 ft in height at the building setback line and adjacent to a single-family residential zone § 19.12.040
- Minimum rear setback: None required — not adjacent to a single-family residential zone § 19.12.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, side setback, rear setback, density limit for BPO 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 BPO zone?
35 ft — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Novato's BPO zone?
25 ft — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Novato's BPO zone?
10,000 sq ft — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Novato's BPO zone?
40% — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Novato's BPO zone?
0.40 — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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