Novato · Zoning · CI
Novato CI zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Novato's CI zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is None required (Novato code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: None required
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0
CI (Commercial/Industrial) 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 CI
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 “CI Commercial/ Industrial”: 35 ft Note 3: Maximum allowed height of structures. See also Section 19.20.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions). |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | None required § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CI Commercial/ Industrial”: None required |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% See note 1 below the table in the code. § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Building coverage (1)”, column “CI Commercial/ Industrial”: 40% Note 1: Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered by structures. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.0 § 19.12.040 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “CI Commercial/ Industrial”: 1.0 |
Uses in CI
Uses the code's use tables allow in CI, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Allowed
- Kennel — Needs an use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CI:
- 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, lot size, density limit for CI 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 CI zone?
35 ft — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Novato's CI zone?
None required — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Novato's CI zone?
40% — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Novato's CI zone?
1.0 — Novato Municipal Code § 19.12.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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