Almanac note · Home and property
Novato Permits puts city project tracking in one portal
Novato has a city portal called Novato Permits, and it is broader than the name sounds. It is used for permitting, licensing, inspections, permit status, records search, code enforcement requests, and planning projects.
It is a useful place to sort out where a project sits. A like-for-like water heater, HVAC replacement, electrical panel, reroof, window or door replacement, or bathroom or kitchen remodel may qualify for an express permit path. A bigger project may need plans, review, fees, and inspections. Planning projects and public works permits can also run through the same portal.
Inspection requests go through the Novato Permit Portal, and the permit has to be issued before the inspection can be scheduled. The person asking for the inspection also needs to be listed as a contact in that permit record. That small account detail can matter when a homeowner, contractor, designer, and property manager are all involved.
Before opening the portal, collect the address, permit or record number if you have one, project scope, contact names, and any drawings or photos. The records search can also help when you are checking past permits before a remodel, sale, or repair. If you are not sure whether it is building, planning, public works, code, or licensing, the portal can still help you find the right lane.
Where to see it
Novato Permits and Online Records Search pages.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 5, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
Connected places
Where it fits on the map
Open a place page for the county layer, nearby places, and other California entries tied to that local page.
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