Novato public meetings in 2025
32 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council will meet to reorganize its leadership. The primary action is the appointment of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore.
- Reorganization of City Council to appoint a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
City Council
The Novato City Council will hold a public hearing on two orders from the Housing and Building Code Appeals Board concerning Building 12 at 6 Romar Court, deciding whether to approve, disapprove, or amend the Board’s vacate order and nuisance determination. The council will also consider a resolution to adopt fire‑code ordinances, receive the FY 2025/26 Q1 budget performance report, and approve amendments to the City Manager’s employment agreement. Additional items include routine consent‑calendar actions and appointments to several city commissions and boards.
- Public hearing on Board’s Order to Vacate and Repair Building 12 at 6 Romar Court (Assessor’s Parcel No. 141-221-62)
- Public hearing on Board’s Nuisance Determination for the same property
- Adopt resolution ratifying Novato Fire Protection District Ordinances 2025‑3 and 2025‑4
- Receive and file the FY 2025/26 Q1 Budget Performance Report
- Adopt resolution approving amendments to the employment agreement with City Manager Amy Cunningham
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Costco Fuel Facility at 300 Vintage Way. The Commission will consider adopting a resolution accepting the Draft EIR and directing staff to prepare the Final EIR.
- Public hearing on Draft Environmental Impact Report for Costco Fuel Facility at 300 Vintage Way (APN 153-340-36)
City Council Special Meeting
The City Council will interview candidates for the vacant District 5 council seat and may appoint someone to serve until the November 2026 election. No other business is on the agenda; the meeting consists of this single item plus routine procedural sections.
- Hold interviews for District 5 City Council seat vacancy and possibly appoint a councilmember until November 3, 2026 general election
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the Downtown Novato Business Improvement District (BID) annual assessment and consider adopting a resolution to levy 2026 assessments. The consent calendar includes items such as modifying speed limits on Alameda Del Prado, DeLong Avenue, and Ignacio Boulevard, changing the zoning of a 10-acre parcel from Open Space to Conservation, and updating the city's minimum wage and salary schedule. The council will also consider a sole-source energy services contract with EcoGreen Solutions for energy efficiency improvements at city facilities.
- Public hearing to confirm BID annual report and 2026 budget for downtown assessment levy
- Adopt ordinance modifying radar-enforceable speed limits on Alameda Del Prado, DeLong Avenue, Ignacio Boulevard
- Adopt ordinance rezoning 10-acre parcel (APN 157-160-18) from Open Space to Conservation (CON-10)
- Adopt resolution approving updated minimum wage and City salary schedule for FY 2025/26
- Consider approving sole-source energy efficiency contract with EcoGreen Solutions and PG&E On-Bill Financing
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider recommending that the City Council amend the Safety Element of the Novato General Plan 2035. The amendments address climate change adaptation and resiliency, identify residential developments with fewer than two evacuation routes, incorporate the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference, and make other clarifications to comply with state regulations. The commission will also consider adopting a CEQA addendum for the amendments.
- Public hearing on amending the Safety Element of Novato General Plan 2035 regarding climate adaptation, evacuation routes, and hazard mitigation
- Consideration of a CEQA Addendum to the certified EIR for the General Plan amendments
- Approval of meeting minutes from May 12, June 9, June 23, and August 11, 2025 (consent items)
City Council
The City Council will consider a project to build a driving range at Stonetree Golf Club, which includes amending land use and zoning designations. The Council will also discuss code updates and approve various contracts and work plans.
- Public hearing on Stonetree Golf Club driving range project
- Adoption of 2025-2026 Utility Box Art Program with $7,000 allocation
- Contract award for Marin Valley Mobile County Clubhouse roof and HVAC replacement
- Introduction of ordinance to modify radar enforceable speed limits
- Introduction of ordinance adopting 2025 California Building Standards Code
City Council
The City Council will conduct a public hearing and consider adopting the Climate Action Plan 2030, which includes amending the General Plan's Environmental Stewardship Chapter. The consent calendar includes budget amendments, easements, contract approvals, and a remote participation authorization. Notable items include $88,055 for Hoog Park playground resurfacing, a utility easement for North Marin Water District at a housing project, and a contract with North Bay Basketball Academy up to $200,000 per year.
- Public hearing to adopt Climate Action Plan 2030 and General Plan amendments
- Budget amendment of $88,055 for Hoog Park Playground & Accessibility Enhancements
- Utility easement grant with North Marin Water District for workforce housing project at 826 State Access Road
- Cost share agreement with North Marin Water District for Novato Boulevard Improvement Project
- Contract with North Bay Basketball Academy for recreation services up to $200,000 per fiscal year
City Council
The City Council will review several administrative actions, including opioid settlement participation and police department planning. The body will also discuss the General Plan Safety Element Update and the annual tourism budget.
- Transfer of $656,735.13 in permanently unclaimed deposit in trust funds to the General Fund
- Contract with Jacob Green & Associates for Police Department strategic planning not to exceed $78,000
- Participation in Purdue Pharma/Sackler and Generic Manufacturers national Opioid Settlements
- Adoption of the Novato Chamber of Commerce Annual Tourism Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Work study session on conceptual policies for the General Plan Safety Element Update
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a use permit and design review for a proposed self-storage facility at 501 Davidson Street, along with a resolution finding the project exempt from additional CEQA review. Consent items include approval of the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes. No other business is listed.
- Public hearing for a use permit and design review for a self-storage facility at 501 Davidson Street (APN 153-250-11)
- Resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA review under Guidelines Section 15183 and 15332
- Draft CEQA resolution and draft use permit/design review resolution attached
- Consent item: approve meeting minutes of March 10, 2025
City Council
The Novato City Council will consider several routine items on the Consent Calendar, adopt two new ordinances, and vote on multiple resolutions. Key actions include accepting a $110,000 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant and amending the operating budget, authorizing a $133,000 down‑payment for mitigation credits for the Olive Avenue project, and approving a lease with the Novato Chamber of Commerce. The council will also hold a work study session on a Just Cause Tenant Protections ordinance.
- Adopt Ordinance 1726 amending fee challenge procedures (CEQA exemption)
- Adopt Ordinance 1727 adding uniform code for dangerous building abatement
- Resolution to accept $110,000 OTS STEP grant and adjust budget (Reso 2025-055)
- Resolution to reserve $133,000 for mitigation bank credits for Olive Avenue widening
- Resolution to extend Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with The Sherman Group
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a study session to receive a presentation and consider providing comment on conceptual policies for the General Plan Safety Element Update, focusing on climate adaptation and resiliency. No public hearings or consent items are scheduled. The meeting is primarily a discussion item with no final votes expected.
- General Plan Safety Element Update – Climate Adaptation and Resiliency study session (G.1)
City Council
The Novato City Council will decide on several consent items including ordinances restricting e-bike use for minors, establishing standards for SB 9 dwelling units, approving labor agreements for multiple employee units, and extending contracts for permit center services and transportation consulting. Two public hearings are scheduled: one to adopt a mitigated negative declaration for the Olive Avenue widening and utility undergrounding project, and another to introduce a dangerous buildings abatement code.
- Adopt ordinance prohibiting Class 2 e-bike operation for those under 16 and requiring helmets (G.4)
- Adopt ordinance setting standards for SB 9 dwelling units and urban lot splits (G.5)
- Extend Bureau Veritas North America contract for Permit Center assistance by $200,000 through June 2026 (G.7)
- Approve labor agreements for Police Civilian Employees, Engineers, Confidential, and Exempt Management units for FY2025-28 (G.10)
- Public hearing on Olive Avenue widening project's Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program (I.1)
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings on a proposed ordinance to prohibit children under 16 from operating Class 2 e-bikes and requiring helmets. The body will also consider zoning and subdivision amendments to comply with state laws regarding SB 9 dwelling units and urban lot splits.
- Proposed ordinance prohibiting those under 16 from operating Class 2 e-bikes and requiring helmets
- Proposed zoning and subdivision amendments for SB 9 dwelling units and urban lot splits
- Public hearings on FY 2025/26 landscape assessments for Hillside Park Unit 4, Wildwood Glen C-91, San Pablo A-03, and San Marin A-81
- Appointment of Tim Curtin and Ali Iqbal to the Design Review Commission
- Proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month
City Council
The Novato City Council will vote on the FY 2025/26 operating and capital improvement program budgets and set the appropriations limit at $163,567,602. It will also authorize a contract amendment with Mark Thomas & Company for $216,095 toward the Novato Boulevard Improvements Project. Additional items include resolutions to levy landscape assessments in several districts and approval of a striping plan for Grant Avenue. The council will consider appointments to various commissions and a presentation on the Sherman Group development proposals.
- Adopt a resolution establishing the appropriations limit of $163,567,602 for Fiscal Year 2025/26
- Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. for $216,095 (total contract $1,265,571) for the Novato Boulevard Improvements Project
- Adopt resolutions of intention to levy assessments for FY 2025/26 in Landscape Assessment Districts A‑81 (San Marin), A‑03 (San Pablo), C‑91 (Wildwood Glen), and A‑91 (Hillside Park)
- Approve the final striping plan for the Grant Avenue section of the 2025 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation project (CIP 25‑001)
- Adopt the final City of Novato Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets for FY 2025/26
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a resolution regarding the potential lease or sale of two Novato Unified School District properties. The body will also hold a general discussion on the Housing Accountability Act.
- Consistency report for potential disposal of 5 San Andreas Drive (APN 124-010-08)
- Consistency report for potential disposal of 5520/5530 Nave Drive (APN 155-020-16)
- General discussion of the Housing Accountability Act
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments and provide direction on the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Preliminary Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets. The council will also consider an appeal regarding a public nuisance declaration at 500 Canyon Road.
- Budget hearing for FY 2025/26 Preliminary Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets
- Public hearing on appeal of public nuisance declaration at 500 Canyon Road
- Professional services agreement with Schaaf and Wheeler for trash capture device at Olive Avenue for $288,583
- Microsoft Office 365 subscription renewal at $80,000 per year for 3 years
- Notice of Completion for wooden streetlight pole replacement and Josef Hoog Park play area
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a resolution recommending the City Council adopt amendments to the Novato Municipal Code for Senate Bill 9 dwelling units and urban lot splits. The changes address zoning standards, parking, and subdivision regulations. The Commission will also elect a new chair and vice chair.
- Public hearing on amendments to NMC Chapter XIX (Zoning) for SB 9 dwelling units and Chapter IX (Subdivision) for urban lot splits
- Amendments to parking requirements (Section 19.30.040), notice of hearing (19.58.020), and definitions (19.60.020, 9-5.023)
- Finding of CEQA exemption under Government Code Sections 65852.21(k) and 66411.7(n)
- Election of Planning Commission chair and vice chair
- No consent items on the agenda
City Council
The Novato City Council will receive a report on the 6th Cycle Housing Element's anti-displacement and tenant protections work plan and provide direction. The consent calendar includes approving a list of capital projects for state road funding, authorizing an audit agreement extension, supporting a public art grant application, and transferring funds for recreation facility safety upgrades. A public hearing will receive a report on workforce vacancies and retention efforts.
- Approve list of capital projects eligible for state Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funding for FY 2025/26
- Authorize extension of audit agreement with MUN CPAs for up to $79,600 per year, with options through FY 2028/29
- Authorize local sculptor Archie Held to apply for a grant to replace the fountain at Redwood Boulevard and Grant Avenue
- Transfer $33,235 from General Fund for safety upgrades at Novato Gymnastics Center and special event equipment
- Discuss Housing Element anti-displacement and tenant protections work plan and provide staff direction
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings regarding a residential subdivision and police military equipment reporting. The body will also consider a structurally balanced budget policy and review preliminary FY 2025/2026 budgets.
- Public hearing for 66 single-family residences at 100 Wood Hollow Drive
- Review of Novato Police Department’s 2024-2025 Military Equipment Use Annual Report
- Proposed resolution for a structurally balanced budget policy
- FY 2024/25 Quarter 3 Investment Report
- FY 2023/24 Measure F Report
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two major items: a General Plan consistency report for 16 proposed Capital Improvement Program projects for Fiscal Year 2025/26, and a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the City of Novato Climate Action Plan 2030, including amendments to the General Plan 2035 Environmental Stewardship Chapter and an addendum to the Environmental Impact Report.
- General Plan Consistency Report for 16 proposed Capital Improvement Program projects for FY 2025/26
- Public hearing and resolution recommending City Council adopt Climate Action Plan 2030, amend GP 2035 Environmental Stewardship Chapter, and adopt EIR addendum
- Consent item: approval of draft meeting minutes from January 27, 2025
City Council
The Novato City Council will consider awarding a $1,674,346 construction contract for the 2025 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation project and approving a striping plan for Grant Avenue. They will also discuss Community Development Block Grant funding recommendations for FY 2025-26 and consider new economic development initiatives, including adding an Economic Development Manager. The consent calendar includes routine items like accepting completion of the Grant Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation project and authorizing a grant application for crisis intervention programs.
- Award $1,674,346 construction contract to Rapid Grading Services for pavement rehabilitation (CIP 25-001) with Grant Ave striping plan
- Recommend CDBG project allocations for FY 2025-26 to Marin County for the Novato Planning Area
- Discuss new economic development and grant initiatives, including creating an Economic Development Manager position
- Authorize application for Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grant to fund crisis response and prevention programs
- Make appointments to various commissions, committees, and boards, including Design Review, Planning Commission, and Police Advisory Board
City Council
The Novato City Council will consider a consent calendar of routine items, including waiving readings of ordinances, approving March 25 meeting minutes, adopting a resolution to update the City Council Policy Manual, and other administrative approvals. The council will also receive a work‑study presentation on the FY 2025/26 operating budget and capital improvement program.
- Waive reading and adopt ordinances by title only (standard procedural action)
- Approve March 25, 2025 closed and open session minutes
- Adopt resolution updating the City Council Policy Manual with new motion‑to‑reconsider procedures
- Adopt resolution approving the Finance Advisory Commission’s workplan for FY 2024/25
- Work‑study session to review FY 2025/26 budget and capital improvement program
Community Budget Workshop Presentation FY 25-26
The City of Novato is presenting its proposed FY 25-26 budget at a community workshop, including a general fund forecast, a $10.6 million Measure M projection to cover systemic deficits, and a $6.5 million draft capital improvement program. The current amended FY 24/25 budget shows a $3.5 million deficit. No decisions are being made at this meeting; it is informational with public input sought via a survey due March 31.
- Measure M projected at $10.6 million for FY 25/26, covering systemic deficit and funding capital projects, pension trust, reserves, and salaries
- General fund forecast: FY 24/25 amended budget revenue $56.3 million, expense $59.8 million, deficit $3.5 million
- Proposed new capital projects include $3 million for 2026 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation, $700,000 for HVAC replacement at Police Station, and $700,000 for Hamilton Amphitheater Park Playground improvements
- Public budget priorities survey open until March 31; top priority reported as public safety and emergency response services
- Next budget meetings: City Council Study Session April 8, Workshop May 13, Hearing June 10, Adoption June 24
City Council
The City Council will vote on consent items including adoption of Ordinance 1723 amending zoning for emergency shelters and care facilities, approval of a ground lease amendment with Vero West at 501 Davidson Street, and awarding a $753,900 roof replacement contract to Diablo Roofing. General business includes receiving the mid-year budget report with proposed amendments to the operating and CIP budgets, and discussing a construction management plan policy for private developments.
- Adopt Ordinance 1723 amending zoning rules for emergency shelters, community care, and residential care facilities
- Award $753,900 roof replacement contract for Margaret Todd Senior Center and Downtown Recreation Center to Diablo Roofing (with $1,110,030 total including alternatives and contingency)
- Approve Amendment No. 2 to ground lease with Vero West for property at 501 Davidson Street
- Receive mid-year budget report and consider resolution amending FY 2024/25 operating and CIP budgets
- Discuss development of a construction management plan policy for private developments
City Council
The City Council will consider approving a $1 million grant to Habitat for Humanity for an 80-unit affordable residential project, funded from the Affordable Housing Fund and General Fund. A public hearing is scheduled on zoning amendments for emergency shelters and care facilities. Consent items include adopting a master plan ordinance for the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church at 1110 Highland Drive, extending an exclusive negotiation agreement for city-owned properties at 900 and 908 Sherman Avenue, and transferring $213,647 in unclaimed funds to the General Fund.
- Grant funding not to exceed $1,000,000 to Habitat for Humanity for an 80-unit affordable residential project
- Public hearing on zoning amendments for emergency shelters, community care facilities, and treatment facilities
- Adopt ordinance 1722 approving a master plan for Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church at 1110 Highland Drive
- Adopt resolution authorizing amendment to Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with The Sherman Group for 900 and 908 Sherman Avenue
- Adopt resolution to transfer $213,647 in unclaimed deposits to the General Fund
Planning Commission
The commission will receive the 2024 Annual Progress Report of the Novato Housing Element, take public comment, and recommend that the City Council file the report with state housing agencies. No consent items, public hearings, or unfinished business are on the agenda. The meeting otherwise follows standard procedural items.
- Receive 2024 Novato Housing Element Progress Report
- Public comment on the Housing Element report
- Recommend filing the report with the State Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
City Council
The Novato City Council will hold a public hearing to consider a master plan, precise development plan, and design review for the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church at 1110 Highland Drive, including a determination that no further environmental review is needed under CEQA. The Council will also act on consent calendar items approving the Valley Oaks Phase One Final Map and a loan amendment for Marin Valley Mobile Country Club, and discuss the FY 2025/26 budget calendar.
- Public hearing for Greek Orthodox Church master plan, precise development plan, and design review at 1110 Highland Drive
- Adopt resolution approving Valley Oaks Phase One Final Map (38-acre lot on west side of Redwood Blvd near Verandah Avenue and Pinkston Road)
- Authorize second amendment to 2012 loan with Bank of Marin for Marin Valley Mobile Country Club
- Receive and discuss the proposed FY 2025/26 budget calendar
- Proclamation recognizing retiring NFPD Chief Bill Tyler
City Council
The City Council will discuss the permanent closure of a temporary camp at Lee Gerner Park and a study session on commercial cannabis retail storefronts. The body will also vote on several contracts and the FY 2025/26 budget calendar.
- Proposed permanent closure of the Temporary Camp in Lee Gerner Park
- Proposed $83,942.16 contract with Integrity Construction Maintenance Inc. for Lee Gerner Park
- Proposed $15,000 amendment to Municipal Resource Group, LLC contract for HR assistance
- Roof replacement projects at Margaret Todd Senior Center and Downtown Recreation Center/Gymnastics Center
- Study session on allowing licenses for Commercial Cannabis Storefront Retail
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter XIX (Zoning) of the Novato Municipal Code regarding regulations for emergency shelters, community care facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, and alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities. The commission will consider recommending City Council approval of the amendments, which are found to be exempt from additional CEQA review. Other agenda items are procedural, including approval of six sets of meeting minutes from 2023 and 2024.
- Public hearing on zoning text amendments for emergency shelters and care facilities
- Consent calendar includes approval of meeting minutes from December 18, 2023; March 25, April 22, May 13, July 8, and December 16, 2024
- No unfinished business or general business items listed
City Council Meeting
The council will conduct a public hearing on an appeal to modify conditional approval for dividing a 5.96-acre parcel at 10 Deer Island Lane into three lots, and may direct staff to amend rules on undergrounding overhead utilities. It will also receive the FY 2022/23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and consider transferring unassigned fund balance to the Emergency and Disaster Reserve. Consent items include adoption of ordinance 1721 updating ADU regulations, awarding a $243,775 contract for fuel tank removal, and approving a $33,377.82 amendment for Grant Avenue Bridge inspections.
- Public hearing: Appeal of land division for 10 Deer Island Lane, 5.96 acres into 3 parcels
- Ordinance 1721 amending ADU and JADU sections of Novato Municipal Code
- Award $243,775 contract to Able Maintenance, Inc. for underground fuel tank removal and replacement
- Authorize $33,377.82 amendment to Substrate, Inc. agreement for Grant Avenue Bridge construction management
- Resolution to transfer unassigned general fund balance to Emergency and Disaster Reserve Fund
City Council Meeting
The Novato City Council will conduct a public hearing to introduce an ordinance updating Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) regulations to align with recent state law changes. The council will also consider adopting an ordinance repealing and amending sections of the municipal code regarding unlawful camping. Consent calendar items include contracts for labor negotiations ($100,000), a trash capture device project ($311,250), and streetlight pole replacement ($365,900). The council will also assign members to regional boards and commissions.
- Public hearing on ordinance updating ADU and JADU standards to incorporate state law revisions
- Adoption of ordinance 1719 repealing Section 14-20.8 and amending Section 7-11.3 on unlawful camping
- Agreement with Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP for labor negotiations up to $100,000
- Funding agreement with Marin County Flood Control for Olive Avenue trash capture device design ($311,250)
- Construction contract award to DC Electric Group for Bahia neighborhood streetlight pole replacement ($365,900)