An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an additional dwelling located on the same lot as a single-family or multifamily development. ADUs have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. An ADU must include a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, and must have its own exterior entrance.

• Detached ADU: Detached ADUs do not share any walls with the primary dwelling and must be separated from the primary dwelling unit.
• Attached ADU: Attached ADUs share wall(s) with the primary dwelling but may not have an internal connection between units.
• Conversion ADU: An ADU conversion is created from existing space in a primary dwelling or accessory building, with small modifications allowed for egress/ingress purposes. A conversion ADU can be located anywhere within the existing building envelope.
• Junior ADU (JADU): A JADU is a dwelling within a single-family home, up to 500 sq. ft., with an efficiency kitchen, shared or independent bathroom, exterior access, and must be occupied by the parcel owner as their principal residence.

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: Up to 1,000 sq. ft. if the ADU includes two or more bedrooms and site conditions (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.) allow. 
  • Attached: Size is typically constrained by the habitable floor area of the primary dwelling and applicable development standards.
    
• Setbacks:
  
  • a minimum 4-foot side and rear setback
• Height Limits:
  
  • 25 feet or the height permitted in the zoning district, whichever is lower.
  • 16 feet, or 18 feet if the ADU is located within a ½ mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Additional parking is not required if the ADU is:
    
    • The ADU is located within one-half (½) mile walking distance of public transit.
    • The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant district.
    • The ADU is created through conversion of existing space (either in the main structure or a detached structure)
    • On-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the ADU
    • There is a car share vehicle located within one (1) block of the ADU at the time the application is filed with the City.

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To build an ADU in Novato, the following approvals are typically required:

• An ADU can be approved with a building permit.
• Fees for building permits are determined by the Building Division.
• ADUs 750 sq. ft. or more are charged development impact fees (DIF), computed on a proportional basis to the size of the primary dwelling.
• JADUs require a building permit but are not subject to development impact fees

Homeowners should also review the Town’s current permit fee schedule, utility and septic connection requirements, and fire code compliance (sprinklers if required for the main dwelling).

Review times for permits in Novato range but are generally 8 to 12 weeks based on project complexity, conditions of the site, and City workload. Those involving corrections or additional approvals, like utility hook-ups, flood zone requirements, or wildland-urban interface issues, will take longer. Consulting design and construction professionals who are experienced with Novato's ADU and JADU permit process and electronic submittal system can streamline approval.

The Zoning Ordinance implements the goals and policies of the Novato General Plan by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within the City of Novato. In addition, the Zoning Ordinance is adopted to protect and to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents, and preserve and enhance the aesthetic quality of the city.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of Novato.