Mount Burdell above the wetlands with an oak at golden hour in Novato

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Novato, in short

Is there a free wildfire check of my home in Novato?

Yes. Novato Fire’s wildfire site says: “A Wildfire Mitigation Specialist will come to your home for a free assessment of your property.” The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority’s page says the report “may include items related to defensible space, vegetation, access, vents, gutters, fencing, decks, siding, or combustible materials close to the home.”

The story of Novato

Novato, a city of Marin County whose downtown, the Novato Historical Guild says, sits near the center of the original Rancho de Novato.

The Guild’s timeline says the Rancho de Novato was granted in 1839, that a railroad depot built in 1879 moved the town to what became Grant Avenue, and that Hamilton Field was dedicated in 1935. Novato was incorporated as a city in 1960, and the Guild keeps two museums, in the Postmaster’s House and the old Hamilton firehouse.

The City’s Our Town page says: “The history of Novato dates back to 1300 when Miwok Native Americans lived in villages at the base of Mount Burdell.” (City page, read in Chrome Nov 6 2026).

The Guild’s timeline says the Rancho de Novato land grant was given to Fernando Feliz in 1839 by the Mexican governor, and that “There were five Mexican Land Grants covering today’s areas of Ignacio, Novato, San Marin and Olompali.”

In 1856, the timeline says, Joseph Sweetser and Francis DeLong bought the rancho, and “They planted 44,000 fruit trees, mainly apples.”

In 1879 the timeline says the “Northwestern Pacific Railroad built a depot at current Grant and Railroad. The town moved to the area near the depot, new businesses came, creating Grant Avenue.”

In 1917, the timeline says, “State Hwy 101 built through Novato, now Redwood Boulevard. Businesses catering to travelers opened along the new highway.”

The Guild’s Hamilton timeline gives May 12, 1935 as the day Hamilton Field was dedicated. The National Park Service says it “was built as a bombardment base and the headquarters for the 1st Wing of the Army Air Corps”.

The Guild’s Hamilton timeline says: “During World War II, three thousand bombers and their crews were processed through Hamilton.”

After the war, the timeline says, “The deployment of advanced jet aircraft positioned Hamilton Field as a pivotal Continental Air Defense installation.” The Guild’s museum page tells the field’s story “from 1935 to 1975”.

“After WWII Novato had a population boom with rapid housing development,” the Guild’s timeline says.

Novato was incorporated as a city in 1960, according to the Guild’s timeline and Marin LAFCo.

In 1974, the timeline says, “Hwy 101 moved from Redwood Boulevard to its present route, bypassing downtown Novato”.

The Guild’s timeline lists “SMART Train started” under 2017 and the “Opening of downtown Novato SMART train station” under 2019.

Read the full story of Novato

Fire safety

Which fire agency is yours

The Novato Fire Protection District. The City’s wildfire page says: “Novato Fire District is our City’s lead agency for fire protection; they have resources and staff to answer your wildland fire questions”. The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority states its own part: “The MWPA’s role is education and support. Any enforcement of state or local regulations is the sole jurisdiction of your fire agency.”

City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026; the Authority’s page read Nov 6 2026

Where Novato stands on the State’s 2025 fire hazard map

We checked the State Fire Marshal’s 2025 local-area fire hazard layer against the Census outline of Novato: parts of the city are in the High class and parts in the Moderate class, and none is in the Very High class. The State released its 2025 local-area maps in four phases between February 10 and March 24, 2025. Which class applies at one address is for the map itself, so check yours there.

State layer, our query of Nov 6 2026 20:30

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Roof, gutters and weeds

CAL FIRE’s defensible-space page says: “Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris (leaves, needles, etc.) from your roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and under any areas of your home.” Grass must be trimmed. The Fire District lists its ordinances, by title, on its Ordinances page, so ask the District which rules apply at your address.

CAL FIRE page read Oct 20 2026 (California sheet); District’s Ordinances page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026, titles only

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Novato this month

Storm season: the City’s page says it has “three sandbag filling stations available to Novato residents”: the City’s Corporation Yard, 550 Davidson Street; the Dogbone Meadow parking lot, 3015 Novato Blvd; and the Hamilton Theatre parking lot, 507 S Palm Drive. The page asks you to “limit sandbags to 10 per household”.

The Novato blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.

Culture and history

Two museums, free admission

The Novato Historical Guild runs the Novato History Museum, at 815 DeLong Avenue, and the Hamilton Field History Museum, at 555 Hangar Avenue. The Guild’s page says “admission is free”, and its pages show “Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday 12pm – 4pm” for the hours.

Guild’s pages, undated, read Nov 6 2026; the addresses as the pages print them

Nostalgia Days on Grant Avenue

The Downtown Novato Business Association’s page describes Nostalgia Days: “hundreds of classic cars cruising Grant Avenue” on “the 2nd Friday of every October”. On “The 2nd Saturday in October more than 300 classic cars line 10 blocks of Grant Avenue for one of the longest running classic car shows in the Bay Area.”

Association’s page, undated, read Nov 6 2026; the page says “every October”

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A rancho and a railroad depot

The Guild’s timeline tells how the Rancho de Novato became a town around a railroad depot. More in The story of Novato, below.

Guild’s timeline, undated, read Nov 6 2026

Hamilton Field

The Guild and the National Park Service tell the story of Hamilton Field, the Army Air Corps base dedicated in 1935. More in The story of Novato, below.

Guild’s timeline and the Park Service’s page, both undated, read Nov 6 2026

Incorporation in 1960, and the SMART train

The Guild’s timeline lists the city’s incorporation under 1960, “SMART Train started” under 2017 and the opening of the downtown Novato station under 2019. More in The story of Novato, below.

Guild’s timeline, undated, read Nov 6 2026

Community

Novato Historical Guild

The Guild’s Our Story page says: “Founded in 1976, the Novato Historical Guild is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the greater Novato area.” In partnership with the City, it provides “volunteer staffing, exhibits, research support, educational tours, and presentations”.

Guild’s page, undated, read Nov 6 2026

Firewise USA neighborhoods

Fire Safe Marin’s Firewise USA pages list ten sites under Novato: Novato Chase, Pleasant Valley 44-HOA, Novato Heights, Pacheco Valle, Mid Presidents, Indian Valley, Wild Horse Valley, Bahia, Marin Valley Mobile Country Club, and Black Point and Green Point. The pages do not all say whether a site is inside the city limits; Novato Chase’s says it is “on the outskirts of the Novato city limits”.

Fire Safe Marin’s pages read Nov 6 2026

City rules and regulations

Re-roofs: an express permit, issued online

The City’s page on residential express permits says: “The City of Novato’s online permitting portal, Novato Permits, now offers a variety of residential express permits.” The list includes “Residential Reroof – Like-for-Like”, and permits are “issued instantly – no waiting for plan review or additional approvals”. Work that is not one of the express types goes through the City’s Standard Building Permit application, the page says. The City’s fees are on its Fee Schedule page, which its home page links.

City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026; the read text is cut near its end; the City’s home page, which links the Fee Schedule, read in Chrome Nov 6 2026

Roof leaders and the sanitary sewer

Inside the Novato Sanitary District’s service area, the District’s Sanitary Code says roof leaders (the pipes that carry roof water down) may not be connected to a sanitary sewer. It adds that “No surface or subsurface drainage, rainwater, storm water, seepage, cooling water or unpolluted industrial process waters shall be permitted to enter the sanitary sewer system by any device or method whatsoever.” The District’s service area map is on its website; Marin LAFCo says its boundary covers “the majority of the City of Novato”.

Code (the District’s page says revised August 2022) and District pages read Nov 6 2026

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When you buy or sell Selling a home: the State’s sale rule, and the City’s resale office

The State’s sale rule, Civil Code 1102.19, applies to a seller whose property is “located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone”. The seller must give the buyer “documentation stating that the property is in compliance with Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code or local vegetation management ordinances”. Parts of Novato are in the High class on the State’s map, so ask the Fire District whether the rule reaches your address. The City’s Get a Permit page lists “Code Enforcement and Resale” among the services of its Community Development Department; ask the City what it requires when a home is sold.

Statute text as held in the California sheet, read Oct 20 2026; City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026

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Storms, flood and drainage

Sandbags

The City’s page says: “To help our community prepare for the rainy season, the City of Novato has three sandbag filling stations available to Novato residents.” It also says: “Please note, sand supply is limited.” and “To use these stockpiles, you must supply your own labor, shovels and support.” For prefilled bags, it says to “contact the Public Works Corp Yard at 415.899.8280 during business hours”.

City page, undated, read in Chrome Nov 6 2026; the page text was cut at about 1,800 characters

What the City says about the creeks

The City’s Flood Information page says: “During the rainy season, even the relatively small creeks of Novato can overflow and flood the heart of our city.” It adds: “Areas with a high risk of flooding are known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)”.

City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026; the read text is cut at about 2,200 characters

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Where the floodplains are, by part of town

The North Marin Water District’s hazard profile, in the County’s 2023 plan, says: “Most of the lowland areas in the City of Novato and the unincorporated communities of Bel Marin Keys and Black Point-Green Point are in the 100-year floodplain, with several areas in the 500-year floodplain.” It puts “Most of downtown Novato, including the Novato Police Department and Novato City Hall” outside both, and lists “the Old Town area of downtown” among the places in the 500-year floodplain.

Plan document read in full from its saved copy, Nov 6 2026

High tides and the storm drains

The same profile says flooding in Novato “generally results from a combination of high tides from San Pablo Bay and creek flooding from Novato Creek in low-lying areas”. It adds: “Tide elevations within San Pablo Bay have the potential to significantly impact the Novato storm drain system.”

Plan document read in full from its saved copy, Nov 6 2026

Storms the plan records in Novato

The profile lists storms that flooded Novato streets: January 1982 (neighborhoods and roadways including Grant Avenue, Center Road and Novato Boulevard), December 11, 2014 (Garden Court and Chase Street), January 22, 2017 and January 19, 2019 (State Route 37), February 14, 2019 (Novato police closed several streets) and January 14, 2023 (State Route 37 and Armstrong Avenue).

Plan document read in full from its saved copy, Nov 6 2026; every date is in the past

FEMA’s flood map for Novato

FEMA’s program record for the City of Novato (community 060178) lists its currently effective flood map as dated 03/16/16. FEMA’s flood map for your address is the one to check, since the floodplains differ by part of town.

FEMA record, last refreshed 2026-08-25 by its own field, read Nov 6 2026

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Programs, loans and insurance

Free home wildfire assessment

Novato Fire’s wildfire site says: “Fill out the form with your information to let us know that you would like to book a FREE home assessment with one of our Wildfire Mitigation Specialists.” “Included in your personalized assessment will be a written report for reference.” The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority’s page says “Defensible Space assessments are offered year-round by appointment”.

Both pages read Nov 6 2026; neither shows a date

Check back Novato Fire Protection District matching grants: check back

Novato Fire’s wildfire site says: “After your official home assessment, you will become eligible for matching Novato Fire Protection District grants for vegetation management, home hardening or other programs.” Fire Safe Marin’s page says: “Available funding, project eligibility, and application requirements are subject to change.”

Both pages read Nov 6 2026; neither shows a date

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County-wide Check back Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority Resident Grants: check back

The Authority’s Resident Grants page lists, among the eligible items, “Installing metal gutters and guards”, and says: “In Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Marin Wildfire will award up to $2,500 per parcel for the above listed items. There are no matching funds required from the resident.” It says “Grant applications will remain open until program funds are depleted.” and “The lifetime maximum that a resident may be awarded through these assistance programs is $15,000.” The page names no later fiscal year and no Novato place, so check back. The same work cannot be funded twice: “MWPA and local agencies coordinate grant funding decisions.”

Authority’s page read Nov 6 2026

County-wide Chipper Day, free curbside chipping

The Authority’s program page says “the Chipper Day Program offers free curbside pickup and disposal of excess vegetation from residential properties.” It adds: “Online Pre-registration is required.” The page names no Novato dates, so ask the Fire District or check the Authority’s page for the weeks.

Authority’s page read Nov 6 2026; no date on the page

North Marin Water District rebates

The District’s page says: “NMWD rebates customers for installing systems that capture rainwater or divert greywater to offset potable water demand for landscape irrigation.” You call the District “to pre-qualify for the programs and obtain the application forms.” The page gives no amount for this rebate and names no roof, gutter or downspout. Its other rebates, by name: Cash-For-Grass, Lawn Be Gone, Landscape Efficiency, Weather-Based Irrigation Controller, Pool Cover, High-Efficiency Toilet, High-Efficiency Clothes Washer, Hot Water Recirculation System and Pool Removal.

District page read Nov 6 2026; it links a document dated September 2026

Novato Sanitary District Lateral Grant Program (the private sewer line, not roof water)

The District’s page says: “For 2026-27, the maximum grant amount is $2,750 or half the price of replacement, whichever is lower. Grants will be made on a first come, first served basis until the allocated funds for that year are dispersed.” It covers replacing the entire lateral, the pipe from the house to the District’s main; “repairs and partial replacements are excluded from the grant”. “Apply First! Any work performed prior to this process will make the grant application null and void!” The page has no open or closed word.

District page read Nov 6 2026; the amount is the page’s 2026-27 figure

County-wide MCE Home Energy Savings

MCE offers “Free home energy upgrades – valued at up to $7,000 – such as attic insulation, duct sealing, and more.” The page names four other Marin places its partner visits and does not name Novato, so check MCE for your address; it names no roof or gutter work.

MCE’s program page read Oct 7 2026 (county sheet)

County-wide BayREN EASE Home

BayREN’s page says: “BayREN covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing.” To take part you “Have a household income under or at 120% AMI.”, “Live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010.” and “Are a PG&E customer.” The page lists Marin among its counties and names no roof or gutter work.

BayREN’s page read Oct 7 2026 (county sheet)

County-wide Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

“Community Action Marin is the local administrator of the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)”, and the program “helps eligible families get assistance with utility payments and wood and propane home energy costs”. The page says it is “Currently serving only households who meet both the income eligibility requirements and are in a high priority group.” The State’s pages give no open or closed word and no deadline, so ask the local provider.

Community Action Marin’s page read Oct 7 2026 (county sheet)

County-wide Check back Marin Housing rehabilitation loans: check back

“The CalHome Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program provides low-interest property improvement loans and technical assistance to qualified low-income homeowners to make basic repairs and improvements, correct substandard conditions, and eliminate health and safety hazards.” The Housing Authority’s guidelines say “Eligible borrowers must be households with incomes not to exceed 80% of AMI, adjusted for household size, and must be the owner-occupants of the unit.” The pages show no status, date or waitlist word, and name no roof or gutter item, so check back.

Housing Authority’s pages read Oct 7 2026 (county sheet)

County-wide Check back Habitat for Humanity home repair in Marin: check back

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco’s page says: “Homeowners who live in Marin County are eligible to apply.” Its list of repairs begins “Roof repair or replacement, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs”. It also says: “Our Home Preservation Program in Marin County is currently fully subscribed, and we have temporarily closed applications.” “When applications reopen, loan amounts between $25,000 and $75,000 will be available for home improvement and repair needs.”

Habitat’s page read Oct 7 2026 (county sheet); no date on the page

State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back

California Safe Homes, the State’s grant program run through the Department of Insurance, is not open: no dated State page says it is, and the Department’s 2026 press-release index, read Oct 20 2026, lists no Safe Homes item.

Press-release index read Oct 20 2026 (California sheet)

Who serves your home in Novato

Fire: The Novato Fire Protection District. The City’s wildfire page calls the Novato Fire District “our City’s lead agency for fire protection”, and the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority lists “Novato Fire District” among its member agencies.
Water: North Marin Water District, whose About page lists Novato first under its “Water Service” heading.
Sewer: The Novato Sanitary District. Marin LAFCo says its boundary “encompasses the majority of the City of Novato”, so the District’s service area map is the place to check your address.
Garbage and recycling: Recology Sonoma Marin. The Novato Sanitary District’s solid waste page says: “Recology Sonoma Marin is your waste hauler.”
Electricity and gas: MCE (Marin Clean Energy) and PG&E. Marin LAFCo’s 2020 review says: “The Pacific Gas & Electric Company provides electricity and natural gas distribution, and Marin Clean Energy provides an alternative energy source.”

Useful links: City of Novato: Get a Permit · City of Novato: Residential Express Permits · City of Novato: Where to Get Sandbags · City of Novato: Flood Information · City of Novato: Wildfire Information · Novato Fire Protection District · Novato Fire Protection District: Ordinances · Novato Fire (wildfire site): Residential, free home assessment · Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority: Defensible Space Evaluations · Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority: Resident Grants · Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority: Chipper Day · Fire Safe Marin: Firewise USA sites · North Marin Water District · North Marin Water District: Water Conservation Rebates · Novato Sanitary District · Novato Sanitary District: Service Area Map · Novato Sanitary District: Lateral Grant Program · Recology Sonoma Marin (Novato) · MCE (Marin Clean Energy): Home Energy Savings · BayREN: EASE Home · Community Action Marin: Public Benefits and Utilities Assistance · Marin Housing Authority: Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program · Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco: Home Repair in Marin · Novato Historical Guild · SMART: Stations · California State Parks: Olompali State Historic Park

The homes of Novato

The Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 survey puts Novato’s median home at a year built of 1975 (margin of error 2 years), and about 64.5 percent of the homes were built in 1979 or earlier. About 58.5 percent are one-unit detached houses, and about 66.1 percent of the occupied homes are owner occupied; the percentages are our own calculation, with margins of about 3.6, 2.7 and 3.5 points.

1935

Spanish Eclectic base buildings, Hamilton Field

The National Park Service says: “The airfield was designed in the Spanish Eclectic style and included planned landscapes which integrated natural oak groves, knolls and hills.” It adds that “the buildings are of hollow tile or reinforced concrete construction with stucco exterior and Mission tile roofs.”

The 1950s and 1960s

About three in ten

The survey counts about 6,560 homes, about 31.3 percent, as built in the 1950s and 1960s, by our calculation; the margin of error on the count is about 615 homes.

The 1970s

About one in four

The survey counts 5,720 homes, about 27.3 percent, as built in the 1970s, the most of any decade, by our calculation; the margin of error on the count is 536 homes.

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The story of Novato

History and character