Novato, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Marin County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/8/2026
100 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$174 first year business license; STR registration $180 + application review $333 + property inspection $106 first year
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap100 ft
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • ADUs approved for building permits in 2017 or later are ineligible; income- or deed-restricted homes ineligible; non-residential principal use properties ineligible

Official Sources

novato.org/government/community-development/short-term-rental-program
Data confidence: 95%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Novato, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Novato, California are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $174 first year business licen). The home must be the host's primary residence.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Novato, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Novato, California. The home must be the host's primary residence.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Novato?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required, the fee is $174 first year business licen.

Where do these Novato short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Novato's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Novato, Marin County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.