The City of Novato’s online permitting portal, Novato Permits, now offers five types of residential express permits. Licensed contractors can apply and pay online, with permits issued instantly - no waiting for plan review or additional approvals. This streamlined process makes it faster and easier to move forward with eligible home improvement projects.

Residential express permits are available for the following like-for-like projects:

1. Residential Water Heater Like-for-Like Replacement with no change
2. Residential HVAC Like-for-Like Replacement with no change in location
3. Residential Electrical Panel Replacement with no change in location
4. Residential Reroof - Like-for-Like with no change to roof pitch- Roofs with existing Solar installed do not qualify for Residential Express Permits
5. Residential Window/Door Like-for-Like Replacement with no change or size

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPRESS PERMITS:

• Express Permits can ONLY be obtained by licensed contractors and qualified permit agents with a valid CSLB
• Contractors must have a valid City of Novato Business License

Any other work that does not fall into any of these Express Permit types must go through the Standard Building Permit application process.

For all other permit types, please see our Novato Permits page.