Q: How can I find out if the previous owner obtained permits for work on my house?
A: The property records are on file in the Community Development Department at 75 Rowland Way and are available for review to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the work week. If you purchased the home in Novato after 1988, then the seller was required to provide you with a Residential Resale Inspection Report completed by the City. A research of permits for the property is part of the resale report along with disclosure of work done with permits and without permits or safety violations.
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Q: Is a permit needed to replace the windows in my house?
A: Yes. Some of the older homes do not have the safety or tempered glazing in locations such as above a bathtub or shower or next to a door or walkway. The current code is more restricted due to hazardous locations not being protected with safety or tempered glazing. Other issues, such as restricting secondary emergency egress from bedrooms and proper flashing are also reviewed and inspected when a permit is obtained. Please see information bulletin on Bedroom Window Replacements and Emergency Escape and Rescue Windows for more details on this subject. NOTE: If your home is located in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone see Policy for Remodels and Alterations to Existing Buildings. |
Q: How long is my permit good for?
A: A permit is good for a maximum of two years as long as you have periodic inspections within 180 days from date of issue and continuing for the life of the permit. If more than 180 days lapse between inspections, the permit automatically expires and the permit will need to be renewed before any more inspections can scheduled.
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Q: I’m almost at my 180 day limit from my last inspection, but I am not quite ready for my next inspection. Can I get an extension so my permit does not expire?
A: You can write the Building Official to request a onetime extension. You need to provide your permit number, name, address and phone number plus the reason for the extension request. If you send your request by email (email addresses on Building Division’s Home Page) then you will receive an approval or denial of your request.
If you send your request by US Mail you will not receive a confirmation that the request was approved. Only those requests that cannot be approved will receive a reply.
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Q: What is the purpose of WUI?
A: The objective is to establish minimum standards for materials and material assemblies and provide a reasonable level of exterior wildfire exposure protection for buildings in Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas. These standards also offer some protection from a fire in an adjacent structure and prevention of the spreading of fire to wildland vegetation.
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Q: What is the Wildland Urban Interface ( WUI ) fire area?
A: The Wildland Urban Interface fire areas (also referred to as WUI zones) are specific areas within the City of Novato being identified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones by the Novato Fire Protection District, based on the requirements of the Wildland Urban Interface code adopted by the State of California.
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Q: How does my home by being in a WUI zone affect a remodel or addition?
A: The ignition resistant construction standards required in Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (CBC) have been determined to provide the reasonable level of protection for buildings in a WUI zone. The application of these standards are covered in the POLICY FOR REMODELS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS |
Q: Where can I find a listing of the current job openings at the City of Novato?
A:
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Q: Can I apply for more than one position at a time?
A:
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Q: How do I apply for a job with the City of Novato?
A: Download the City of Novato employment application. The application is a PDF file, so it may take a few minutes to load. You can also find the link to the employment application when you click on a particular job announcement. Applications are also available at City Hall, located at 75 Rowland Way #200, Novato, CA 94945 during business hours. |
Q: Can I get crime statistics for my neighborhood, or the neighborhood I am moving to?
A: Yes. The Crime Prevention Bureau can give you basic crime statistics for your area. They will not give you specific names or addresses, but they can tell you what types of crimes have occurred and how frequently. |
Q: What if I have more questions?
A:
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Q: Can I apply online?
A: No, not at this time. We will be offering this option in the months to come. |
Q: Can I fax in my application?
A: No, the City does not accept employment applications via fax. They must be dropped off or mailed in and RECEIVED in our offices by the deadline. Postmarks not accepted. |
Q: Can I put "any" for the position I am applying for?
A: No, you must put the specific position for which are you applying. We accept applications for specific positions that are coming available.
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Q: Can I attach a resume to my application?
A: Yes, but please be sure to complete all information requested on the application and indicate all relevant information for the position to which you are applying. Do not put "see resume". Also be sure to sign and date your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Q: What is the deadline to turn in my application?
A: You must check the job announcement for the final filing date. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date unless otherwise noted. To be considered, applications must be IN our offices by the final filing date. |
Q: When will I hear back from the City about my application?
A: Once the final filing date has passed, it typically takes a few days to review the submited applications. We will notify all candidadates of their status by mail. Please be sure to keep us informed of any address or phone number changes. |
Q: Do I need a permit to place a driveway?
A: No, you only need a permit if you encroach into City right-of-way such as the driveway approach and sidewalk and sidewalk underdrains. |
Q: What happened to my street?
A: The City has utilized a new process known as "Polymer-modified Asphalt Surface Sealant", or PASS, for Measure B street re-paving. This article (PDF File) was written in an effort to explain the rationale for the new process, and to answer some of the community's questions about the PASS method. The following article might also be of interest: Pavement Rehabilitation Analysis (PDF File). |