Novato: City Of Novato Asks The Public To Review Climate Change Readiness Plans

The city of Novato is crafting new policies and programs that will improve the city’s readiness for the challenges of climate change, and it is asking the public for feedback by Oct. 19.

By 2034, under state law, all cities must assess their vulnerabilities to climate change and draft a plan for readiness. Hazards include increased flooding due to sea level rise and an increase in the frequency and severity of storms, fires and droughts.

The risk assessment for Novato identifies several neighborhoods with evacuation constraints, including Hamilton, Ignacio, Bel Marin Keys, Old Town and Pacheco Valley. According to the draft plan, areas most vulnerable to sea level rise include Hamilton and Bel Marin Keys. The Novato Creek corridor, Ignacio and downtown areas are vulnerable to inland flooding; and Indian Valley, Pacheco Valley and hillside neighborhoods could see increased risk of wildfires.

The plan is for the city to maintain climate resilient infrastructure and critical services, as well as update evacuation routes and land use decisions, all through community-based decision-making processes.

The new safety element is part of Novato’s General Plan 2035. The plan and response survey can be accessed at https://www.novato.org/government/community-development/safety-element-update

Copyright © 2025 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.