Almanac note · Home and property
Novato service requests are for non-emergencies
Novato's service request tool routes non-emergency issues to the proper city department, while sewer backups, water main breaks, blocked streets, and life-safety issues use emergency contacts.
Novato’s online service request tool is for non-emergency issues, and it routes the request to the city department that handles that type of problem.
That is a useful distinction in Novato because city streets, creeks, hills, open-space edges, and county-adjacent areas can create different kinds of maintenance questions. For a routine report, include the nearest address, cross street, landmark, and a photo if it helps.
The page names examples such as potholes, illegal dumping, and other non-emergency issues. It also says service requests are monitored during regular business hours, so it is not the right channel when something needs quick help.
Novato gives separate emergency contacts for life-threatening emergencies, after-hours Public Works emergencies such as sewer backups, water main breaks, or downed trees blocking a street, power outages, and downed power lines. Use those paths when time matters.
Where to see it
Novato Report an Issue page.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 4, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
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