Novato Residents Can Comment Online Before City Council Meetings: How the Three-Hour eComment Deadline Works

NOVATO, Marin County — October 25, 2026. Novato residents who cannot attend City Council meetings in person can still contribute to the public record through the city’s eComment system. However, the official City Council page explains an important deadline: online eComments close three hours before a meeting begins.

How does eComment work?

The city says eComment opens once the agenda is posted online. To participate, locate the specific scheduled meeting in Novato’s Agendas, Minutes & Videos portal and follow the public-comment option attached to that meeting. Don’t assume the form remains available until the Council starts discussing the item. Comments can also be made in person under the procedures in the relevant meeting agenda.

When and where does the Council meet?

Novato says its City Council generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of most months at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue, but warns that there are exceptions. Before traveling, use the current agenda or city calendar to establish the actual date, time, room and participation arrangements. The city says agendas are posted at least 72 hours before regular meetings.

Watch or review the meeting afterward

For residents who want to hear the discussion themselves, the meeting portal links live meeting access and archived recordings. The city also says City Council meetings are rebroadcast Thursdays at 10 a.m. on Comcast Channel 27. Archived videos provide context, while adopted minutes and official action records help verify a motion or vote.

Accessibility and records

Novato says live captioning and assistive listening options are offered during Council meetings. Residents requiring specific accommodations should follow the current meeting notice or contact the City Clerk. The City Clerk’s Office coordinates agendas, official minutes, public-hearing notices and city records requests.

The city’s primary administrative address is 922 Machin Avenue, Novato, CA 94945, which should not be confused with the Council meeting location at 901 Sherman Avenue. The municipal main number is (415) 899-8900. These distinctions can save visitors an unnecessary trip.

Novato News will use official agendas and council decisions to cover local government, planning and public services without mistaking a staff proposal for an adopted policy.

Sources checked October 25, 2026: City of Novato — City Council, Agendas, Minutes & Videos, City Clerk.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER NEEDS YOU

Help this community newspaper grow

Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.

Donate once by card ↗

Help Novato News grow Help strengthen reporting on Novato: community voices, important decisions and local life.

Support Novato News

Choose how to support Novato News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Novato News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

Novato News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.