The Novato Fire Protection District is a separate governmental unit established on July 6, 1926, as an independent Special District of the State of California. The purpose of the District is to provide all-risk emergency and non-emergency services to the City of Novato and the surrounding unincorporated area.

The City of Novato and surrounding unincorporated area is approximately 71 square miles with an estimated population of 65,000. A five-person Board of Directors elected by the citizens for four-year terms governs the District.