HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Bill 5.APart2 12/06/2010i
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AREA
Adopted May, 1996
Funded by
California Coastal Conservancy
for the City of Petaluma
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PETALUMA RIVER
ACCESS AND ENHANCEMENT
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IFYHTR T R
"River planning is central to Petaluma planning. A plan for the
river is the core of any General Plan for Petaluma."
Participant in March 14, 1992 River Walk Community Workshop
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UYUTRIT R
CITY COUNCIL
M. Patricia Hilligoss, Mayor
Carole Barlas Nancy C. Read
Jane Hamilton Lori Shea
Matt Maguire Mary Stompe
PLANNING COMMISSION
Linda Rahman, Chair
Pamela Tor-liatt, Vice Chair J.T. Wick
Carole Barlas, Council Representative Marcel Feibusch.
Steve Von Raesfeld Clark Thompson
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Alfred A. Alys
Donna MacKenzie Curtis (9/90 -6/94)
Don Bennett, Vice Chair
Bob Martin
Kate Bolton
Chris McAuliffe
Michael Davis (Chair, 11/90- 12/92)
Greg Sabourin
Kathleen Doyle (9/90- 1/93)
Fred Schram
John J. FitzGerald
Skip Sommer (9/90 -6/95)
Jane Hamilton (Chair, 12/92 - Adoption)
Larry Tencer (Chair 9/90- 12/90)
David A. Keller
Royce L. Van Bebber (9/90- 10/93)
Michael J. Lind
Ron Walters
Ed Love
Native American Heritage Comm.
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
State Lands Commission
California Dept. of Transportation
U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Sonoma State Dept. of Anthropology
State Dept. of Fish & Game.
Toxic Substances Control Division
Bay Conservation and Development Comm.
Dept. of Health Services
Regional Water Quality Control Board
Wheelabrator/EOS,Petaluma
U.S: Army Corps of Engineers
Audubon Society
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
State Water Resources Board
National Marine Fisheries Service
Marin /Sonoma Mosquito Abatement
Sonoma County Planning
United Anglers of California
Sonoma County Public Works
Native American Heritage Comm.
USDA Soil Conservation Service
California Dept. of Parks & Recreation
State Department of Mines & Geology
Sonoma County Water Agency
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CITY OF PETALUMA
John Scharer, City Manager
Warren Salmons, Assistant City Manager
Pamela Tuft, Planning Director
Kurt Yeiter, Principal Planner/Project Manager
STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY
Michael Fischer, Executive Officer
Melanie Denniriger, Project Manager
CONSULTANTS
John Northmore Roberts & Associates
Prime Consultant & Landscape Architecture
• John N. Roberts, Principal -in- Charge
• Ellie Insley, Associate
L. Tomi Kobara
• Rania Rayes
• Barbara Bainbridge
Wagstaff & Associates
Urban and Environmental Planning
• John Wagstaff, Principal
• Deborah Holley, Associate
Ouesta Engineering, Inc.
Hydrology and Biology
Jeff Peters, Principal
• Charles Patterson, Biologist
• David Harlan, Project Hydrologist
• Syd Temple, Hydrologist
Williams- Kuebelbeck & Associates, Inc.
Economics
• Larry Williams, Principal
• 'Jeff Bond, Economist
• Betsy Zobel, Economist
Page & Turnbull, Inc.
Architects
• Jay Turnbull, Principal
• Mark Hulbert, Associate
Moore Iacofano Goltsman
Community Participation
• Jim Oswald
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Page
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND
CHAPTER 1: PLAN SUMMARY
1.1 Purpose ........ ............................... ....... .. .......... 3
1.2 Format of the Plan........ ............ ...................... ............. 6
1.3 River Plan Area 7
1.4 Guiding Concepts of the Access and Enhancement Plan ......... ............... 11
1.5 River Segments ......................... .............. 17
CHAPTER 2: PLANNING BACKGROUND
2.1 Origins of the River Plan ................... ............................... 23
2.2 Area Plan Authority ....................... ............................... 25
2.3 General Plan Goals for the River ............. ............................... 26
2.4 Plan Formulation Process .................................................. 30
2.5 Plan Amendment Process ............... ............................... 33
PLAN REGULATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 3: GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
3.1
Plan Goals ...............................................................
37
3.2
, Systemwide Directives ...................... ...............................
38
33
Upstream.Segment ........................ ...............................
61
3.4
Payran Residentiai Segment ................. ...............................
83
3.5
Lakeville Industrial Segment .......... ' ..... ...............................
91
3.6
Downtown Segment ....... .................... .................. ...
99
3.7
Warehouse Segment ............. ........... ..........................
113
3.8
Downstream Segment ............... _ .:... ...............................
124
CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT
4.1 General Approach: A Public - Private Partnership .. ............................... 139
4.2 Implementation Requirements ..................... 143
4.3 Local Regulatory Tools ..................................................... 143
4.4 Financing Measures ................... ... ............................... 148
CHAPTER 5: NATURAL HABITAT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
5.1 Introduction ..:. 159
5.2 Biological Restoration ...................... ............................... 159
5.3 Bank Stabilization ......................... ............................... 171
5.4 Flood Management and Reduction Program Coordination ......................... 177
5.5 Water Quality Management ................. ............................... 178
5.6 Plan Implementation .......... ........... ............................... 179
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Page
CHAPTER 6: GLOSSARY ..................................................... 192
TECHNICAL APPENDICES.
CHAPTER 7: SUPPLEMENTAL NATURAL HABITAT MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES ................ ...............................
7.1
Introduction ....... . .................... ...............................
201
7.2
Biological Restoration Plans (BRP) ............................................
202
7.3
Tree Protection Plan (TPP) for Development Around Oaks and
Mature Riparian Species .................... ...............................
205
7.4
Exotic Vegetation Removal and Control Plans ....... ......:....................
209
7.5
Bank Stabilization and Erosion Control Plans (BSECP) ............................
211
7.6
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) ...............................
214
7.7
Channel Maintenance Guidelines ......................
217
7.8
Landscape Maintenance, Native Plants ....... ...............................
218
7.9
Native Oak Establishment Guidelines ........... ...............................
220
7.10
Flood Control Channel Design Guidelines ...... ...............................
222
CHAPTER 8: NATURAL RESOURCES MITIGATION
GUIDELINES FOR THE PETALUMA RIVER CORRIDOR
8.1
Scope and Intent of Mitigation Policy .................. ....................
225
8.2
Wetland Mitigation Goals and Policies ......... ...............................
226
8.3
Technique for Habitat Evaluations ...........................................
227
8.4
Mitigation Alternatives ..................... ...............................
229
8.5
Types of Compensatory Actions ........................... .. , .............
230
8.6
Restoration Design Guidelines ............... ...............................
232
8.7
Required Mitigations ...... ............... ...............................
232
8.8
Components of Mitigation Plans ... .. ............................... ....
234
8.9
Implementation and Coordination ............. ...............................
235
CHAPTER 9: DESIGN GUIDELINES ........ ............................... 236
CHAPTER 10: COST ANALYSIS ............ ............................... 242
APPROVAL: RESOLUTION
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CHAP E 1 ®0
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STAGING
AREA (Typical) .......
_
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EDGE OF RIVER
CORRIDOR
NATURAL RIPARIAN LANDSCAPE -
s WITH INTEGRATED NEW DEVELOPMEN'
Q
o
TENTATIVE LONG TERM TRAIL -
AFTER CHANGE OF USE
PLAN SUMMAIIII,
2
LEGEND
.RIVER
GREENWAY
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RODZ
PROPOSED TRAIL
°O• "e
TENTATIVE TRAIL
►A AA
STAGING AREA
N
GATEWAY
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"Prepare a comprehensive plan
for the Petaluma River..."
Program 12, Section 5.4
Petaluma General Plan 1987 -2005
EXISTING WETLAND
MITIGATION SITE
H I G H W A Y 1 0 1
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P e 1 B 1 e o u I a v A o
RIPARIAN WOODLAND -
RESTORATIONlPRESERVATION SITE
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I.I. PURPOSE
Petaluma is a river town. The Petaluma River
is its lifeblood.
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D0INNTOWN WATERFRONT -
M
SHOWPLACE OF THE CI TY'
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT
WAREHOUSES & BOARDWALKS
d
MCNEAR PENINSULA -
RIVERFRONT PARK & MARSH
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E XHIBIT R
The overriding purpose of the Petaluma River
Access and Enhancement Plan is to describe
this community's vision for the Petaluma
River, including its riverfront uses, activities,
and developments. Implementation of this
plan will result in a waterfront environment
that is the jewel in Petaluma's crown.
This plan elaborates on the Petaluma General
Plan 1987 -2005 regarding the river and the
properties abutting it. As the most
comprehensive statement of this community's
vision for the river and riverfront
development, this plan will be used by policy -
makers, property owners, and interested
citizens to guide the metamorphosis of the
river into the central feature of Petaluma.
1.0 Plan Summary
In order to achieve the vision of this plan, the
city must balance four principal components
of the General Plan's directives:
* Restoration and preservation of the
natural resources.
* A pedestrian walkway and bike trail for the
entire length of the river within the city
limits.
* A vibrant, high density water- related
commercial environment with combined
tourism, recreation, commerce, and
industry in and around downtown by the
year 2015.
* A mixture of different uses and activities
along the entire river corridor that
complement the riverfront location.
During the past half - century, the Petaluma
River became a sadly neglected resource.
Where once the city turned toward the river
for its very life, the city began to turn away.
Substantial opportunities to provide
recreational and commercial services to a
society with changing tastes, changing needs,
and changing habits were too often. ignored.
In recent years, efforts of local government,
community groups, and individual
entrepreneurs have begun to address the fact
that there is tremendous potential for this
river -- and potential to provide long- lasting
benefits for the citizens of Petaluma.
To date, there has been no blueprint or
comprehensive vision to guide future use and
planning for .this vitally important waterway.
The River Plan is designed to provide that
blueprint.
Implementation of this plan will result in a
riverfront with people near the water, enjoying
its presence and actively engaged in walking,
4
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
boating, working, dining, or shopping --
whatever the activity -- with a he
sense of place and relationship to the natural
environment. This plan bases Petaluma's
future relationship to its river on models of
historic active waterfronts combined with
modern environmental sensitivities.
Described in this plan are various means of
enhancing the river, encouraging compatible
developments along the river frontage,
creating and maintaining a system of river -
related public trails and direct riverfront
access, and other methods of achieving goals
of the Petaluma General Plan
Over0 000'people enjoyed the tenth annual River Festiva! at ! • ;.
the downtown waterfront in August, 1995. The people of
Petaluma are rediscovering their riverfront as a central
community amenity and'gathenng place.
p
1.0 Plan Summary
1.2 FORMAT OF THE PLAN
The Petaluma River Access and Enhancement
Plan is organized" to be consistent with the
format of the Petaluma General Plan 1987
2005 Statements that guide future actions
have been separated into goals, objectives,
policies, and programs. This hierarchical
approach allows the public and City decision -
makers to distinguish between the desires of
the, community with respect to the river
(stated as "goals" and "objectives ") and the
methods through which these desires can be
achieved (stated as "policies" and "programs ").
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
Chapter 3, Goals, Objectives, : Policies..' �& .:
Programs, provides the core::: regulatory;
features of the plan. The overalf'Systemw de
policies that apply to the entire river corridor:
are discussed in the first part of the chapter;
while the policies and programs* ,specific`; to
individual River Segments are described,in -the. .
second part of the chapter. Projects proposed
along the river will be subject to systemwide
directives as well as those for the specific river
segment.
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Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
1.3 RIVER PLAN AREA
The subject of the River Plan is the 6.5 -mile
long, 800 -acre section of the river and abutting
properties that lie . mostly in the City of
.Petaluma from the Old Redwood Highway
road bridge over Willow Brook Creek near
Redwood Business Park to the Petaluma
Marina at the Highway 101 bridge. The river
plan area (or river corridor) includes the
river, its banks, and all properties that either
directly abut the river or are. near enough to
be affected by the provisions of this plan (see
River Segment. Map page 18 and 19). Within
the river corridor are industrial and
commercial land uses (some that relate to the
river and some that do not), the historic
downtown,commercial and warehouse,districts,
remnant agricultural areas, residential areas,
riparian vegetation, existing and planned open
spaces, and recreational facilities.
The greenway created by this plan is that part
of the river corridor where flood waters are
accommodated and where river front public
access and habitat enhancement are
recommended. The greenway includes the
river ehannel and its banks, flood protection
alterations, the trail and access amenities,
habitat protection and enhancement zones,
:public parks as designated on the General
Plan, and a buffer zone between the top of
bank and the adjacent development.
1.0 Plan Summary
Setting
The headwaters of the Petaluma River are
several miles northeast of the City of .
Petaluma. The river flows first through gently
sloping farmland, then through the center of
the city,' and finally, bordered by levees and
salt marsh, past agricultural fields and small
residential areas to San Pablo Bay,
approximately fourteen miles from downtown
Petaluma. It' drains a watershed of
approximately 32 square miles. Tributary
streams are seasonal in the upper reaches of
the watershed, but intercept groundwater in
the flat valley landscape and sometimes flow
year -round near the downtown area. There,
the freshwater mixes with the salt water that
flows up from the bay with the tides. Levees,
cultivation, channelization, and urban
development have significantly altered the
natural riparian and wetland habitats that
once flanked the river.
Santa Rosa
Napa
Petaluma
\ \� Novato
Fairfield
Point Reyes San Rafael i ::. Rkhrnond hex WWnLq or Creek
Oakland
:`San F2ncl
Scale in .089
10 4
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,..,
GENERAL LOCATION MAP
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DID' Q
1.0 Plan Summary
A Piverfront City
The river has been one of the most important
factors in the evolution of the City of
Petaluma. There is evidence of significant
early Coast Miwok settlements along its banks.
just upstream of the downtown area. Later,
shipping of goods in support of miners and
settlers led to the development of the colorful
historic downtown along its banks.
Agricultural, industrial, and other commercial
enterprises, dependent upon the river for
shipping, flourished along the river from the
late nineteenth to the early twentieth
centuries.
The river tied Petaluma to the outside world
with paddlewheel steam ships, barges, and
scows transporting Petaluma's agricultural
bounty and manufactured goods to the outside
world and bringing many necessities of life to
the young city. The city grew outward from
the bustling waterfront in a pattern responding
to the location, activities, and shape of the
river.
I An old Coast Miwok village and an early 20th century farm are
i found at the Cedar Grove property, just upstream of the
granary towers and downtown Petaluma, seen in the distance.
The River Plan encourages recognition of historic sites and
i events along the waterfront.
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
The Great Petaluma Mtll and Steamer Gold are typical of the
historic buildings'facing• the river that define the character of
the downtown waterfront.
JEJ
E X - PH ID
Old warehouses and wharf pilings are a common site along :
the riverfront near downtown.
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
While most of the active river - dependent
businesses have now disappeared, many old
riverfront buildings remain. ' Downtown's
development pattern is still inextricably linked
to the river. Several viable river - dependent
businesses remain, keeping up the tradition of
an active working waterfront. The collection
of old buildings hugging the banks of the river,
a historic downtown that reminds us of the
river's - prominence in the town's formative
years, active waterfront industries, and the
heritage of riverfront settlements create the
unique urban character of Petaluma. Today,
this character supports a bustling pedestrian-
oriented commercial center and increasing
tourist trade.
Some of the largest remaining areas of open
land within Petaluma are located along the
river. Future use of -these properties, like
those found in the historic downtown, will also
be linked to the river and its riparian habitats.
The river will continue to be a central
organizing feature of the city as it grows.
1.0 Plan Summary
The River as a System
In the planning area, the Petaluma River is
typical of urban streams in which water, plants
and animals, and human activity interact as a
dynamic system. The River Plan will enable
all of the components to thrive
interdependently, each enriched by the others
and their relationship to the river. As
envisioned, the river corridor will again
become the most significant -unifying feature
of the city. It will provide peaceful settings
amid nature, scenic backdrops to active
workplaces, and an invigorating pedestrian and
bicycle pathway network connecting many
centers of activity within the city. If properly
planned and cared for, the river will flourish
as a life supporting habitat corridor and a
focus for human interaction, commerce, and
transportation.
This plan, recognizes that the river corridor
described in this document is only one portion
of the entire river system.. Actions taken
within this area will affect and will be affected
as well by the upstream and downstream
reaches outside the City of Petaluma's
jurisdiction.
The view across the -river from the end of 'G' Street includes oak Creek Aps,,;nents, lust upstream o! Lynch Creek,
i McNear Peninsula In the foreground, riverfront industries, and -successfully integ ^rates the natural flood zone- into the
the Sonoma Mountains in the distance. At a glance, . the p; PPeRys opert space network and preserves the existing oak
natural and cultural setting of the city is revealed with the river ire es.
at the core. -
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EXHIBIT
1,0 Plan Summary Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
J(
i SCALE
j MILES O 1 2 3 a S MILES
KILOMETERS O 1 2 3 4 S 6 7 8 KILOMETERS
ONE KILOMETER = V. MILE
WATERSHED DIAGRAM
10
3.3
Ito
3
. ERBIT
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan 1.0 Plan Summary
1.4 GUIDING CONCEPTS OF
THE ACCESS AND
ENHANCEMENT PLAN
Through an aggressive public information and
outreach process, the community's vision for
the Petaluma River was gradually revealed.
Consideration of the emerging themes guided
the planning and design concepts for the plan.
The following description of these themes is
provided to give readers a conceptual
framework for the regulatory text contained in
Chapter 3.
Diversity: Urban and Wild
The river corridor is diverse and complex. Its
richness reflects the . heritage of local
development patterns as well as the nature of
the river itself. An important concept of the
River Plan is to accept and build upon this
heritage of diversity in a manner that will
create a cohesive, mutually supportive whole.
Urban features will be interwoven with the
natural and wild, each contributing equally to
the character of the Petaluma River corridor.
Complementary Riverfront Developments
Developments that feature the river as an
integral component of their design are
encouraged. New developments should build
upon the city's authentic waterfront heritage.
A revitalized, bustling urban waterfront in the
downtown area will be supported by riverfront
commercial, industrial, recreational, and
residential activities throughout the river
corridor.
17 A11BIT
The Foundry Wharf features its river frontage and is a model .
for other coinplem`entary riverfront developments.
The natural riparian area no' ar the upstream railroad trestle is
a prime wildlife habitat that will be expanded.
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan 1.0 Plan Summary
Education/Interpretation
The river's importance as natural habitat and
its historic, cultural, and economic significance
within the city provide rich material for
learning about the region. Key topics of
interest in the river area are Coastal Miwok
activities, the history of later settlements,
development of agricultural and industrial
economies, use of the river and railroad - as
transportation systems, hydrology and geology,
and the river's ecological functions. In
addition, the current process of planning for,
protecting, and restoring the river can be
described as part of any public interpretation
program.
City Gateways
The Petaluma General Plan recommends the
creation of "gateways" at important roadway
approaches to the city. These areas impart a
sense .of entry to Petaluma and provide local
information through extraordinary design,
signs, and landscaping. Major river crossings
and other points with distinct views of the
river should also serve as gateways that link
the river to the visitor's first impression of the
city. Other river crossings or views can be
similarly highlighted to orient and educate the
viewer. The river corridor will be a
continuous unifying element in the city's, urban
design, connecting such otherwise disparate
elements as the historic downtown . and
riverfront industry to salt marsh habitat and
oak woodlands. Gateways to the river will
help orient visitors to their location within the
city as well as to the city's place in the
Petaluma valley and North Bay Region.
Recommended gateway improvements at the Washington
Street bridge entry to downtown include riparian tree planting,
expanded pedestrian, areas and amenities, informational signs,
trail links, and framed views of interesting buildings.
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A city gateway along Petaluma Boulevard North at Stony Point
Road would feature the restored riparian forest and could
Include a staging area.
1.0 Plan Summary Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
Continuous Trail System
The River Plan will unite the 6.5 mile river
corridor with a continuous trail .system for
bicyclists and pedestrians. The trails will link
together neighborhoods, places of
employment, commercial and cultural
facilities, parks, and natural areas into a
coherent system of amenities serving locals
and visitors alike. A variety of direct water
access points will encourage recreational and
commercial activities throughout the river
corridor.
The river trail offers connections. to a wide
network of trails extending throughout the city
and region. Ties to'the Bay Are Ridge Trails
and Bay Trail are encouraged. .
MAE
o L,-7' -
1d1.CODW I �`
A ELL
o \` `
1 C '---Jj�
Li
TT
1
Rly I 1 L
LEGEND PE.TALUMA BLVD
;; LEGEND
COMBINED HIKING AND
BICYCLING TRAIL ® •�� / /� //� /� .tom! ^�r
I HIKING ONLY TRAIL
ON STREET — B — \
i BICYCLING TRAIL I
100 eorN / 1
I TENTATIVE TRAIL
IAUGNMENT ■ ®D®
i
I WATER SURFACE
i WATER ACCESS POINT O _ •\ \ \' .
I GENERAL VICINITY OF (� -) acre \
(PROPOSED STAGING AREA `t ...I
\ \.
I Note: Where POI
e�
� s1e91nB areas should be
combined W
Combiith hensll 1,
stops e wo ,�a zeoo . TRAIL ALIGNMENT
14
RAINIER
CONNECTION
e
�'FITW T
An Important trail link will be made along the railroad trest
through downtown. —"
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan 1.0 Plan Summary
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Riverfront Habitats Enhanced and Linked
According to this plan, existing wildlife habitat
and natural areas along much of the river
corridor will be restored, linked, and
protected. Landscape improvements in
urbanized areas will also be designed to
provide habitat. Bank stabilization and flood
protection activities will utilize techniques that
help support healthy environments appropriate
for that property.
Within the city, river habitats vary from. tidal
salt marsh to fresh water stream. Linking
these disparate areas into a linear continuum
will provide untold benefits to the health and
quality of the entire river eco- system.
A MY
a;
TRAIL
ER .
3ED MARSH /
tAT10N AREA `
IYSTEM
• 15
V .
EAMBIT
1.0 Plan Summary Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
H.1-
P.....
R.Oro.d
P..
.Th9!6 woodland 'along riverbanks in the upstream segment The Cedar Grove property in the Payran segment is proposed
is recommended for preservation. fora public park with river accessand historic features.
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Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan 1.0 Plan Summary
Immediate and Long Term Implementation
This plan presents a long term vision of. the
river as a central feature for Petaluma. It will
take many years to accomplish and require
multiple phases of public and' private
investment and action.
Most portions of the plan will be implemented
by- private development activities as they occur
over time on riverfront,properties. Utilization
of the river as both a visual and recreational
amenity, as well as a travel- and activity
corridor, will add value to adjoining
properties, offsetting the burden to the
property owners of implementing their portion
of the plan. Initial public funding is
recommended for high visibility- and high
impact improvements °in or near the downtown
area. Success with the earliest improvements
will spark enthusiasm to carry out future
phases of the plan. The River Plan
coordinates each incremental improvement
into a cohesive whole.
Waterfront improvements In the vfcinfty of downtown are
recommended as first priority public investments, such as
public access at the end of V Street in the Warehouse
Segment.
1.5 RIVER SEGMENT'S
For planning purposes, the river corridor has
been divided into six segments,, each with
distinct characteristics and internal similarities
that allow logical clustering of design and
planning policies. In Chapter 3, goals,
objectives, policies, and programs are provided.
for the entire access and enhancement plan
area (systemwide) as well as for the individual
river segments. The planning and design
concepts for each of the segments are
summarized . as follows:
1. Upstream Segment (Chapter 3.3)
The Upstream Segment, the largest of the
six segments and the one most likely to
change significantly in the near future,
contains remnants of an extensive riparian
forest that marked the river's course
through the broad valley landscape. The
remaining groves of trees are.recognized as
unique resources to be protected and
enhanced, and will supply the stock from
which a continuous riparian forest will be
re- established along the greenway.
The open rural /agricultural land uses in
this area are gradually being replaced by
higher density centers of employment,
commerce, and residential growth. The
River Plan acknowledges this pressure for
change and recommends an integrated
approach for new complementary
development to with riverfront public
access, flood mitigation, and habitat
preservation /enhancement. Improvements
in the greenway will become an integral
part of each parcels' site design.
17 6A
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1.0 Plan Summary Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
Open land in the Upstream Segmentdike , this : Corona Reach
river frontage, is under pressure to change.
LEGEND
LIPArr OF RI
AND STUDY VER, CORRIDOR: --.j RIVER SEGMENTS
AREA L
0 500 1000 2000
18
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T." '
Preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the) dense
ripariam forests, like this neat Corona Road, will characterize
the greenivay'in the Upstream Segment
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan 1.0 Plan Summary
The prominent food processin
g industries such as Hunt &
Behren's, as seen trom Copeland SL in the Lakeville
Inclu Segiftnt, characterize this portion of ft rivarfronL
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3.8
19 61P
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Flood protection for residences bulit' very 1close to the river
banks is recommended for the Paynan Residential Segment.
1.0 Plan Summary
2. Payran Residential Segment (Chapter 3.4)
Comprised primarily of residential
properties with houses and yards very close
to the river banks, this area has been
repeatedly subject to extensive flooding.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE)
has prepared Payran Reach flood control
recommendations for the City. The River
Plan is prepared with the , COE flood
control plans in mind. For instance, it is
recommended that one maintenance road
act as the trail route.
At the former Cedar Grove Park there is
evidence of a significant Coastal Miwok
village and an old, intact farm complex that
represents the town's earliest settlements.
The Petaluma General Plan identifies this
property as a potential park site. The
River Plan recognizes the site for its
potential public access to the water and
historical /educational attributes.
This segment represents a transition
between the forested freshwater riparian
habitats upstream and the open brackish
tidally influenced habitats downstream.
The River Plan recommends integration of
new development with riverfront public
access, habitat preservation /enhancement,
and flood mitigation activities.
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
3. Lakeville Industrial Segment (Chapter3.5)
This segment is a transition between the
residential areas upstream that still contain
some riparian habitat, and the more
urbanized, pedestrian orientated downtown
iy
area. It is primarily an industrial erfront
that,. like the Payran Residential Segment,
will be partially affected by the COE flood
project.
This area, with its prominent feed
processing industries, illustrates the
important role of agriculture in shaping
Petaluma. The trail and greenway through
this area will be secondary to maintaining
these industrial activities. Habitat
restoration and beautification through
increased landscaping are encouraged,
especially just upstream of the Washington
Street bridge although the design of:: the
greenway will emphasize 2the industrial
character of this segment.
Historic buildings along Water Street
Segment can re- orient to the river a
pedestrian promenade replaces parking.
- -._.- ----- _._ - - - --- - - - - - --
Riverfront improvements around the Tuming Basin in the.:
Downtown Segment will make this the primary destination of
the trail system and activity center of the river corridor. p
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan 1.0 Plan Summary
4. Downtown Segment (Chapter 3.6)
This segment covers the waterfront of the
city's traditional and historic central
business district. This is the primary,
destination of the trail system and activity
center of the river corridor.
Recommended in this plan is the
completion the existing system of docks,
boardwalks, and overlooks surrounding the
Turning Basin in a way that builds :upon
the historic downtown development
The historic character of the commercial - riven'ront in the
Warehouse Segment, as seen from the 'D' Street bridge,
will be retained with riverfront boardwalks to replace . the
decayed wharves.
Retention of river dependent industries and.their barge traffic
is a priority in the Downstream Segment, as well as
acquisition of McNear Peninsula (on'the right) for a park and
marsh restoration.
patterns and creates, urban open spaces
that are full of activity, It encourages
further reorientation of the buildings
toward the river to heighten the area's
vigorous, bustling commercial and
recreational activities. Downtown
waterfront improvements are recommended
as early components of this plan as a
catalyst for improvements in other
segments.
5. 'Warehouse Segment (Chapter 3.7)
The downtown Warehouse 'Segment,
located along the western side of the river
from "D" to "H" Streets, provides a unique
river frontage with the peaked roof
warehouses at banktop and decaying wharf
pilings at the water's edge. This plan calls
for a new riverfront boardwalk to replace
the decayed wharves of a bygone era,
improved water access at the ends of "F",
"G ", and ''H" Streets, and building ventures
that accentuate the historic character of
this mixed use neighborhood. Improved
pedestrian access between this segment and
downtown will spur rehabilitation and bring
new economic vitality into this area.
6. Downstream Segment (Chapter 3.8)
Besides containing some of Petaluma's
largest industries, this riverfront segment
also has extensive undeveloped land,
including the 32 acre planned city park on
McNear Peninsula. In this segment the
river is a. broad tidal slough, periodically
dredged for navigability, amid a landscape
of commercial and heavy industrial
establishments with barges; recreational,,
and commercial boat traffic. Greenway
improvements such as bank stabilization,
trails, and revegetation depend greatly on
the nature of development along the river.
Maintaining authentic industrial waterfront
activities, visible from the trail, is . a priority
of the River Plan for this area. Early
acquisition and improvements to McNear.
Peninsula for public use is a high priority.
21 0
EB I
3.6 Downtown Segment
Goals, Objectives, Policies, rand Programs Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan
COMBINED
PEDESTRIAN
BICYCLE TRAIL
PEDESTRIAN ONLY
TRAIL b D t7 p p 0
TENTATIVE LONG
TERM TRAIL
WATER SURFACE
COMBINED BUFFER &
RESTORATION ZONES
OAK GROVE /RIPARIAN
WOODLAND
PRESERVATION ZONE
TO RIDGE TRAIL:
MARSH POTENTIAL FUTURE i
TRANSIT "STATION
NEW SIGNALIZED
INTERSECTION
BIC YCLE PARKING M
r
WATER ACCESS u THROUGH j ROUTE O E
Existing NEW
Proposed O SIGNALIZED s' a
INTERSECTION
GATEWAY ) '
COPELAND STREET
STAGING AREA
CROSS SECTION NEW BANKTOP ASH
� BOARDWALK y .
WELLER ST
t
SEGMENT LIMB 1
y
F
\TRAIL PASSES
UNDER
GATEWAY PLANTING" Ir STREET
EXTEND PLANTINGS ALONG
E. WASHINGTON -STREET TO `� ~ Q "
�" D I q S. �ALUNIA "
COPELAND STREET \
P TRAIL ON
FLOATING DOCKS G
TRAIL ON RAILROAD GATEWAY PLANTING
TRESTLE
P
PUBLIC PARKING i
4 ACRES
RIVER GREENWAY & ACCESS PLAN.'
1 0 200 400" 600 _
ir Downtown Segment =
Z (E. Washington to "D Street)
98
HI �:,.:
3.6 Downtown Segment
Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Programs
"(Downtown) is a great place ,for a fully
developed waterfront promenade."
"It should be the showplace of the city."
Participants in Neighborhood Meeting and Community
Workshop, 1992
The centerpiece of the river plan, the
Downtown Segment, extends from Washington
Street to the "D" Street Bridge. It includes
the river edge of the city's central business
district; the heart of historic Petaluma. The
river frontage includes lively gathering places
and commercial enterprises, the Balshaw
Bridge, the Golden Eagle Shopping Center,
the Petaluma Queen, the Great Petaluma
Milli the River Inn, and the Yacht Club.
Petaluma's unique character and charm, the
basis of a growing tourist industry, are
founded on its river heritage.. The Turning
Basin,. the central open space, is the
destination of boats from around the world,
whose owners tie up at the docks to enjoy
downtown Petaluma's restaurants, shops and
historic waterfront. Visitors and locals gather
here to celebratet the river.
Historic buildings define the river's character.
Cargo was unloaded from ships and stored
here. Many buildings have been renovated
with new, river - oriented uses that enliven the
waterfront but other structures and 'open
spaces remain to be improved. Water Street,
for instance, is lined with handsome old
buildings that can be opened to pedestrians.
Downtown's future depends on the river.
99
mral
L 1
El X111BI
3.6 DOWNTOWN SEGMENT 3.6.1 EXISTING SETTING