HomeMy WebLinkAboutORDINANCE 2879 N.C.S. 02/26/2024
Ordinance No. 2879 N.C.S. Page 1
EFFECTIVE DATE
OF ORDINANCE
March 27, 2024
ORDINANCE NO. 2879 N.C.S.
Introduced by: Dennis Pocekay Seconded by: Janice Cade Thompson
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA ADOPTING A ZONING
TEXT AMENDMENT OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA IMPLEMENTING ZONING ORDINANCE,
ORDINANCE 2300 N.C.S., TO ADD SECTION 7.120 OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR
QUALIFYING RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance (IZO) Section 25.010 provides that no
amendment that regulates matters listed in Government Code Section 65850 shall be made to the IZO unless the
Planning Commission and City Council find the amendment to be in conformity with the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to IZO Chapter 25, the City of Petaluma Planning Director may initiate an amendment,
and the City Council may adopt the amendment upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to IZO Sections 25.070, if the City Council finds the IZO amendments to be in
conformance with the Petaluma General Plan and any applicable plans; and consistent with the public necessity,
convenience, and general welfare, it may amend the IZO; and
WHEREAS, the State of California (State) adopted Senate Bills (SB) 35 and 330, and Assembly Bill (AB)
2162, which limit or restrict discretionary review of project design elements; and
WHEREAS, the Object Design Standards provide concise, quantifiable, objective standards to regulate site
and building design for qualifying residential projects; and
WHEREAS, the intent of adopting achievable, feasible, and implementable Objective Design Standards is to
ensure that qualifying residential development projects (1) achieve satisfactory quality design in individual
buildings and their sites; (2) are designed appropriately for the intended uses; and (3) are in harmony with other
developments and their surroundings; and
WHEREAS, the conceptual Objective Design Standards were presented to the Planning Commission at a
Study Session in June 2020; and
WHEREAS, group interviews with local affordable housing developers and architects were conducted in
January 2021 to understand opportunities and constraints faced by the multi-family housing development
community; and
WHEREAS, on April 27, 2021, the Planning Commission received a follow-up presentation on the Objective
Design Standards, at which point the Commission affirmed the goals and mechanisms for the Objective Design
Standards; and
WHEREAS, stakeholder and public outreach was conducted between September 21, 2023, and November
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Ordinance No. 2879 N.C.S. Page 2
30, 2023, to receive feedback on the proposed Objective Design Standards; and
WHEREAS, a Planning Commission workshop and study session were held respectively on October 10,
2023, and November 28, 2023, to receive feedback from the Planning Commission on the proposed Objective
Design Standards; and
WHEREAS, the Objective Design Standards reflect five core goals essential to the development of qualifying
residential projects, including (1) Strengthen Community Character and the Public Realm; (2) Design for People;
(3) Design Equitable Places; (4) Support Connectivity; and (5) Design for Sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the Objective Design Standards reflect feedback received by the City’s Planning Commission
and other committees, commissions, and boards, internal discussions with various city departments, feedback
from the residential development community, public comment received, review of local regulations and
guidelines, and are informed by other agency’s adopted Objective Design Standards; and
WHEREAS, on December 1, 2023, a Notice of Public Hearing, providing required information about a public
hearing of the proposed Objective Design Standards Ordinance to be held on December 12, 2023, before the City
of Petaluma Planning Commission, was published; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, the City of Petaluma Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing and adopted a Resolution recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance adding Section 7.120
to the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance 2300 N.C.S., establishing Objective Design
Standards for Qualifying Residential Projects, with edits recommended during the public hearing; and
WHEREAS, on January 26, 2024, a Notice of Public Hearing, providing required information about a public
hearing of the proposed Objective Design Standards to be held on February 5, 2024, before the City of Petaluma
Planning Commission, was published; and
WHEREAS, on February 5, 2024, the City of Petaluma City Council introduced the Objective Design
Standards Ordinance at a duly noticed public hearing and requested that certain modifications be made to the
proposed Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2024, a Notice of Public Hearing, providing required information about a public
hearing to adopt Ordinance 2879 N.C.S., amending City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance N.C.S.
2300 to add Section 7.120 Objective Design Standards for Qualifying Residential Projects, to be held on February
26, 2024, before the City Council, was duly published in the Petaluma Argus-Courier.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Petaluma, as follows:
Section 1. Findings
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference as findings of the Petaluma
City Council.
2. Based on the staff report, staff presentation, comments received, and the public hearing, the City Council
makes the following findings based on substantial evidence in the record:
a. General Plan Findings:
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The Objective Design Standards Ordinance is consistent with the adopted 2105 City of Petaluma
General Plan and with adopted elements of the 2025 City of Petaluma General Plan (2023-2031
Housing Element), including the following goals, policies, and programs, in that:
• Housing Element Goal 1: Provide opportunities for residential development to accommodate
projected residential growth and diverse housing needs of all existing and future Petalumans, and
associated Policy 1.4 Establish flexibility in the City’s standards and regulations to encourage a variety
of housing types, including mixed-use and flexible-use buildings, and affordable housing
development.
The Objective Design Standards Ordinance includes a range of options to allow for flexibility and
creativity in architectural and landscape design. This includes a change of plane requirement for 30%
of the primary façade, which can be achieved through one or a combination of six options. Entryway
articulation, building corner treatments, and fencing also offer specific options for design that are
flexible, allow for a variety of housing types, and ensure that design requirements will not reduce
allowable density.
• Housing Element Goal 2: Remove or mitigate constraints on housing development to expedite
construction and lower development costs while avoiding impacts on environmentally sensitive areas,
and associated Policy 2.2 - Streamline the City’s review and approval process for residential and
mixed-use projects to ensure objective evaluation and greater certainty in outcomes to facilitate
affordable housing production, and associated Policy 2.3 - Develop incentives such as streamlined
review, fee adjustments, and objective design standards to encourage residential development that is
affordable and environmentally appropriate.
The Objective Design Standards will be applied to qualifying residential projects that are subject only
to ministerial or objective review and will lower development costs by providing objective
requirements for project approval. The objective standards will provide clear, quantifiable, and
objective standards to ensure objective evaluation, provide greater certainty in outcomes, and
facilitate a streamlined review. The Objective Design Standards Ordinance include criteria for
Integrated Pest Management, a prohibition on invasive species, specific requirements for Petaluma
River or creek adjacent parcels, and facilities to support non-gasoline powered transportation, as well
as a prohibition on vinyl materials.
• General Plan Goal 1-G-1: Maintain a balanced land use program that meets the long-term residential,
employment, retail, institutional, education, recreation, and open space needs of the community and
associated Policy 1-P-3 - Preserve the overall scale and character of established residential
neighborhoods.
The façade, entryway, and corner treatments supplement the existing height and site coverage
requirements in the Implementing Zoning Ordinance to articulate the façade and break up the massing
to ensure that qualifying residential projects are similar in scale and character to other structures.
Additionally, the limitation on building length ensures that buildings are of a similar size to other
existing multi-family structures in the city.
• General Plan Goal 1-G-5: Petaluma River: Develop land uses in proximity to the Petaluma River
that ensure the restoration of the natural River corridor, provide for adequate storm flow capacities,
and enable public access and stewardship, and associated Policies 1-P-43 - Development shall
incorporate the River as a major design focal point, orienting buildings and activities toward the River
and providing water access, to the extent deemed feasible, and 1-P-44 - Develop the Petaluma River
as a publicly accessible green ribbon, fronted by streets, paths, access points, and open spaces, by
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implementing the Petaluma River Access and Enhancement Plan within the context of the PRC Design
Standards.
The Objective Design Standards Ordinance will require the development of the public trails proposed
in the General Plan along the Petaluma River and creeks. Additionally, it requires that a public
connection be provided to the new section of trail from either an existing section or from the public
sidewalk/road. Alternatives to paved pathways are included for areas that include sensitive riparian
habitat or wetlands. Additionally, the Objective Design Standards Ordinance requires buildings’
façades facing the Petaluma River or a creek with public access to follow the same design
requirements as the primary façade and to develop a public access trail along the property length of
the river. They include objective standards that codify guidelines in the Petaluma River Access and
Enhancement Plan to provide paths and accessible open space and installation of native plants.
• General Plan Goal 1-G-7: Recognize that trees are a community asset, an essential element in the
interface between the natural and built environment, and part of the urban infrastructure.
The Objective Design Standards Ordinance includes requirements for at least 50% tree canopy
coverage in and around parking areas as well as 30% tree canopy coverage for ground level common
open space and landscaped areas.
• General Plan Goal 2-G-2: Maintain and enhance Petaluma’s unique identity and sense of community,
history and place, and associated Policy 2-P-5 - Strengthen the visual and aesthetic character of major
arterial corridors as it will require façade, entryway, and corner design, as well as landscaping that will
strengthen the visual character of the existing streetscape.
The building orientation standard requires that buildings are designed with the primary building
façade toward the primary street frontage, and that the primary façade incorporate changes of plane
representing 30% of the wall and 20% change of plane on all other facades. The standards include
requirements for entryway and building corner articulation. These requirements will enhance
Petaluma’s unique identity and sense of community as well as strengthen the visual character of the
existing streetscape.
• General Plan Goal 5-G-5: Create and maintain a safe, comprehensive, and integrated bicycle and
pedestrian system throughout Petaluma that encourages bicycling and walking and is accessible to all,
and associated policies 5-P-20 - Ensure that new development provides connections to and does not
interfere with existing and proposed bicycle facilities, 5-P-22 - Preserve and enhance pedestrian
connectivity in existing neighborhoods and require a well-connected pedestrian network linking new
and existing developments to adjacent land uses, 5-P-23 - Require the provision of pedestrian site
access for all new development, and 5-P-31 - Make bicycling and walking more desirable by providing
or requiring development to provide necessary support facilities throughout the city.
The proposed circulation and access standards include requirements to ensure pedestrian and bicycle
connectivity between all buildings on the site and the public sidewalk. Additionally, it requires that as
river/creek pathways are developed, they must connect to either the public sidewalk or an existing
river/creek pathway. Additionally, they require that development construct a public pathway along
the Petaluma River or a creek if it is identified in the “Proposed and Existing Bicycle Facilities” map
in the City’s General Plan. If there is no connection up or down river to the new section of path a
connection to the public sidewalk is required.
• Goal 6-G-1: Retain and expand city-wide park and recreation assets and programs to maintain the
quality of life they provide to the community and associated Policy 6-P-1 - Develop additional
parkland and recreational facilities in the city, particularly in areas lacking these facilities and where
new growth is proposed, and associated Program 6-P-1.E - As part of the City’s Development
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regulations establish common open space requirements for multi-family development. Such open
space shall NOT be counted toward public park dedication/in lieu fee requirements for meeting
neighborhood and/or community park needs.
The Objective Design Standards Ordinance will objectify the language in IZO Chapter 4 Land Use
Tables requiring a minimum of 25 square feet per unit of common usable open space with a minimum
dimension of 10 feet in any one direction. Further, the Objective Design Standards require the
provision of a play area for developments with more than 25 units unless located within 0.25 miles of
an existing park with a play area. These requirements will ensure recreation facilities for new
qualifying residential developments and expand recreational assets.
• Goal 6-G-3: Increase public knowledge and understanding of the importance of sustaining a healthy
urban forest for the well-being of the entire community, and associated Policy 6-P-19 - Support efforts
by the City’s Tree Advisory Committee to disseminate current information to the public advocating
the use of Best Management Practices for the care and perpetuation of the urban forest, including
issues such as strategic tree planting that consider site conditions as well as shading in selection and
placement of trees, proper planting and pruning techniques, and the importance of using Integrated
Pest Management practices in order to minimize the use of chemicals harmful to the environment.
The Objective Design Standards Ordinance includes a requirement to plant trees that will result in
shade for at least 50% of the parking surface, 30% canopy coverage for ground level common open
space and landscaped areas, and the use of Integrated Pest Management for all landscaped areas,
including trees.
b. The proposed Zoning Text Amendment to add Objective Design Standards for qualifying residential
projects is consistent with the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare in that:
The Objective Design Standards Ordinance is in conformance with the City of Petaluma Implementing
Zoning Ordinance in that it creates objective standards to achieve the project outcomes that are identified
in IZO 24.050.E Site Plan and Architecture Review Standards for Review of Applications for projects
which are mandated by the state to undergo ministerial or objective review. The proposed Objective
Design Standards supplement the following sections by providing clear, quantifiable, and objective
standards for qualifying residential projects:
• IZO Chapter 13 provides standards for the location and height of fencing and retaining walls,
but it does not have material or design requirements that are included in the proposed Objective
Design Standards Subsection 7.120.D(5).
• IZO Chapter 14 provides minimum standards for landscaping and screening, which are enhanced
by proposed Objective Design Standards Section 7.120.D(6) and (7), which provide more detailed
and objective standards for the design and placement of landscaping. Section 7.120.D(7) adds
standards that codify guidelines used for Site Plan and Architecture Review.
• IZO Chapter 11 provides standards for parking and loading facilities. The proposed Objective
Design Standards add requirements based on the Site Plan and Architecture Review Checklist for
Parking to codify them as objective design standards. Additionally, the proposed Objective
Design Standards subsection 7.120.D(4) provides additional standards for bicycle parking for
qualifying residential projects. This does not conflict with the existing IZO because it is stricter
than the existing code and is warranted because affordable housing also needs access to
affordable transportation, requiring sufficient parking to accommodate a variety of bicycle types,
including e-bikes, is not in conflict with the existing bicycle parking regulations because it
requires additional and accessible bicycle parking for qualifying residential projects which is
stricter than the standards applied to all uses.
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Adoption of the Objective Design Standards Ordinance is in the public interest and supports the
convenience and general welfare of the public because they will provide achievable, feasible, and
implementable objective standards that ensure qualifying residential projects achieve satisfactory
quality of design in individual buildings and their site, are designed appropriately for their intended
uses, and are in harmony with other developments and their surroundings. Simultaneously, the
adoption of Objective Design Standards creates clear and objective standards for affordable housing
developers to ensure objective evaluation, provide greater certainty in outcomes, and facilitate a
streamlined review of qualifying residential projects.
Additionally, the Objective Design Standards Ordinance is in the public’s interest as the standards
(1) increase bicycle connectivity, access, and parking, thereby reducing reliance on automobiles and
associated vehicle emissions; (2) preserve and enhance the existing aesthetic qualities of Petaluma
through inclusion of standards related to fencing, screening, lighting, façade and entryway design,
and building corner treatments; (3) prohibit planting of invasive species and artificial turf and reduce
the use of landscaping chemicals in affordable housing developments; and (4) include a provision for
inclusion of usable open space, thereby ensuring new qualifying residential developments include
sufficient recreational areas.
Section 2. Exemptions from CEQA The Objective Design Standards Ordinance is exempt from the provisions of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and further detailed in the concurrent CEQA memo, pursuant
to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Commonsense) because it can be seen with certainty that there
is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The project is also
categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for
Protection of the Environment) as it involves adoption of Objective Design Standards that (1) increase bicycle
connectivity, access, and parking, thereby reducing reliance on automobiles and associated vehicle emission; (2)
preserve and enhance the existing aesthetic qualities of Petaluma through inclusion of standards related to fencing,
screening, lighting, façade and entryway design, and building corner treatments; (3) prohibit planting of invasive
species and artificial turf and reduce the use of landscaping chemicals in affordable housing developments; and
(4) include a provision for inclusion of usable open space, thereby ensuring new qualifying residential
developments include sufficient recreational areas.
Section 3. Ordinance Adoption Based on its review of the entire record herein, including the February 5, 2024,
City Council staff report, all supporting, referenced, and incorporated documents and all comments received, and
the foregoing findings, the City Council adopts and incorporates herein Exhibit A as part of this ordinance to
amend the Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this ordinance is for any
reason held to be unconstitutional, unlawful or otherwise invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction or preempted
by state legislation, such decision or legislation shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
ordinance. The City Council of the City of Petaluma hereby declares that it would have passed and adopted this
ordinance and each and all provisions thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more of said provisions be
declared unconstitutional, unlawful or otherwise invalid.
Section 5. Posting/Publishing of Notice. The City Clerk is hereby directed to publish or post this ordinance or a
synopsis for the period and in the manner provided by the City Charter and other applicable law.
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INTRODUCED and ordered published and posted this 5th day of February 2024.
Ayes: McDonnell, Barnacle, Cader Thompson, Healy, Nau, Pocekay
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Shribbs
ADOPTED this 26th day of February 2024 by the following vote:
Ayes: McDonnell, Cader Thompson, Healy, Nau, Pocekay, Shribbs
Noes: Barnacle
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Kevin McDonnell, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Caitlin Corley, City Clerk Eric Danly, City Attorney
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Exhibit A
Chapter 7
STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
Sections:
7.010 Purpose.
7.020 Applicability.
7.030 Accessory Dwelling Units.
7.040 Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.
7.050 Home Occupation Permit.
7.060 Large Family Child Day Care.
7.070 Short-Term Activities.
7.080 Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas.
7.090 Telecommunications Facilities.
7.100 Bed & Breakfast Inns.
7.110 Short-Term Vacation Rentals.
7.120 Objective Design Standards for Qualifying Residential Projects.
A. Purpose. The purpose of Section 7.120 is to provide objective design standards for the
review of residential developments that qualify for streamlined or ministerial planning permit
review pursuant to the laws of the State of California and/or regulations of the City of Petaluma.
These standards contain concise and quantifiable language that is designed for consistent
interpretation by applicants, reviewers, and approval bodies alike.
The objective standards herein are intended to achieve five core goals in the development of
qualifying residential projects:
1. Strengthen Community Character and the Public Realm. Design developments that reflect
the Petaluma community and contribute to its physical, economic, social, and cultural
character.
2. Design for People. Emphasize a pedestrian-oriented environment where buildings and
public realm design are cohesive and complementary to a diverse range of uses.
3. Design Equitable Places. Make spaces that recognize and support residents’ and workers’
activities across age, ability, culture, race, gender, and income.
4. Support Connectivity. Design safe, functional, and comfortable multimodal connections
between activities that are accessible and easy to navigate by walking, bicycling, and public
transit.
5. Design for Sustainability. Support sustainable building practices and site design
approaches to enhance Petaluma’s resilience and resource stewardship - now and into the
future.
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B. Applicability. The City of Petaluma’s Objective Design Standards apply to qualifying
residential projects for which the state requires review for compliance using only objective
standards. This includes residential projects, which upon applicant request and demonstration of
eligibility, qualify for streamlined and/or ministerial processing. Alternatively, projects subject to
these objective standards may opt to apply for permit processing under discretionary Site Plan
and Architectural Review (SPAR) in accordance with Section 24.050 of the Petaluma
Implementing Zoning Ordinance (IZO).
The standards in this Section 7.120 apply in addition to any applicable objective standards in the
adopted City documents, including but not limited to the documents referenced in Section
7.120(F). Should there be any conflicting objective standards in the Smart Code or IZO Historic
District Standards, the Smart Code and Historic District standards shall take precedence over the
standards within this section. Unless expressly prohibited by or in conflict with the standards in
this or another applicable regulatory plan or code, additional architectural or design features are
allowable.
C. Definitions. The definitions in Subsection 7.120.C are intended to apply specifically to the
objective standards in Section 7.120. If a definition is not in this section, the definition in IZO
Chapter 28 Glossary shall apply. If a definition is not listed in this section or the glossary, the
commonly used definition shall apply.
Accent Materials – Distinct materials used to provide emphasis of architectural features or areas
of the building. Qualifying accent materials must either be a different material type, have a
different cut size, or use a different installation technique.
Arterial Street – Streets designated as an Arterial Street in the City’s General Plan Mobility
Element and which provide relatively high-capacity access to regional transportation facilities.
Access to arterials is generally from collector and local streets.
Articulation – Dividing a building’s mass into smaller parts through the placement of
architectural features such as windows, doors, molding, columns, or other three-dimensional
façade enhancements that create a clear and distinct section of the building.
Artificial Turf – A surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass.
Class I Bikeway (Bike Path) - Provides a completely separated right of way for the exclusive
use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflow traffic minimized.
Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane) - Provides a striped lane for one-way bicycle travel on a street or
highway.
Class III Bikeway (Bike Route) - Provides for shared use with pedestrian or motor vehicle
traffic.
Class IV Separated Bikeway - A bikeway for the exclusive use of bicycles and includes a
separation required between the separated bikeway and the through vehicular traffic.
Common Open Space – Restricted access outdoor space available for all residents in the
development.
Creeks – For the purposes of this section creeks means a creek with a proposed or existing
public pathway as identified in the General Plan on Figure 5-2 “Proposed and Existing Bicycle
Facilities” or as updated from time to time.
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Cupola – A relatively small, most often rounded or dome-like structure on top of a building.
Full Cutoff Downcast Lighting – Lighting fixtures that have no direct uplight (no light emitted
above horizontal) and limited intensity of light from the fixture in the region between 80 degrees
and 90 degrees.
Ground Floor Activating Strategies – Uses that generate daily pedestrian activity. These may
include but are not limited to retail, restaurants, personal services, offices (including medical),
residential entryways, fitness centers, lobbies, resident services, etc. Ground floor activating
strategies shall be compatible with residential uses.
Inactive Frontages – Sections of the building with no active use, including blank walls, service
entrances with access to trash, utilities, service areas, and garage entrances.
Internal Road – See: Private Street
Landscape area - All the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan
are subject to the maximum applied water allowance calculation. The landscape area does not
include footprints of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios,
gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas
designated for non-development (e.g., open spaces and existing native vegetation).
Multi-Use Path – See: Class I Bikeway
Natural Habitat – The natural environment of a plant or animal.
Occupied Roofs – Roofs planned for occupancy as either open space, assembly or other
functional purpose beyond maintenance or repair access.
Open Space - Any park, right of way, City-owned property, utility corridor, publicly used land,
school yard, or natural habitat area which is open land on which there is no structure.
Planting area (Landscaping) - Unpaved areas of the site with prepared soils and irrigation
systems intended to support the establishment and long-term health of intentionally selected and
installed plant materials.
Primary Building Façade – The side of the building oriented toward the front lot line.
Primary Entrance – The entrance to the building through which most users are expected to
travel and which shall be located on the primary building façade.
Primary Street Frontage – The area between the primary building façade and the front lot line.
Private Open Space – A private outdoor space designated for no more than one residential unit
and not accessible to other units. A private balcony also qualifies as private open space.
Private Pathway – A thoroughfare on private property designed for pedestrians and bicyclists
where access is limited to residents or individuals with specific permission.
Private Street – A street located solely on private property, owned and maintained by either a
property owner or Homeowners Association.
Public Open Space – The area outside the footprint of the building on a site that may include
parks, green spaces, squares, plazas, playgrounds, and/or trails, and which are accessible to all
members of the public. The Petaluma River is considered public open space.
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Public Pathway – A thoroughfare designed for pedestrians and bicyclists and accessible to the
public. This includes bike paths, walking paths, trails, and sidewalks.
Public Realm - The area fronting or physically accessible to the public, including the street,
sidewalk, and adjacent parks and building frontages.
Public Street – A street owned and maintained by the City of Petaluma or another public
agency.
Qualifying Residential Development - Residential Development that, under state law, is
required to be processed through ministerial review using only objective standards.
Secondary Entrance – Any entrance, other than a service entrance, to a building not designated
as the primary entrance.
Secondary Building Façade – Any side of a building facing a public street (not including
alleys) that is not the primary façade.
Secondary Street Frontage - The area between a secondary building façade and a public street
that is not the primary street or alley.
Sensitive Habitat - Sensitive habitats are those areas in which plant or animal life or their
habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in the
ecosystem.
Turret – A small tower at the corner of a building.
Unused Area – A vacant or non-functional area of a site that does not have a structure, sidewalk,
roadway, parking stall, aisle, or other function. There is no minimum size and unused areas may
include spaces between buildings, spaces between pathways and structures, or similar locations.
D. Site Design
1. Building Orientation
a. Orientation. The primary building façade, which includes the primary entrance and
the primary street frontage, shall be oriented to the front lot line as defined by IZO
Chapter 28.
b. Activation. At least one ground floor activating strategy shall be integrated into the
primary building façade and secondary building façade.
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Figure 1: Ground Floor Activation
2. Circulation and Access
a. Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Routes. For projects with more than two separate dwelling
structures, all structures shall be internally connected by pedestrian pathways and each
building shall have a pedestrian pathway that connects to the public sidewalk.
Figure 2: Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Routes
b. Crosswalks. For mixed-use or residential projects with internal streets or surface
parking areas, a crosswalk shall be provided at a maximum distance of 190 feet
between crosswalks along internal streets or drive aisles and comply with Caltrans
and Federal Accessibility Standards.
c. Driveway Location. Driveways shall not be located adjacent to the Petaluma River or
a creek.
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d. Short Term Parking. For developments with 10 or more units, a passenger loading
and residential delivery zone (yellow curb marking) shall be designated at the curb
along the primary frontage and shall comply with Municipal Code Section 11.48.030
and 11.48.070. This requirement shall be waived if there is not sufficient space to
accommodate both short-term parking and emergency vehicle access. A waiver will
be granted based on a written communication from the Fire Marshal stating that
short-term parking would inhibit emergency vehicle access and no other alternatives
are available.
3. General Parking Standards
a. Parking Location. Parking lots and structures are prohibited in the following
locations:
1. Between the building and the primary street frontage
2. Between the building and an adjacent river or creek unless no other feasible
location for parking exists.
3. For multi-family dwelling structures containing more than two units, parking
within a front or side street setback is prohibited.
b. Parking Spaces.
1. The width of a parking space shall be increased by one foot if either side of the
space is adjacent to a wall, fence, support column or other structure.
2. Two feet of the parking stall depth may be landscaped with low-growth, hearty
materials in lieu of paving, allowing a two-foot bumper overhang while
maintaining the required parking dimensions.
3. Electric vehicle parking, and charging infrastructure, shall be provided as required
by the City of Petaluma Building Code, provided that at least 50% of minimum
required parking spaces are Level 2 Electric Vehicle Ready as defined by
CalGreen regulations.
4. The size of parking spaces shall comply with the following dimensions based on
angle of parking and standard or compact in Table D-1.
Table 1: Parking Space Size Requirements
Angle of Parking
Space
Width of
Space
(ft)
Length
of Space
(ft)
Width of
Angled Space
(ft)
Length of
angled Space
(ft)
Minimum
back up
length (ft)
Standard Cars
Parallel Parking 9 22 - - -
30 Degree Angle
parking 9 19 18 17.3 11.5
9.5 19 19 17.7 11.5
10 19 20 18.2 11.5
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45 Degree Angle
Parking
9 19 12.7 19.8 13
9.5 19 13.4 20.2 13
10 19 14.1 20.5 13
60 Degree Angle
Parking
9 19 10.4 20.9 17.5
9.5 19 11 21.2 17.5
10 19 11.5 21.4 17.5
90 Degree Angle
Parking
9 19 9 19 26
9.5 19 9.5 19 24
10 19 10 19 23
Compact Cars
Parallel Parking 8 20 - - -
30 Degree Angle
parking 8 16 15.9 14.1 12
45 degree Angle
Parking 8 16 11.2 16.9 12
60 Degree Angle
Parking 8 16 9.2 18.4 14
90 Degree Angle
Parking 8 16 8 16 22
Unistall 60 Degree
Parking 8.5 18 8.5 18 26
Unistall 90 Degree
Parking 8.5 18 8.5 18 26
c. Parking Screening. Parking lots or structures shall be screened by 42” high solid
fencing that complies with subsection IZO Subsection 7.120.D(5) or plants with a
minimum expected height of 42” at maturity.
d. Parking Structure Massing and Façade Articulation. Parking structures facing the
primary or secondary street frontage shall comply with the façade design
requirements in IZO Subsection 7.120(E)(1).
e. Landscaping. Surface parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with Site
Design Landscaping Subsection 7.120.D(7) and as follows:
1. Residential parking areas for more than four (4) cars and parking lots in all
commercial and industrial zones shall be screened from the street right-of-way
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through the use of decorative walls, fences, and/or landscaping with a height of at
least 42” at maturity.
2. Parking areas shall include 100 square feet of planting area for every six (6)
parking spaces. This may be accomplished through landscape strips that are no
less than 100 square feet, or through a larger landscaped area within the parking
lot. Vehicle overhang space (see 7.120.D(3)(b)(2)) shall not be used to fill this
requirement. Parking lot landscaping does not count toward open space
requirements.
3. Shade trees shall be provided in parking lots so that the average estimated canopy
diameter at fifteen years of age covers 50% of the parking surface when viewed
directly from above. The estimated canopy size shall be determined using the City
of Petaluma List of Approved Street Trees.
Figure 3: Parking Lot Landscaping and Shade Trees
4. Shade structures with integrated solar panels may be used to provide up to 100%
of required shading as long as trees are planted around the perimeter of the
parking area at a ratio of one tree per thirty linear feet.
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Figure 4: Solar Carports with Shade Trees
5. All exterior areas that are not used for parking stalls, walkways, or driveways
shall be planted with ground cover or topdressed mulch.
4. Bicycle Parking
a. Residential Bicycle Parking. Long-term bicycle parking shall be located in a secure
weather-protected area on-site.
1. Acceptable parking facilities include:
i. Controlled Access Fenced Area: Covered, lockable enclosures with
permanently anchored racks for bicycles using allowable short-term designs
in the section below; or
ii. Controlled Access Bike Room: Lockable bicycle room with permanently
anchored racks, or
iii. Bike Lockers: Lockable, permanently anchored individual bicycle lockers.
iv. An area of a parking garage that is separated from vehicle traffic and that has
a pedestrian/bike walkway between the storage area and the public street.
2. Electric bicycle charging ports shall be provided for a minimum of 25% of the
required number of bicycle spaces.
b. Access. Racks shall not be located in a place that requires the use of stairs or lifting of
the bicycle in order to access the racks.
c. Number of residential bicycle parking spaces required. At least one bicycle parking
space shall be required for all units with up to two bedrooms. Two bicycle parking
spaces shall be required for each unit with more than two bedrooms. Each bicycle
parking space may be located on a shared rack that accommodates more than one
parking space.
d. Size of bicycle parking spaces. Bicycle parking spaces shall have a minimum of the
following sizes:
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Table 2: Bicycle Parking Dimensions
Spacing Minimum Space (in inches)
Length of parking space for each bike 72”
Distance from a bike rack to a wall 24”
Distance between two racks (horizontal) 36”
Distance between two bike racks (length) 72”
e. Age Restricted Developments. In developments where age is restricted to senior
citizens, the minimum number of required bicycle parking spaces may be reduced by
up to 25%. At least 50% of spaces shall be sized as follows:
Table 3: Bicycle Parking Dimensions for Age Restricted Development
Spacing Minimum Space (in inches)
Length of parking space for each bike 72”
Distance from a bike rack to a wall 36”
Distance between two racks (horizontal) 60”
Distance between two bike racks (length) 72”
f. Aisle. An aisle or other space shall be provided for bicycles to enter and leave the
facility. This aisle shall have a width of at least five feet to the front or rear of a
standard six-foot bicycle parked in a facility.
g. Surface Material. Areas containing bicycle spaces shall be surfaced with durable
surfaces such as concrete or permeable pavers.
h. Buffer. When located within or adjacent to a vehicle parking area, barriers such as
curbs, fences, planter areas, or wheel stops shall be installed and maintained between
bicycle and automobile parking.
i. Means of securing. Except in the case of individual locking bicycle lockers and
attended bicycle parking, all bicycle parking spaces shall have a closed loop to allow
a single u-lock to capture one wheel and one closed section of the bike frame to attach
to a securely anchored tamper-resistant rack. The loop shall have a minimum outside
diameter of two inches and be constructed from a minimum of 11-gauge steel tubing.
j. Mounting. Bicycle racks shall be surface-mounted to the ground with security
fasteners, such as concrete spikes, or tamper-resistant nuts on wedge anchors.
k. Rack Shape. Bicycle racks shall use one of the following designs and be constructed
from steel, stainless steel, or another equivalent material with equal strength,
longevity, and tamper-resistance:
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Figure 5: Allowable Bike Rack Styles
1. Alternative bike racks are allowed provided that they meet the criteria in
Subsections 7.120.D(4)(i), (j), and (k), and do not use any of the prohibited styles
listed below. Bicycle racks that require lifting the bicycle or any portion thereof,
shall not be used.
2. The following designs are prohibited:
Figure 6: Prohibited Bicycle Rack Styles
5. Fencing
a. Prohibited Materials. The use of chain link with more than a 1-inch opening, vinyl,
barbed wire, and razor wire fencing is prohibited.
b. Design. Solid fences more than 42” high and more than 25 feet long that are located
adjacent to the public right of way shall incorporate one or more of the following:
1. Vertical change in pattern or material along the entire horizontal length of the
fence
2. A post or column every 25 feet that projects at least 2 inches from the face of the
fence.
3. Stucco or concrete fences shall not have an unarticulated surface for more than 25
linear feet.
4. Murals or public art covering a minimum of 50% of the area of the fence.
5. Horizontal members or courses.
6. Laser-cut metal panels.
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6. Facility and Equipment Screening
a. Screening. All exterior utility facilities and equipment shall be screened. This
includes:
1. garbage, compost, and recycling areas or receptacles
2. utility boxes, electric and gas meters, transformers, and similar equipment
3. rooftop mechanical equipment, not including solar panels or other green
infrastructure that relies on access to the sun or wind for power generation
4. air conditioning units, heat pumps, and similar equipment
b. Coverage. All equipment shall be fully screened from view by an architectural or
landscape screen.
1. The point of view for determining visibility on the roof shall be five feet above
grade at a distance of 200 feet.
2. The point of view for determining visibility at street level shall be five feet above
grade at a distance of 50 feet.
Figure 7: Equipment Screening
c. Specific Waste, Compost, and Recycling Enclosure Requirements. An enclosure for
waste, compost, and recycling collection shall be provided and screened. The
enclosure(s) shall have the following characteristics and design standards: :
1. A concrete slab that extends through the full area of the enclosure, including the
access through the service gates.
2. Fully enclosed in a wood or concrete structure with walls at least seven feet in
height on three sides connected to a solid roof.
3. A solid metal gated entry painted to match the other materials of the enclosure.
4. Water outlets (hose bibs) for fire safety and sanitation within 40 feet of enclosures
for refuse containers of total capacity greater than five 30-gallon cans.
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5. The enclosure shall incorporate a sewer drain to allow the enclosure to be washed
down. Storm water shall be prevented from getting into the sewer system.
6. Enclosures shall be designed and managed to prevent animal entry and shall be
screened to prevent odors, flies, and other nuisance conditions from disturbing
residents and the public.
7. Screening and gates shall be of a durable construction; fences, walls, footings,
slabs and curbs shall meet City Building Code requirements. Gates shall be
constructed of heavy-gauge metal or of a heavy-gauge metal frame with covering
of wood or other suitable material. Gates shall be secured with sturdy hinges or
sliders, and latches. For enclosures of six cans or more and for bins, the screening
shall be protected at its base by curbs. If screening is to be situated directly
adjacent to parking spaces or drives, it shall be protected by a concrete-curbed
buffer strip (minimum 3 feet wide) of landscaping or pavement.
8. The location of waste, compost, recycling collection shall not conflict with
circulation or parking conditions on site. If exterior facilities are used, a clear
pathway that does not cross traffic, with a minimum width of 5 feet shall be
provided for tenant access to the disposal location.
9. Enclosures shall comply with the following dimensions:
Table 4: Waste, Recycling, and Compost Enclosure Dimensions
Bin size
(in cubic
yards)
Height of
Enclosure
Depth of
Enclosure
Width of
Enclosure
1.5 43 inches 36 inches
80 inches 2.0 47 inches 39 inches
3.0 58 inches 48.5 inches
4.0 64 inches 53.5 inches
d. Above-ground Equipment. Utility transformers, telecommunications equipment,
back-flow preventers, HVAC equipment, water or sewer lifts or pumps, and large
utility devices shall not be located in front of buildings on primary frontages, unless
fully enclosed by an enclosure that uses the same materials and style as the building
façade.
7. Landscaping. These standards are in addition to any applicable objective landscaping
standards in the Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 14 Landscaping and Screening.
Landscaping within the public right of way shall comply with the City’s Landscape and
Irrigation Standards (series 100).
a. Landscape Standards. Landscaping shall comply with Petaluma’s List of Approved
Street Trees, Petaluma’s Tree Technical Manual as referenced in IZO Section 17.035
and with the City’s Landscape Water Use Efficiency Standards in the City of
Petaluma Municipal Code Section 15.17.050.
b. Placement/Location. The following areas shall be landscaped:
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1. Any unused area of the site shall be topdressed with bark mulch or have ground
cover. Bare ground is not permitted.
2. A minimum five-foot-wide planting area shall be installed between parking areas
and adjacent public rights of way (not including alleys).
3. Comply with IZO Subsection 7.120.D(3)(e) for additional landscaping
requirements for parking areas.
c. Plant Material. The following materials are prohibited:
1. The use of plants identified as invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council
are prohibited.1
2. Artificial plants and turf are prohibited.
d. River and Creek Adjacent. For properties adjacent to the Petaluma River, or a creek,
the landscaping shall only use plants identified as native to Petaluma on the
California Native Plant Society’s Calscape website, within 50 feet of the sensitive
habitat area.
e. Tree Planting. Trees planted as part of the project shall comply with the following:
1. Trees shall be planted so that the average estimated canopy diameter after 15
years of age covers 30% of the combined ground level common open space and
landscape areas when viewed directly from above. Estimated canopy size shall be
determined using the City of Petaluma’s List of Approved Street Trees.
2. Place trees in a planting area with a minimum size of 36 square feet unless
otherwise specified in the Smart Code.
3. Tree planters that are outside of the public right of way and within six feet of
public or private sidewalks or paved areas shall be planted with root barriers. An
alternative method of sidewalk/pavement protection may be used provided that it
is equally or more effective than root barriers.
4. Trees planted under powerlines shall have a maximum expected height of no less
than five feet below the existing power lines and shall use only trees from the City
of Petaluma List of Trees Approved for Planting Adjacent to Public Streets and
Sidewalks.
1 California Invasive Plant Council https://www.invasive.org/species/list.cfm?id=64
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Figure 8: Tree Planters
f. Open Space Separation. Private open space on the ground level shall be separated
from public or common open space by either a landscaping strip or a fence in
compliance with Subsection 7.120.D(5).
g. Integrated Pest Management. An Integrated Pest Management Plan that provides for
zero use of chemical pesticides herbicides, fertilizers, or other synthetic chemicals
shall be included with the landscaping plan and implemented.
h. Groundcover. All planting areas shall be top-dressed with a minimum layer of three
inches of either bark mulch or a natural low carbon alternative or groundcover.
Crushed rock, mulch, pebbles, stones, or similar non-plant material may be used on
up to 10% of the landscaped areas. Landscaped areas adjacent to and up-slope from
pedestrian pathways shall include edging to prevent materials from encroaching onto
the pathways.
i. High Maintenance Plants and Trees. The mature canopy dripline of plants or trees
which drop seed pods or fruit shall not extend over a sidewalk, pathway, or street.
j. Planting Size. To achieve the maximum plant survival and efficiency in landscape
growth, the following minimum sizes are required:
Table 5: New Planting Container Size Requirements
Plant Type Minimum size at planting
Shrubs and perennials 1 gallon
Plants required for screening 5 gallons
Trees 15 gallons
Grasses and annual
herbaceous plants
No minimum
8. Open Space. Open Space shall be provided as required in the Implementing Zoning
Ordinance Chapter 4 Tables.
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a. Usable Common Open Space. At least 25 square feet per unit of the open space
required by the IZO Chapter 4 Tables shall be used for a common open space area
which shall have a minimum length of 10 feet on any side.
Figure 9: Common Usable Open Space
b. Outdoor seating. Outdoor seating shall be provided at a ratio of one six foot-long
bench or two seats per every 200 square feet of required common usable open space
or fraction thereof. Seats and benches shall be constructed of stainless steel, wood or
a recycled material of comparable quality and durability. Seats shall be either a single
chair or stool. Benches shall accommodate at least two seated adults.
c. Required Play Areas. Developments that include 25 or more dwelling units shall
include at least one play area for children unless the development is located within
0.25 mile of a public park with play structure(s). Such play area shall:
1. Have a minimum dimension of 15 feet in any direction and a minimum area of
600 square feet with a pour-in-place recycled rubber surface or similar surface
with a minimum projected lifespan of at least 10 years.
2. Contain play equipment, including equipment designed for children five years and
younger and for all abilities.
3. Be protected from any adjacent streets or parking lots with a fence or other barrier
at least four feet in height. Fencing shall allow visibility into the play area.
d. Senior Citizen Developments. For developments with 25 or more dwelling units and
age-restricted to senior citizens, the play area shall be replaced with a communal
garden area or an outdoor recreational area of the same size and dimensions.
9. Lighting
a. Lighting Location. Lighting shall be provided in the following locations:
1. All parking areas and structures
2. All pedestrian paths of travel
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3. Points of conflict where vehicular traffic flow crosses paths with pedestrian
and/or bicycle facilities
4. All service yards and access to services and utilities including waste enclosures.
b. Fixtures. All lighting shall use full cutoff downcast lighting fixtures that horizontally
shield the light source. Spotlights are prohibited.
1. Lighting for parking and internal circulation shall be no taller than 20 feet.
2. The primary bicycle and pedestrian pathways within the development shall be lit
by fixtures no taller than 36 inches.
3. Lighting used to illuminate landscaped areas or other open areas shall be placed at
a maximum height of 36 inches.
4. Lighting for the public right of way shall comply with the City’s Street Standards.
c. Lighting Brightness. Where required, lighting shall provide a minimum average of
0.5 foot candles and a maximum of three foot candles at ground level. Lighting shall
not exceed one foot-candle at the property line unless required for street lighting by
the City’s Street Light Standards.
d. Lighting Color. Exterior lighting fixtures shall not exceed 3,500K.
10. Parcels Fronting the Petaluma River and City Creeks. The following standards apply to
parcels that are fronting either the Petaluma River or a creek where a public pathway is
identified or proposed in the City’s General Plan in Figure “Proposed and Existing
Bicycle Facilities” or Active Transportation Plan and as updated from time to time.
a. Riverfront Building Façade Detailing. Building façades facing the Petaluma River or
a creek with an existing or proposed public pathway shall comply with the building
design requirements for a primary frontage in IZO Section 7.120.E(1).
b. Lighting. Lighting along the river or creek shall be placed to face away from the
waterway and shall comply with above lighting requirements in 7.120.D(9).
c. Views of River and Creeks. Fencing between the public right of way and the river
over 42 inches shall be transparent using either open wire or wrought iron.
d. Waterway Accessibility.
1. A public pathway is required for the entire river/creek frontage of the parcel if a
pathway does not exist and is identified in General Plan Figure 5-2 “Proposed and
Existing Bicycle Facilities” on Page 5-15 or as updated from time to time in the
future.
2. The pathway shall be constructed as the class of trail identified on the General
Plan “Proposed and Existing Bicycle Facilities Map” using the standards in the
CalTrans Highway Design Manual Chapter 1000 Topic 1003.
3. If there is no existing pathway up or down river from the project site, the new
pathway shall be connected to the publicly accessible sidewalk via a public
pathway on the site.
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4. The public pathway shall be recorded as a public access easement on the property
deed and maintained by the property owner or Homeowners Association as
applicable.
5. If sensitive habitat would be impacted by operation of the pathway and not by any
other site element, an alternative public pathway location shall be permitted,
provided that the applicant provides all of the following:
i. A wetland delineation and a biologist’s report demonstrating that the
pathway and no other element of the project would be within the buffer zone
of a sensitive habitat area.
ii. A preservation and protection plan for the habitat area.
iii. Alternative design for an equivalent pathway with a minimum separation of
a six-foot-wide planter strip between the pathway and the street.
6. A raised boardwalk may be used in place of a paved pathway for sections of the
pathway located within the buffer zone of an environmentally sensitive habitat
area. The boardwalk shall have the following characteristics:
i. Shall be a minimum of six feet wide
ii. Shall be raised a minimum of 12 inches above the natural grade
iii. Shall be constructed from ADA compliant materials with a projected
minimum longevity of 50 years and shall not contain creosote, formaldehyde
or other chemicals that could leach into the habitat area.
iv. Handrails shall be installed on both sides of the boardwalk for the entire
length.
v. Signs requiring bicyclists to dismount and walk bicycles on the boardwalk
shall be installed on both sides of both entrances to the boardwalk.
vi. Permanent habitat protection fencing with a six-inch bottom clearance shall
be installed to prevent the public from walking/riding in sensitive habitat
areas.
vii. Any habitat disturbed during construction shall be restored in compliance
with state and federal regulations.
E. Building Design
1. Façade Design
a. Length. The maximum length of a primary façade shall not exceed 250 linear feet.
b. Façade. All exterior walls must incorporate changes of plane representing 30% of
wall surface area on primary façade, 20% of the wall surface area on all other
facades. This may be achieved through any of the following methods or combination
of methods:
1. Balconies that either project at least three feet from the façade or balconies that
are recessed at least four feet from the façade
2. Box/bay windows with a minimum depth of 18 inches on all facets
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3. Ground floor street-facing courtyard(s)
4. Architectural stepbacks or projections that are a minimum of 24 inches
5. Front porches
6. Colonnade, arcade, or covered walkway along the ground floor with a minimum
depth of five feet
Figure 10: Change of Plane on Primary Façade
c. Windows. Windows ion facades made of stucco, whether cement plaster or EIFS,
shall be recessed a minimum of two inches.
d. Vinyl Materials. Vinyl materials are prohibited and shall not be used on the façade of
the building.
e. Transparency at Street Level.
1. For residential buildings, including live/work and work/live, along any façade
facing a public or private street, public open space, the Petaluma River, or a creek
designated for a public pathway in the General Plan, shall provide doors and/or
windows for a minimum of 25% of the linear frontage on the ground floor.
2. For mixed-use buildings, along any façade facing a public or private street, public
open space, river, or creek with a proposed or existing public pathway, shall
provide doors and/or windows for a minimum of 50% of the ground-floor façade.
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Figure 11: Ground Floor Transparency
f. Ground Floor Residential on Arterial Roadways. Ground floor residential units with
entrances on an arterial street shall have a separation to visually delineate public
versus private space along the arterial frontage through ONE (1) of the following
design elements:
1. Finished floor height of at least 24 inches above the grade of the public sidewalk.
2. Low wall no more than 42 inches in height
3. A three-foot-wide landscaping strip
4. Permanent above ground planters no less than 3 feet wide
5. A change in paving surface material.
g. Inactive Frontages. No more than 50 feet along the primary façade shall be occupied
by inactive frontages.
2. Entryway
a. Location. Buildings must have a primary entrance on a street-facing façade but may
also have an articulated entrance on each street facing façade. The primary building
entrance and associated access path shall be directly accessible from the public street.
b. Entrance Emphasis. The primary building entrance shall be articulated, using at least
three of the following design features:
1. Accent Materials
2. Public Art
3. Non-membrane and non-vinyl Awnings
4. Sidelights or accent lighting
5. Arches
6. Columns
7. Insets in the façade around the door frame
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8. Transom windows above or to the sides of the door
9. Porch or stoop
10. Entrance doors recessed from the wall plane at least six inches
11. Change in pavement surfacing
Figure 12: Entryway Articulation
3. Building Corner Treatments
a. Building corners at a street intersection shall incorporate at least ONE (1) of the
following corner treatments:
1. Turret or cupola at least two feet higher than the highest roof point.
2. Roof variation
3. Building recess
4. Variance in building materials
5. Corner plaza or public space
6. Corner entryway
7. Curved corner wall with windows
4. Occupied Roofs
a. Roof-top Planters. 10% of occupied rooftops shall be landscaped with rooftop
planters.
b. Roof-top Open Space. If an occupied roof will be used to meet the common usable
open space requirement, the following shall apply:
1. At least 30% of the open space shall incorporate above-ground planters that are
no less than three feet wide and three feet long.
2. Permanent non-membrane shading devices shall be installed to cover at least 15%
of the required open space square footage.
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3. Seating shall be provided in compliance with 7.120.D(8)(b).
Figure 13: Roof-Top Open Space
F. Other Applicable Objective Standards. All projects subject to this chapter shall comply with
the objective design, development, and subdivision standards within the Implementing
Zoning Ordinance or SMART Code (as applicable), the General Plan (or applicable Specific
Plan), and the Municipal Code as well as any adopted standards in supplemental documents
including but not limited to:
1. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 4 Zoning District and Allowable Land Use
Tables
2. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 6 Flood Plain and Floodway Areas
3. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 11 Parking Standards or SMART Code Section
6 Parking Standards and Procedures
4. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 13 Fences
5. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 14 Landscaping
6. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15 Preservation of the Cultural & Historic
Environment
7. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 16 Hillside Protection
8. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 Tree Preservation
9. Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 21 Performance Standards
10. City of Petaluma Municipal Code Section 15.17.050 Water Efficiency Landscape
Ordinance
11. City of Petaluma Municipal Code Title 17 Building and Construction
12. City of Petaluma Municipal Code Title 20 Subdivisions
13. City of Petaluma Landscape and Irrigation Standards
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14. City of Petaluma Street Light Standards
15. City of Petaluma Street Standards
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