PETALUMA CIVIC
Meetings & Decisions
Budget & Finances
Explore Records

Find the public record

Browse official Petaluma reports, plans, codes, and resident guides. Every document links back to its primary source.

Search tools

Search or ask the records

Semantic search across official documents, agendas, minutes, and transcripts — plus a cited AI answer.

Browse the source library

Collections

Open a collection to see every document, its source summary, topics, and original PDF.

Government & Finance

4 collections · 23 documents

Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is the City of Petaluma's official audited financial statement, produced each year by an independent certified public accountant and submitted to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). It provides the most complete and reliable picture of the city's financial health — covering all revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities, and statistical tables across all governmental and business-type activities.

3 documents

City of Petaluma ACFR FY2022–23

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis is the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of Petaluma, California, covering the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. It presents audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and supplementary schedules for the city's governmental, business-type, and fiduciary activities. The report shows total net position of $514.6 million, an increase of $26.2 million from the prior year, and covers revenues, expenditures, fund balances, debt, and pension obligations across all city departments and enterprise funds.

  • Government-wide financial statements
  • Fund balances and revenues
  • Pension and OPEB liabilities
  • Business-type enterprise funds
  • Capital assets and debt
  • Budget vs. actual schedules
  • Marina going concern note
  • Statistical and demographic data

City of Petaluma ACFR FY2023–24

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis is the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of Petaluma, California, covering the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. It presents audited financial statements for all city funds, including governmental activities, business-type activities, and fiduciary funds, along with management's discussion and analysis. The report shows total net position of $517.5 million, a $2.9 million increase over the prior year, and highlights key revenue and expenditure trends across city departments. An auditor's note flags going-concern uncertainty for the Marina Enterprise Fund.

  • Government-wide financial statements
  • Fund balances and revenues
  • Pension and OPEB liabilities
  • Capital assets investment
  • Departmental expenditure trends
  • Business-type enterprise funds
  • Budget and actual comparisons
  • Property and sales tax revenues

City of Petaluma ACFR FY2024–25

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the City of Petaluma's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. It presents the city's complete audited financial statements, including government-wide and fund-level statements, along with management's discussion and analysis of fiscal conditions. The report also covers long-term financial planning, debt administration, pension liabilities, economic conditions, and ten years of statistical data on revenues, expenditures, debt, and demographics.

  • General Fund revenues and expenditures
  • Sales tax and property tax revenues
  • Long-term debt administration
  • Pension and OPEB liabilities
  • Economic development programs
  • Capital assets and infrastructure
  • Reserve and budget policies
  • Marina Enterprise Fund going concern

Proposed Annual Budget

The City Manager's proposed budget presents the recommended spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. It is submitted to the City Council in spring for review, public comment, and adoption. The proposed budget becomes the adopted budget after Council approval, typically in June.

1 document

FY2026–27 Proposed Operating & Capital Improvement Budget

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the City of Petaluma's proposed operating and capital improvement budget for fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. It covers a total recommended expenditure of approximately $400.4 million across all city funds, including the General Fund, Measure U and Measure H sales tax funds, utility funds, enterprise funds, and a $132 million Capital Improvement Program. The budget addresses a modest structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures by freezing or eliminating vacant positions, reducing some programs, and limiting cost-of-living adjustments, while continuing to invest in public safety, infrastructure, housing, and parks. It also outlines revenue sources, staffing levels, long-term financial planning, and fund accounting policies.

  • Capital Improvement Program
  • Public safety funding
  • General Fund revenues
  • Measure U sales tax
  • Structural budget imbalance
  • Staffing and personnel costs
  • Housing and homelessness
  • Infrastructure investment

Municipal Code

The Petaluma Municipal Code is the city's body of local ordinances, organized across 18 titles and maintained through the city's contract with General Code. It covers everything from animal regulations and business licenses to building standards and water service. The code is current through Ordinance 2910 NCS (September 2025).

18 documents

Employee Compensation

The City of Petaluma publishes a salary schedule for all classified (competitive service) positions. The schedule lists all five pay steps — hourly, monthly, and annual rates — for every job classification, organized by bargaining unit. Historical individual pay data is available from the California State Controller's Government Compensation in California portal.

1 document

City Employee Salary Schedule (FY2025-26)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document lists the official salary schedule for City of Petaluma employees for fiscal year 2025-2026. It covers all city job classifications organized by bargaining unit, including confidential staff, maintenance workers, clerical and technical employees, professionals, police, fire, management, and mid-management positions. For each job title, the schedule provides hourly, monthly, and annual pay rates across five pay steps, along with effective dates and class codes. Part-time and elected official compensation is also included.

  • Employee pay rates
  • Bargaining unit classifications
  • Pay steps and grades
  • Full-time and part-time positions
  • Management and executive salaries
  • Public safety compensation
  • Elected official stipends
  • Fiscal year 2025-2026 wages

Planning & Development

4 collections · 25 documents

Draft General Plan 2026

Petaluma's General Plan is the city's foundational long-range policy document, required by California law. The current plan is a comprehensive update published as a public draft in March 2026, pending adoption by the City Council in Fall 2026. It covers all required state elements — land use, circulation, housing, safety, and conservation — plus Petaluma-specific elements on topics from arts to flood resilience.

17 documents

Draft General Plan — Appendix B: Where to Find Topics

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis appendix to the Petaluma Draft General Plan serves as a cross-reference guide to help residents and decision-makers locate goals and policies related to specific topics and city sub-areas across all General Plan elements. It organizes key themes—such as ecosystems, climate adaptation, housing, and equity—alongside the relevant goals and policies from each element. It also maps goals and policies to specific geographic sub-areas of the city, from Downtown to individual neighborhoods and corridors. The appendix is intended as a navigational aid and not a substitute for reviewing the full General Plan.

  • Ecosystems and open space
  • Climate adaptation and resilience
  • Historic and cultural preservation
  • Urban forest management
  • Housing and development growth
  • Equity and public health
  • Petaluma River access
  • City sub-area planning

Draft General Plan — Arts, Culture & Creativity Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan establishes goals, policies, and actions to support arts, culture, and creativity as central to the city's identity and economic development. It documents existing cultural assets, creative businesses, and the local creative economy, then outlines seven goal areas covering public art, arts programming, creative businesses, and arts venues. The element aims to position Petaluma as a regional hub for arts and culture by integrating creativity into City programs, expanding equitable access to public art, and supporting the creative economy.

  • Public art program
  • Creative economy support
  • Arts venue access
  • Cultural equity and inclusion
  • Artist residency programs
  • Creative placemaking
  • Multicultural arts programming
  • Regional arts hub

Draft General Plan — Chapter 1: Introduction

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis introductory chapter of the Draft Petaluma General Plan explains the document's purpose, legal basis, and organization. It summarizes State requirements for general plans, describes the city's planning area including the Urban Growth Boundary and Sphere of Influence, and outlines how goals, policies, and actions are structured and numbered. The chapter also explains how various stakeholders—including City staff, developers, and residents—are expected to use the Plan.

  • General Plan purpose and authority
  • State law requirements
  • Planning area boundaries
  • CEQA environmental review
  • General Plan amendments
  • Document structure and organization
  • Stakeholder use of the Plan

Draft General Plan — Economic Development Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the Economic Development Element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan, focused on building a diverse, resilient, and equitable local economy. It analyzes existing conditions across industrial, office, retail, and tourism markets, and outlines a community-driven vision centered on innovation, sustainability, and opportunity. The element is organized around six goal areas: economic diversity and resilience, equity and workforce development, municipal revenue, tourism and destination development, transportation access, and support for new and existing businesses. It details specific policies and actions for achieving these goals through collaboration between the city, private sector, and nonprofit partners.

  • Economic diversity and resilience
  • Equity and workforce development
  • Tourism and downtown investment
  • Industrial and office markets
  • Municipal revenue generation
  • Small business support
  • Transportation access for businesses
  • Green and sustainable industries

Draft General Plan — Executive Summary

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the Executive Summary of Petaluma's Draft General Plan, which serves as a long-term policy road map for the city's physical development through the middle of the century. It describes the multi-year, community-driven planning process that began in 2020, including extensive public outreach that shaped the plan's Vision, Pillars, and Guiding Principles. The summary also introduces the five thematic chapters covering preservation and protection, growth and development, public services, prosperity and quality of life, and implementation and governance.

  • Community engagement process
  • Vision and guiding principles
  • Land use and housing
  • Climate action and resilience
  • Transportation and mobility
  • Historic and natural resource preservation
  • Equity and environmental justice
  • Implementation and governance

Draft General Plan — Flood Resilience Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis draft Flood Resilience Element of Petaluma's General Plan outlines the city's strategy for preparing for current and future flood risks, including those worsened by climate change and sea level rise. It establishes goals, policies, and actions covering flood hazard mapping, building standards, adaptation planning, post-disaster recovery, and watershed restoration. The element updates requirements beyond FEMA minimums and introduces future flood hazard maps tied to projected sea level rise scenarios. It also emphasizes nature-based solutions, equitable adaptation, and coordination with regional partners.

  • Flood hazard mapping
  • Sea level rise adaptation
  • Building and construction standards
  • Watershed and river restoration
  • Climate change resilience
  • Post-disaster recovery planning
  • Floodplain land use regulation
  • Community and stakeholder engagement

Draft General Plan — Health, Equity & Environmental Justice

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis element of the Petaluma General Plan addresses health, equity, and environmental justice, with a focus on reducing pollution burdens and improving quality of life for residents in identified Equity Priority Areas (EPAs). It covers six State-required topics—pollution reduction, access to services and facilities, healthy food access, safe and sanitary housing, physical activity, and civic engagement—along with additional community-driven goals on public health, government leadership on equity, and age-friendly planning. The document identifies key existing conditions such as highway-related air pollution and limited transit access as disproportionate burdens on EPAs, and outlines goals, policies, and actions to address these disparities. It also describes how the element aligns with the community's vision for an inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking Petaluma.

  • Equity Priority Areas
  • Air pollution reduction
  • Food access and security
  • Safe and sanitary housing
  • Civic engagement and language access
  • Government equity leadership
  • Climate adaptation and resilience
  • Public health and wellness

Draft General Plan — Historic & Cultural Resources

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan addresses the identification, preservation, and celebration of the city's historic and cultural resources, both built and intangible. It establishes policies and actions across five goal areas: strengthening preservation processes, recognizing aesthetic and cultural contributions, promoting sustainability in existing buildings, protecting archaeological and Tribal cultural resources, and expanding public education. The element also emphasizes inclusive recognition of underrepresented communities, adaptive reuse strategies, and formal consultation with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

  • Historic district preservation
  • Adaptive reuse and rehabilitation
  • Tribal and cultural resources
  • Inclusive cultural heritage
  • Archaeological resource protection
  • Sustainability in historic buildings
  • Development review processes
  • Historic resource designation

Draft General Plan — Implementation & Governance

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan describes how the city will carry out, monitor, and update the General Plan through four goal areas: proactive implementation, transparent and participatory governance, regional leadership, and use of emerging technology. It outlines annual processes for aligning city budgets and department work plans with General Plan priorities, expanding community engagement especially among underrepresented groups, collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions and tribal partners, and adopting digital tools to improve public access and data sharing. The element reflects community values around equity, accountability, and civic participation gathered during the 2021 visioning process.

  • General Plan implementation
  • Annual reporting and budgeting
  • Community engagement and outreach
  • Equity and language access
  • Regional collaboration
  • Digital technology and smart cities
  • Commissions and advisory bodies
  • Tribal partnership

Draft General Plan — Infrastructure & Utilities Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan addresses the maintenance and improvement of the city's essential infrastructure and utility systems, including water supply, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, energy, and telecommunications. It identifies existing conditions and key challenges such as aging infrastructure, drought vulnerability, and limited broadband access. The element establishes ten goal areas with supporting policies and actions aimed at achieving sustainable water management, zero-emission operations, waste reduction, renewable energy adoption, and equitable digital connectivity. It is guided by community values around climate resilience, sustainability, and forward-thinking leadership.

  • Water supply and conservation
  • Wastewater and recycled water
  • Stormwater management
  • Groundwater sustainability
  • Solid waste reduction
  • Renewable and resilient energy
  • Digital infrastructure and broadband
  • Zero-emission utility operations

Draft General Plan — Land Use Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the Land Use Element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan, which establishes a comprehensive framework to guide the city's physical development through 2050. It covers land use designations, a land use map, and policies organized around citywide growth, the 15-minute city concept, community design, and sub-area priorities. The element is informed by existing conditions analysis, community input, housing studies, flood modeling, and active transportation planning. It aims to promote infill development, mixed-use growth near transit, flood resilience, and walkable neighborhoods while preserving Petaluma's historic character and Urban Growth Boundary.

  • Infill and transit-oriented development
  • Land use designations and map
  • Flood risk and sea level rise
  • 15-minute activity centers
  • Urban Growth Boundary
  • Mixed-use corridor revitalization
  • Community design and character
  • Housing diversity and density

Draft General Plan — Natural Features, Systems & Resources

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan addresses environmental stewardship of the city's natural features, systems, and resources, including habitats, the Petaluma River watershed, open spaces, green infrastructure, and the urban forest. It establishes goals, policies, and actions organized around conserving connected natural lands, managing water resources, advancing low-impact development, and sustaining a healthy urban forest. The element also integrates State-required Conservation and Open Space elements and coordinates with tribal, regional, and local partners. It is grounded in existing conditions analysis and community values emphasizing ecological health, climate resilience, and equitable access to nature.

  • Habitat connectivity and biodiversity
  • Petaluma River watershed protection
  • Open space preservation
  • Urban forest management
  • Green infrastructure and LID
  • Special status species protection
  • Tribal consultation and partnership
  • Climate resilience and stewardship

Draft General Plan — Noise Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis draft Noise Element of the Petaluma General Plan identifies existing and projected noise and vibration sources throughout the city, including vehicle traffic, rail, airport operations, construction, and stationary commercial and industrial uses. It establishes noise thresholds, compatibility standards for land uses, and mapping of noise contours for current and future conditions. The element sets four goal areas covering land use noise management, temporary noise sources, transportation noise, and vibration, with accompanying policies and implementation actions. It is designed to comply with California state requirements and protect noise-sensitive receptors such as residences, schools, and hospitals.

  • Traffic noise contours
  • Construction noise mitigation
  • Transportation noise management
  • Airport noise compatibility
  • Vibration control standards
  • Land use noise compatibility
  • Noise-sensitive receptor protection
  • Municipal code noise regulations

Draft General Plan — Parks & Recreation Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis Parks and Recreation Element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan establishes a framework for expanding, maintaining, and equitably distributing parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities for current and future residents. It inventories existing city-owned parks (community, neighborhood, and pocket parks), recreational facilities, and jointly managed lands, and assesses current levels of park service relative to population. The element sets goals and policies for acquiring new parkland, enhancing Petaluma River access, creating an interconnected public space network, advancing sustainability and equity, and delivering high-quality programming across all age groups.

  • Park inventory and classification
  • Level of park service
  • Parkland acquisition and dedication
  • Petaluma River recreation
  • Interconnected public space network
  • Equity and park access
  • Maintenance and tree stewardship
  • Recreational facilities and programming

Draft General Plan — Public Facilities Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThe Public Facilities Element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan establishes goals, policies, and actions for maintaining and improving the city's public facilities, educational opportunities, and community spaces. It addresses the current condition of city-owned buildings, public safety infrastructure, schools, and childcare facilities, noting significant deferred maintenance and the need for seismic and energy upgrades. The element outlines strategies for designing flexible, accessible, and carbon-neutral facilities, and includes specific direction for the Petaluma Municipal Airport, Marina, and Fairgrounds property. Community values such as equity, sustainability, and inclusivity guided the policy framework.

  • Facility maintenance and upgrades
  • Public safety infrastructure
  • Educational and childcare facilities
  • Carbon neutrality and energy efficiency
  • ADA accessibility and universal design
  • Petaluma Fairgrounds planning
  • Municipal Airport and Marina
  • Seismic resilience

Draft General Plan — Safety Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis Safety Element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan outlines strategies for hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience across the city. It identifies key hazards including wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, extreme heat, drought, and hazardous materials contamination. The document presents ten goal areas with associated policies and actions covering emergency services, evacuation planning, critical facility resilience, and climate adaptation. It draws on existing conditions analysis and community values to guide planning decisions.

  • Wildfire risk management
  • Seismic and geologic hazards
  • Emergency preparedness and services
  • Evacuation planning
  • Climate resilience and adaptation
  • Extreme heat and drought
  • Hazardous materials sites
  • Critical facilities resiliency

Draft General Plan — Transportation Element

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis Transportation Element of Petaluma's Draft General Plan outlines the city's strategy for reimagining its transportation network to prioritize low-carbon, people-centered travel in alignment with the city's Blueprint for Climate Action. It covers existing conditions including roadway classifications, active transportation infrastructure, transit services, and freight networks, while identifying gaps and barriers. The element establishes goals, policies, and actions organized around transforming the network, achieving carbon neutrality, ensuring equitable access, promoting safe mobility, integrating land use and transportation, and enabling timely implementation. Key strategies include Complete Streets design, Vision Zero policies, expanded bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, zero-emission vehicles and transit, and improved multimodal connectivity.

  • Complete Streets design
  • Active transportation network
  • Zero-emission vehicles and transit
  • Equitable and inclusive mobility
  • Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure
  • Transportation and climate action
  • Multimodal connectivity
  • Street typologies and classifications

Adopted General Plan Elements

Adopted elements of the General Plan that are already in force. The Housing Element was certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in 2023, covering the 2023–2031 RHNA planning cycle. Remaining elements are part of the 2026 draft update.

1 document

General Plan — Housing Element (Adopted 2023)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is Petaluma's 2023-2031 Housing Element, a state-mandated plan outlining how the city will accommodate its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 1,910 new housing units across all income levels. It describes available fiscal resources, partnership opportunities, and a detailed Housing Action Plan with goals, policies, and programs aimed at expanding housing availability, reducing development constraints, promoting affordable housing, preserving existing units, addressing special needs populations, and furthering fair housing. The element also addresses the city's climate goals by encouraging infill and transit-accessible development.

  • Regional Housing Needs Assessment
  • Affordable housing programs
  • Accessory dwelling units
  • Fair housing and anti-discrimination
  • Development constraints and zoning
  • Special needs and homeless housing
  • Climate goals and infill development
  • Fiscal resources and funding

Implementing Zoning Ordinance (IZO)

The Implementing Zoning Ordinance (IZO) is Petaluma's comprehensive land use and zoning code — the most-consulted document for residents building, developing, or opening a business. Maintained separately from the Municipal Code, the IZO governs zone districts, ADU rules, short-term rentals, parking, setbacks, height limits, the SmartCode, historic preservation, and all development approval procedures.

1 document

Planning Documents

Planning studies, requests for proposals (RFPs), and reports related to city development projects and long-range planning initiatives.

6 documents

Petaluma Public Safety Facility – Project Narrative

Open original PDF →

Project narrative for the new ±45,000 sq ft Petaluma Public Safety Facility (Police, Fire, and Emergency Operations Center) at the Fairgrounds site, 866 E Washington St. Site Plan & Architectural Review and Conditional Use Permit approved by City Council 10/20/2025.

Petaluma Public Safety Facility – Site Plans

Open original PDF →

Architectural site plans and drawings for the Petaluma Public Safety Facility project (Police, Fire, EOC) at the Fairgrounds site, 866 E Washington St.

Petaluma Public Safety Facility – Site Images

Open original PDF →

Existing site condition photographs for the Petaluma Public Safety Facility project site at the Fairgrounds, 866 E Washington St.

Petaluma Public Safety Facility – Mailed Notice

Open original PDF →

Public notice materials for the Petaluma Public Safety Facility project (PLPJ-2025-0041), including the August 4, 2025 joint City Council / Planning Commission study session.

Petaluma Public Safety Facility – Resolution 2025-151 N.C.S.

Open original PDF →

City Council Resolution 2025-151 N.C.S. (10/20/2025) related to the Petaluma Public Safety Facility project approval.

Petaluma Public Safety Facility – Resolution 2025-152 N.C.S.

Open original PDF →

City Council Resolution 2025-152 N.C.S. (10/20/2025) related to the Petaluma Public Safety Facility project approval (Site Plan & Architectural Review / Conditional Use Permit).

Permits & Housing

4 collections · 14 documents

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guides

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are the fastest-growing permit type in Petaluma. These guides cover the full range of local and state rules: what you can build, setbacks, fees, parking requirements, and the permit process. Petaluma has waived development impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft and requires no Site Plan and Architectural Review for most ADU projects.

4 documents

ADU/JADU Building Requirements

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document outlines the City of Petaluma's building code requirements for constructing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) under the 2022 California Building Standards Code and Petaluma Municipal Code. It defines both unit types, distinguishing ADUs as independent dwelling units from JADUs, which are part of the primary residence and limited to 500 square feet. The document covers location rules, occupancy classifications, and specific technical requirements for heating, sanitation, electrical, plumbing, structural, and energy compliance.

  • ADU and JADU definitions
  • Building code compliance
  • Kitchen and sanitation requirements
  • Electrical and plumbing standards
  • Occupancy classification
  • Structural and seismic requirements
  • Energy and green building standards
  • Zoning and location rules

Attached Garage Conversion to ADU

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document from the City of Petaluma's Building Division outlines the plan requirements and design specifications for converting an attached garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). It details the required content for building plans, including cover sheets, site plans, architectural and structural drawings, and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical components. The guide also covers design standards for fire safety, egress, energy efficiency, foundations, and seismic compliance that must be addressed before permit approval.

  • ADU garage conversion
  • Building plan requirements
  • Fire safety specifications
  • Egress and window standards
  • Foundation and seismic compliance
  • Energy efficiency standards
  • Mechanical and plumbing requirements
  • Zoning compliance

California ADU Handbook (HCD, January 2025)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis handbook from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) explains state laws governing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). It covers the benefits of ADUs as an affordable housing strategy, summarizes recent legislative changes through January 2025, and provides detailed guidance on permitting, design standards, fees, and local agency compliance. The document also describes HCD's role in technical assistance and enforcement of state ADU law.

  • ADU and JADU types
  • Recent ADU law changes
  • Permitting requirements
  • Local agency compliance
  • Fees and impact charges
  • Zoning and design standards
  • HCD enforcement authority
  • Infill housing strategy

Building Permit Guides

These documents cover what requires a building permit in Petaluma, how to apply, and specific technical requirements for common project types. Petaluma's Building Division processes standard permits in 15–20 business days; over-the-counter permits are available for smaller projects.

3 documents

Change in Use or Occupancy — Permit Guide

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis guide from the City of Petaluma's Building Division explains when and how to obtain a permit for changing the use, character, or occupancy classification of a building or land. It outlines that such changes must meet building code, fire safety, and zoning requirements, and describes the permit application and inspection process. The guide also notes that a Certificate of Occupancy may be issued after all inspections are approved.

  • Change of occupancy permit
  • Zoning compliance
  • Building code requirements
  • Permit application process
  • Life safety requirements
  • Certificate of Occupancy
  • Business licensing

Residential Decks — Permit Requirements

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document from the City of Petaluma's Building Division outlines permit requirements and construction standards for residential decks. It specifies when a building permit is required, what structural details must be submitted, and what materials and hardware are acceptable. The guide covers guardrail requirements, footing depths, lateral bracing, wood decay resistance, and fastener standards to ensure code-compliant and safe deck construction.

  • Building permit requirements
  • Planning review process
  • Guardrail standards
  • Footing and post requirements
  • Lateral bracing and seismic anchoring
  • Approved wood materials
  • Fastener and hardware standards
  • Deck repair regulations

What Requires a Building Permit in Petaluma

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document from the City of Petaluma's Building Division lists the types of construction, renovation, and installation projects that require building, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical permits. It also identifies common projects that do not require a permit, while noting that all work must comply with the California Building Standards Code regardless of permit status. Contact information and counter hours for the Building Division are included for residents with specific questions.

  • Building permit requirements
  • Mechanical permit list
  • Plumbing permit list
  • Electrical permit list
  • Permit exemptions
  • California Building Standards Code compliance

City Fee Schedules

City fee schedules set the official charges for permits, development review, utility connections, and all other municipal services. The Master Fee Schedule covers all departments. Development impact fees apply to new construction to fund infrastructure capacity needed by growth; the fee matrix shows charges by project type.

4 documents

Development Impact and Capacity Fees Booklet (2025-2026)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the City of Petaluma's 2025-2026 Development Impact and Capacity Fees booklet, which describes the fees imposed on new construction projects within the city. It covers thirteen distinct fees—including charges for city facilities, traffic, parks, open space, water, wastewater, storm drainage, affordable housing linkage, public art, schools, and the Central Petaluma Specific Plan—explaining how each fee is calculated, when it is collected, and which projects are exempt. The booklet also outlines the annual economic adjustment process tied to the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index and describes procedures for protesting fees under Government Code Section 66020.

  • Development impact fees
  • Water and wastewater capacity fees
  • Affordable housing linkage
  • Park and open space acquisition
  • Traffic infrastructure fees
  • Storm drainage fees
  • Fee exemptions and adjustments
  • Fee protest procedures

Development Impact Fee Matrix (2025-2026)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document lists the City of Petaluma's development impact fees effective July 1, 2024, covering a range of fee types applied to residential, commercial, office, and industrial development. It includes fees for city facilities, housing linkage, open space acquisition, park land, traffic, wastewater and water capacity, storm drain impacts, in-lieu housing, public art, and the Central Petaluma Specific Plan. Fee amounts vary by land use type and unit of measurement. The document also outlines the process by which developers may formally protest the imposition of these fees under California Government Code Section 66020.

  • Development impact fees
  • Residential and commercial fees
  • Wastewater and water capacity
  • Storm drain fees
  • In-lieu housing fees
  • Public art in-lieu fees
  • Fee protest process
  • Accessory dwelling unit exemptions

FY2025-26 Master Fee Schedule

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document lists all City of Petaluma fees effective July 1, 2025 for fiscal year 2025-26. It covers charges across city departments and services including administrative, airport, community development, fire, police, public works, recreation, transit, marina, and utilities. Fees range from flat rates and hourly cost-recovery charges to percentage-based and variable amounts depending on service type and user category.

  • Building and planning permits
  • Fire and life safety fees
  • Airport hangar and tie-down fees
  • Recreation and facility rentals
  • Police department fees
  • Hazardous materials permits
  • Special event permits
  • Public works encroachment fees

Refuse and Recycling Service Rates (Effective July 2024)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document lists the city-approved maximum rates for refuse and recycling services in Petaluma, effective July 1, 2024. It covers fees for single-family residential cart service, commercial and multi-family collection, drop box services, and landfill tipping fees. Rate tables are broken down by container size, collection frequency, and service type, including garbage, recyclables, organics, and food waste. A lifeline rate is available for qualifying residential customers.

  • Residential cart service rates
  • Commercial and multi-family rates
  • Organics and food waste collection
  • Drop box and compactor fees
  • Tipping fees
  • Bulky item pickup
  • Lifeline discount rates
  • Container size pricing

Tenant Rights & Protections

Petaluma has local tenant protections that go beyond California state law, including just-cause eviction requirements and relocation assistance for qualifying tenants. These documents cover both the local ordinance (adopted 2022, amended 2023) and state-level rights under California law.

3 documents

2025 California Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis is the 2025 edition of the California Department of Real Estate's official guide explaining the rights and responsibilities of residential tenants and landlords under California law. It covers the full lifecycle of a rental relationship, from searching for a unit and signing a lease to paying rent, requesting repairs, and navigating evictions. The guide also highlights new laws taking effect in 2025 and provides resources for resolving disputes. It is intended for informational purposes and is not legal advice.

  • Tenant and landlord rights
  • Rental applications and screening
  • Security deposits
  • Rent increases and rent control
  • Eviction procedures
  • Habitability and repairs
  • Housing discrimination protections
  • 2025 California law changes

Notice of Tenant Rights (English)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the City of Petaluma's official Notice of Tenant Rights, informing residential renters about protections under the City's Residential Tenancy Protections ordinance, effective June 15, 2023. It outlines which properties are covered, permitted reasons for eviction (both at-fault and no-fault), tenant rights to relocation assistance and right of first refusal, and protections related to immigration status. It also provides contact information for tenant assistance resources.

  • Eviction protections
  • Relocation assistance
  • No-fault termination reasons
  • At-fault termination reasons
  • Covered rental properties
  • Immigration status protections
  • Notice requirements for landlords
  • Tenant assistance resources

Petaluma Residential Tenancy Protections — Summary

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document summarizes the City of Petaluma's Residential Tenancy Protections, adopted in September 2022, which inform residential tenants of their rights regarding eviction, required notices, and relocation assistance. It outlines which properties and tenants are covered, the permitted 'for cause' and 'no-fault' reasons a landlord may terminate a tenancy, and the amounts of relocation assistance tenants may be entitled to receive. The document also addresses tenant protections related to immigration status and provides contact resources for tenants seeking help.

  • Eviction protections
  • Relocation assistance
  • No-fault termination rules
  • For-cause termination reasons
  • Tenant notice requirements
  • Immigration status protections
  • Covered rental properties
  • Tenant support resources

Community & Public Safety

4 collections · 8 documents

Independent Police Auditor Reports

Petaluma hired IntegrAssure as its Independent Police Auditor (IPA) in April 2023. The IPA independently reviews use-of-force incidents, civilian complaints, and departmental policies, and reports findings to the City Council and the Public Safety and Accountability Commission (PSAC). These annual reports are the primary tool for public oversight of the Petaluma Police Department.

3 documents

Independent Police Auditor Annual Report 2023

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis is the 2023 Annual Report of the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) for the City of Petaluma, covering April 19 through December 31, 2023. It describes the establishment of the IPA role (filled by IntegrAssure), the auditor's foundational philosophy of continuous improvement and community trust, and the work performed during the reporting period. The report covers stakeholder engagement, complaint receipt and review, use-of-force and pursuit assessments, audits of department policies and training, and plans for a Public Safety Advisory Group (PSAG).

  • Police oversight and auditing
  • Use of force reviews
  • Complaint investigation review
  • Body-worn camera compliance
  • Policy and training audits
  • Community engagement
  • Public Safety Advisory Group
  • Diversity equity and inclusion

Independent Police Auditor Annual Report 2023 — Addendum

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis addendum to the City of Petaluma's 2023 Independent Police Auditor Annual Report responds to public comments received after the report's March 2024 presentation to City Council. It provides additional detail on use-of-force statistics broken down by demographics, clarifies the distinction between statistical disparities and evidence of bias, explains the IPA's 360-degree review rubric, and lists 24 specific policy and practice recommendations made to the Petaluma Police Department during the auditor's first year of operation.

  • Use of force statistics
  • Demographic disparities in policing
  • Bias versus disparity analysis
  • 360-degree incident review rubric
  • IPA policy recommendations
  • Body-worn camera assessment
  • Police pursuit guidelines
  • Supervisory review process

Independent Police Auditor Annual Report 2024

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis is the second annual report of the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) for the City of Petaluma, covering activities from January 1 through December 31, 2024. It details the IPA's review of police use of force incidents, pursuits, complaint investigations, and policy audits, as well as the establishment and support of the new Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). The report outlines findings, recommendations, and agreed-upon courses of action developed collaboratively with the Petaluma Police Department to promote continuous improvement in policing practices.

  • Use of force review
  • Police pursuit analysis
  • Complaint investigations
  • SAFE Team deployment
  • Body-worn camera compliance
  • Public Safety Advisory Committee
  • De-escalation recommendations
  • Civilian police oversight

Police Department Reports & Policy

The Petaluma Police Department publishes an annual report covering department statistics, staffing, strategic plan progress, and community programs. The Policy Manual — licensed from Lexipol — contains all binding departmental policies governing officer conduct, use of force, arrest procedures, body-worn cameras, and professional standards.

2 documents

Petaluma Police Department Annual Report 2022

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis is the Petaluma Police Department's 2022 Annual Report, covering department operations, staffing, budget, and community programs over the past year. It outlines progress on the department's three-year strategic plan, which focuses on crime reduction, traffic safety, quality of life, and community engagement. The report includes crime and arrest statistics, division-level summaries for Field Services, Professional Standards, and Technical Services, and highlights special projects such as the SAFE mobile crisis team, civilian oversight implementation, and electric vehicle pilots.

  • Crime and arrest statistics
  • Traffic safety enforcement
  • SAFE mobile crisis team
  • Community engagement programs
  • Department budget and grants
  • Civilian oversight and accreditation
  • Strategic plan goals
  • Staff training and development

Petaluma Police Department Policy Manual

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document is the official Policy Manual for the Petaluma Police Department, covering the rules, guidelines, and procedures that govern all department members. It addresses the department's organizational structure, law enforcement authority, use of force, patrol and investigation operations, personnel standards, and community relations. The manual is intended as an internal guide for staff to ensure professional, constitutional, and ethical policing services to the Petaluma community.

  • Law enforcement authority
  • Use of force and de-escalation
  • Organizational structure
  • Personnel standards and conduct
  • Patrol and investigation operations
  • Community policing
  • Ethics and constitutional policing
  • Traffic and custody operations

Water & Sewer

Petaluma's water comes from the Russian River via Sonoma Water. These documents cover the billing rate structure for water and sewer service, and the annual Consumer Confidence Report confirming water quality test results for all regulated contaminants tested in the prior calendar year.

2 documents

2024 Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis is the City of Petaluma's 2024 Annual Water Quality (Consumer Confidence) Report covering water quality test results from January 1 through December 31, 2024. It describes where Petaluma's drinking water comes from (primarily Sonoma Water via the Russian River system, supplemented by local groundwater wells), how it is treated, and how detected substances compare to state and federal regulatory standards. The report also addresses topics such as lead in home plumbing, PFAS chemicals, pharmaceuticals in water supplies, chlorination benefits, cross-connections, water conservation, and tips for safeguarding drinking water quality.

  • Water source and treatment
  • Regulated contaminant test results
  • Lead in home plumbing
  • PFAS chemicals
  • Pharmaceuticals in water supply
  • Water conservation tips
  • Chlorination and disinfection
  • Cross-connection prevention

Water and Sewer Rates (Effective July 2024)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThis document lists the City of Petaluma's water and wastewater (sewer) utility rates effective July 1, 2024. It details fixed monthly service charges based on meter size and consumption charges for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The document includes tiered pricing for single-family residential water use and explains how wastewater commodity charges are calculated using winter water usage averages. Example billing calculations are provided for a typical single-family residential customer for both water and wastewater services.

  • Water service charges
  • Tiered consumption rates
  • Wastewater fixed charges
  • Wastewater commodity charges
  • Residential billing examples
  • Industrial metered rates
  • Winter water usage averaging

Climate & Environment

Petaluma's Blueprint for Climate Action, adopted by the City Council in November 2024, is the city's official plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building community resilience to climate impacts. It covers emissions reduction targets across all sectors, adaptation measures, and implementation responsibilities.

1 document

Blueprint for Climate Action (Adopted November 2024)

Open original PDF →

AI-generated summaryThe City of Petaluma's Blueprint for Climate Action, adopted November 2024, is the city's official Climate Action Plan laying out a roadmap to achieve communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030. It identifies 33 cornerstone actions across sectors including buildings, energy, transportation, resource consumption, and natural systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The document also describes projected local climate change impacts such as sea level rise, extreme heat, drought, flooding, and wildfire risk. Equity considerations and community engagement are central to the plan's approach, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable and frontline populations.

  • Carbon neutrality goal
  • GHG emissions reduction
  • Climate hazard impacts
  • Building electrification
  • Transportation decarbonization
  • Natural systems sequestration
  • Equity and frontline communities
  • Municipal operations decarbonization