Petaluma Zoning Reform
Petaluma's Zoning Reform is a comprehensive, multi-phase update of the City's Implementing Zoning Ordinance and SmartCode, which have not been substantially revised since 2008. The City describes the project as intended to carry General Plan 2050 into zoning rules, implement housing and climate programs, keep up with state housing law, and potentially fold more than 150 Planned Unit Developments and 15 Planned Community Developments into standard zoning districts.3
Phase 1 covers amendments to multiple chapters of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance and SmartCode, including a new Maker Micro Business designation, a citywide data center prohibition, revised inclusionary housing thresholds, changes to permitted and conditional uses in several zones, and other updates to align with the General Plan 2050, the 6th Cycle Housing Element, and the Blueprint for Climate Action. The Planning Commission recommended Phase 1 to the City Council after public hearings held on September 15, September 29, and October 13, 2026.1,3,4,5
Complete project timeline
Each entry links the meeting and documents it comes from.
First Planning Commission study session6
The Planning Commission received a staff presentation and held a study session on the forthcoming zoning code update, providing non-binding comments on priorities and phasing; no vote was taken.
Phase 1 study session at Planning Commission7
The Planning Commission received a staff presentation on Phase 1 draft amendments and provided non-binding comments; no action was taken.
Public hearing opened; continued to September 294
The Planning Commission opened a public hearing on Phase 1 and voted 7-0 to continue it to a special meeting on September 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Continued public hearing; continued to October 135
The Commission continued the public hearing on Phase 1, discussed multiple decision points and straw-poll amendments, and voted 6-0 to continue the hearing to the October 13, 2026 regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission recommends Phase 1 to City Council1
The Planning Commission unanimously passed a motion recommending the Phase 1 ordinance—including allowances for cannabis manufacturing, alcoholic beverage establishments, card rooms, and general retail in specified zones—to the City Council, while maintaining the current prohibition on adult-oriented businesses.
Phase 1 first reading at City Council (tentative)2
Introduction (first reading) of the Phase 1 ordinance is listed on the City Council's tentative agenda for November 9, 2026; tentative agendas can change.
Not in the record yet
- What decision did the City Council make, or will it make, on the Phase 1 ordinance at its November 9 first reading?
- When is a second reading and final Council adoption of Phase 1 expected?
- What is the planned schedule and scope for Phase 2 and any further phases?
- How will the City engage the public during later phases, particularly on the consolidation of Planned Unit Developments and Planned Community Developments into standard zoning districts?
- What is the estimated cost of the full zoning reform effort, and how is it funded?
Sources
- Planning Commission, Oct 13, 2026, item 2: Continued Public Hearing from September 29, 2026 – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to receive a staff presentation and public comment and consider a…
Meeting → - City project record: Phase 1 to City Council: first reading (tentative)
City Council, Oct 19, 2026: Tentative Agenda for November 9, 2026 → - The City's description of the project
- Special Planning Commission, Sep 15, 2026, item 2: Public Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Receive a Staff Presentation and Public Comment and Conduct a Public Hearing to…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 2 → - Special Planning Commission, Sep 29, 2026, item 2: Continued Public Hearing from September 15, 2026 – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to receive a staff presentation and public comment and consider a…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - Planning Commission, Jan 27, 2026, item 2: Study Session – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to receive a Staff Presentation and conduct a Study Session to solicit discussion…
Meeting → Boards Commissions Report, p. 1 → - Planning Commission, Aug 25, 2026, item 4: Study Session – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to receive a Staff Presentation and conduct a Study Session on Phase 1 of the…
Meeting → Boards Commissions Report, p. 1 →
This page is written with AI from the City's meeting records, staff reports, minutes and adopted budgets, and reviewed before it's published. Every statement links to its source. Last updated Oct 15, 2026. Report a problem.