A. Where allowed. The uses that are subject to the standards in this Article shall be located in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 4 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses).

B. Land use permit requirements. The uses that are subject to the standards in this Article shall be authorized by the land use permit required by Chapter 4, except where a land use permit requirement is established by this Article for a specific use.

C. Development standards. The standards for specific uses in this Chapter supplement and are required in addition to those in Chapter 4 (Zone Districts) and the City Code. In the event of any conflict between the requirements of this Chapter and those of Chapter 4, the requirements of this Chapter shall control.

A. Zoning. An accessory dwelling unit may be created within a residential or mixed-use zone, including planned unit developments.

B. Type of Unit. An accessory dwelling may be created within an existing or proposed principal dwelling or accessory structure on the property; may be added to a principal dwelling or accessory structure; or may be built as a structure separate from any existing or proposed structure on the property. Accessory dwelling units proposed in multifamily dwelling structures must comply with state building standards for dwellings and may not convert portions of the existing structure that are used for livable space.

C. Number of Units Allowed. Notwithstanding the development standards included in this section or elsewhere in the Implementing Zoning Ordinance, the requirements for the number of accessory dwelling units allowed on a lot are as follows:

D. Size of Unit. The maximum allowable living area of an accessory dwelling unit is 1,000 square feet; provided, however, that if a proposed accessory dwelling unit is to be attached to an existing or proposed primary residence, then the accessory dwelling unit total living area may not exceed 50 percent of the total living area of the primary residence, unless the accessory dwelling unit has a total living area no greater than 800 square feet, a height no greater than 16 feet, and minimum four-foot side and rear yard setbacks. “Living area” is the interior habitable area of the accessory unit including basements and attics but not including garages. Living area shall be measured from the interior side of the exterior walls of the building.

E. Existing Parking. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with the establishment of an accessory dwelling unit the off-street parking spaces formerly provided by the demolished structure are not required to be replaced. If replaced, parking may be located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit, including, but not limited to, as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts (Consistent with Section 11.070).

F. Foundation Required. Accessory dwelling units must be permanent structures located on a permanent foundation.

G. Setbacks. An accessory dwelling unit must provide setbacks of no less than four feet from the side and rear lot lines. No setback shall be required for the conversion or in-kind reconstruction of existing living area or noncomplying detached structures to accommodate a new accessory dwelling unit. In-kind reconstruction shall mean the same location, building footprint and height. Any construction proposing expansion to a nonconforming structure, such as a second story, must provide setbacks of no less than four feet from the side and rear lot lines.

H. Parking. No additional parking is required for new accessory dwelling units.

I. Open Space. Parcels on which accessory dwellings are built shall have a minimum of 100 square feet of useable open space available for use by occupants of the unit, independent of the primary residence’s requirement.

J. Development Standard Exceptions. Limits on lot coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), and open space do not apply to accessory dwelling units that are less than 800 square feet, do not exceed 16 feet in height, provide minimum four-foot side and rear yard setbacks, and comply with all other local development standards. On multifamily development lots this exception may only apply to two detached units that meet the scale and setback parameters noted in this section.

K. Fire Sprinklers and Fire Attenuation. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if fire sprinklers are not required for the primary residence.

L. Architectural Compatibility. An accessory dwelling is encouraged to be designed to be compatible with the architectural richness of existing development in the immediate vicinity and principal dwelling on the site.

M. Privacy. New accessory dwellings constructed above the ground floor shall also be designed to reasonably preserve the privacy of adjacent property owners. Appropriate design techniques to preserve privacy include obscured glazing, window placement above eye level, screening treatments, or locating balconies, windows and doors toward the existing on-site residence.

N. Construction Prior to Principal Dwelling. A certificate of occupancy for an accessory dwelling unit may not be issued before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling.

O. Historic. The following criteria apply to all applications for accessory dwelling units on designated landmark sites or within a designated historic district:

P. Rentals. All accessory dwelling units permitted after September 7, 2017, shall only be rented for a term of more than 30 days. No accessory dwelling units permitted after September 7, 2017, shall be permitted as a short term vacation rental under Section 7.110.

Q. Ownership. Accessory dwelling units may be rented separate from the primary residence, but may not be sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence unless all the following criteria are met:

A. Zoning. A junior accessory dwelling unit may be created within a residential or mixed-use zone, including planned unit developments.

B. Number of Units Allowed. Only one junior accessory dwelling unit may be located within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling.

C. Owner Occupancy. The owner of a parcel with a single-family dwelling and a proposed junior accessory dwelling unit shall occupy as a principal residence either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling, except when the home is owned or operated by a government agency, land trust, or nonprofit housing organization for use as affordable housing.

D. Location of Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A junior accessory dwelling unit must be created within the existing walls of an existing or proposed primary dwelling.

E. Separate Entry Required. A separate exterior entry shall be provided to serve a junior accessory dwelling unit.

F. Kitchen Requirements. Junior accessory dwelling units shall include an efficiency kitchen, which complies with any applicable requirements of the Building Code, and includes the following components:

G. Existing Parking. When an attached garage that provides existing parking is converted in conjunction with the establishment of a junior accessory dwelling unit, the off-street parking spaces formerly provided by the converted area are not required to be replaced. If provided, replacement parking may be located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit, including, but not limited to, as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts (consistent with Section 11.070).

H. Parking. No additional parking requirements apply for creation of a junior accessory dwelling unit.

I. Maximum Unit Size. The maximum unit size for a junior accessory dwelling unit is 500 square feet.

J. Setbacks. Setbacks are as required for the primary dwelling unit.

K. Fire Sprinklers and Fire Attenuation. For the purposes of any fire or life protection ordinance or regulation, a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered a separate or new dwelling unit.

L. No Water Connection Fees. No water connection fee is required for the development of a junior accessory dwelling unit.

M. No Sewer Connection Fee. No sewer connection fee is required for the development of a junior accessory dwelling unit.

N. Rentals. All rentals of accessory dwelling units shall be for a term of more than 30 days. (Ord. 2738 § 4, 2020; Ord. 2711 § 4, 2020.)

A. The additional dwelling must be allowed by the General Plan density for the parcel.

B. The minimum lot size for a dwelling group shall be determined by the minimum lot size required by the zoning district in which the parcel is located multiplied by the number of dwelling units in the dwelling group.

C. With the addition of the additional dwelling unit, the parking requirements of this Ordinance shall be met for both the existing dwelling(s) and the proposed dwelling.

D. The dwelling units shall be detached.

E. The proposed dwelling shall comply with the development standards for the zoning district in which it is located.

F. Site Plan and Architectural Review approval is required in accordance with Section 24.050. (Ord. 2811 § 4, 2022.)

A. Purpose. It is the intent of this section to preclude incompatible home occupations from occurring in residential neighborhoods and to permit only those uses which conform to the standards of this section. Custom, tradition, and precedence are excluded as criteria for approval. In general, a home occupation shall be located and conducted such that the average neighbor, under normal circumstances, would be unaware of its presence. The standards applied are intended to insure compatibility with other permitted uses in residential areas and preserve the residential character of the neighborhood. The City Council favors home occupations that do not disrupt the neighborhood.

B. Permit Required. No activity subject to the provisions of this section shall be conducted without review by the Planning Division and the issuance of a home occupation permit. Said permit shall be a conditional permit, issued by the Director or a designated representative, acting as the Zoning Administrator. A limited period of approval may be imposed by the Zoning Administrator.

C. Application for Permit. Application for a home occupation permit shall be made to the Zoning Administrator (Director) on a form provided by the City of Petaluma.

D. Fee. The fee for a home occupation permit shall be established by resolution of the City Council from time to time hereinafter enacted.

E. Requirements and Conditions. The home occupation shall be subject to the following requirements and others as imposed by the Zoning Administrator to further the purposes of Section 7.050(A).

F. Examples of uses which will not be considered as home occupations. The uses specified below shall not be permitted as home occupations because by their nature they have one or more of the following characteristics: equipment or machinery of a type or quantity not typically found in the home; need for outside storage; parking needs greater than what can be provided on-site; need for special permits (e.g., health, ABC, Federal Firearm, etc.); need for extensive alteration to the residence or lot. The uses specified below shall not be permitted as home occupations:

G. Advertising. There shall be no outside advertising of the use other than within the phone book and then no address of the premises shall be listed, only a telephone number.

H. Revocation of Permit. Upon receipt of a complaint regarding the operation of the home occupation or upon observation of a violation of City ordinances, the Director or a designated representative, shall determine whether the subject home occupation is in compliance with the provisions of this section. If the use is found not to be in full compliance with the Zoning Ordinance or conditions of approval, the Director shall have cause to suspend or revoke the zoning permit or amend operational conditions. Once a zoning permit for a home occupation has been revoked, continued practice of the home occupation at that location is no longer permitted and subsequent applications shall not be filed within one (1) year from the date of revocation.

I. Appeal. As prescribed in Section 24.090. (Ord. 2811 § 4, 2022.)

A. Permit Required. No activity subject to the provisions of Section 7.060 shall be conducted without application for and approval of a business license.

B. Location. In no case shall a residential property be directly abutted by large family day care properties on two or more sides.

C. Parking. All dwellings used for large family day care facilities shall provide at least three off-street automobile parking spaces, no more than one of which may be provided in a garage or carport. These may include spaces already provided to fulfill residential parking requirements.

D. Drop-off and Pick-up.

E. Fencing and Barriers. Any side or rear yard area intended for day care use shall be surrounded by a barrier to separate the children from neighboring properties unless the Director determines that a barrier is not necessary; e.g., for properties not bordering developed properties. Examples of acceptable barriers include hedgerows, chainlink or wood fences, walls, and the like. Fences shall be installed to protect the children from possible hazards (e.g., swimming pools, ravines, vicious animals, etc.).

F. Recreation Equipment. Recreation equipment exceeding eight feet in height located in any yard area intended for day care use shall be kept a minimum distance of five feet from perimeter property lines.

G. Noise. Noise generated from the proposed day care home must not exceed established standards and policies as set forth in the General Plan, i.e., not to exceed Ldn 60 as measured outside on neighboring property.

H. Fire and Building Code. Day care homes shall comply with applicable building and fire code provisions, with applicable Building Codes, Fire Code standards adopted by the State and administered by the City Fire Marshal, and with Social Services Department licensing requirements (California Administrative Code, Title 22, Division 2).

I. Performance Standards. The facility shall be operated in a manner consistent with the City’s Performance Standards and not adversely affect adjoining residences.

J. Garage Conversions. Conversion of a garage to living space requires a building permit and compliance with the parking requirements of this ordinance.

A. Special Activity. A special activity is any of the following temporary (60 consecutive days or less unless otherwise restricted) uses of private property:

B. Application. An application for a zoning permit shall be filed with the Director by the owner of the property where the special activity will occur or their agent. An application for a zoning permit shall be filed no less than thirty (30) days nor more than six months prior to the date the special activity is to commence. Upon a showing of good cause, the Director may process an application filed less than 30 days before the activity date if sufficient time remains to investigate the application. Waiver of application fee may be permitted by the Director upon proof of non-profit status of the applicant.

C. Accompanying Documents. The application shall be accompanied by drawings and a plot plan showing the lot lines and dimensions and locations of improvements with dimensions and any other necessary data.

D. Issuance of Permit. The Director shall issue a zoning permit unless it is determined from a consideration of the application or other pertinent information, that:

E. Permit Conditions. The Director may condition the issuance of a zoning permit by imposing reasonable requirements with respect to location, construction, maintenance, operation and duration to insure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and to protect surrounding uses and the safety of persons and property. Such conditions include but are not limited to:

F. Duration of Permit. The zoning permit shall be issued by the Director for a period not to exceed 60 consecutive days in any one calendar year.

G. Revocation. The Director may revoke a zoning permit for failure of the permittee to comply with all the terms and conditions of the permit or for violating the Petaluma Municipal Code, or the Zoning Ordinance.

H. Appeal. As prescribed in Section 24.090. (Ord. 2811 § 4, 2022.)

A. A private swimming pool, hot tub or spa is intended and is to be used solely for the enjoyment of the occupants and guests of the occupants of the principal use of the property on which it is located.

B. In no case shall a swimming pool, hot tub or spa or accessory mechanical equipment be closer than six (6) feet to any property line of the property on which it is located.

C. The swimming pool, hot tub or spa, or the entire property on which it is located, shall be so walled or fenced as to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or from adjacent properties.

A. Definitions. The types of facilities regulated by this section are defined in the City’s Telecommunications Ordinance (Municipal Code 14.44).

B. Telecommunications facilities are allowed only as described in Table 7.090(B).

C. Where a telecommunications facility is permitted by Table 7.090B, the approval(s) required prior to the commencement of the operation of a Telecommunications Facility are as prescribed in subsections 1-4 below.

D. A Telecommunication facility shall comply with the development standards (Tables 4.6 – 4.13) for the zoning district in which the facility is located, the City’s Telecommunications Ordinance, and all other applicable City requirements. (Ord. 2811 § 4, 2022.)

A. Purpose. The intent of this section and the standards outlined below are to assist in preservation and adaptive reuse of the city’s historic resources, to serve visitors of Petaluma, to ensure that bed and breakfast inns are compatible with the residential area and to preserve the residential character of the neighborhoods in which they are located.

B. Permit Required. No bed and breakfast inn shall be established within a residential zoning district where otherwise allowed as outlined in Tables 4.1 and 4.2 without application for and approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Section 24.060.

C. Findings. In addition to standard use permit findings in Section 24.060, the decision making body shall make the following findings prior to approval of a use permit for the establishment of a bed and breakfast inn in a residential zoning district:

D. Requirements and Conditions. The following requirements and conditions apply to all bed and breakfast inns within residential zoning districts:

E. Public Notice. Noticing for bed and breakfast inn applications shall include mailed notice to properties within 1,000 feet of the proposed use. (Ord. 2811 § 4, 2022.)

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section and the standards outlined below is to serve visitors of Petaluma, to ensure that short-term vacation rentals are compatible with residential and mixed use, and planned unit districts, and to preserve the character of the neighborhoods in which they are located.

B. Permit Required.

C. Requirements Applicable to All Short-Term Vacation Rentals.

D. Requirements Applicable to Hosted Short-Term Vacation Rentals. A Short-Term Vacation Rental in which the permittee occupies the property with the guests and is subject to the following requirements:

E. Permit Requirements Applicable to Non-Hosted Short-Term Rentals. A Short-Term Vacation Rental in which the permittee does not occupy the property with the guests and is subject to the following requirements:

F. Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Planned Unit Developments. A permit shall be issued for a Short-Term Vacation Rental in a Planned Unit Development unless said PUD guidelines explicitly prohibit short-term vacation rentals. Consistency with CC&Rs or other private covenants shall be the responsibility of the permittee and are not regulated by the City as part of the permitting process.

G. Dispute Resolution. Upon receipt of three or more complaints in a calendar year about a Short Term Vacation Rental, with the consent of the parties involved, the City may refer the parties to a third party mediator. The cost shall be shared equally by the parties involved, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

H. Application Process. The application process for a Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit shall be as follows:

I. Renewal of Permit.

J. Revocation of Permit. Upon confirmation of three or more verified violations of this section or other information alleging that a short -term vacation rental has violated or is in violation of any applicable laws, regulations, or other requirements, including, but not limited to, the requirements of this section, the Planning Director or a designee of the Planning Director may commence permit revocation proceedings in accordance with Section 24.060(G). Once a Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit has been revoked, continued use of the Short –Term Vacation Rental at that location is prohibited and subsequent applications may not be filed within one (1) year from the date of revocation.

K. Appeal. Appeal of decisions of the Planning Director pursuant to this section may be brought pursuant to Section 24.090.

L. Enforcement. The City may seek remedies for any violations of this section pursuant to any applicable authorities, including, but not limited to, those contained in Chapter 26 and those contained in Title 1 of the Petaluma Municipal Code. (Ord. 2811 § 4, 2022; Ord. 2785 § 2, 2021; Ord. 2690 § 3, 2019.)

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section 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:

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.

The standards in this section apply in addition to any applicable objective standards in the adopted City documents, including but not limited to the documents referenced in subsection (F) of this section. Should there be any conflicting objective standards in the SmartCode or IZO Historic District Standards, the SmartCode 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.

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 Chapter 28.

b. Activation. At least one ground floor activating strategy shall be integrated into the primary building façade and secondary building façade.

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.

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.

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 Petaluma Municipal Code Sections 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 multifamily 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 percent 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 1.

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)

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 9.5 10	19 19 19	18 19 20	17.3 17.7 18.2	11.5 11.5 11.5
45 Degree Angle Parking	9 9.5 10	19 19 19	12.7 13.4 14.1	19.8 20.2 20.5	13 13 13
60 Degree Angle Parking	9 9.5 10	19 19 19	10.4 11 11.5	20.9 21.2 21.4	17.5 17.5 17.5
90 Degree Angle Parking	9 9.5 10	19 19 19	9 9.5 10	19 19 19	26 24 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 inches high solid fencing that complies with subsection (D)(5) of this section or plants with a minimum expected height of 42 inches 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 subsection (E)(1) of this section.

e. Landscaping. Surface parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with site design landscaping subsection (D)(7) of this section and as follows:

1) Residential parking areas for more than four cars and parking lots in all commercial and industrial zones shall be screened from the street right-of-way through the use of decorative walls, fences, and/or landscaping with a height of at least 42 inches at maturity.

2) Parking areas shall include 100 square feet of planting area for every six 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 subsection (D)(3)(b)(2) of this section) 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 15 years of age covers 50 percent 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.

4) Shade structures with integrated solar panels may be used to provide up to 100 percent of required shading as long as trees are planted around the perimeter of the parking area at a ratio of one tree per 30 linear feet.

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:

a) Controlled Access Fenced Area. Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles using allowable short-term designs in the section below; or

b) Controlled Access Bike Room. Lockable bicycle room with permanently anchored racks; or

c) Bike Lockers. Lockable, permanently anchored individual bicycle lockers;

d) 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 percent 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:

Spacing	Minimum Space (in inches)

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 percent. At least 50 percent of spaces shall be sized as follows:

Spacing	Minimum Space (in inches)

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:

1) Alternative bike racks are allowed provided that they meet the criteria in subsections (D)(4)(i), (j), and (k) of this section, 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:

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.

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.

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 three 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 five feet shall be provided for tenant access to the disposal location.

9) Enclosures shall comply with the following dimensions:

Bin Size (in cubic yards)	Height of Enclosure	Depth of Enclosure	Width of Enclosure

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 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 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:

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 subsection (D)(3)(e) of this section 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 percent 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 SmartCode.

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.

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 (D)(5) of this section.

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 nonplant material may be used on up to 10 percent 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:

Plant Type	Minimum Size at Planting

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 Chapter 4 tables.

a. Usable Common Open Space. At least 25 square feet per unit of the open space required by the Chapter 4 tables shall be used for a common open space area which shall have a minimum length of 10 feet on any side.

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.

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 percent of wall surface area on primary façade, 20 percent 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.

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.

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 percent 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 percent of the ground-floor façade.

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 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 three 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 nonvinyl awnings.

4) Sidelights or accent lighting.

5) Arches.

6) Columns.

7) Insets in the façade around the door frame.

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.

4. Occupied Roofs.

a. Rooftop Planters. Ten percent of occupied rooftops shall be landscaped with rooftop planters.

b. Rooftop 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 percent of the open space shall incorporate above-ground planters that are no less than three feet wide and three feet long.

2) Permanent nonmembrane shading devices shall be installed to cover at least 15 percent of the required open space square footage.

3) Seating shall be provided in compliance with subsection (D)(8)(b) of this section.

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 SmartCode (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: