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25.903 Creekside regulation.

Fairfield Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Fairfield

(a) The following provisions shall apply to Jameson Canyon Creek, American Canyon Creek, Green Valley Creek upstream from Interstate 80, Suisun Creek, Ledgewood Creek upstream from Interstate 80 within the City of Fairfield.

(1) The City shall require dedication at the time of a request for any land use, development, subdivision, PUD, or building permit approval, of a stream environment zone at least 200 feet wide in its natural or existing state, which shall include the stream bed, the stream banks, and a riparian zone at least 50 feet wide, measured from the top of the channel bank. The exact width will depend on the particular stream environment.

(2) The streambed and streambanks shall not be filled, graded, excavated, or obstructed by any development, construction, or activity associated with such development, nor shall vegetation in the streambed or on the streambanks be cut or removed, except for the following circumstances:

A. Placement of City-approved storm drain and irrigation outflows. Such outflows and the associated drainage facilities shall be designed so as to eliminate or minimize increases in the rate and amount of storm water discharge.

B. Placement of public and non-public utility lines.

C. Construction of bridges and their connecting roadways.

D. Restoration, enhancement, or maintenance necessary to prevent flooding, reduce siltation, or otherwise provide for the public health and safety.

E. Work identified on a stream enhancement or restoration plan approved by the City Engineer pursuant to subsection (a) (5). Any alteration shall be the minimum amount necessary to achieve the purpose of the project.

All work must be approved by the City Engineer. Any alteration shall be the minimum amount necessary to achieve the purpose of the project. Such minor improvements shall follow the standards established in subsection (a) (4).

(3) The riparian zone determined under subsection (a) (1) shall not be filled, graded, excavated, or obstructed, nor shall vegetation in the riparian zone be cut or removed, except for the following circumstances:

A. Construction of facilities for low intensity, passive recreation, or conservation uses (e.g., pedestrian and bicycle trails and paths, and foot bridges) approved by the City Engineer

B. Minor restoration and maintenance activity, including removal of debris when necessary to protect the public health and safety, or minor weed abatement activity necessary to protect life or property, or other activities described in subsection (a) (2).

Such minor improvements shall follow the standards established in subsection (a) (4).

(4) All work within stream environment zones shall be kept to the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the goals of this Article. Erosion in excess of natural levels shall be prevented and riparian vegetation shall be protected utilizing the following basic standards:

A. Removal of riparian vegetation shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary.

B. Development work shall be accomplished between April 15 and October 15. When necessary, extensions of this time period may be granted by the City Engineer on a case-by-case basis.

C. Disturbed areas shall be revegetated by October 15. When necessary, extensions of this deadline may be granted by the City Engineer on a case-by-case basis.

D. Where needed to prevent erosion, exposed soil surfaces shall be hydromulched or stabilized by other erosion control measures prior to October 15. When necessary, extensions of this deadline may be granted by the City Engineer on a case-bycase basis.

E. Special care shall be taken to avoid removal of vegetation immediately adjacent to the stream banks.

F. Any revegetation program shall use indigenous plants approved by the Department of Fish and Game.

(5) The City Engineer may allow alteration of the stream channel and riparian zone as an exception to subsections (a) (2), and (a) (3) consistent with a riparian enhancement or restoration plan and program approved by the California Department of Fish and Game and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Preparation of the plan and program shall conform to the following standards:

A. The plan shall be prepared by a qualified person(s) experienced in the development and implementation of riparian restoration and enhancement plans.

B. Prior to plan development, the existing conditions and resources to be preserved and protected shall be documented.

C. The plan shall clearly identify the goals of the enhancement plan, focusing on vegetation, fishery, wildlife, and channel stability issues. The goals may include flood hazard reduction and public access and passive recreation.

D. The final plans and specifications shall include vegetation, site preparation, exotic species removal, site grading, erosion control, channel stabilization, preservation methods, fishery enhancement, and revegetation.

E. The plan shall specify a construction and five-year post-construction maintenance and monitoring program by a qualified restoration team to ensure that the project goals and performance standards are met. The monitoring program shall include provision for remedial action as needed to correct deficiencies. Annual reports and a final report, prepared by the property owner and subject to approval by the City Engineer, the Director of the Department of Planning and Development, the Department of Fish and Game, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, shall document the success of the restoration plan. If the plan is not successful, an additional period of correction and monitoring shall be specified.

F. The plan shall specify an ongoing management program to ensure the long-term success of the project. The management program shall specify maintenance requirements and the responsibility for implementation and funding.

(b) The following provisions shall apply to Green Valley Creek downstream from Interstate 80, and Laurel Creek upstream from Paradise Valley Drive within the City of Fairfield.

(1) The City shall require dedication at the time of a request for any land use, development, PUD, subdivision, or building permit approval a stream environment zone in its natural state which includes the riparian zone and is at least 50 feet wide or wider on each side of the creek measured from the top of the bank. The exact width will depend on the particular streamside habitat.

(2) The streambed and streambanks shall not be filled, graded, excavated, or obstructed by any development, construction, or activity associated with such development, nor shall vegetation in the streambed or on the streambanks be cut or removed, except for the following circumstances:

A. Placement of City-approved storm drain and irrigation outflows. Such outflows and the associated drainage facilities shall be designed so as to eliminate or minimize increases in the rate and amount of storm water discharge.

B. Placement of public and non-public utility lines.

C. Construction of bridges and connecting roadways.

D. Restoration, enhancement, or maintenance necessary to prevent flooding, reduce siltation, or otherwise provide for the public health and safety.

E. Work identified on a stream enhancement or restoration plan approved by the City Engineer pursuant to subsection (a) (5). Any alteration shall be the minimum amount necessary to achieve the purpose of the project.

All work must be approved by the City Engineer. Any alteration shall be the minimum amount necessary to achieve the purpose of the project. Such minor improvements shall follow the standards established in subsection (a) (4).

(3) The riparian zone determined under subsection (b) (1) shall not be filled, graded, excavated, or obstructed, nor shall vegetation in the riparian zone be cut or removed, except for the following circumstances:

A. Construction of facilities for low intensity, passive recreation, or conservation uses (e.g., pedestrian and bicycle trails and paths, and foot bridges) approved by the City Engineer.

B. Minor restoration and maintenance activities, including removal of debris when necessary to protect the public health and safety, minor weed abatement activity necessary to protect life or property, or other activities described in subsection (b) (2).

C. Work identified on a stream enhancement or restoration plan approved by the City Engineer pursuant to subsection (a) (5). Any alteration shall be the minimum amount necessary to achieve the purpose of the project.

Such minor improvements shall follow the standards established in subsection (b) (4).

(4) Erosion in excess of natural levels shall be prevented and riparian vegetation shall be protected utilizing the following basic standards:

A. Removal of riparian vegetation shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary except for exotic or other vegetation identified on a stream enhancement or restoration plan approved by the City Engineer pursuant to subsection (a) (5). If it is determined necessary by the California Department of Fish and Game, any revegetation program carried out as part of such restoration and maintenance shall use indigenous plants approved by the department.

B. Development work shall be accomplished between April 15 and October 15. When necessary, extensions of this time period may be granted by the City Engineer on a case-by-case basis.

C. Disturbed areas shall be revegetated by October 15. When necessary, extensions of the deadline may be granted by the City Engineer on a case-by-case basis.

D. Where needed to prevent erosion, exposed soil surfaces shall be hydromulched or stabilized by other erosion control measures prior to October 15. When necessary, extensions of this deadline may be granted by the City Engineer on a case-bycase basis.

E. Special care shall be taken to avoid removal of vegetation immediately adjacent to the stream banks.

F. Any revegetation program shall use indigenous plants approved by the Department of Fish and Game.

(5) The City shall require landscaping in the riparian zone pursuant to a riparian enhancement or restoration plan approved by the City Engineer pursuant to subsection (a) (5).

(c) The following development and maintenance policies shall apply to Dan Wilson Creek within the City of Fairfield.

(1) No development which substantially diverts or obstructs the natural flow or substantially changes the bed, channel or bank of the creek, or uses any material from the streambeds shall occur except pursuant to Fish and Game Code § 1601 or 1603. Such development shall be limited to flood control projects. Sedimentation basins shall not be permitted in the stream channel. Any such development shall be designed to minimize erosion and sedimentation.

(2) Development adjacent to the creek shall be designed wherever possible to minimize erosion, sedimentation, or runoff, and to maintain the natural streamside vegetation. If it is determined necessary by the California Department of Fish and Game, any revegetation program carried out in this area shall use indigenous plants approved by the department.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (c) (1), within the stream bed the provisions of subsections (a) (2), (a) (3), and (a) (4) shall apply, except for inlets and outfalls for flood and sedimentation retention basins. (Ord. No. 92-5, § 2.)

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The Fairfield Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2026-02, passed February 17, 2026.

Disclaimer: The City Clerk has the official version of the Fairfield Municipal Code. Users should contact the City Clerk for ordinances d b t t th di it d

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Article IX. Sign Ordinance

SECTION 25.1300

SIGNS

Sections: 25.1301 Purpose 25.1302 Applicability 25.1303 Sign Approvals - 25.1304 Regulations for On Site Signs - 25.1305 Requirement for Sign to Disclose Public Facilities and Multi family HousingySites 25.1306 Exceptions 25.1307 Sign Polices Adopted By Resolution

25.1308 Special Sign Districts 25.1309 Prohibited Signs 25.1310 Measurement of Sign Area and Height

25.1311 Nonconforming Signs 25.1312 Inventory and Abatement 25.1313 Defnitions

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Contents — Fairfield Zoning Code
Fairfield Zoning Code
  1. SECTION 25.10 ORDINANCE PURPOSE AND EFFECT
  2. § 25.12
  3. § 25.20
  4. SECTION 25.22 COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
  5. § 25.23
  6. SECTION 25.24 INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
  7. SECTION 25.26 AGRICULTURE AND PUBLIC BENEFIT ZONING DISTRICTS
  8. SECTION 25.28 OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS
  9. § 25.30
  10. SECTION 25.32 SPECIFIC USE REGULATIONS
  11. SECTION 25.33 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
  12. SECTION 25.34 PARKING AND LOADING
  13. SECTION 25.36 TREE CONSERVATION
  14. § 25.38
  15. SECTION 25.40 PERMITS
  16. SECTION 25.41 APPLICATION FILING, PROCESSING, AND APPROVAL
  17. SECTION 25.42 PERMIT IMPLEMENTATION
  18. SECTION 25.43 PUBLIC HEARINGS
  19. SECTION 25.44 APPEALS AND CALLS FOR REVIEW
  20. SECTION 25.45 INTERPRETATIONS
  21. § 25.46
  22. SECTION 25.47 GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING AMENDMENTS
  23. SECTION 25.48 SPECIFIC PLANS
  24. SECTION 25.49 PLANNING AREAS
  25. § 25.50
  26. SECTION 25.51 MEASUREMENTS
  27. 25.116 Authority.
  28. 25.117 Purpose.
  29. 25.118 Considerations - General plan. specific plan. and zonin…
  30. 25.119 Environmental impact report process.
  31. 25.120 Existing conditions.
  32. 25.121 Community facilities.
  33. 25.122 General responsibilities.
  34. 25.123 Definitions.
  35. 25.124 Minor subdivision - Filing procedure tentative parcel m…
  36. 25.125 Relationship to the EIR process.
  37. 25.126 Filing fee.
  38. 25.127 Information required on tentative parcel map.
  39. 25.128 Distribution.
  40. 25.129 Authority of the director of planninq and development.
  41. 25.130 Action of the director of planninq and development.
  42. 25.131 Requirements which may be imposed.
  43. 25.132 Appeal to planning commission or city council.
  44. 25.133 Time for filinq parcel map.
  45. 25.134 Approval of tentative parcel map.
  46. 25.135 Form and title of parcel map.
  47. 25.136 Certificates.
  48. 25.137 Survey requirements.
  49. 25.138 Basis of bearings.
  50. 25.139 Dedications.
  51. 25.140 Recordinq of parcel map.
  52. 25.141 Waiver of requirement for recordinq of parcel map.
  53. 25.146 Relationship to EIR process.
  54. 25.147 Filinq procedure.
  55. 25.148 Filing fee.
  56. 25.149 Distribution
  57. 25.150 Design and Development Review.
  58. 25.151 Planning Commission action.
  59. 25.152 Approval period for tentative maps - Time extension.
  60. 25.153 Preparation of tentative map.
  61. 25.154 Scale.
  62. 25.155 Dimension.
  63. 25.156 Information required on tentative map.
  64. 25.157 Street names.
  65. 25.158 Exception from requirements of this article.
  66. 25.159 Final map - Filing procedure.
  67. 25.160 Checking fee.
  68. 25.161 Content and form of final maps.
  69. 25.162 Documents to be filed with final map.
  70. 25.163 Inspection costs.
  71. 25.164 Department approvals.
  72. 25.165 Improvement agreement.
  73. 25.166 Improvement security.
  74. 25.167 Findings and Intent.
  75. 25.168 Definitions.
  76. 25.169 Applicability and Effect.
  77. 25.170 Applications, Documents, Plans and Information to be Su…
  78. 25.171 Specific Requirements for the Approval of Tentative Maps.
  79. 25.172 Tenant Assistance Plan, Required Information at Time of…
  80. 25.173 Tenant Assistance Plan.
  81. 25.174 Agreement for Tenant Assistance.
  82. 25.175 Release of Security.
  83. 25.176 Special Agreements with Tenants.
  84. 25.177 Approval of Final Map: Declaration.
  85. 25.178 Approval of Final Map: Findings.
  86. 25.179 Tenant Identification.
  87. 25.180 Waivers - When Permitted.
  88. 25.181 Procedure.
  89. 25.182 Timing.
  90. 25.183 Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.
  91. 25.184 Rental Housing Shortage: Findings and Vacancy Factors.
  92. 25.185 Application Procedures - Preliminary and Final Applicat…
  93. 25.186 Discretionary Approval/Disapproval.
  94. 25.187 Conditions.
  95. 25.188 Filing of Final Tentative Map Applications and Waivers.
  96. 25.189 Relationship to Other Laws.
  97. 25.190 Severability.
  98. 25.191 - 25.217 Reserved for future legislation.
  99. 25.237 Purpose
  100. 25.238 Scope
  101. 25.239 Relationship to the EIR process.
  102. 25.240 Permits required.
  103. 25.241 Hazards.
  104. 25.242 Definitions.
  105. 25.243 Gradinq permit requirements.
  106. 25.244 Fees.
  107. 25.245 Bonds.
  108. 25.246 Grading.
  109. 25.247 Erosion control.
  110. 25.248 Grading inspection.
  111. 25.249 Completion of work.
  112. 25.250 Runoff Control.
  113. 25.251 Repeal.
  114. 25.301 Title.
  115. 25.302 Authority.
  116. 25.303 Purpose.
  117. 25.304 Regulations.
  118. 25.305 General plan.
  119. 25.401 Conditions of overcrowding.
  120. 25.402 Decision-making body.
  121. 25.403 Dwelling unit.
  122. 25.404 Reasonable methods for mitigating conditions of overcro…
  123. 25.405 Residential development.
  124. 25.501 Findings and notice.
  125. 25.502 Findings - Requirement.
  126. 25.503 Concurrence by city.
  127. 25.504 Findings for development approval.
  128. 25.601 Payment of fees, dedication of land.
  129. 25.602 Payment of fees in small residential developments.
  130. 25.603 Standards for fees or land.
  131. 25.604 Amount of fees or land.
  132. 25.701 Fee required.
  133. 25.702 Land dedication.
  134. 25.703 Refunds.
  135. 25.704 School district schedule.
  136. 25.801 Use of fees and lands.
  137. 25.802 Agreement for fee distribution.
  138. 25.803 Account.
  139. 25.804 Termination of dedication or fee requirements.
  140. 25.900 Purpose.
  141. 25.901 Applicability
  142. 25.902 Definitions
  143. 25.903 Creekside regulation.
  144. 25.1301 Purpose
  145. 25.1302 Applicability
  146. 25.1303 Sign Approvals
  147. 25.1304 Regulations for On-Site Signs
  148. 25.1305 Requirement for Sign to Disclose Public Facilities and…
  149. 25.1306 Exceptions
  150. 25.1307 Sign Polices Adopted By Resolution
  151. 25.1308 Special Sign Districts
  152. 25.1309 Prohibited Signs
  153. 25.1310 Measurement of Sign Area and Height
  154. 25.1311 Nonconforming Signs
  155. 25.1312 Inventory and Abatement
  156. 25.1313 Definitions.
  157. 25.1401 Purpose.
  158. 25.1402 Definitions.
  159. 25.1403 Noise Standards.
  160. 25.1404 Specific Prohibitions
  161. 25.1405 Exemptions.
  162. 25.1406 Noise Standards for New Development Projects.
  163. 25.1407 Non-transportation Noise.
  164. 25.1408 Ground Transportation.
  165. 25.1409 Special Standards for Residential Development Near the…
  166. 25.1410 Special Standards for New Mixed Use Projects
  167. 25.1411 Aircraft Noise
  168. 25.1412 Acoustical Analysis
  169. 25.1413 Enforcement
  170. 25.1501 Findings and intent.
  171. 25.1502 Purpose.
  172. 25.1503 Definitions.
  173. 25.1504 Establishment of City-wide development impact fees.
  174. 25.1505 Establishment of northeast area development impact fees.
  175. 25.1506 Payment of fees.
  176. 25.1507 Credits.
  177. 25.1508 Annual Findings.
  178. 25.1509 Review of Thirty Year Capital Construction Program.
  179. 25.1510 Administrative Review Procedure.
  180. 25.1511 Appeal to City Manager.
  181. 25.1901 Purpose.
  182. 25.1902 Definitions.
  183. 25.1903 Inventory of Historic Resources.
  184. 25.1904 Designation of Historic Landmarks.
  185. 25.1905 Benefits Available to Historic Landmarks.
  186. 25.1906 Historic Districts.
  187. 25.1907 Permits for Changes to Designated Historic Landmarks.
  188. 25.1908 Demolition or Removal of Structures Included on invent…

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