Chapter 20.16 — TENTATIVE MAP

A. A tentative map application may be Jled pursuant to this title for lands located within the city limits; if the

proposed subdivision has been awarded allotments for development pursuant to Chapter 17.26 and said

allotments have not been forfeited, or if said development is exempt therefrom; and if all other city ordinances

and regulations applicable prior to application have been complied with.

B. Where a proposed subdivision is located in unincorporated territory contiguous to the city boundary; an

application for tentative map approval may be Jled if the proposed subdivision has been awarded allotments for

development pursuant to Chapter 17.26 and said allotments have not been forfeited; or is exempt therefrom; but

any approval of said tentative map shall be null and void unless annexation of the territory shown therein occurs

within one year from the time the application is certiJed complete.

(Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1370 NCS §1, 1979.)

The subdivider shall Jle the tentative map and an application together with all information or documentation

deemed applicable as speciJed by a form or forms prescribed by the planning department and such additional

copies and data as may be required for each proposed subdivision. The planning director shall indicate upon all

copies of the tentative map and accompanying data, the date of Jling. The tentative map shall be deemed Jled

with the clerk of the planning commission pursuant to Government Code Section 66452 on the date in which a

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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certiJcate of complete application is issued pursuant to Section 20.16.025. (Ord. 1487 NCS §1, 1981; Ord. 1289

NCS §4, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.100.)

At the time of certiJcation of a tentatively complete application for a tentative subdivision map; the subdivider

shall pay an application fee as established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 1289 NCS §5, 1978.)

Within thirty calendar days from the date of Jling; the planning director shall determine if the application is

complete and shall notify the applicant in writing through the issuance of a certiJcate of complete application or a

certiJcate of incomplete application on a form prescribed by the planning department. In the later case;

deJciencies will be noted to indicate the manner in which the application can be made complete. (Ord. 1289 NCS

§6, 1978.)

The subdivider shall cause the tentative map of the land proposed to be subdivided to be prepared by a person

authorized by state law to prepare such a map; and the boundaries of the tentative map shall be certiJed as to

accuracy by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.300.)

The scale of a tentative map of a subdivision shall be not less than one inch equals one hundred feet, and such

map shall be clearly and legibly reproduced. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.400.)

A vicinity sketch at a scale of one thousand feet or more to the inch shall be drawn on the tentative map. It shall

show the street and tract lines and names and numbers of all existing subdivisions, and the outline of acreage

parcels of land; adjacent to the proposed tract. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.500.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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The information in Sections 20.16.070 through 20.16.350 shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4,

1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.600.)

Any subdivision containing Jve lots or more shall be given a tract name; and unit number, if applicable. Such tract

names shall not duplicate or nearly duplicate the name of any tract in the city or county. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;

prior code §22.4.601.)

The name and address of the record owner or owners shall be stated on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3,

1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.602.)

The name and address of the subdivider shall be shown on the tentative map; if diMerent from the record owner,

there shall be a statement of the record owner authorizing the subdivider to act. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord.

1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.603.)

The name and address of the person, Jrm; or organization preparing the tentative map, and a statement

indicating the record owner’s permission to Jle the map shall be stated on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3,

1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.604.)

The date; north point and a written and graphic scale shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4,

1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.605.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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A suLcient description to deJne the location and boundaries of the proposed subdivision shall be shown on the

tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.606.)

The locations; names; existing widths and grades and any other information deemed necessary regarding adjacent

streets shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code

§22.4.607.)

The names and numbers of adjacent tracts and the names of owners of adjacent unplatted land shall be shown on

the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.608.)

The contours at one foot intervals for predominant ground slopes within the tract between level and Jve percent;

and Jve foot contours for predominant ground slopes within the tract over Jve percent shall be shown on the

tentative map. Such contours shall be based on the city datum. The closest city benchmark shall be used and its

elevation called out on the map. Benchmark information shall be obtained from the city engineer. (Ord. 1785 NCS

§4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.609.)

A grading plan; showing by appropriate graphic means the proposed grading of the subdivision shall be shown on

the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.610.)

The approximate location of all isolated trees with a trunk diameter of four inches or greater; within the

boundaries of the tract, and the outlines of groves or orchards shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785

NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.611.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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The approximate boundaries of areas subject to inundation or storm water overKow; and the location; width and

direction of Kow of all watercourses shall be shown and stated on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990;

Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.612.)

The existing use or uses of the property and, to scale; the outline of any existing buildings and their locations in

relation to existing or proposed street and lot lines shall be shown and/or stated on the tentative map. If existing

buildings are to remain; their general occupancy type shall be stated on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3,

1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.613.)

A statement of the present zoning and proposed use of the property; as well as proposed zoning changes;

whether immediate or future shall be stated on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1,

1972; prior code §22.4.614.)

Any proposed public areas shall be shown and stated on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.615.)

Any proposed lands to be retained in private ownership for community use shall be shown on the tentative map.

When a subdivision contains such lands; the subdivider shall submit with the tentative map the proposed articles

of incorporation of an owner’s or tenants’ organization legally empowered to own; maintain; and pay taxes on

such lands. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.616.)

The approximate widths, locations, and uses of all existing or proposed easements for drainage, sewerage, and

public utilities shall be shown and stated on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;

prior code §22.4.617.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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The approximate radius of each curve shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.618.)

The approximate layout and dimensions of each lot shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990;

Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.619.)

The area of each lot to the nearest one hundred square feet shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS

§4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.620.)

A statement of the water source or sources shall be stated and shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3,

1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.621.)

A statement of provisions for sewerage and sewage disposal shall be stated and shown on the tentative map.

(Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.622.)

Preliminary indication of needed major storm drain facilities shall be shown and stated on the tentative map. (Ord.

1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.623.)

The locations, names; widths, approximate grades and a typical cross-section of curbs, gutters; sidewalks and

other improvements of all street and access easements; including proposed locations of all underground utilities

shall be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.624.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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Any proposed dedications; easements; and deed restrictions shall be shown and stated on the tentative map.

(Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.625.)

Proposed lower Koor elevations; and maximum building elevations; coordinated with topographic elevations shall

be shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1903 NCS §1, 1992; Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior

code §22.4.626.)

A preliminary landscaping plan; including; where appropriate; measures for irrigation and maintenance shall be

shown on the tentative map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §4, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.627.)

The location of any of the foregoing improvements which may be required to be constructed beyond the

boundaries of the subdivision shall be shown on the subdivision map or on the vicinity map as appropriate. (Ord.

1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.628.)

If it is contemplated that the development will proceed by units, the boundaries of such units, shall be shown on

the tentative map. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.5.629.)

The principles in Sections 20.16.370 through 20.16.380 shall govern street names in a subdivision. (Ord. 1046 NCS

§1, 1972; prior code §22.4.700.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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Each street which is a continuation of or approximately the continuation of any existing dedicated street shall be

shown on the tentative map and shall be given the name of such existing street. When any street forms a portion

of a proposed street previously ordered by the city council to be surveyed; opened; widened or improved; the

street shall be given the name established in the council order. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.701.)

"Street;" "avenue;" "boulevard;" "place;" "way;" "court" or other designation of any street shall be spelled out in full

on the map and shall be subject to approval by the planning commission. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code

§22.4.702.)

Such additional information deemed necessary that cannot be conveniently shown on the tentative map of a

subdivision shall be contained in a written statement accompanying the map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §3, 1990; Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.703.)

Within three days of certifying a complete application of a tentative map for a subdivision; the planning director

shall transmit the requested number of copies of such map together with accompanying data to such public

agencies and utilities as may be concerned. Each of the public agencies or utilities may, within twenty-one days

after the map has been issued a certiJcate of complete application; forward to the planning director a written

report of its Jndings and recommendations thereon. Failure to respond within the required time period shall be

deemed an endorsement of the project unless a written or oral report of Jndings and recommendations is

presented directly to the planning commission at the time of hearing. (Ord. 1289 NCS §7, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1,

1972; prior code §22.4.900.)

The planning director shall prepare a written report on the conformity of the tentative map to the provisions of

the general plan, the zoning ordinance; and all other applicable requirements of this and other ordinances and

regulations of the city. (Ord. 1785 NCS §5, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.901.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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The city engineer shall prepare a written report of recommendations on the tentative map in relation to the public

improvement requirements of this ordinance and the provisions of the Map Act. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior

code §22.4.902.)

Within thirty days after the Jling of a tentative map of a subdivision; unless such time is extended by agreement

with the subdivider; the planning commission shall make its written recommendation to the city council. If the

planning commission Jnds that the proposed map complies with the requirements of this chapter and the

Subdivision Map Act; it shall recommend approval of the map. If the planning commission Jnds that the proposed

map does not meet the requirements of this chapter and the Subdivision Map Act; it shall recommend conditional

approval or disapproval of such map. The subdivider shall be notiJed in writing of the recommendation of the

planning commission at the time such recommendation is forwarded to the city council. (Ord. 1487 NCS §2, 1981;

Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.1000.)

At its next regular meeting following receipt of the report of the planning commission on the tentative map; the

city council shall Jx the meeting date at which the tentative map will be considered by it; which date shall be within

thirty days thereafter and the city council shall approve, conditionally approve; or disapprove the tentative map

within such thirty-day period. If the city council Jnds that the proposed map complies with the requirements of

this chapter and the Subdivision Map Act; it shall approve the map. If the city council Jnds that the proposed map

does not meet the requirements of this chapter and the Subdivision Map Act; it shall conditionally approve or

disapprove the map. (Ord. 1487 NCS §3, 1981; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.1100.)

The planning director shall notify the subdivider; in writing; of the action taken by the city council together with

one copy of the tentative map and one copy of the planning commission’s report thereon. One copy of the map

and accompanying data and the planning commission’s report thereon shall be retained in the permanent Jle of

the planning commission. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.4.1200.)

     The Petaluma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 2916 NCS, passed December 1, 2025.

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Approval of the tentative map shall in no way relieve the subdivider of his responsibility to comply with the

required conditions; and to provide the improvements and easements necessary to meet all city standards. (Ord.

1046 NCS § 1, 1972; prior code §22.4.1300.)