Chapter 20.32 — STREETS

The subdivision design shall conform to the pattern of arterials designated in the Petaluma general plan; and

where applicable; the environmental design plan; and to any future street plan lines designated by the planning

commission and approved by the city council. Whenever a subdivision fronts on a designated arterial; it shall be

included in said tract and shall be platted by the subdivider in the location indicated. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;

prior code §22.7.501.)

Where higher standards have not been established as speciJed in Section 20.32.010; all streets and arterials shall

be platted according to the following minimum, except that in diLcult-to-develop land surrounded by developed

areas a lesser standard approved by resolution of the city council may be utilized upon recommendation of the

community development and engineering departments. A planned community or planned unit development; if

designed with a comprehensive circulation and parking system, including separate pedestrian ways; may justify

modiJcation of standards. Higher standards may be required; in the discretion of the city engineer; where streets

are to serve commercial or industrial property or where probable traLc conditions warrant. Private streets shall

not be permitted except as set out in Section 20.28.020.

                       Type of Street    Right of     Pavement

                               Way

                                 Arterial          86 feet       64 feet

                              Collector         60 feet       40 feet

                             Local            50 feet       36 feet

                             Cul-de-sac       44 feet       32 feet

(Ord. 1372A NCS §1, 1979; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.502.)

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

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The street pattern in the subdivision shall be in general conformity with a plan for the most advantageous

development of adjoining areas and the entire neighborhood or district. The principles in Sections 20.32.040

through 20.32.090 shall be observed. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.)

Where appropriate to the design and terrain; proposed streets shall be continuous and in alignment with existing;

planned or platted streets with which they are to connect. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.1.)

Proposed streets shall be extended to the boundary lines of the land to be subdivided; unless prevented by

topography or other physical conditions; or unless; in the opinion of the planning commission; such extension is

not necessary for the coordination of the subdivision with the existing layout or the most advantageous future

development or adjacent tracts. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.2.)

Where necessary to give access to or permit a satisfactory subdivision of adjoining land; streets shall extend to the

boundary of the property and the resulting dead-end streets may be approved with a temporary turnaround. In all

other cases; a turn-around having a minimum pavement radius of Jfty feet measured to the face of the curb; shall

be required. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.3.)

Proposed streets shall intersect one another as nearly at right angles as topography and other limiting factors of

good design permit. "T" intersections rather than "cross" intersections shall be used wherever possible. (Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.4.)

Excessively long; straight; local residential streets conducive to high speed traLc; shall be prohibited. (Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.5.)

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

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Alleys shall not normally be permitted in residential subdivisions; but may be permitted in nonresidential

subdivisions. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.6.)

Subdivision design adjacent to arterials shall be as speciJed in the Petaluma general plan; or the environmental

design plan; and as determined by the planning commission. The principles in Sections 20.32.110 through

20.32.150 and standards shall be observed. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.504.)

Street design shall have the purpose of making adjacent lots; if for residential use; desirable for such use by

cushioning the impact of heavy traLc and of minimizing the interference with traLc on such arterials. (Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.504.1.)

The number of intersecting streets along arterials shall be held to a minimum. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code

§22.7.504.2.)

Frontage roads; if required; shall conform to the standards speciJed in Section 20.32.020 and shall be separated

from the arterial or freeway by a strip of permanent landscaping; not less than ten feet in width; subject to

approval by the planning director. Frontage roads shall enter arterials by means of intersections designed with

turning and stacking capacity adequate for the traLc volume as estimated by the city engineer. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1,

1972; prior code §22.7.504.3.)

A. Where frontage roads are not required; residential lots adjacent to an arterial shall be served by a local

residential street paralleling the arterial at a generous lot depth therefrom; or by a series of cul-de-sacs or loop

streets extending towards the arterial from a collector street Jve hundred feet therefrom. In such cases; a wall or

fence with masonry pillars of a design approved by the planning director shall be required at the rear of properties

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

Title 20 Subdivisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 48 of 74

adjacent to the arterial. A strip of permanent landscaping within the arterial right-of-way not less than six feet in

width; subject to approval of the planning director shall be required adjacent to the wall or fence; facing the

arterial.

B. Where the council Jnds it necessary in order to preserve a sense of community and aesthetics; residential

lots fronting on an arterial street may be constructed where existing adjacent residential developments have such

frontage. The necessity for lots with arterial frontage may be determined at the time of tentative map approval;

unless the council makes such determination by an amendment or addition to the circulation element of the

general plan; which determination shall then govern.

(Ord. 1322 NCS §1, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.504.4.)

When the rear of any lot borders an arterial, the subdivider may be required to execute and deliver to the city an

instrument; deemed suLcient by the city attorney; prohibiting the right of ingress and egress from the arterial to

the lot. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.504.5.)

Grades; curves and sight distances shall be subject to approval by the city engineer; to insure proper drainage and

safety for vehicles and pedestrians. The following principles and minimum standards shall be observed. (Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.505.)

Grades of streets shall not be less than Jve-tenths percent and not greater than seven percent; unless because of

topographical conditions or other exceptional conditions; the city engineer determines that a grade less than Jve-

tenths percent or in excess of seven percent is necessary. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.505.1.)

Whenever any sweet intersects an arterial street or state highway; the property lines at such intersection shall be

rounded with a curve having a radius of not less than thirty feet. On all other sweet intersections; the property line

at each block corner shall be rounded with a curve having a radius of not less than twenty feet. In either case; a

greater curve radius may be required if streets intersect at other than right angles. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior

code §22.7.505.2.)

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

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The centerline curve radius on all streets and highways shall conform to accepted engineering standards of

design. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.503.3.)

The principles and standards in Sections 20.32.210 through 20.32.260 shall apply to the design and installation of

curbs; sidewalks; and pedestrian ways. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.506.)

Vertical curbs and gutters as shown on the city’s standard detail drawings shall be required in all subdivisions;

except for the exceptions speciJed in this chapter. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.506.1.)

Sidewalks shall be required on both sides of the street in any subdivision or portion thereof having lots with an

area of less than one-half acre. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.506.2.)

The planning commission may recommend that sidewalks be omitted in a subdivision or section thereof in which

all lots have an area of one-half acre or more; or in a planned community or planned unit development having an

internal pedestrian system; provided that the planning commission Jnds that the public safety is not jeopardized

by such omission. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.506.3.)

When required for access to schools; playgrounds; shopping centers; transportation facilities; other community

facilities; or for unusually long blocks; the subdivider shall construct pedestrian ways not less than twenty feet in

width; provided with fencing; landscaping; and a pavement not less than ten feet in width. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1,

1972; prior code §22.7.506.4.)

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

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Sidewalks shall normally be located within the street right-of-way as shown on the city’s standard detail drawings.

(Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.506.5.)

For lots containing trees with a trunk diameter of four inches or greater; curb cuts for driveways shall be so

located as to ensure the preservation of such trees. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.506.6.)

                     Article II. Hillside Subdivisions

In case any portion of a planned community or planned unit development or a subdivision having lots not less

than one-half acre in area is situated on land having an average slope of ten percent or more; the planning

commission may recommend modiJcation of the foregoing requirements of this title in a manner that will result

in the best possible utilization of the land to be subdivided giving consideration to the topography and natural

cover of the land and the general character of the proposed subdivision. The principles and standards in Sections

20.32.280 through 20.32.310 shall be observed. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.600.)

This basis for requirements for street and roadway widths and design shall be the topography of the land and the

proposed number of dwellings to be served by the street or roadway. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code

§22.7.601.)

Street grades for other than arterial or collector streets may be increased to a maximum of twenty percent grade.

(Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.602.)

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

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The dedicated width of a local residential two-way street may be reduced to not less than forty feet; with a

pavement width of not less than twenty-eight feet. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.603.)

The dedicated width of a local residential one-way street may be reduced to not less than thirty feet; with a

minimum pavement width of not less than eighteen feet. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.604.)

                         Article III. Landscaping

Landscaping by the subdivider shall be required in all subdivisions; either within the street right-of-way; or within a

dedicated planting easement; not less than six feet wide; adjacent to the street; as required. Street trees shall be

selected; installed and maintained in accordance with the standard speciJcations.

Whenever; in the opinion of the planning commission; the cuts and Jlls in a hillside subdivision are of suLcient

size or visibility to demand special treatment; the subdivider may be required to landscape such areas with

suitable permanent plant materials and to provide for their maintenance.

The subdivision shall be so designed as to preserve the greatest amount of existing on-site vegetation; including

trees with a trunk diameter of four inches or greater and other natural ground cover. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;

prior code §22.7.700.)

                           Article IV. Utilities

All utility distribution facilities shall be placed underground except as hereinafter provided in Section 20.36.140.

(Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.801.)

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

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Utility easements; not less than ten feet in width shall be provided within the subdivision where required for public

utility purposes. ModiJcation of the easement width requirement may be granted only when approved by both

the city engineer and the public utility or utilities concerned. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.802.)

                        Article V. Watercourses

The subdivider shall dedicate a right-of-way for storm drainage conforming substantially with the lines of any

natural watercourse or channel; stream or creek that traverses the subdivision; or at the option of the planning

commission the subdivider shall provide by dedication of further and suLcient easements or constructions; or

both; to dispose of such surface and storm water. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.900.)

                            Article VI. Blocks

Blocks shall normally have suLcient width for an ultimate layout of two tiers of lots of the site required by the

provisions of the zoning ordinance; unless modiJed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 20.32.270

through 20.32.310. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1000.)

Blocks shall not normally exceed Jfteen hundred feet in length between street lines; except in hillside

developments or where subdivisions containing parcels of one-half acre or larger justify or require a variation

from this requirement. In any block over nine hundred feet in length there shall be a crosswalk or pedestrian way

in accordance with Section 20.32.240. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1100.)

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

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                  Article VII. Neighborhood Facilities

The subdivider shall reserve sites; appropriate in area and location; for necessary and desirable residential

facilities; such as schools; parks; playgrounds; and shopping centers. Such sites shall be located in accordance with

the principles and standards contained in this title or expressed in the Petaluma general or environmental design

plans. School sites shall be dedicated in accordance with the provisions of Section 11525.2 of the Map Act.

Recreation sites shall be dedicated in accordance with the provisions of Section 11546 of the Map Act and the

provisions of Sections 20.32.580 through 20.32.670; or in the alternative pay the fee required herein. (Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1201.)

The neighborhood facilities needed shall be determined on the basis of the estimated number of families in the

area to be served by the facilities. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1202.)

The delimiting of service areas determining the need for residential facilities at the district or community level shall

be based on the Petaluma general or environmental design plans; if applicable. The "Planning Neighborhood" will

normally provide the basis for estimating the number of families to be served by facilities at the local level. A

"Planning Neighborhood" shall insofar as possible exhibit the characteristics in Sections 20.32.410 through

20.32.430. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1203.)

A planning neighborhood shall be bounded; rather than bisected; by major thoroughfares or other substantial

land use or natural barriers to pedestrian traLc. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1203.1.)

A planning neighborhood shall be usually not over a mile in extent in any direction. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior

code §22.7.1203.2.)

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

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A planning neighborhood shall contain a minimum of Jve hundred families. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code

§22.7.1203.3.)

The principles and standards in Sections 20.32.450 through 20.32.480 are intended to serve as a general guide in

determining the residential facilities for which sites normally will be required. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1 (part, 1972; prior

code §22.7.1204.)

An elementary school site of approximately ten acres will be required for each six hundred families more or less;

required to be served by such school. Such school site shall be central to the population to be served and shall not

face on an arterial. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1204.1.)

Whenever possible; playground and neighborhood recreation areas shall be developed in conjunction with

elementary school sites. A park site; if required; shall not normally be less than Jve acres in area; and such sites

shall speciJcally include areas with natural advantages for park development. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code

§22.7.1204.2.)

Where wooded ravines including natural waterways; are included within the boundaries of a subdivision; such

ravines shall be reserved for public use; including recreation and the disposal of storm waters. These purposes

may be accomplished through dedication and/or storm drainage and scenic easements. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;

prior code §22.7.1204.3.)

A site of two to Jve acres including oM-street parking and landscaping will normally be required for a local

shopping center to serve a population of one thousand to two thousand families. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior

code §22.7.1204.4.)

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

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                          Article VIII. Reserved

                Article IX. Nonresidential Subdivisions

generally.

The street and lot layout of a nonresidential subdivision shall be appropriate to the land use for which the

subdivision is proposed; and shall conform to the proposed land use and standards established in the Petaluma

general plan; the environmental design plans and the zoning ordinance. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code

§22.7.1401.)

Nonresidential subdivisions shall include industrial tracts; and may include commercial tracts. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1,

1972; prior code §22.7.1402.)

In addition to the principles and standards in this title which are appropriate to the planning of all subdivisions;

the subdivider shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the planning commission that the street; parcel; and block

pattern proposed is speciJcally adapted to the uses anticipated and takes into account other uses in the vicinity.

The principles and standards in Sections 20.32.610 through 20.32.670 shall be observed. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;

prior code §22.7.1403.)

Proposed industrial parcels shall be suitable in area and dimensions to the types of industrial development

anticipated. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1403.1.)

Street rights-of-way and pavement shall be adequate to accommodate the type and volume of traLc anticipated

to be generated thereon. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1403.2.)

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

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Special requirements may be imposed by the city with respect to street, curb; gutter; and sidewalk design and

construction. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1403.3.)

Special requirements may be imposed by the city with respect to the installation of public utilities including water;

sewer; and storm water drainage. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1403.4.)

Every eMort shall be made to protect adjacent residential areas from potential nuisance from the proposed

nonresidential subdivisions; including the provision of extra depth in parcels backing up on existing or potential

residential development and provisions for a permanently landscaped buMer strip when necessary. (Ord. 1046

NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1403.5.)

Streets carrying nonresidential traLc; especially truck traLc; shall not normally be extended to the boundaries of

adjacent existing or potential residential areas; or connected to streets intended for predominantly residential

traLc. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §27.7.1403.6.)

Subdivisions for proposed commercial development shall take into account and speciJcally designate all areas

proposed for vehicular circulation and parking; for pedestrian circulation; and for buMer strips and other

landscaping. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.7.1403.7.)

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

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