27.020 De7nitions.

Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the meaning established by this section:

A. A)ordable Rent. Monthly housing expenses, including a reasonable allowance for utilities, for Rental Restricted

ALordable Units reserved for Very Low or Lower Income Households, not exceeding the following calculations:

1. Very Low Income: 50 percent of the area median income for Sonoma County, adjusted for household

size, multiplied by 30 percent and divided by 12.

The Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance is current through Ordinance 2907, passed September 8, 2025.

Ch. 27 Residential Density Bonus | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance Page 2 of 14

2. Lower Income: 60 percent of the area median income for Sonoma County, adjusted for household size,

multiplied by 30 percent and divided by 12.

B. Child Care Center. See the deJnition of “Child Care Center” in Glossary.

C. Concession or Incentive. Used interchangeably means such regulatory concessions as speciJed in California

Government Code Section 65915 subdivisions (d) and (h) including, but not limited to, the reduction of site

development standards or zoning code requirements, direct Jnancial assistance, approval of mixed use zoning in

conjunction with the Housing Development, or any other regulatory incentive which would result in identiJable

cost avoidance or reductions that are oLered in addition to a Density Bonus. See Section 27.070 of this chapter.

D. Density Bonus. A density increase for residential units over the otherwise allowed residential density under the

applicable zoning and land use designation on the date an application is deemed complete.

E. Density Bonus Housing Agreement. A legally binding agreement between a developer and the City to ensure

that the requirements of this chapter are satisJed. The agreement, among other things, shall establish: the

number of Restricted ALordable Units, their size, location, terms and conditions of aLordability, and production

schedule. See Section 27.070 of this Chapter.

F. Density Bonus Units. Those residential units granted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter which exceed

the otherwise Maximum Residential Density for the development site.

G. Housing Cost. The sum of actual or projected monthly payments for all of the following associated with for-

sale Restricted ALordable Units: principal and interest on a mortgage loan, including any loan insurance fees,

property taxes and assessments, Jre and casualty insurance, property maintenance and repairs, homeowner

association fees, and a reasonable allowance for utilities.

H. Housing Development. Construction projects consisting of Jve or more residential units, including single family,

multifamily, and mobilehomes for sale or rent, pursuant to this chapter.

I. Low Income Household. Households whose income does not exceed the lower income limits applicable to

Sonoma County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community

Development pursuant to Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.

J. Maximum Residential Density. The maximum number of residential units permitted by the City’s General Plan

Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance at the time of application, excluding the provisions of this chapter. If the

housing development is within a planned unit development zone, the maximum residential density shall be

determined on the basis of the general plan and the maximum density of the underlying zone.

K. Moderate Income Household. A household whose gross income does not exceed 120 percent of the area

median income for Sonoma County as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing

and Community Development pursuant to Sections 50079.5 and 50052.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.

L. Non-Restricted Unit. All units within a Housing Development excluding the Restricted ALordable Units.

M. Qualifying Resident. Senior citizens or other persons eligible to reside in Senior Citizen Housing.

The Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance is current through Ordinance 2907, passed September 8, 2025.

Ch. 27 Residential Density Bonus | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance Page 3 of 14

N. Restricted A)ordable Unit. A dwelling unit within a Housing Development which will be available for Moderate

Income Households or Very Low and/or Low Income Households.

O. Senior Citizen Housing. A Housing Development consistent with the California Fair Employment and Housing

Act (Government Code Section 12900 et. seq., including 12955.9 in particular), which has been “designed to meet

the physical and social needs of senior citizens,” and which otherwise qualiJes as “housing for older persons” as

that phrase is used in the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-430) and implementing

regulations (24 CFR, part 100, subpart E), and as that phrase is used in California Civil Code Section 51.2 and 51.3.

P. Very Low Income Household. Households whose income does not exceed the very low income limits applicable

to Sonoma County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community

Development pursuant to Section 50105 of the California Health and Safety Code.