1.10 through 1.16.

If the notice pertains to equipment, it shall also be placed on the condemned equipment.

D. Placarding. Upon failure of the owner or person responsible to comply with the notice provisions within the

time given, the code oMcial may post on the premises or on defective equipment a placard bearing the word

"Condemned" and a statement of the penalties provided for occupying the premises, operating the equipment or

removing the placard.

E. Placard Removal. The code oMcial shall remove the condemnation placard whenever the defect or defects

upon which the condemnation and placarding action were based have been eliminated. Any person who defaces

or removes a condemnation placard without the approval of the code oMcial shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

F. Prohibited Occupancy. Any occupied structure condemned and placarded by the code oMcial shall be vacated

as ordered by the code oMcial. Any person who shall occupy placarded premises or shall operate placarded

equipment, and any owner or any person responsible for the premises who shall let anyone occupy placarded

premises or operate placarded equipment, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable for the penalties provided

by this code.

(Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010.)

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 14 of 67

A. Imminent Danger. When, in the opinion of the code oMcial, there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a

building or structure which endangers life, or when any structure or part of a structure has fallen and life is

endangered by the occupation of the structure, or when there is actual or potential danger to the building

occupants or those in the proximity of any structure because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the

presence of toxic fumes, gases or materials, or operation of defective or dangerous equipment, the code oMcial is

hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. The code

oMcial shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice reading as follows: "This Structure Is

Unsafe and Its Occupancy Has Been Prohibited by the Code OMcial." It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor for

any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of securing the structure, making the required repairs,

removing the hazardous condition or of demolishing the same.

B. Temporary Safeguards. Notwithstanding other provisions of this code, whenever, in the opinion of the code

oMcial, there is imminent danger due to an unsafe condition, the code oMcial may order the necessary work to be

done, including the boarding up of openings, to render such structure temporarily safe whether or not the legal

procedure herein described has been instituted, and may cause such other action to be taken as the code oMcial

deems necessary to meet such emergency.

C. Closing Streets. When necessary for public safety, the code oMcial may temporarily close structures and close,

or order the authority having jurisdiction to close, sidewalks, streets, public ways and places adjacent to unsafe

structures, and prohibit the same from being utilized.

D. Emergency Repairs. For the purpose of this section, the code oMcial may employ the necessary labor and

materials to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.

E. Cost of Emergency Repairs. Costs incurred in the performance of emergency work shall initially be paid by the

city. The city attorney may institute appropriate action against the owner of the premises where the unsafe

structure is or was located for the recovery of such costs.

F. Hearing. Any person ordered to take emergency measures shall comply with such order forthwith. Any such

person may appeal the determination that emergency procedures, as described in this section, were necessary or

appropriate using the appeal procedures described in Section 1.14.070.

(Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010.)

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 15 of 67

A. Modi3cations. Whenever, in a given circumstance, there are practical diMculties involved in carrying out the

provisions of Section 1.10.075, 1.10.080, or 1.10.085, the code oMcial shall have the authority to grant

modiKcations for that circumstance, provided the code oMcial determines that a strict application of the

provisions of this chapter is impractical and the modiKcation is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this

chapter and that such modiKcation does not reduce or impair health, life and Kre safety requirements. The details

of action granting modiKcations shall be recorded and entered in the code oMcial’s Kles. Any person who

challenges or appeals a determination made by the code oMcial pursuant to this subsection shall follow the

appeal procedures in Section 1.14.070 and the challenge or appeal shall be based on an allegation that such

oMcer has abused his/her discretion and that the determination of such oMcer is not consistent with the intent

and purpose of this chapter.

B. Alternative Materials, Methods and Equipment. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the

installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction not speciKcally prescribed by this code;

provided, that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material or method of construction shall be

approved by the code oMcial, where the code oMcial Knds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies

with the intent of the provisions of this chapter, and that the material, method or work oNered is, for the purpose

intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this chapter in quality, strength, eNectiveness, Kre

resistance, durability and safety.

C. Required Testing. Whenever there is insuMcient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this chapter, or

evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate

claims for the alternative materials or methods, the code oMcial shall have the authority to require tests to be

made as evidence of compliance at no expense to the city.

 1.   Test Methods. Test methods shall be speciKed in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the

absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the code oMcial may approve an appropriate testing

procedure performed by an approved agency.

 2.   Test Reports. Reports of tests shall be retained by the code oMcial in accordance with the city’s adopted

record retention policy.

(Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010.)

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 16 of 67

Any person directly aNected by a notice or order issued under this chapter shall have the right to appeal the

decision as described in Section 1.14.070. (Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010.)

It shall be a violation of this code to violate any term or condition of any license, permit, agreement, or approval

granted or issued by any authorized agent, body or agency of the city, including the Petaluma community

development commission. Any responsible party (including, without limitation, any agent, employee, or contractor

of the responsible party) violating or contributing to the violation of any such term or condition shall be subject to

enforcement as provided in Chapters 1.10 through 1.16 and in any other law. (Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010; Ord. 2250

NCS §3, 2006. Formerly 1.10.050.)

Causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, contributing to, or concealing a violation of any provision of this code shall

constitute a violation of such provision. (Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010; Ord. 2250 NCS §3, 2006. Formerly 1.10.070.)

A separate oNense shall be deemed committed each day a violation of this chapter occurs or continues; any

penalty imposed for a violation, pursuant to Sections 1.14.050 or 1.16.030, may be imposed on a "per day" basis.

Any condition of real property that constitutes a nuisance condition where the same, or a substantially similar,

condition has been the subject of two or more enforcement actions within any three-month period is deemed to

be a continuing violation. Any building or structure that is set up, erected, constructed, altered, enlarged,

converted, used, maintained, moved, or demolished contrary to any provision of this code, or contrary to any term

or condition of any license, permit or entitlement issued by or on behalf of the city, shall be deemed a violation of

this code. Similarly, any use of land, building or premises that is established, conducted, operated or maintained

contrary to any license, permit, condition or approval relating to the use of said land, or that is contrary to any

provision of this code, shall be deemed a violation of this code. (Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010; Ord. 2250 NCS §3, 2006.

Formerly 1.10.080.)

In addition to other conditions deKned to be nuisances in Chapters 1.10 through 1.16 or the municipal code, it is

declared a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of any

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 17 of 67

premises in this city to maintain such premises in such manner that any of the following conditions, but not

limited thereto, are found to exist thereon:

A. Buildings which are abandoned, partially destroyed, substantially deteriorated, or left unreasonably in a state

of partial construction without an active building permit.

B. Unpainted, unmaintained and otherwise unprotected buildings causing deterioration in the form of dry rot,

warping, buckling, twisting, bowing, and infestations of various kinds.

C. Broken windows constituting hazardous conditions and inviting trespassers, illegal and unauthorized uses,

and malicious mischief.

D. Overgrown vegetation and weeds:

 1.   Causing detriment to neighboring properties or property values.

 2.   Causing a hazardous condition to pedestrian and/or vehicular traMc.

 3.   Likely to harbor rats, vermin and other nuisances.

 4.   Grasses and weeds over six inches in height.

E. Dead trees and debris:

 1.   Constituting unsightly appearance and/or odors.

 2.  Dangerous to public safety and welfare.

 3.   Detrimental to nearby property or property values.

 4.  A ready source of fuel for combustion.

F. Attractive nuisances dangerous or potentially dangerous to people in the form of:

 1.  Abandoned and/or broken equipment.

 2.   Pools, ponds or excavations without adequate barriers.

 3.   Neglected, unprotected and/or unsecured machinery.

 4.  Unsecured and unoccupied abandoned buildings and structures.

G. Items such as, and similar to, the following, and which are stored in yards and visible from public streets and/

or other properties:

 1.   Trash, junk, garbage, rubbish and debris.

 2.  Household goods.

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Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 18 of 67

 3.   Mattresses.

 4.  Cans of stains, paints and solvents.

 5.   Vehicle and/or bicycle tires, tire racks, rims, wheels, etc.

 6.   Vehicles not parked on a permanent surface as deKned by Section 11.070(F) of the city of Petaluma

zoning ordinance.

 7.   Inoperative vehicles, vehicles in various states of disrepair and vehicle parts.

 8.   Cabinets.

 9.   Furniture.

 10.  Clothing.

 11.  Appliances.

 12.  Boxes.

 13.  Construction materials and/or tools.

 14.  Yard and garden equipment in excess of that which is reasonable and acceptable for maintaining the

property at which it is located.

15. Bicycles, scooters and like items in excess of that which is reasonable for use by the current occupants

    of a property.

    16. Items of any sort or of any quantity that are evidence of an illegal operation or business, or create the

appearance thereof.

 17.  Any other refuse or waste.

 18.  Trash, garbage or refuse cans, bins, boxes or other such containers.

 19.  Shopping carts.

 20.  The accumulation of dirt.

 21.  Yards that are not graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and prevent the accumulation

 of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon.

H. Maintenance of premises in such condition as to be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare

or in such manner as to constitute a public nuisance as deKned by Civil Code Section 3480.

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Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 19 of 67

I. Any building, structure or portion thereof built to code standards applicable at the time of original

construction, or areas of access which have any of the following conditions or defects to a signiKcant degree or as

otherwise noted:

 1.  Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, window or other means of exit is not of suMcient

dimensions, or is not arranged so as to provide safe and adequate means of egress, in case of Kre or panic,

 for all persons housed or assembled therein who would be required to, or might, use such door, aisle,

passageway, stairway, window or other means of exit.

 2.  Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by earthquake, wind, Lood, rain or by any other cause,

 in such a manner that the structural strength, stability or integrity thereof is appreciably less than is suitable

 for occupancy and is less than the minimum requirements of building code regulations enforced by the city.

 3.  Whenever any portion of a building or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior

 thereof is likely to fall or to become detached or dislodged or to collapse and thereby injure persons or

damage property.

 4.  Whenever any building, portion of a building or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the

 exterior thereof is not of suMcient strength or stability or is not so anchored, attached, or fastened in place so

as to be capable of resisting wind pressure, earthquake forces, live loads or dead loads as speciKed in the

 building code regulations enforced by the city without exceeding the working stresses permitted therein.

 5.  Whenever any portion thereof has settled or otherwise been repositioned or reconKgured so that

 structural portions of buildings and structures have less resistance to winds, earthquakes and/or other forces

than is adequate for safe occupancy and/or as is otherwise required by building code regulations enforced by

the city.

6. Whenever buildings or structures, or any portion thereof, because of dilapidation, deterioration, decay,

   faulty construction, infestations or the removal, loss, or movement of a portion of the soil necessary to

   adequately support such building, structure or portion thereof, or some other cause, are likely to partially or

   completely collapse, or some portion of the foundation or underpinning is likely to fail, or otherwise fall or

   give way.

   7. Whenever, for any reason whatsoever, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly

   unsafe for the purpose for which it is used or intended to be used.

   8. Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by Kre, wind, earthquake, or Lood, or has

   become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become an attractive nuisance to children who might play

   therein to their danger, or as to aNord a harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons, or as to enable

   persons to resort thereto for the purpose of committing nuisances or unlawful or immoral acts.

   9. Whenever a building or structure which has been constructed now exists or is maintained in violation of

   any requirements or prohibitions, applicable to such building or structure, of the building and housing code

   regulations enforced by the city.

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Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 20 of 67

 10.  Whenever a building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes because of

 dilapidation, decay, damage, or faulty construction or arrangement, or otherwise is unsanitary or unKt for

human habitation or is in a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease when so determined by the

 health oMcer, or is likely to contribute injury to the health, safety or general welfare of those living within.

 11.  Whenever a building or structure, by reason of obsolescence, dilapidation, deterioration, damage,

substandard electric wiring, gas connections, or heating apparatus, or similar conditions, is in such condition

as to be a Kre hazard and is so situated as to endanger life or other buildings or property in the vicinity, or

provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread and intensity of Kre arising from any cause.

 12.  Whenever any sidewalk or driveway is debilitated, broken, damaged, or raised to such a degree as to be

 injurious to property or persons using the same.

 13.  Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway or other means of exit is so warped,

worn, loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of Kre or

 panic.

 14.  Whenever the stress in any materials, member or portion thereof, due to all live and dead loads, is more

than the imposed design loads.

 15.  Whenever any portion of a building or structure remains on a site after the demolition or destruction of

the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is abandoned for a period in excess of two

months.

(Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010; Ord. 2250 NCS §3, 2006. Formerly 1.10.060.)

A. Application. In addition to the general property maintenance standards speciKed in Section 1.10.075, the

provisions of this section shall apply to nonresidential buildings and structures located within the city limits of the

city of Petaluma.

B. Foundations, Exterior Walls, Roofs, Mechanical Equipment, Electrical, and Plumbing. Foundations, exterior walls,

roofs, and mechanical equipment shall be free from deterioration or blighting conditions and shall conform to the

following requirements:

 1.   Foundation. The building foundation shall be free from deterioration, maintained in a safe condition, and

be capable of supporting the load which normal use may place thereon.

 2.   Exterior Walls. The exterior walls shall be free from conditions that contribute to the deterioration of the

 structure or otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted condition. Exterior walls shall be substantially

weather tight, weatherproof, free from dry rot and mildew, and shall be maintained in sound condition and

good repair so as to prevent infestation. Exterior doors and windows shall be Ktted securely in their frames

and shall be substantially weather tight with operable locks, if locks are present. Windows of occupied

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 21 of 67

 structures shall not be boarded, and glazing in windows and doors shall be properly maintained. Chipping or

 peeling paint may not exceed twenty-Kve percent of the surface area of any building component visible from

 public property. All exterior surfaces other than decay-resistant materials shall be protected from the

elements by painting or other protective covering according to manufacturer’s speciKcations. Chimneys and

 similar appurtenances shall be structurally safe. Window screening, of not less than sixteen mesh per inch,

 shall be required for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas or any areas

where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured,

packaged or stored, and shall be maintained in good condition. Every screen door used for insect control shall

have a self-closing device in good working condition. Screens shall not be required where approved air

 curtains are employed.

 3.   Roofs and Drainage. Roofs and drainage shall be maintained in a safe condition and have no defects

which might admit rain or cause dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building. Roofs shall be free

from conditions that contribute to the deterioration of the structure or otherwise present a deteriorated or

 blighted appearance. Broken, rotted, split, curled, or missing rooKng material shall not exceed ten square feet

 of any roof for no more than thirty consecutive days. Canopies and awnings shall be properly anchored and

maintained. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.

 4.   Mechanical Equipment. Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, evaporative cooling equipment, and their

mounting apparatus shall be maintained in an approved manner, and in a condition free from excessive

accumulation of scale, rust, corrosion or mineral deposits. Equipment stands or mounts shall be structurally

sound. Unused, deteriorated or unattached heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and

mechanical equipment and associated apparatuses shall be removed from the structure. Equipment shrouds,

 enclosures, and similar protecting housing components integral to a piece of equipment shall be installed,

anchored, and properly maintained.

 5.    Electrical Equipment. All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be installed and maintained in a

 safe operational condition and approved manner.

 6.   Plumbing Equipment. All plumbing equipment, piping and Kxtures shall be installed and maintained in a

 safe, sanitary, functional and approved manner.

C. Outdoor Stairs, Porches, Guardrails, Handrails, and Similar Railings. All outdoor stairs, porches, guard and

handrails shall be adequate for safety according to the applicable building code and Kre code requirements. Every

stair and porch shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition. The supports for railings, stairs, and porches

shall be structurally sound and in a safe condition. Every stair and porch, and any appendage thereto, shall be

maintained in safe condition and capable of supporting the load that normal use may place thereon.

D. Interior of Structures.

 1.   General. Every owner of a property shall ensure the interior of structures and mechanical, electrical, and

plumbing equipment therein are maintained in good working order and structurally sound.

 2.   Structural Members. All structural members shall be maintained structurally sound and be capable of

supporting the imposed design loads.

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Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 22 of 67

 3.   Interior Surfaces. All interior surfaces shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling,

 chipping, Laking, or abraded paint shall be repaired, removed, or covered. Cracked, broken, damaged, or

loose plaster, decayed wood, and other defective surface conditions in excess of one-eighth inch shall be

 repaired.

 4.   Stairs and Walking Surfaces. Every stair, ramp, landing, balcony, mezzanine or other walking surface shall

be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

 5.   Handrails and Guardrails. Every handrail and guardrail shall be Krmly fastened and capable of supporting

normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition and shall be adequate for safety according

 to the applicable building and Kre code requirements.

6. Interior Windows and Doors. Every interior window and door shall Kt within its frame and shall be capable

   of being opened and closed by being properly and securely attached to jambs, headers, or tracks as intended

by the manufacturer of the attachment hardware.

E. Exits. All buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with properly maintained exits, exit corridors, exit

passageways, and appurtenances as required by the building code.

F. Fire Protection. All buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with the degree of Kre-resistive construction

as required by the building code for the appropriate occupancy, type of construction, and location on property,

and shall be provided with the appropriate Kre-extinguishing systems or equipment as required by the building

code and Kre code. All Kre-resistive construction required by the building code shall be maintained.

G. Substandard Commercial Buildings. Any building or portion thereof or the premises on which the same is

located in which there exists any of the following conditions shall be deemed and hereby declared to be a

substandard building.

 1.   Habitability and Sanitation. Buildings or portions thereof shall be deemed substandard when any of the

 following conditions exist:

       a.   Lack of or improper operation of water closet, lavatory, bathtub, or shower.

      b.   Lack of required interior wall covering.

        c.   Lack of required hot and cold running water to plumbing Kxtures.

      d.   Lack of or improper operation of required ventilation equipment.

       e.   Lack of required electrical lighting.

           f.   Dampness in rooms.

       g.   Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents.

      h.   General dilapidation or improper maintenance.

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Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 23 of 67

             i.   Lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage and removal facilities.

             j.   Lack of connection to a required sewage disposal system.

       k.   Inoperable connection to a required sewage disposal system.

H. Structural Hazards. Buildings or portions thereof shall be deemed substandard when they are, or contain,

structural hazards. Structural hazards shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 1.   Deteriorated or inadequate foundations incapable of supporting the load which normal use may place

thereon.

 2.   Defective or deteriorated Looring or Loor supports.

 3.   Flooring or Loor supports of insuMcient size to carry imposed loads safely.

 4.  Members of walls, partitions, or other vertical supports that split, lean, list, or buckle due to defective

 material or deterioration.

 5.  Members of walls, partitions, or other vertical supports that are of insuMcient size to carry imposed

loads safely.

 6.  Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or other horizontal members that sag, split, or

buckle due to defective material or deterioration.

 7.  Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or other horizontal members that are of

insuMcient size to carry imposed loads safely.

 8.   Fireplaces or chimneys that list (to lean), bulge, or settle due to defective material or deterioration.

I. Hazardous Electrical Wiring. All wiring that does not conform to all applicable laws in eNect at the time of

installation, has not been maintained in good condition, or is not currently in good and safe condition and working

properly shall be considered hazardous and substandard.

J. Hazardous Plumbing. All plumbing that does not conform to all applicable laws in eNect at the time of

installation, has not been maintained in good condition, is not currently in good and safe condition or not working

properly, or is not free of cross-connections and siphonage between Kxtures shall be considered hazardous and

substandard. All water heaters require seismic strapping on the bottom one-third and top one-third of the unit. An

approved combination temperature and pressure-relief valve and valve relief discharge pipe shall be properly

installed and maintained on water heaters.

K. Hazardous Mechanical Equipment. All mechanical equipment, including vents, that does not conform to all

applicable laws in eNect at the time of installation, that has not been maintained in good and safe condition, and is

not currently in good and safe condition and working properly shall be considered hazardous and substandard.

L. Fire Hazard. Any building or portion thereof, device, apparatus, equipment, combustible waste, or vegetation

that is in noncompliance with the Kre code to the extent that the Kre chief, or their designee, has determined the

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Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 24 of 67

noncompliance condition is unsafe or that a Kre or explosion could occur as the result of said noncompliance shall

be considered hazardous and substandard. In addition, any condition the Kre chief, or their designee, has

determined provides a ready fuel to augment the spread and intensity of Kre or explosion arising from any cause

is deemed hazardous and substandard.

M. Faulty Materials of Construction. All materials of construction except those that are speciKcally allowed or

approved by the building code and that have been adequately maintained in good and safe condition shall be

considered substandard.

N. Hazardous or Unsanitary Premises. Those premises on which an accumulation of weeds, vegetation, junk, dead

organic matter, debris, garbage, oNal, rodent harborages, stagnant water, combustible materials, and similar

materials or conditions that constitute a Kre hazard, health hazard, safety hazard, or a public nuisance shall be

considered hazardous and substandard. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure,

shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of garbage

and rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such garbage and rubbish in an approved container or

disposal facility. Any accumulated garbage and rubbish shall be placed out for collection for the authorized waste

disposal agent of the city at a minimum of one time per week.

O. Inadequate Exits. All buildings or portions thereof not provided with adequate exit facilities, except those

buildings or portions thereof whose exit facilities conformed with all applicable laws at the time of their

construction and that have been adequately maintained and increased in relation to any increase in occupant

load, alteration or addition, or any change in occupancy, shall be considered substandard. When an unsafe

condition exists due to lack of or improper location of exits, additional exits may be required to be installed.

P. Inadequate Fire Protection or Fire-Fighting Equipment. All buildings or portions thereof not provided with Kre-

resistive construction or Kre-extinguishing systems or equipment required by the building and Kre code, except

those buildings or portions thereof that conformed to all applicable laws at the time of their construction and

whose Kre-resistive integrity and Kre-extinguishing systems or equipment have been adequately maintained and

improved in relation to any increase in occupant load, alteration or addition, or any change in occupancy, shall be

considered substandard.

Q. Improper Occupancy. All buildings or portions thereof occupied for purposes not designed or intended to be

used for those occupancies shall be considered substandard.

R. Premises Identi3cation. Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly

legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their

background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of four

inches (one hundred two millimeters) high, with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch (twelve and seven-tenths

millimeters).

Exception: Rural residential buildings shall not be required to comply with this section, provided such buildings

have a form of building identiKcation that has been approved by the Kre code oMcial.

(Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010.)

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Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 25 of 67

A. General. In addition to the general property maintenance standards speciKed in Section 1.10.075, all buildings,

common areas, or portions thereof used, designed, or intended to be used for human habitation shall comply with

the requirements of this section.

B. Foundations, Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Roofs, Mechanical Equipment, Electrical, and Plumbing. Foundations,

exterior walls, roofs, and mechanical equipment shall be free from deterioration or blighting conditions and shall

conform to the following requirements:

 1.   Foundation. The building foundation shall be free from deterioration, maintained in a plumb and safe

 condition, be capable of supporting the load which normal use may place thereon, be free from open cracks

and breaks, and be kept in such a condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.

 2.   Exterior Walls. The exterior walls shall be free from conditions that contribute to the deterioration of the

 structure or otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted condition. Exterior walls shall be substantially

weather tight, weatherproof, free from dry rot and mildew, and shall be maintained in sound condition and

good repair so as to prevent infestation. Windows of occupied structures shall not be boarded and glazing in

windows and doors shall be properly maintained. Chipping or peeling paint may not exceed twenty-Kve

percent of a surface area of any building component visible from public property. All exterior surfaces other

than decay-resistant materials shall be protected from the elements by painting or other protective covering

according to manufacturer’s speciKcations. Chimneys and similar appurtenances shall be structurally safe.

 3.   Doors. Exterior doors shall be Ktted securely in their frames and shall be substantially weather tight with

operable locks. Each exterior door shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock designed to be operable from the

 inside without the need for a key or special knowledge. All deadbolts shall have a minimum throw of one

 inch. Every screen door used for insect control shall have a self-closing device in good working condition.

 4.   Windows. Exterior windows shall be Ktted securely in their frames and shall be substantially weather tight

with operable locks if locks are present. Operable windows within twelve feet above a walking surface below

 shall be equipped with a window sash locking device designed to be operable from the inside without the

need for a key or special knowledge. Window screening, of not less than sixteen mesh per inch, shall be

required for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas or any areas where

products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packaged

or stored and shall be maintained in good condition.

 5.   Roofs. Roofs shall be maintained in a safe condition and have no defects which might admit rain or cause

dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building. Roofs shall be free from conditions that contribute

 to the deterioration of the structure or otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted appearance. Broken,

 rotted, split, curled, or missing rooKng material shall not exceed ten square feet of any roof. Canopies and

awnings shall be properly anchored and maintained. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that

 creates a public nuisance.

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 26 of 67

 6.   Mechanical Equipment. Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and evaporative cooling equipment, and

 their mounting apparatuses, shall be maintained in an approved manner, and in a condition free from

 excessive accumulation of scale, rust, corrosion or mineral deposits. Equipment stands or mounts shall be

 structurally sound. Unused, deteriorated or unattached heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

equipment and mechanical equipment and associated apparatuses shall be removed from the structure.

Equipment shrouds, enclosures, and similar protecting housing components integral to a piece of equipment

 shall be installed, anchored, and properly maintained.

 7.    Electrical Equipment. All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be installed and maintained in a

 safe, functional, and approved manner.

 8.   Plumbing Equipment. All plumbing equipment, piping and Kxtures shall be installed and maintained in a

 safe, sanitary, functional and approved manner.

 9.   Outdoor Stairs, Porches, Guardrails, Handrails, and Similar Railings. All outdoor stairs, porches, guard and

 handrails shall be adequate for safety. Every stair and porch shall be maintained in an approved manner,

 structurally sound and safe condition. The supports for railings, stairs, and porches shall be maintained in an

approved manner, structurally sound and safe condition. Every stair and porch, and any appendage thereto,

 shall be maintained in an approved manner, structurally sound and safe condition, and capable of supporting

a load that normal use may place thereon.

C. Room Dimensions.

 1.   Existing Buildings. Buildings and portions thereof in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter

are not required to be modiKed to comply with this section and may have their existing use or occupancy

continued provided the construction, use, or occupancy was legal at the time of original construction and

 further provided the continued use or occupancy is not dangerous to life, health, and safety.

 2.   Ceiling Heights. Habitable space shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet except as otherwise

permitted in this section. Kitchens, halls, bathrooms, and toilet compartments may have a ceiling height of

not less than seven feet measured to the lowest projection from the ceiling. Where exposed beam ceiling

members are spaced at less than forty-eight inches on center, ceiling height shall be measured to the bottom

 of these members. Where exposed beam ceiling members are spaced at forty-eight inches or more on center,

 ceiling height shall be measured to the bottom of the deck supported by these members; provided, that the

bottom of the members is not less than seven feet above the Loor.

   If any habitable space has a sloping ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height for the room is required in only one-

 half the area thereof. No portion of the room measuring less than Kve feet from the Knished Loor to the

Knished ceiling shall be included in any computation of the minimum area thereof. If any room has a furred

  ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height is required in two-thirds the area thereof, but in no case shall the height

 of the furred ceiling be less than seven feet.

 3.   Floor Area. Dwelling units and congregate residences shall have at least one room that shall have not less

than one hundred twenty square feet of Loor area. Other habitable rooms, except kitchens, shall have an

area of not less than seventy square feet.

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 27 of 67

 Exception: Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of an eMciency living unit within an apartment house

meeting the following requirements:

       a.  The unit shall have a living room of not less than two hundred twenty square feet of Loor area. An

      additional one hundred square feet of Loor area shall be provided for each occupant of such unit in

     excess of two.

      b.  The unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink and cooking appliance. If a refrigerator is provided, it

   must be maintained in a safe and operational condition. Each sink, cooking appliance, or refrigerator

      shall have a clear working space of not less than thirty inches in front, except ADA accessible units, which

      shall meet the working space requirements of those units. Light and ventilation conforming to this code

      shall be provided.

        c.   The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory, and

    bathtub or shower.

 4.   Width. No habitable room other than a kitchen shall be less than seven feet in any dimension. Kitchens

 shall have a clear passageway of not less than three feet between counterfronts and appliances or

counterfronts and walls. Each water closet shall be located in a clear space not less than thirty inches in width

and a clear space in front of the water closet of not less than twenty-four inches shall be provided.

D. Light and Ventilation.

 1.   General. For the purpose of determining the light or ventilation required by this section, any room may

be considered as a portion of an adjoining room when one-half of the area of the common wall is open and

unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than one-tenth of the Loor area of the interior room or

twenty-Kve square feet, whichever is greater. Exterior openings for natural light or ventilation required by this

 section shall open directly onto a public way or a yard or court located on the same lot as the building.

 Exceptions:

       a.   Required windows may open into a roofed porch where the porch:

             (1)  Abuts a public way, yard, or court.

             (2)  Has a ceiling height of not less than seven feet.

             (3)  Has a longer side at least sixty-Kve percent open and unobstructed.

      b.   Skylights.

 2.   Light. Guest rooms and habitable rooms within a dwelling unit or a congregate residence shall be

provided with natural light by means of exterior glazed openings with an area of not less than one-tenth of

the Loor area of such rooms with a minimum of ten square feet of opening area.

 3.   Ventilation. Guest rooms and habitable rooms within a dwelling unit or congregate residence shall be

provided with natural ventilation by means of exterior openings with an area of not less than one-twentieth

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 28 of 67

 of the Loor area of such rooms with a minimum opening of Kve square feet of area. Such openings shall be

capable of being opened so as to provide ventilation.

Bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundry rooms, and similar rooms shall be provided with natural

 ventilation by means of exterior openings with an area of not less than one-twentieth of the Loor areas of

such rooms with a minimum of one and one-half square feet of area. Such openings shall be capable of being

opened so as to provide ventilation. In lieu of required exterior openings for natural ventilation in toilet

rooms, bathrooms containing a bathtub or shower, or combination thereof, laundry rooms, and similar

rooms, a mechanical ventilation system connected directly to the outside capable of providing Kve air

changes per hour shall be provided. The location of the discharged exhaust air shall be at least three feet

from any opening into the building.

 4.   Hallways. All public hallways, stairs, and other paths of exit shall be adequately illuminated at all times in

accordance with the building code.

 5.   Luminaires. Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler

room, and furnace room shall contain at least one electric luminaire.

E. Sanitation.

 1.   Dwelling Units, Lodging Houses and Congregate Residences, Dormitories and Fraternity Houses. Dwelling units,

 lodging houses, and congregate residences, dormitories and fraternity houses shall be provided with a

bathroom equipped with facilities consisting of a water closet, lavatory, and either a bathtub or shower, or

combination thereof.

2. Kitchen. Each dwelling unit shall be provided with a kitchen. Every kitchen shall be provided with a safe

and operational kitchen sink and cooking appliance. If a refrigerator is provided, it must be maintained in a

 safe and operational condition.

 3.   Fixtures. All plumbing Kxtures shall be connected to a sanitary sewer or to an approved private sewage

 disposal system. All plumbing Kxtures shall be connected to an approved water supply and provided with hot

and cold running water necessary for normal operations. All plumbing Kxtures shall be listed by an approved

  listing agency.

 4.   Water Closet Compartments. Except in dwelling units, walls within two feet of urinals and water closets

 shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface to a height of four feet above the Loor.

 5.   Installation and Maintenance. All sanitary facilities shall be installed and maintained in a safe and sanitary

working condition.

 6.   Disposal of Rubbish and Garbage. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure,

 shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of

garbage and rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such garbage and rubbish in an approved

 container or disposal facility. Any accumulated garbage and rubbish shall be placed out for collection for the

authorized waste disposal agent of the city at a minimum of one time per week.

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 29 of 67

F. Structural Conditions. Roofs, Loors, walls, foundations, and all other structural components of buildings shall

be capable of resisting any and all forces and loads to which they may be subjected as speciKed in the codes and

standards in eNect at the time of original construction, and as speciKed in codes and standards regulating existing

buildings.

G. Weather Protection. Every habitable building shall be weather protected so as to provide shelter for the

occupants against the elements as speciKed in subsection B of this section.

H. Mechanical Equipment.

 1.   Heating. Dwelling units, guest rooms, and congregate residences shall be provided with permanently

 installed heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit

 (twenty degrees Celsius) at a point three feet (nine hundred fourteen millimeters) above the Loor in all

 habitable rooms. Such facilities shall be installed and maintained in a safe condition. All heating devices or

appliances shall be of an approved type and utilized in accordance with their listing. Fuel-burning heaters

without vents to the exterior are speciKcally prohibited.

 2.   Combustion Air. Rooms and areas containing fuel-burning appliances shall be provided with combustion

 air as required by the mechanical code.

3. Ducts. Duct systems shall be maintained free of obstructions and leaks and shall be capable of

performing the required function.

I. Electrical Equipment. All electrical equipment, wiring, and appliances shall be installed and maintained in safe

working order and in accordance with the electrical code. All electrical equipment shall be listed and approved for

the intended use. Every bathroom shall have at least one receptacle that has ground fault circuit interruption

protection.

J. Exits, Emergency Egress, and Interior Doors.

 1.    Exits. All buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with properly maintained exits, exit corridors,

 exit passageways, and appurtenances as required by the building code. Dwelling units and guest rooms shall

have access directly to the outside or to an exit corridor or exit passageway.

 2.   Emergency Egress. Sleeping rooms below the fourth story shall have at least one operable window or

 exterior door approved for emergency escape or rescue. The window or door shall have the ability to be

opened from the inside and any security bars or grills protecting such openings shall comply with subsection

W of this section.

 3.   Interior Doors. Interior doors shall be Ktted securely in their frames and shall be in sound condition.

 Interior door locks shall not require the need for a key or special knowledge. Firewall doors shall be self-

 closing and self-latching.

K. Fire Protection. All buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with the degree of Kre-resistive construction

as required by the building code for the appropriate occupancy, type of construction, and location on property,

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 30 of 67

and shall be provided with the appropriate Kre-extinguishing systems or equipment as required by the building

code and Kre code. All Kre-resistive construction required by the building code shall be maintained.

L. Substandard Residential Buildings. Any building or portion thereof or the premises on which the same is

located in which there exists any of the following conditions shall be deemed and hereby declared to be a

substandard building.

 1.   Habitability and Sanitation. Buildings or portions thereof shall be deemed substandard when any of the

 following conditions exist:

       a.   Lack of, or improper operation of, water closet, lavatory, bathtub, or shower.

      b.   Lack of required interior wall covering.

        c.   Lack of proper kitchen sink or cooking appliances, or improper operation of kitchen sink, cooking

     appliance or refrigerator.

      d.   Lack of required hot and cold running water to plumbing Kxtures.

       e.   Lack of adequate heating facilities.

           f.   Lack of, or improper operation of, required ventilation equipment.

       g.   Lack of minimum amounts of natural light and ventilation required by this code.

h. Room and space dimensions less than required by this code. However, a condition that would require

     the displacement of sound walls or ceilings to meet height, length, or width requirements for ceilings,

    rooms, and dwelling units shall not by itself be considered suMcient existence of dangerous conditions

    making a building substandard, unless the building was constructed, altered, or converted in violation of

     those requirements in eNect at the time of construction, alteration, or conversion.

             i.   Lack of required electrical lighting.

             j.   Dampness in habitable rooms.

       k.   Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents.

             l.   General dilapidation or improper maintenance.

   m.  Lack of connection to a required sewage disposal system.

      n.   Lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage and removal facilities.

      o.   Lack of connection to public utilities that are essential to maintain heating, plumbing, and electrical

     Kxtures and appliances in a working condition.

M. Structural Hazards. Buildings or portions thereof shall be deemed hazardous and substandard when they are,

or contain, structural hazards. Structural hazards shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 31 of 67

 1.   Deteriorated or inadequate foundations incapable of supporting the load which normal use may place

thereon.

 2.   Defective or deteriorated Looring or Looring supports.

 3.   Flooring or Loor supports of insuMcient size to carry imposed loads safely.

 4.  Members of walls, partitions, or other vertical supports that split, list (to lean), or buckle due to defective

 material or deterioration.

 5.  Members of walls, partitions, or other vertical supports that are of insuMcient size to carry imposed

loads safely.

 6.  Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or other horizontal members that sag, split, or

buckle due to defective material or deterioration.

 7.  Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or other horizontal members that are of

insuMcient size to carry imposed loads safely.

 8.   Fireplaces or chimneys that list (to lean), bulge, or settle due to defective material or deterioration.

N. Hazardous Electrical Wiring. All wiring that does not conform to all applicable laws in eNect at the time of

installation, has not been maintained in good condition, or is not currently in good and safe condition and working

properly shall be considered hazardous and substandard.

O. Hazardous Plumbing. All plumbing that does not conform to all applicable laws in eNect at the time of

installation, has not been maintained in good condition, is not currently in good and safe condition or not working

properly, or is not free of cross-connections and siphonage between Kxtures shall be considered hazardous and

substandard. All water heaters require seismic strapping on the bottom one-third and top one-third of the unit. An

approved combination temperature and pressure-relief valve and valve relief discharge pipe shall be properly

installed and maintained on water heaters.

P. Hazardous Mechanical Equipment. All mechanical equipment including vents that do not conform to all

applicable laws in eNect at the time of installation, that has not been maintained in good and safe condition, and is

not currently in good and safe condition and working properly shall be considered hazardous and substandard.

Q. Fire Hazard. Any building or portion thereof, device, apparatus, equipment, combustible waste, or vegetation

that is in noncompliance with the Kre code to the extent that the Kre chief or "designee" has determined the

noncompliance condition is unsafe or that a Kre or explosion could occur as the result of said noncompliance shall

be considered hazardous and substandard. In addition, any condition the Kre chief or "designee" has determined

provides a ready fuel to augment the spread and intensity of Kre or explosion arising from any cause shall be

considered hazardous and substandard.

R. Faulty Materials of Construction. All materials of construction except those that are speciKcally allowed or

approved by the building code and that have been adequately maintained in good and safe condition shall be

considered hazardous and substandard.

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 32 of 67

S. Hazardous or Unsanitary Premises. Those premises on which an accumulation of weeds, vegetation, junk, dead

organic matter, debris, garbage, oNal, rodent harborages, stagnant water, combustible materials, and similar

materials or conditions that constitute a Kre hazard, health hazard, safety hazard, or a public nuisance shall be

considered hazardous and a public nuisance.

T. Inadequate Exits. All buildings or portions thereof not provided with adequate exit facilities as required by this

code, except those buildings or portions thereof whose exit facilities conformed with all applicable laws at the time

of their construction and that have been adequately maintained and increased in relation to any increase in

occupant load, alteration or addition, or any change in occupancy, shall be considered hazardous and

substandard. When an unsafe condition exists due to lack of or improper location of exits, additional exits may be

required to be installed.

U. Inadequate Fire Protection or Fire-Fighting Equipment. All buildings or portions thereof that are not provided

with Kre-resistive construction or Kre-extinguishing systems or equipment required by the building and Kre code,

except those buildings or portions thereof that conformed to all applicable laws at the time of their construction

and whose Kre-resistive integrity and Kre-extinguishing systems or equipment have been adequately maintained

and improved in relation to any increase in occupant load, alteration or addition, or any change in occupancy, shall

be considered hazardous and substandard.

V. Improper Occupancy. All buildings or portions thereof occupied for living, sleeping, cooking, or dining purposes

that were not designed or intended to be used for those occupancies shall be considered substandard.

W. Inadequate Emergency Egress. Bars, grills, covers, screens, or similar devices are not permitted to be placed

over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve sleeping rooms,

unless the minimum net opening dimensions required for escape and rescue openings are maintained. Such

devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, or force greater than that

which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.

X. Smoke Alarms. Smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in all buildings, common areas, or portions

thereof used, designed, or intended to be used for human habitation. During construction, smoke alarms shall

receive their primary power from the building wiring and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Wiring shall be

permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection. One smoke

alarm shall be installed at each of the following locations:

 1.  On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

 2.   In each room used for sleeping purposes.

 3.   In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and

uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between

the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed in the upper level shall suMce for the adjacent lower level;

 provided, that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.

 Exception: Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in buildings where no construction is

 taking place, buildings that are not served from a commercial power source and in existing areas of buildings

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

Title 1 General Provisions | Petaluma Municipal Code Page 33 of 67

undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling Knishes exposing

the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space, or basement available which could provide access for

 building wiring without the removal of interior Knishes.

Y. Premises Identi3cation. Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly

legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their

background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of four

inches (one hundred two millimeters) high, with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch (twelve and seven-tenths

millimeters).

Exception: Rural residential buildings shall not be required to comply with this section, provided such buildings

have a form of building identiKcation that has been approved by the Kre code oMcial.

(Ord. 2385 NCS §1, 2010.)