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Chapter 1 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY OF ZONING ORDINANCE

1.050 Rules of Interpretation.

Petaluma Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · Petaluma

A. Authority. The Director has the authority to interpret any provision of this Zoning Ordinance. If the Director determines that the meaning or applicability of any Zoning Ordinance requirement is subject to interpretation, the Director may issue an official interpretation. The Director may also refer any issue of interpretation to the Commission for their determination.

B. Language. When used in this Zoning Ordinance, the words "shall," "must," "will," "is to," and "are to" are always mandatory. "Should" is not mandatory but is strongly recommended; and "may" is permissive. The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future tense includes the present. The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural the singular, unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise. The words "includes" and "including" shall mean "including but not limited to. . .".

C. Time limits. Whenever a number of days is specified in this Zoning Ordinance, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice provided in compliance with this Zoning Ordinance, the number of days shall be construed as consecutive calendar days. A time limit shall extend to 5 p.m. on the following working day where the last of the specified number of days falls on a weekend or holiday.

  • D. Zoning Map boundaries. See Section 2.020 (Zoning Map and Zones).

  • E. Allowable uses of land. See Section 3.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Planning Permit Requirements).

  • F. State law requirements. Where this Zoning Ordinance references applicable provisions of State law (for example, the California Government Code, Subdivision Map Act, or Public Resources Code), the reference shall be construed to mean the applicable State law provisions as they may be amended from time to time.

  • G. Conflicting requirements. See Section 1.040 (D) (Conflicting requirements).

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

Ch. 1 Purpose and Applicability of Zoning Ordinance | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance

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

Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has the official version of the Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance. Users should contact the city clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.

City Website: cityofpetaluma.net

Hosted by General Code.

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

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Ch. 2 Zoning Map and Zones | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance

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▸Contents — Petaluma Zoning Code
Petaluma Zoning Code
  1. ▸Chapter 1 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY OF ZONING ORDINANCE
    Overview
    1. 1.010 Purposes of the Zoning Ordinance.
    2. 1.020 Authority for the Zoning Ordinance.
    3. 1.030 Responsibility for Administration.
    4. 1.040 Applicability of the Zoning Ordinance.
    5. 1.050 Rules of Interpretation.
  2. Chapter 2
  3. Chapter 3 — DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
  4. Chapter 4 — ZONE DISTRICTS AND ALLOWABLE LAND USES
  5. Chapter 5 — OVERLAY ZONES
  6. Chapter 6 — FLOODWAY AND FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICTS
  7. Chapter 7 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
  8. Chapter 8 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENT
  9. Chapter 9
  10. Chapter 10 — ADULT ORIENTED BUSINESS
  11. Chapter 11 — PARKING AND LOADING FACILITIES, OFF-STREET
  12. Chapter 12 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS MODIFICATIONS
  13. Chapter 13
  14. Chapter 14 — LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
  15. Chapter 15
  16. Chapter 16
  17. Chapter 17 — TREE PRESERVATION
  18. Chapter 18 — PUBLIC ART
  19. Chapter 19 — PLANNED UNIT DISTRICT AND PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTR…
  20. Chapter 20 — SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES
  21. Chapter 21 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
  22. Chapter 22 — NONCONFORMING USES
  23. Chapter 23
  24. Chapter 24
  25. Chapter 25 — AMENDMENTS
  26. Chapter 26 — ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES, ENACTMENT
  27. Chapter 27 — RESIDENTIAL DENSITY BONUS
  28. Chapter 28 — GLOSSARY

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