Petaluma Municipal Code Ch. 20.16 Tentative Map
Petaluma Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Petaluma
Cite as: Petaluma Municipal Code Chapter 20.16 · Text as of 2026-10-04
20.16.005 Filing—When.¶
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.)
20.16.010 Filing.¶
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 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.)
20.16.020 Fees.¶
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.)
20.16.025 CertiEcate of complete application.¶
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.)
20.16.030 Preparation.¶
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.)
20.16.040 Scale.¶
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.)
20.16.050 Vicinity sketch.¶
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.)
20.16.060 Information required generally.¶
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.)
20.16.070 Tract name and unit number.¶
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.)
20.16.080 Name and address of record owner.¶
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.)
20.16.090 Name and address of subdivider.¶
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.)
20.16.100 Name and address of preparer.¶
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.)
20.16.110 Date, north point and scale.¶
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.)
20.16.120 Description of location and boundaries.¶
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.)
20.16.130 Descriptions of adjacent streets.¶
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.)
20.16.140 Descriptions of adjacent tracts and unplatted land.¶
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.)
20.16.150 Contours—Benchmarks.¶
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.)
20.16.160 Grading plan.¶
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.)
20.16.170 Isolated trees.¶
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.)
20.16.180 Areas subject to inundation—Watercourses.¶
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.)
20.16.190 Existing uses and buildings.¶
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.)
20.16.200 Zoning uses and changes.¶
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.)
20.16.210 Proposed public areas.¶
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.)
20.16.220 Proposed lands in private ownership.¶
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.)
20.16.230 Easements for drainage, sewerage or public utilities.¶
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.)
20.16.240 Curve radii.¶
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.)
20.16.250 Lot layout and dimensions.¶
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.)
20.16.260 Lot area.¶
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.)
20.16.270 Water sources.¶
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.)
20.16.280 Sewerage and sewage disposal.¶
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.)
20.16.290 Storm drain facilities.¶
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.)
20.16.300 Curbs, gutters, sidewalks and other improvements.¶
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.)
20.16.310 Proposed dedications, easements and deed restrictions.¶
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.)
20.16.320 Elevations.¶
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.)
20.16.330 Preliminary landscaping plan.¶
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.)
20.16.340 Location of improvements to be shown on map.¶
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.)
20.16.350 Boundaries of units to be shown on map.¶
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.)
20.16.360 Street names generally.¶
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.)
20.16.370 Existing street—Proposed street.¶
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.)
20.16.380 Street designations on map.¶
"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.)
20.16.390 Accompanying data statement.¶
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.)
20.16.400 Distribution of tentative map.¶
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.)
20.16.410 Written report by planning director.¶
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.)
20.16.420 Written report by engineer.¶
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.)
20.16.430 Planning commission action.¶
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.)
20.16.440 City council action.¶
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.)
20.16.450 NotiEcation of approval.¶
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.)
20.16.460 Compliance with all city requirements.¶
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.)
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