Petaluma Municipal Code Ch. 20.24 Final Map
Petaluma Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Petaluma
Cite as: Petaluma Municipal Code Chapter 20.24 · Text as of 2026-10-04
20.24.010 Filing Enal map.¶
Within twenty-four months after approval or conditional approval of the tentative map; a subdivider shall cause
his subdivision; or any part thereof; to be surveyed and a Jnal map thereof prepared in conformance with the
tentative map as approved, including conformance with any conditions attached to such approval. The tracing;
one polyester base Jlm; two cloth linens; Jve paper prints of the Jnal map and all required data as speciJed in
Section 20.24.020 shall be Jled with an application to the city engineer. At the time of application for the Jnal map;
the subdivider must submit improvement plans containing all necessary engineering support data and
calculations applicable thereto; as speciJed in writing on a form or forms prescribed by the engineering
department. Said improvement plans must comply with all conditions required on the approved tentative map.
The city engineer shall indicate upon all copies of the Jnal map and improvement plans the date of Jling; which
shall be the date on which the application is certiJed as tentatively complete. An extension of time for the Jling of
the Jnal map may be granted upon consent of the planning commission and the applicant for a period or periods
not to exceed an additional twelve months. (Ord. 1501 NCS §1, 1982; Ord. 1289 NCS §15, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1,
1972; prior code §22.6.100.)
20.24.020 Required data.¶
At the time of submitting the Jnal map of a subdivision to the city engineer the subdivider shall submit therewith
the documents in Sections 20.24.030 through 20.24.110. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.200.)
20.24.030 Traverse sheets.¶
Calculation and traverse sheets in a form approved by the city engineer; giving bearings and distances and
coordinates of the boundary of the subdivision and blocks and lots therein shown on the Jnal map shall be
submitted with the Jnal map. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.201.)
20.24.040 Public improvements plans.¶
The original tracings of detailed plans; cross-sections and proJles of this chapter and of all other improvements
proposed to be installed as required by the provisions of this chapter and of all other improvements proposed to
be installed by the subdivider in; on; over or under any street; right-of-way, easement or parcel of land dedicated
by the map or previously dedicated; including the estimated cost thereof, shall be Jled with the city engineer for
his approval and signature. All such plans shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the city
engineer. Plan sheets shall be twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches with a one inch left margin and a plan and
proJle drawn to a scale of one inch equals forty feet or an appropriate scale previously approved by the city
engineer. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.202.)
20.24.050 No-access-rights certiEcate.¶
A no-access-rights certiJcate shall be shown on the Jnal map where required by the city engineer. (Ord. 1046 NCS
§1, 1972; prior code §22.6.203.)
20.24.060 Design data.¶
Design data; assumptions and computations for proper analysis in accordance with sound engineering practice
shall be submitted with the Jnal map. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.204.)
20.24.070 Report and guarantee of clear title.¶
The Jnal map shall be accompanied by a current report prepared by a duly authorized title company naming the
persons whose consent is necessary for the preparation and recordation of such map and for dedication of the
streets; alleys; and other public places shown on the map and certifying that as of the date of the preparation of
the report; the persons therein named are all the persons necessary to give clear title to such subdivision. At the
time of recording said map, following approval by the city council; there shall be Jled with the county recorder a
guarantee executed by a duly authorized title company for the beneJt and protection of the city showing that
persons (naming them) consenting to the preparation and recordation of such map and oMering for dedication the
streets, alleys, and other public places shown thereon are all the persons necessary to pass clear title to such
subdivision and to the dedications shown thereon. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.205.)
20.24.080 Preliminary soil report required.¶
A preliminary soil report prepared by a civil engineer specializing in soil mechanics and registered by the state of
California; based upon adequate test borings or excavations shall be submitted with the Jnal map. The fact that a
soil report has been prepared shall be noted on the Jnal map in accordance with Section 11568 of the Map Act.
(Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.206.)
20.24.090 Soil problems—Action.¶
If the preliminary soil report indicates the presence of critically expansive soils or other soil problems which; if not
corrected; would lead to structural defects; a soil investigation of each lot in the subdivision may be required;
prepared by a civil engineer specializing in soil mechanics and registered by the state of California. The soil
investigation shall recommend corrective action intended to prevent structural damage to each dwelling proposed
to be constructed on expansive or unstable soil. The report shall be Jled with the city building department. (Ord.
1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.207.)
20.24.100 Agreement.¶
The agreement speciJed in Sections 20.24.360 and 20.24.370 shall be submitted with the Jnal map. (Ord. 1296
NCS §1, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.208.)
20.24.110 Deed restrictions.¶
Three copies of all proposed deed restrictions shall be submitted with the Jnal map. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;
prior code §22.6.209.)
20.24.120 Size, material and scale.¶
The Jnal map shall be clearly and legibly drawn in black waterproof India ink upon good tracing cloth; except that
aLdavits; certiJcates; and acknowledgments may be legibly stamped or printed upon the map with opaque ink.
Signatures shall be in opaque black ink. The dimensions of each sheet of such map shall be eighteen inches by
twenty-six inches. A marginal line shall be drawn completely around each sheet; leaving an entirely blank margin
of two inches at the left edge and one inch at the other three edges of the sheet. The scale of the map shall be
suLcient to show all details clearly and in no case shall be less than one inch equals one hundred feet; nor greater
than one inch equals forty feet. Enough sheets shall be used to accomplish this end. The number of each sheet
and the total number of sheets comprising the map shall be stated on each of the sheets and the relation of each
adjoining sheet shall be clearly shown by a small key map on the Jrst sheet. Each sheet of such map proper shall
show the date of the survey; north point, and written and graphic scale. The map shall be so made and shall be in
such condition when Jled that good legible prints and negatives can be made therefrom. The location of the
subdivision within the city shall be shown by a small scale map on the Jrst sheet. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior
code §22.6.301.)
20.24.130 Contents of title.¶
The title of each sheet of such Jnal map shall consist of the approved name and unit number of the tract; if any; at
the lower right hand corner of the sheet; followed by the words "City of Petaluma." Maps Jled for the purpose of
showing as acreage land previously subdivided shall be conspicuously marked with the words "Reversion to
Acreage." (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.302.)
20.24.140 Coordinate system.¶
Whenever the city engineer has established a system of coordinates; then the survey shall be tied into such
system. The adjoining corners of all adjoining subdivisions shall be identiJed by lot and block numbers;
subdivision name and place of record; or other proper designation. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code
§22.6.303.)
20.24.150 Subdivision boundary.¶
An accurate and complete boundary survey to second order accuracy shall be made of the land to be subdivided.
A traverse of the exterior boundaries of the tract; and of each block, when computed from Jeld measurements on
the ground; shall close within a limit of one foot to ten thousand feet of perimeter. The boundary of the
subdivision shall be indicated on the Jnal map by a red dash dot line approximately one-sixteenth of an inch wide.
Any area within such exterior boundary line which does not constitute a part of the subdivision shall be labeled
"not a part of this subdivision." All lines enclosing such excluded areas shall be dashed. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;
prior code §22.6.304.)
20.24.160 Dimensions, bearing and curve data.¶
The Jnal map shall show all survey and mathematical information and data necessary to locate all monuments
and to locate and retrace all interior and exterior boundary lines appearing thereon; including bearing and
distance of straight lines; and central angle; radius; and arc length of curves; and such information as may be
necessary to determine the location of the centers of curves. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.305.)
20.24.170 Lots and blocks.¶
All lots and blocks and all parcels oMered for dedication for any purpose shall be particularly delineated and
designated with all dimensions; boundaries and courses clearly shown and deJned in every case. Parcels oMered
for dedication other than for streets or easements shall be designated by letter. SuLcient linear, angular and
curve data shall be shown to determine readily the bearing and length of the boundary lines of every block; lot
and parcel which is a part thereof. Sheets shall be so arranged that no lot is split between two or more sheets; and
wherever practicable, blocks in their entirety shall be shown on one sheet. No ditto marks shall be used for lot
dimensions. Lot numbers shall begin with the numeral "1" and continue consecutively throughout the tract; with
no omissions or duplications. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.306.)
20.24.180 Streets.¶
The map shall show the right-of-way lines of each street, and the width of any portion being dedicated, and widths
of any existing dedications. The widths and locations of adjacent streets and other public properties within Jfty
feet of the subdivision shall be shown. If any street in the subdivision is a continuation or approximately a
continuation of an existing street; the conformity or the amount of nonconformity of such street to such existing
streets shall be accurately shown. Whenever the centerline of a street has been established or recorded; the data
shall be shown on the Jnal map. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.307.)
20.24.190 Easements.¶
The side lines of all easements shall be shown by Jne dashed lines. If any easement already of record cannot be
deJnitely located; a statement of the existence; the nature thereof; and its recorded reference shall appear on the
title sheet. Distances and bearings on the side lines of lots which are cut by an easement shall be arrowed or so
shown that the map will indicate clearly the actual lengths of the lot lines. The widths of all easements and
suLcient ties thereto to deJnitely locate the same with respect to the subdivision shall be shown. All easements
shall be clearly labeled and identiJed. If an easement shown on the map is already of record; its recorded
reference shall be given. If an easement is being dedicated by the map; it shall be set out in the owner’s certiJcate
of dedication. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.308.)
20.24.200 Reserved.¶
1 Editor’s Note: Former subsection 20.24.200; pertaining to setbacks; previously codiJed herein and containing
portions of prior code §22.6.309 and Ord. No. 1046, was repealed in its entirety by Ord. No. 1903.
20.24.210 High water line.¶
The map shall show the line of mean higher high water with a Jne continuous line in case the subdivision is
adjacent to a tidal waterway; and shall also show with a Jne continuous line; any lots subject to inundation by a
one percent frequency storm. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.310.)
20.24.220 Monuments.¶
The map shall show fully and clearly what stakes; monuments or other evidence to determine the boundaries of
the subdivision were found on the ground and each adjacent corner of each adjoining subdivision or portion
thereof; by lot and block numbers; tract name or number; and place of record; by section; municipality and range;
or other proper designation. Any monument or benchmark; as required by this chapter; that is disturbed or
destroyed before acceptance of all improvements; shall be replaced by the subdivider. The required monuments
in Sections 20.24.230 through 20.24.270 shall be shown on the Jnal map. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code
§22.6.311.)
20.24.230 Monuments placed during survey—Reset ties.¶
The location of all monuments placed in making the survey shall be shown on the Jnal map. If any points were
reset by ties; that fact shall be stated. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.311.1.)
20.24.240 Concrete monuments below street grades.¶
Concrete monuments depressed below street grade with cast iron ring and cover of a type approved by the city
engineer shall be set at intersections of street centerline tangents or oMsets therefrom; or as required by the city
engineer. The exact location of all such monuments shall be shown on the Jnal map. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;
prior code §22.6.311.2.)
20.24.250 Rear and front lot corner pipes.¶
All rear lot corner pipes and front lot corner pipes or oMset crossmarks in the concrete surface of the public
sidewalks shall be shown on the Jnal map with oMset distances stated on the map. (Ord. 1785 NCS §7, 1990; Ord.
1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.311.3.)
20.24.260 Setting monuments—When.¶
Monuments shall be set after approval of the Jnal map by the city council; and prior to acceptance of the public
improvements by the city council. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.311.4.)
20.24.270 Disturbing monument—Replacement.¶
Any monument or benchmark, as required by this chapter; that is disturbed before acceptance of all
improvements shall be replaced by the subdivider. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.311.5.)
20.24.280 CertiEcate, acknowledgements and description.¶
The title sheet of the map, below the title, shall show the name of the engineer or surveyor, together with the date
of the survey, the scale of the map and the number of sheets. The certiJcates in Sections 20.24.290 through
20.24.350, acknowledgments and description shall appear on the title sheet of the Jnal maps; and such certiJcates
may be combined where appropriate. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.312.)
20.24.290 CertiEcate by parties holding title.¶
A certiJcate in accordance with the provisions of Sections 66435 through 66443 of the Map Act shall appear on the
title sheet of the Jnal maps. (Ord. 1785 NCS §7, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.312.1.)
20.24.300 Dedication certiEcates.¶
A certiJcate in accordance with Sections 66435 through 66443 of the Map Act shall appear on the title sheet of the
Jnal maps. (Ord. 1785 NCS §7, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.312.2.)
20.24.310 Engineer’s certiEcate.¶
A certiJcate in accordance with Sections 66435 through 66443 of the Map Act shall appear on the title sheet of the
Jnal maps. (Ord. 1785 NCS §7, 1990; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.312.3.)
20.24.320 CertiEcates for execution.¶
CertiJcates for execution shall appear on the title sheet of the Jnal maps by each of the following:
A. City engineer;
B. City clerk;
C. County recorder;
D. A certiJcate of acceptance by the Sonoma County water agency when parcels or easements are oMered for
dedication thereto.
(Ord. 1247 NCS §1, 1977; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.312.4.)
20.24.330 Description of property.¶
A description of all property being subdivided by reference to maps or deeds of the property shown thereon as
shall have been previously recorded or Jled shall appear on the title sheet of the Jnal maps. Each reference in
such description to any tract or subdivision shall show a complete reference to the book and page of records of
the county. The description shall also include reference to any vacated area with the number of the ordinance of
vacating thereof. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.312.5.)
20.24.340 Other aFdavits or related materials.¶
Such other aLdavits; certiJcates; acknowledgments; endorsements and notarial seals as are required by law and
by this chapter shall appear on the title sheet of the Jnal maps. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.312.6.)
20.24.350 CertiEcate regarding tax lien.¶
Prior to the Jling of the Jnal map with the city council; the subdivider shall Jle the certiJcates and documents set
forth in Article 8 of the Map Act or any amendments thereto relating to taxes and assessments. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1,
1972; prior code §22.6.312.7.)
20.24.360 Public improvement agreement.¶
At the time the Jnal map is submitted; the subdivider shall execute and Jle an agreement between himself and
the city; specifying the period within which he shall complete all public improvement work to the satisfaction of
the city engineer; and providing that if he fails to complete such work within such period; the city may complete
the same and recover the full cost and expense thereof from the subdivider or his surety. The agreement shall
also provide for inspection of all public improvements by the city engineer and that the cost of such inspections
shall be reimbursed to the city by the subdivider. Such agreement may also provide the following:
A. For the construction of the improvements in units;
B. For extension of time under conditions therein speciJed.
The agreement or a separate agreement shall also provide that the subdivider shall submit the necessary surety
bonds required by this chapter and the Subdivision Map Act prior to the time the Jnal map is submitted to the city
council.
(Ord. 1296 NCS §2, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §§22.6.400-402.)
20.24.370 Security for public improvements.¶
Prior to Jling of the Jnal map with the city council; the subdivider shall Jle security in the amount equal to the
estimated cost of the public improvements, as determined by the city engineer; and additional security for labor
and materials in an amount not less than Jfty percent of the estimated cost of the public improvements. Security
may be furnished in any form permitted by Section 66499 of the Government Code; provided the same is
approved in form and as to amount by the city attorney and city manager; respectively; and provided that the city
attorney approves the kind and amount of cash deposit or certiJcate of deposit (other than surety bonds)
submitted in each case. As a condition precedent to approval of improvement security; other than security bonds;
the subdivider shall be required to submit on demand such proof of value of the security oMered; such as
appraisals; title guarantees; etc.; as will be necessary to establish that the public improvements are fully secured.
Any surety bonds submitted as security shall be issued by a surety company authorized to transact a surety
business in California. (Ord. 1379 NCS §1, 1979; Ord. 1296 NCS §3, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code
§22.6.501.)
20.24.380 Security—Use.¶
A. In the event the subdivider fails to complete all improvement work in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter and the improvement agreement; the city may require the subdivider’s surety to do so within thirty days
after notice in writing of the default, or the city may; entirely at its option; complete the work; or cause it to be
completed and call upon the surety or security for reimbursement.
B. If the amount of security exceeds all costs and expenses incurred by the city; it shall release the remainder of
such security; and if the amount of or value of the security at the time of completion is less than the cost and
expenses incurred by the city; the subdivider shall be liable to the city for such diMerence.
(Ord. 1379 NCS §2, 1979; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.502.)
20.24.385 CertiEcation of complete application.¶
Within thirty days of Jling of the application for the Jnal map; the city engineer shall examine such and determine
if all the data required has been submitted and the application is complete. If he determines that the application is
incomplete; he shall issue a certiJcate of incomplete application and advise the subdivider of the data needed to
complete the application. If the city engineer Jnds the application to be complete and all required data provided;
he shall issue a certiJcate of complete application and begin action on the Jnal map. (Ord. 1289 NCS §16, 1978.)
20.24.390 Action on Enal map by city engineer.¶
After certifying the application to be complete; the city engineer shall examine the Jnal map and other data
submitted therewith and determine whether or not the subdivision as shown is substantially the same as it
appeared on the tentative map; and any approved alterations thereof; that all provisions of this title or any other
ordinance and the Subdivision Map Act applicable at the time of approval of the tentative map have been
complied with; and that he is satisJed that the map is technically correct. If the city engineer determines that the
Jnal map is not in full conformity with the tentative map; he shall advise the subdivider of the changes or
additions that must be made; and shall aMord the subdivider an opportunity to make such changes or additions. If
the city engineer determines that full conformity therewith has been made; and upon receipt of a report of
conformity from the planning director as set forth in Section 20.24.400; he shall so certify on the map and shall
transmit the map to the city council. (Ord. 1289 NCS §17, 1978; Ord. 1247 NCS §2, 1977; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972;
prior code §22.6.600.)
20.24.400 Action on Enal map by planning director.¶
Following certiJcation of complete application; the planning director shall certify in writing to the city council and
the city engineer that the Jnal map is in full conformity with all provisions of the zoning ordinance; the general plan, and all other applicable regulations of the city and this title. (Ord. 1289 NCS §18, 1978; Ord. 1046 NCS §1,
1972; prior code §22.6.700.)
20.24.420 Approval by city council.¶
At its Jrst regular meeting following the city engineer’s Jling of the Jnal map with the city clerk as aforesaid; the
city council shall consider said map; the plan of subdivision; and the oMers of dedication. The city council may
reject any or all oMers of dedication and may; as a condition precedent to the acceptance of any streets or
easements or the approval of said subdivision; require the subdivider; at his option; to either improve or agree to
improve the streets; install such drainage and utility structures and service as it shall determine; and within the
period it shall specify. Such agreement shall include and have incorporated as part thereof; the plans;
speciJcations; and proJle referred to and required under Section 20.24.360. If the city council shall determine that
said map is in conformity with the requirements of this title; that it is satisJed with the plans of subdivision; and
shall accept all oMers of dedication; it shall approve said map and the city clerk shall thereupon so certify said map
and transmit it to the clerk of the board of supervisors of Sonoma County in conformity with Section 11617 of the
Map Act. (Ord. 1247 NCS §3, 1977; Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.900.)
20.24.430 Disapproval by council.¶
If the city council determines either that the map is not in conformity with the requirements of this title; or that it
is not satisJed with the plans of subdivision; or if it shall reject any oMer or oMers of dedication; it shall disapprove
the map specifying its reason therefor and the city clerk shall in writing advise the subdivider of such disapproval;
and of the reason or reasons for such disapproval. Within thirty days after the city council has disapproved any
map; the subdivider may Jle with the city engineer a map altered to meet the approval of the city council. In such
case; the city engineer shall review the altered map for conformance with the requirements of the city council and
shall then submit the altered map to the city council for its approval along with a certiJcation that the altered map
is technically correct. No Jnal map shall have any force or eMect until the same has been approved by the city
council and no oMer of dedication shall be accepted until the county clerk has recorded the map with the county
recorder. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.1000.)
20.24.440 Recordation.¶
When the city council has approved the Jnal map as aforesaid; and when the subdivider has Jled with the city
clerk the agreement and bond; described in Sections 20.24.370 through 20.24.380; and when such agreement and
bond has been approved by the city attorney; as to form; and by the city manager as to suLciency; the city clerk
shall present the map to the county clerk who shall record the same with the county recorder. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1,
1972; prior code §22.6.1100.)
20.24.445 Decision time limit.¶
The city council shall either approve or disapprove said Jnal map within one year from the date on which the
application for the Jnal map was certiJed as complete. (Ord. 1289 NCS §19, 1978.)
20.24.447 Automatic approval.¶
In the event that the city council fails to act to approve or disapprove the Jnal map within the time limits
prescribed by this chapter; such failure to act shall be deemed approval by the city council. (Ord. 1289 NCS §19,
1978.)
20.24.450 Fees.¶
At the time of Jling a Jnal subdivision map; the subdivider shall pay such fees as established by resolution of the
city council. (Ord. 1046 NCS §1, 1972; prior code §22.6.1200.)
20.24.460 ModiEcation of Enal maps.¶
After a Jnal map is Jled in the oLce of the county recorder; such a recorded Jnal map may be modiJed by a
certiJcate of correction or an amending map; if:
A. The city council Jnds that there are changes in circumstances which make any or all of the conditions of such
a map no longer appropriate or necessary; and
B. The modiJcations do not impose any additional burden on the present fee owner of the property; and
C. The modiJcations do not alter any right; title; or interest in the real property reKected on the recorded map;
and
D. The map as modiJed conforms to Government Code Section 66469.
Any proposed modiJcation shall be set for public hearing as provided in Government Code Section 66451.3 and
such hearing shall be conJned to the consideration of an action on the proposed modiJcation.
(Ord. 1785 NCS §7, 1990; Ord. 1541 NCS §1, 1983.)
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code