Urban Growth Boundaries accomplish these goals:
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Protects Open Space and Farmland
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Increases Wildfire Resilience
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Prevents Costly Sprawl
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Reduces Climate Impacts
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Increases Housing near shops, schools and public services
Compact cities and towns, rather than sprawling development, tend to be less dependent on cars, which is good for the environment as well as the community’s health. It’s easier for residents to walk, bike, or take public transportation, which reduces the city’s carbon footprint while also encouraging exercise and decreasing harmful air pollution. Additionally, a higher-density city uses less water.
History
Petaluma has been a land use leader for decades, becoming the first city in Sonoma County to put boundaries on growth in its General Plan policies in the 1970s and 1980s.
According to the City of Petaluma, “these efforts began largely in response to spawl development and failing infrastructure in the 1960s and were first adopted into the City’s General Plan in 1961 in the form of recognizing the benefits of compact development patterns.”
In 1998, Petaluma passed its first voter-approved Urban Growth Boundary Measure I.
The UGB has remained continually in place as the city has grown, allowing for good land-use planning.
Protects Open Space and Farmland
Increases Wildfire Resiliency
Prevents Costly Sprawl
Prioritizes Housing Near Shops, Schools, and Public Services
Reduces Climate Impacts
UGB is a priority for Petaluma
According to the City of Petaluma, the extension of the UGB is aligned with the City Council’s goal to preserve and protect Petaluma’s environment for future generations and to become a municipal leader in sustainability by protecting our river and open space; reducing and drawing down greenhouse gas emissions; and encouraging sustainable development.
The extension of the UGB is a top Council priority for fiscal year 2024/2025. The objectives of the UGB to encourage efficient growth, foster public health, protect Petaluma’s natural setting, and promote stability in long-term planning for the City are all aligned with the City’s climate goals.
All nine cities in Sonoma County have voter-approved UGBs. Most of them have passed—and renewed at least once—with super-majority votes ranging from 63% to 90%.
