NEWS
MEET OUR NEW CITY ENGINEER
Gina Benedetti-Petnic is Petaluma's new City Engineer
The City of Petaluma recently hired Gina Benedetti-Petnic, C.E., as its City Engineer, a key leadership position within the Department of Public Works & Utilities.

Gina was selected from a highly qualified pool of candidates because of her strong engineering background, her experience in local development, and her interest in serving the Petaluma community. Read the press release to learn more. Welcome, Gina!
FIRE SPRINKLER REQUIREMENTS AND TAX INCENTIVES
Thanks to a change in the federal tax code, business will be able to write off the full cost of installing a fire sprinkler system, rather than having to depreciate the cost over 39 years, as previously was the case. Read more here.

This is good news, especially for small businesses that need fire sprinklers installed as part of an expansion or change in business operations.  Another group that will benefit: owners of buildings on Petaluma Blvd North in the Historic Business District, who must install fire sprinklers within 5 or 11 years because of a change in the City's fire code.

Wondering if your business will need fire sprinklers? See the list below, then contact the Fire Prevention Division for assistance. 
  • Changing occupancy from under 49 to over 49 
  • Installing storage racks over 12 feet high (high-piled storage)
  • Increasing total square footage of an existing commercial building by 25% or greater 
  • Storing hazardous or flammable materials 
WANT YOUR PERMITS FASTER?
FOLLOW THESE STEPS
Charles Lucas, the City's Plans Examiner, at work
Business start-up or expansion projects often trigger the need for permits from different City divisions/departments. After finding out which permits they need, businesses usually ask, "How long will this take?" 

Recently, we asked City staff--including Charles Lucas, the City's Plan Reviewer--to tell us what businesses can do to expedite the permitting process. Read our blog post to learn their tips!
REMINDER: STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
If you are a manufacturer planning to purchase equipment or looking for a way to offset your employee training costs, you might be eligible for state tax waiver and reimbursement programs. Click here for more info. 
MOVING OR EXPANDING?
GET HELP NAVIGATING CITY REQUIREMENTS