NEWS
PERMIT PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
Over the past several years, the City of Petaluma has worked to improve efficiency in its permitting process. For example, the City created a cross-departmental Development Review Committee (DRC); implemented an online zoning and permit portal (Open Counter); and changed zoning in certain areas of the city. These programs have improved communication and helped businesses navigate the permit process faster, while enabling the City to stay true to its General Plan and its core mission of ensuring public safety.  

Next on the City's list is to update its permit management software. Ingrid Alverde, the Economic Development Manager, has been working closely with Building staff to identify a system that meets the needs of the City and its "clients," i.e., anyone who submits a permit application. The plan is to offer online permitting and to automate repetitive, "low-level" tasks so that Building staff can focus on high-level tasks that take the most time.

We are excited about this development and will keep you posted as this gets closer to implementation. In the meantime, be sure to utilize the DRC and the Open Counter portal if you are planning to start or expand your business.
BUSINESS PROFILE: THE RACER'S GROUP (TRG)
Petaluma's industrial parks hold a lot of surprises. For example, along the South McDowell Extension, you'll find not only a commercial bakery, an international consumer products brand, and a sticker factory, but also a multifaceted motorsports company, The Racers Group (TRG ). Learn what TRG does and why they're here in Petaluma, in our latest business profile.  
NEW BUSINESS INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
Doug Hughes, Chief Building Official
Are you opening a new business in Petaluma or moving your existing business to a new location within the city limits?  The City's Fire Prevention and Building Divisions will need to visit your business and complete a Business Safety Inspection before the City will issue your business license. Learn more here. 
FREE COMMERCIAL WATER AUDITS 
The Ellis Creek treatment facility is super-duper water-savvy!
Summer is a great time to schedule a free water use assessment from the City of Petaluma.

Trained water conservation specialists will visit your property and perform a detailed assessment of all water-using apparatus inside of your business as well as a thorough landscape and irrigation system water audit. You will receive a detailed report of your water use as well as recommendations on how to increase water efficiencies throughout your property. 

To learn more, call the City of Petaluma's Water Conservation Department at (707) 778-4507 or visit their web page. 
EMPLOYEE RETENTION TIPS
In today's hot job market, even employees who are not actively looking for a job may leave if the right offer comes along. What's a North Bay employer to do? First, read our latest tip sheet, 5 Tips to Improve Employee Retention, written by Christine Campbell, business development manager at workforce solutions provider Nelson. Then contact us for information about local resources available to help with your recruitment and retention needs. 
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT:
PETALUMA HISTORICAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM
If you love history, architecture, libraries, or wedding dresses, take an hour out of your day between now and September, and visit the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum at the corner of B and Fourth Streets. We're not going to spoil the fun and tell you how the Library came to be (hint: it involves one rich guy and several persistent women). And we won't list the architectural and historical gems you'll find there (like the more than two dozen wedding dresses on display until Sept. 15). Instead, we encourage you to discover this Petaluma treasure for yourself...then contact Angela Ryan, executive director, to learn how the Library & Museum can meet your special event and employee engagement needs. You won't be disappointed!
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