Public Review Draft Ordinance

The public review draft is now available: Subdivision Ordinance - Public Review Draft - November 2024

The draft ordinance is proposed as a full update to Title 16 due to the age of the current ordinance (1986), organization, and the extent of amendments needed to bring it up to date with the State Subdivision Map Act and implementation of Program 1.08. 

Key updates include:
  • Reorganization of ordinance for usability;
  • Updated and added definitions and procedures;
  • Updated and clarified review responsibilities for each type of subdivision application, with review streamlined to the extent consistent with the State Subdivision Map Act including:
    • Planning Commission review of most tentative maps, if no dedication of land for parks and recreation facilities is proposed.
    • City Council review of most final maps, with the exception that the City Engineer could review final maps if there is no offer of dedication or if dedication is made only by statement on the map.
    • Consolidation of parcel map procedures into a single step (removal of requirement for a tentative parcel map).
  • Addition of objective subdivision review procedures to align with recent updates to the Design Review Ordinance and adhere to applicable State housing law;
  • Revision and addition of subdivision design standards for clarity and objective criteria;
  • Updated and clarified provisions for subdivision agreements and acceptance of improvements, as well as dedications and reservations;
  • Addition of standards for condominiums;
  • Addition of procedures for urban lot splits (implementation of SB 9) aligning to State law;
  • Updated and clarified procedures for certificates of compliance, lot line adjustments and parcel mergers.
Public Comment Opportunity

On November 14, the Planning Commission will conduct a public meeting to accept public comment, consider the ordinance, and provide a recommendation to the City Council concerning its adoption.  The agenda and meeting details are available beginning November 7, 2024 at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas

In addition, written comments may be provided to planning@ci.benicia.ca.us.