A. Purpose. It is the intent of the Theater Combining District to promote the development of movie theaters within the designated boundaries of the district. Said theaters shall be so-called “first-run” movie theaters, but may also include limited, incidental showings of independent and foreign films. The regulations established for this district shall not apply to theaters whose principal function is for “live” performances.

B. District Boundaries. The boundaries of the Theater Combining District shall be as follows: Washington/East Washington Street (north), Weller Street (east), “D” Street (south) and Sixth/Howard Street (west).

C. Movie Theater Uses Prohibited in Other Designated Zones. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Zoning Ordinance, movie theaters as defined in Section 5.050(A), above, shall not be permitted or conditionally permitted in any zoning district of the City of Petaluma outside of the established boundaries of the Theater Combining District. This limitation shall also apply to the zoning districts established for the Central Petaluma Specific Plan, if said property lies within the boundaries of the Specific Plan, but outside the boundaries of the Theater Combining District.

D. Sunset Provision. Unless otherwise rescinded by a majority vote of the City Council, this ordinance shall expire on (i) November 1, 2005 if construction of a first run movie theater in the Theater Combining District containing at least eight screens has not commenced by such date, or (ii) November 1, 2006 if a first run movie in the Theater Combining District containing at least eight screens has not opened for business to the public by such date, or, in any event, August 4, 2023. The expiration dates in subsections (i) and (ii) shall be extended one day for each day of delay in the commencement of construction or opening for business caused by Acts of God, riots, litigation challenges, or other circumstances beyond a developer’s reasonable control, as determined by the City Manager.