City of Cotati
Community Development Department
October 11, 2022
Consideration of an Ordinance to create Woonerf standards to allow creation of woonerfs in new private multifamily and mixed use developments
“A woonerf is an internal driveway within a development used as a multi-modal, multi-use shared space where priority is given to pedestrians and bicycles. Motor vehicles are considered guests in a woonerf, and as such, are subject to traffic calming and reduced speed limits in order to force drivers to reduce travel speeds and drive with caution so that all users feel welcome and safe.” Background
May 3, 2021 - Planning Commission Workshop
Woonerf included as one option to meet open space requirement in the multifamily Objective Design Standards.
June 21, 2021 – Planning Commission Public hearing
Commission voted to recommend the Standards with the woonerf option to the City Council.
August 10, 2021 – City Council Public Hearing
Consideration of the Objective Design Standards. Council discussed the woonerf concept at length and continued the item to allow staff to respond to questions raised by the Council.
September 28, 2021 – City Council Public Hearing
Council decided to remove the woonerf as an open space option in the Objective Design Standards, and directed staff to prepare an ordinance to generally require woonerfs in certain multifamily projects.
Background
November 1, 2021-Planning Commission Public Hearing
Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve the Woonerf Ordinance.
December 14, 2021- City Council Public Hearing
After considering the staff presentation and public comment, the Council requested certain revisions to the draft Ordinance.
September 19, 2022—Planning Commission Public Hearing
Commission voted to recommend a revised draft Ordinance based on Council direction from 12/14/21, with two minor changes, and requested additional Council discussion on the “transition zone”
December 2021 Council Direction
• Define “internal driveway” and require that all qualifying internal driveways within a development may be
candidates for woonerfs.
• Remove the requirement of a minimum of 100 square feet of woonerf per dwelling in favor of design standards that will maximize the amount of woonerf space in each new
development.
• Ensure that woonerfs are not placed on driveways that accommodate heavy motor vehicle circulation.
Woonerf
Example
Woonerf Example
Proposed Woonerf Ordinance: Key Revisions
“Internal driveway”: A private driveway, accessway, driving aisle, street, lane, or alley within a single development that provides motor vehicular access to that development’s structures, parking area(s), and/or other features or amenities
All internal driveways are candidates for woonerfs, with the goal of maximizing the amount of woonerf space within a given development (Previously a minimum of 100 square feet/dwelling unit) No woonerfs on driveways with “heavy traffic” (100+ motor vehicles trips during the p.m. peak hour)
Design should reduce the occurrence of
heavy-traffic driveways and cut-through
traffic, and maximize opportunities for
woonerfs
Proposed Woonerf Ordinance: Standards
Clear and distinctive entrance/exit with signage, change in pavement, and traffic calming features. Permeable OK.
Transition zone of 20’ between woonerf entry and intersection with another driveway or street (60’ for arterials) to allow entering cars to reduce speed, facilitate vehicle stacking and emergency vehicle access
Speed limit for all wheeled vehicles/devices is 8 mph One-way or two-way motor vehicle traffic
Close proximity to residential entries and common areas Traffic calming measures no less than 100’ apart (previously 160’)
Minimum length 60’. Maximum length eliminated (new)
Proposed Woonerf Ordinance: Standards
Woonerf width may vary, with minimum motor vehicle travel space 13’ and vehicle passing bays provided as needed (new) Incorporate seating, landscaping, decorative pavement, and other pedestrian/decorative amenities along full length, and eliminate continuous curbs. New: Seating to be provided at least every 100’
Bicycle parking to be provided per Code, Bike/Ped Plan Intermittent parking within woonerf is permitted; must be 35’ or more from entrances (new)
Emergency vehicle access shall be provided as approved by the Fire Marshal
Planning Commission Recommendation
Recommended Council approval, with minor changes (incorporated in current draft ordinance):
1. Add “lane” to definition of internal driveway, expanding on the previous list of “private driveway, accessway, driving aisle, street, or alley.”
2. Apply the 8 mph speed limit to all wheeled vehicles and devices, in addition to motor vehicles. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. PC raised concern that proposed 60’ transition zone from arterials (E.
Cotati, Old Red Hwy, and Gravenstein Hwy) is excessive, and might result in additional pavement, reduced woonerf area, and driver acceleration. Staff supports the 60-foot standard to allow drivers to reduce speed, allow sufficient vehicle stacking, and facilitate emergency vehicle access. To clarify the nature of the transition zone, staff revised the draft ordinance following the PC meeting: Shall be designed to slow traffic and alert drivers to the upcoming woonerf, with cautionary signage and a narrowed driveway, landscaping, and/or other measures.
Recommendation
The Planning Commission and the Community
Development Department recommend that the City
Council introduce an Ordinance that would allow for
the development and regulation of Woonerfs (multiuse/multi-modal zones) as part of certain new private development projects.
Questions?