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Agenda packet

Cotati City Council
March 26, 2024

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Agenda packet
Meeting
March 26, 2024
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Cotati City Council
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17
Original file
9.6 MB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on cotaticity.primegov.com. That file is the official record.

AGENDA

JOINT MEETING OF THE COTATI CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

FORMER COTATI COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
City Council Chamber, City Hall 201 W. Sierra Avenue
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
The Cotati City Council welcomes you to its meetings that are generally scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Your interest and participation are encouraged and appreciated.

City Council meeting agendas, minutes and recordings are posted on the City’s Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.org. For questions about the agenda or to receive the City Council agenda by e-mail, contact the Deputy City Clerk at [email protected] or 707-665-3622.

Cotati City Council Meetings will be conducted in person in the Council Chamber. To guarantee your ability to participate, you must attend the meeting in person. As a courtesy to the public, the City allows citizens the opportunity to view and offer public comments virtually through Zoom Online video conferencing platform. Technical difficulties may occur that make the Zoom platform unavailable. If Zoom is unavailable, the meeting will continue. Participants considering using Zoom should consider attending in person, if they desire to ensure their ability to view the meeting and offer public comments.

Subject to the above disclaimer, Zoom Online video conferencing is available to watch or listen in the following ways:

1. Using the following online livestream meeting portal link: https://cotaticity.primegov.com/public/portal

2. Cable T.V. Broadcast, local channel 28
Members of the public can participate in the meeting online by clicking the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89799069510?pwd=TnpoRlVjOUl6dXhmOXBrdmQxOGlRdz09 If you do not have the ability to join online, but would like to participate in the meeting, you can call into the meeting using your telephone, by dialing one of the following numbers and entering the meeting credentials:

Webinar ID: 897 9906 9510 Passcode: 659994
+1 (669) 900-6833 or +1 (346) 248-7799 or +1 (253) 215-8782 or +1 (301) 715-8592 or +1 (312) 626-6799 or +1 (929) 436-2866 Attendees may join the meeting any time after 5:45pm. Attendees will be muted until they are called upon for Public Comment. To make a public comment, use the “raise hand” icon on your smart device or desktop computer, or dial *9 if you are using just your telephone. Please listen carefully for the Mayor or City Clerk to address you by name (or phone number) and for the audible Zoom notification that you have been unmuted. Once you begin your public comment, your three minutes will begin.

If you would prefer to submit your public comment in writing, please email your comments to [email protected]. If you are commenting on a specific agenda item or items, please state the agenda item number(s) in the subject line of the email. All comments received via email will be provided to the City Council or Planning Commission in writing and included as part of the record of the meeting.

Notice is hereby given that Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on this agenda.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Cotati City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for inspection in the online Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.org and in the City Manager’s office located at 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, California, during the City’s posted business hours.

Disabled Accommodation: Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate formats to persons with disabilities as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact the Deputy City Clerk at (707) 665-3622 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Rules of Decorum: To avoid distraction, the following meeting etiquette shall be enforced. • Silence electronic devices, including cell phones.

Cotati City Council Packet March 26, 2024

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• Audience members are advised to keep conversations to a minimum or conduct them outside the building. • Photographs or video recordings using tri-pods or other means that would be distracting are to be taken only from the designated media area. • The Presiding Officer shall request that the audience withhold expressions of support or opposition for speakers in the interest of time and to encourage the full expression of differing views. (City Council Policy 2023-01 III.B.1.) Public Comment (Action items): Public comment on any one agenda item where the City Council will be taking some action is limited to no more than three (3) minutes per person. Action items are typically designated on the agenda title.

Public Comment (Non-Action items): Public comment on non- action agenda items shall be received during the designated portion of the agenda.

Comments shall be limited to no more than three (3) minutes for all non-action agenda items.

Waiver Warning: If you challenge decisions/direction of the City Council of the City of Cotati in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at public hearing(s) described in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Cotati at, or prior to, the public hearing(s).

City Council meetings are conducted according to City Council Policy 2023-01: City Council Rules. This policy available for inspection in the online Meeting Portal at www.cotaticity.org and in the City Manager’s office located at 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, California, during the City’s posted business hours.

Those wishing to address the Council are asked to complete a speaker card and give it to the City Clerk. When you are called, step to the podium and state your name and address for the record. Persons wishing to address the Council are not required to identify themselves or complete a speaker card; (Gov’t. Code § 54953.3); however, this information assists the Mayor by ensuring that all persons wishing to address the Council are recognized and it assists the City Clerk in preparing the City Council meeting minutes.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The City of Cotati recognizes that we’re on the ancestral lands of the Coastal Miwok, who are the original caretakers of this area. We respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who have been stewarding and maintaining a relationship on this land as knowledge keepers for millennia. This acknowledgement does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities but serves as a gesture of respect to the land we are on.

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING OF ALL

RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES INTRODUCED AND/OR ADOPTED UNDER THIS

AGENDA (ACTION)
A. COTATI CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING – MAR 12, 2024

6. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Meeting Orientation for New Attendees/Viewers. In conformance with the Brown Act and the adopted City Council Rules, the meeting agenda includes items labeled as Action Items, where the City Council may consider the item. If the City Council considers the item, citizens will be afforded the opportunity to provide comments relevant to the item being discussed. The meeting agenda also includes a Citizens Business item, which is the designated place on the agenda where citizens have the right to say whatever they wish. However, the Brown Act prohibits the City Council from taking action or considering any item that is not this agenda, to ensure that other members of the community who wish to provide comment are notified in advance through a properly noticed meeting agenda.

B. Measure S supports police services, a variety of recreation programs for all ages, and the maintenance of our streets, parks, and public buildings. See details on the web at cotaticity.org C. Citizens interested in receiving City of Cotati community alerts via text or email are encouraged to sign up with CivicReady, by signing up on the City’s website, www.cotaticity.org, under the “How do I” link at the top of the homepage.

Cotati City Council Packet March 26, 2024

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D. Like always, we love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact the City at 707-792-4600 or [email protected].

If you have a non-emergency issue after normal business hours, you can contact us at 707-792-4611 and of course if you have an emergency, please contact 9-1-1. Continue to look for updates on the City's website and social media channels available on Facebook, Instagram, and CivicReady.

7. APPROVAL OF FINAL AGENDA (ACTION)
This item will only be opened for the public comment if the City Council proposes to take any action to modify this agenda.

8. CITIZEN BUSINESS AND PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS Any member of the public wishing to speak to the Council on any item(s) listed on the Consent Calendar or any matter(s) not listed on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council may do so at this time. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the Council is not allowed to consider issues or take action on any item not listed on the agenda. Pursuant to City Council Policy 2023-01, comments of any member of the public are normally restricted to a total of three (3) minutes in length per person for matters not on the agenda and a total of three (3) minutes per person in length for any and all items on the Consent Calendar. The Mayor may extend the time limit for a reasonable time where a disability accommodation has been requested. To facilitate public comment, the Deputy City Clerk will alert speakers when there are thirty seconds remaining.

9. CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
A. APPROVAL OF 2024 FARMERS MARKET EVENT IN LA PLAZA PARK It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution:

1. Approving an event for Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets to be held every Wednesday evening from June 5th through September 25th, 2024 in La Plaza Park; and

2. Authorizing the temporary street closure of La Plaza; and

3. The use of amplified live entertainment; and

4. Sales of food by vendors and food trucks; and

5. The sales of alcoholic beverages in La Plaza Park for the Markets; and

6. Subsidizing limited staff costs and City contribution in connection therewith.

B. CONISDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A COOPERATION AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE SONOMA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY TO PROVOIDE $30,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE COTATI ACTIVE

TRANSPORTATION PLAN
It is recommended the City Council consider the draft cooperation agreement between the City and the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) to provide $30,000 in funding to support completion of the City of Cotati Active Transportation Plan (ATP).

10. DIRECTION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

11. REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
A. PRESENTATION OF THE HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL REPORT
It is recommended the City Council review the provided information, identify any concerns or direction for staff, and file the report for future discussion.

B. PRESENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
It is recommended the City Council review the provided information, identify any concerns or direction for staff, and file the report for future discussion.

12. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Cotati City Council Packet March 26, 2024

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13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

14. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

15. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH CITY LABOR NEGOTIATORS (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6) CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE. EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: COTATI POLICE OFFICERS

ASSOCIATION (CPOA) AND COTATI POLICE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CPMA)

16. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION

17. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED
A. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED

18. ADJOURNMENT
Certification of Posting of the Notice: I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Cotati and that I posted this notice on the City’s website, bulletin boards of City Hall, Veterans’ Memorial Building and the SMART Train Depot, on or before March 22, 2024. /s/ Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk

MINUTES

JOINT MEETING OF THE COTATI CITY COUNCIL AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

FORMER COTATI COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
City Council Chamber, City Hall 201 W. Sierra Avenue
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sparks called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.

2. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Laura Sparks Mayor Present
Ben Ford Vice Mayor Present
Susan Harvey Councilmember Present
Sylvia Lemus Councilmember Present
Kay Rivers Councilmember Present
Staff Present: City Manger Damien O’Bid, City Attorney John Bakker, Deputy City Clerk Kevin Patterson, Director of Administrative Services Angela Courter, Director of Community Development Noah Housh, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Craig Scott, Police Chief Chris Simmons

3. 4.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF WAIVING OF READING OF ALL

RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES INTRODUCED AND/OR ADOPTED UNDER THIS

AGENDA (ACTION)
A. COTATI CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING – FEB 13, 2024 B. COTATI CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING – FEB 27, 2024 Cotati City Council Minutes March 12, 2024

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RESULT: Approve [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ben Ford, Vice Mayor
AYES: Sparks, Ford, Harvey, Lemus
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Rivers

6. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Meeting Orientation for New Attendees/Viewers. In conformance with the Brown Act and the adopted City Council Rules, the meeting agenda includes items labeled as Action Items, where the City Council may consider the item. If the City Council considers the item, citizens will be afforded the opportunity to provide comments relevant to the item being discussed. The meeting agenda also includes a Citizens Business item, which is the designated place on the agenda where citizens have the right to say whatever they wish. However, the Brown Act prohibits the City Council from taking action or considering any item that is not this agenda, to ensure that other members of the community who wish to provide comment are notified in advance through a properly noticed meeting agenda.

B. Measure S supports police services, a variety of recreation programs for all ages, and the maintenance of our streets, parks, and public buildings. See details on the web at cotaticity.org C. Citizens interested in receiving City of Cotati community alerts via text or email are encouraged to sign up with CivicReady, by signing up on the City’s website, www.cotaticity.org, under the “How do I” link at the top of the homepage.

D. Like always, we love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact the City at 707-792-4600 or [email protected]. If you have a non-emergency issue after normal business hours, you can contact us at 707-792-4611 and of course if you have an emergency, please contact 9-1-1. Continue to look for updates on the City's website and social media channels available on Facebook, Instagram, and CivicReady.

7. PROCLAMATIONS
A. WOMANS HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION
Mayor Sparks read the proclamation.

Joanne Brown and Anna Diaz of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women accepted the proclamation.

B. PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH 2024
Mayor Sparks read the proclamation.

Miriam Tcheng and Leland Montell of the American Red Cross accepted the proclamation.

C. PROCLAMING NATIONAL SURVEYORS WEEK
Cotati City Council Minutes March 12, 2024

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Mayor Sparks read the proclamation.

Monica Wingett of Santa Rosa and Carrie of the Sonoma County Surveyor’s Office accepted the proclamation.

8. PRESENTATIONS
A. SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR NEW POLICE OFFICERS
Presentation by Chief of Police Chris Simmons.

Officers Thomas Schneider and Flor Silva were sworn in by Chief Simmons.

Councilmembers comment.

No public comment.

9. APPROVAL OF FINAL AGENDA (ACTION)
No changes.

10. CITIZEN BUSINESS AND PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS Any member of the public wishing to speak to the Council on any item(s) listed on the Consent Calendar or any matter(s) not listed on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council may do so at this time. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the Council is not allowed to consider issues or take action on any item not listed on the agenda during this period. Pursuant to City Council Policy 2023-01, comments of any member of the public are normally restricted to a total of three (3) minutes in length per person for matters not on the agenda and a total of three (3) minutes per person in length for any and all items on the Consent Calendar. The Mayor may extend the time limit for a reasonable time where a disability accommodation has been requested. To facilitate public comment, the Deputy City Clerk will alert speakers when there are thirty seconds remaining.

11. CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
A. TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE UPDATE – SECOND READING
RESULT: Adopt [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ben Ford, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
AYES: Sparks, Ford, Harvey, Lemus, Rivers
NAYS: None

12. DIRECTION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.

13. REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
A. PRESENTATION OF THE DRAFT COTATI ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Presentation by Director of Community Development Noah Housh, Eleanor Leshner of Leshner Planning & Transportation, and Dana Turrey of Sonoma County Transportation Authority.

Councilmembers comment.

Cotati City Council Minutes March 12, 2024

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Public Comment:

Eris Weaver of Sonoma County Bike Coalition
Jenny Blaker of Cotati
Neil Hancock of Cotati
Council received the presentation and provided feedback and direction to Staff and Consultants regarding the draft plan.

B. REVIEW PROPOSED SONOMA WATER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
Presentation by Director of Public Works/City Engineer Craig Scott, and Jake Spaulding and Lynne Rosselli of Sonoma Water.

Councilmembers comment.

Public Comment:

Neil Hancock of Cotati
Council provided direction to the Water Advisory Committee member to vote yes on the proposed Sonoma County Water Agency FY 24-25 Water Transmission System budget.

C. PRESENTATION ON THE PENSION UNFUNDED ACCRUED LIABILITY AND

RELATED POLICY STATUS AND RECOMMENDATION ON ADOPTING A

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL DISCRETIONARY PAYMENT Presentation by Director of Administrative Services Angela Courter and Dmitry Semenov of Ridgeline Municipal Strategies.

Councilmembers comment.

RESULT: Adopt [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ben Ford, Vice Mayor
SECONDER: Kay Rivers, Councilmember
AYES: Sparks, Ford, Harvey, Lemus, Rivers
NAYS: None
D. APPROVAL OF A DESIGN AGREEMENT TO UPDATE THE CITY COUNCIL

CHAMBERS AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS
Presentation by City Manager Damien O’Bid.

Councilmembers comment.

No public comment.

Cotati City Council Minutes March 12, 2024

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RESULT: Approve [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Susan Harvey, Councilmember
SECONDER: Sylvia Lemus, Councilmember
AYES: Sparks, Ford, Harvey, Lemus, Rivers
NAYS: None
E. UTILITY BOX PAINTING PROJECT
Presentation by Director of Public Works/City Engineer Craig Scott.

Councilmembers comment.

No public comment.

Council approved the pilot program with a stipend of $200 for the artist, including the cost of materials.

RESULT: Approve [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Kay Rivers, Councilmember
SECONDER: Sylvia Lemus, Councilmember
AYES: Sparks, Ford, Harvey, Lemus, Rivers
NAYS: None

14. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Report by City Manager Damien O’Bid.

15. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmembers report out on local and regional events and meetings.

16. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
No public comment.

17. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION
(PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (D) OF SECTION 54956.9) NAME OF CASE:

COUNTRYSIDE MHP LLC V. CITY OF COTATI, SONOMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. 24CV00804
Mayor Sparks announced the closed session topic.

No public comment.

Council adjourned to closed session at 9:53pm.

Cotati City Council Minutes March 12, 2024

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18. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Council returned from closed session at 10:28pm.

Mayor Sparks announced that there was nothing to report out of closed session.

19. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED
A. INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS POSTED

20. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sparks adjourned the meeting at 10:29pm.
/s/ Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: APPROVAL OF 2024 FARMERS MARKET EVENT IN LA

PLAZA PARK
Date: March 26, 2024
Written by: Ashley Wilson, Recreation Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution:

1. Approving an event for Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets to be held every Wednesday evening from June 5th through September 25th, 2024 in La Plaza Park; and

2. Authorizing the temporary street closure of La Plaza; and

3. The use of amplified live entertainment; and

4. Sales of food by vendors and food trucks; and

5. The sales of alcoholic beverages in La Plaza Park for the Markets; and

6. Subsidizing limited staff costs and City contribution in connection therewith.

Background
Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets is a 501(c)(5) non-profit company which operates a number of farmers’ markets in the region. It currently operates markets in Santa Rosa, Marinwood, Glen Ellen, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Downtown Novato, and Fairfax. This will be its eleventh year operating the Cotati Farmer’s Market. Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets has proposed a market format very similar to that of past years and will host many of the same vendors. A full description of event operations and a map of activities are attached to the resolution as Exhibit B.

Analysis/Discussion
Agricultural Community Events is proposing a 2024 Wednesday night market season (“Event”) beginning on June 5th and ending September 25th between the hours of 4:30pm to 7:30pm (Park use hours include set up and tear down, 2:00pm to 9:00pm). The Farmers Market would have exclusive use of La Plaza Park and is requesting the option of street closure of La Plaza between 11 of 191
West Sierra and West Cotati if necessary and exclusive use of parking spaces adjacent to the park on La Plaza between Old Redwood Highway and West Cotati Avenue. In addition to the sales of produce and food sales by food trucks and vendors, there will be sales of crafts and other goods, amplified live entertainment and alcoholic beverage sales.

California Vehicle Code Section 21101 (e) authorizes the temporary closing of any street for celebrations, parades, local events and other purposes when, in the opinion of local authorities having jurisdiction, the closing is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion of the street during the temporary closing. The Police Department will notify the appropriate public agencies and emergency response agencies of the street closures if they do take place.

The attached letter from Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets outlines a variety of logistical requests of the City (see items numbered 1-5) and a request to pay 50% of the associated fees per Park Use Permit Policy. Required fees and deposits for use of La Plaza Park (“Park”) for non-residents are an application fee of $52, a use fee of $208/day for events with 249 or less attendees and a deposit of $250/day which is refundable if the Park is left clean and undamaged. For the weekly events, over 17 weeks, the staff recommends that the City collect twice the normal daily damage deposit of $250 ($500 total), which would be held until the end of the Farmers Market season. The total use fee for the 17 week event for non-profits $26 for the application fee, $104/event day (50% reduction from $208/day, per the City Park Use Policy), for a season total of $1,794.

In order to keep City support costs to a minimum, staff is proposing that Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets be responsible for its own equipment (including tables, chairs, barricades, signs and traffic cones) and parking space closures. This will eliminate the need for Public Works staff to assist with weekly set up or monitor return of City property.

Public Works staff would absorb the cost of installing and removing the four market signs at the City’s gateways and the banner across Old Redwood Highway (estimated cost, $300) at the beginning and end of the Farmers Market season. Other requested work, such as coordinating landscape schedules, and bee traps are routine activities.

Lastly, if approved by the City Council, the Farmer’s Market will be designated as a Citysponsored event, which will also allow them to use garbage/recycling/compost bins at nocost. The City is allotted ten (10) annual “free” service events in the Recology Franchise Agreement. Historically, the City has requested free service for the following events as part of City sponsorship:
- Cotati Music Fest (Chamber event)
- Kids Day (City event)
- Cotati Accordion Fest (CAF event)
- Oktoberfest (Chamber event)
- Holiday Tree Lighting (City event)
- Historical Society BBQ (Cotati Historical Society Event) - Downtown Shop & Stroll (Farmers Market Event)
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- Temporary cans in La Plaza Park from June-September, which includes the Farmers Market, movie nights, and National Night Out.

Other events that staff are aware of that may request/need additional solid waste service are:
- Cotati Candyland – The City hasn’t requested cans in the past but it may be needed in the future in areas outside of La Plaza Park.
- Creek Week – The City has been borrowing cans from La Plaza Park, but depending on the size of the future event, we may need to request special service in the future.

As a City Sponsored Event, it is expected that the organizer will prominently feature the City of Cotati as an event sponsor on all advertising and marketing materials.

Financial Considerations
The City would collect a total of $1,794 for this event, plus a refundable deposit of $500. Total cost to the City in the form of waived fees and staff time to support the proposed 17-night event is estimated to be $2,094, which will be absorbed in the City’s General Fund.

Environmental Issues
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378.
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RESOLUTION NO. (XX)
2024 FARMERS MARKET RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2024, Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets submitted an application to the City for a series of Farmers’ Markets (the “Event”) to be held in La Plaza Park; and
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21101(e) authorizes temporary street closures if necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion of the street during the temporary closing; and
WHEREAS, good cause exists for the temporary closing of certain streets and parking spaces, as identified in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, the Chief of Police will contact the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District, ambulance service providers, bus service providers, and others who may need ingress, egress, or the ability to traverse the affected area and will reasonably provide for their needs; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this event is part of a comprehensive economic development strategy by the City of Cotati in that it increases visitation to the City, promotes the Cotati community and results in increased sales tax revenues; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Cotati will not be jeopardized by the approval of this event; and WHEREAS, the event organizers have been conditioned to provide evidence of their ability to serve alcohol responsibly and in conformance with all rules and regulations of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and conditioned to return the park to its prior condition of cleanliness and repair as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto; and WHEREAS, staff time to facilitate the Event can be absorbed within the adopted budget; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the adopted Park Use policy, groups with an IRS nonprofit designation, or other governmental organizations, can request a 50% discount in the permit fees if there are no admission fees associated with the planned event; and WHEREAS, the action of approving a series of Farmers Market events does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no further environmental review is required.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Cotati as follows:
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Section 1. Findings. The above recitals are declared to be true and correct and are incorporated herein as findings of the City Council.

Section 2. The 2024 Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets event is approved, including the use of amplified live entertainment and the sales of food and alcoholic beverages in La Plaza Park, as more specifically described in and subject to the Conditions of Approval attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and Section 3. The temporary closing of the specified streets or parking spaces is necessary for the safety and protection of person who are to use that portion of the street during the temporary closing; and
Section 4. The Chief of Police is directed to oversee certain temporary street closures if needed, as described in the applicant’s Event description and Exhibit B attached hereto, and to communicate the needed temporary street closure and traffic rerouting to fire, ambulance, and other emergency providers, including a plan for accessibility; and Section 5. The estimated cost of City staff time ($300) and 50% fee waivers (per the City Park Use Policy), as described in the accompanying Staff Report, is hereby approved to facilitate the Event.

Section 6. Effective Date of this Resolution. This Resolution shall become effective immediately.

Section 7. Severability. Each portion of this resolution is severable. Should any portion of this resolution be adjudged to be invalid and unenforceable by a body of competent jurisdiction, then the remaining resolution portions shall be and continue in full force and effect, except as to those resolution portions that have been adjudged invalid.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on March 26, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
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Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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“EXHIBIT A”

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets 2024

1. The applicant shall provide the City with evidence of the proper insurance 30 days prior to the event.

2. The City of Cotati shall arrange for trash, recycling, and compost bins to be delivered and collected.

3. The applicant shall ensure the public facilities (park, parking spaces, and streets) are cleaned and returned to pre-event condition by 10:00 pm on the night of the event.

4. The event shall be carried out as described in the written descriptions submitted by the applicant and in compliance with these Conditions of Approval.

5. The applicant is granted exclusive use of La Plaza for the event.

6. The applicant shall provide evidence of the proper Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license as well as evidence of server training.

7. The applicant shall obtain the required permits and follow all regulations from the Sonoma County Environmental Health Department, and shall ensure each food vendor complies with Health Department requirements.

8. The applicant shall ensure that all vendors follow Cotati Municipal Code 8.20.030 (Prohibited food service ware and products), which bans the selling or serving of food ware that contains polystyrene foam or PFAS.

9. The applicant shall contact the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District and comply with any permit requirements of the District.

10. The organizer shall prominently feature the City of Cotati as an event sponsor on all advertising and marketing materials.
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: CONISDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A COOPERATION

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE SONOMA

COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO PROVOIDE
$30,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE COTATI ACTIVE

TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Date: March 26, 2024
Written by: Noah Housh, Director of Community Development Recommendation
It is recommended the City Council consider the draft cooperation agreement between the City and the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) to provide $30,000 in funding to support completion of the City of Cotati Active Transportation Plan (ATP).

Background
In early 2023, a grant was awarded to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) to complete a County-wide Active Transportation Plan.

In June of 2023, the City Council adopted the fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY23/24) which included $30,000 in funding for the City of Cotati Active Transportation Plan (ATP).

On June 13, 2023, City staff and the consultant team presented an overview of the project to the Planning Commission.

On November 6, 2023, City staff and the consultant team presented draft Vision and Goals as well as a draft list of projects that would provide for a low-stress bicycle network and address existing network gaps.

On December 4, 2023, City staff presented the draft policies and actions to the Planning 23 of 191
Commission for discussion and feedback.

On February 22, 2024, the draft ATP was posted for a 30-day public review and comment period on the City website, here: https://www.cotaticity.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=95. Members of the public should submit their comments to [email protected]. All written comments must be received by Monday, March 25.

On February 29, 2024, the Sonoma County Bicyle Coalition, the project consultant, SCTA staff and City staff hosted a community engagement meting at the SMART Depot to gather additional public comments on the ATP.

Analysis/Discussion
A cooperative agreement is the mechanism required for the City to provide the allocated $30,000 to the SCTA to fund the Cotati ATP. As indicated above, a significant amount of work has been completed on the draft ATP and presentation of the final ATP for adoption is anticipated in May 2024. As such, the funding to cover the City of Cotati portion of the project needs to be available to reimburse SCTA for their costs incurred. The draft agreement is attached to this report for the Council’s review and approval by simple majority to allow staff to expend the funds.

Financial Considerations
City Councils adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2023/24 includes the required funding for the $30,000 agreement with SCTA. Other minor financial impacts include staff time to manage and administer the ATP update included in the adopted FTE and Staffing budgets. No new financial requests for appropriations are required.

Environmental Issues
The potential impacts of the proposed project were analyzed and addressed to a less-thansignificant level in the Cotati General Plan Update EIR (SCH# 2013082037), which was certified by the Cotati City Council on March 24, 2015, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183 allows a streamlined environmental review process for projects that are consistent with an existing zoning, community plan or general plan policies for which an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified. As noted, the proposed project is consistent with the land use designations and densities established by the Cotati General Plan, for which an EIR was certified.
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COOPERATIVE FUNDING AGREEMENT NO. SCTA24020

BETWEEN THE SONOMA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF COTATI This Agreement is made and entered into as of ____________, 2024 (“Effective Date”) by and between the CITY OF COTATI hereinafter referred to as “CITY” and the SONOMA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY hereinafter referred to as “AUTHORITY.” WHEREAS, AUTHORITY is conducting a countywide active transportation plan, which includes active transportation plans for several local jurisdictions under one consultant contract. As part of that effort, CITY seeks development of an active transportation plan and sidewalk gap assessment for the CITY, as more particularly described in Exhibit A to this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Cotati ATP”); and
WHEREAS, CITY has a financial plan dedicating funding to its active transportation plan which is attached hereto as Exhibit B; and
WHEREAS, CITY is willing to make available the amount of THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($30,000) to assist with a portion of the cost to complete the Cotati ATP and sidewalk gap assessment; and WHEREAS, AUTHORITY is willing to cover the remaining costs for the development of the Cotati ATP through its grant and is able to undertake the Cotati ATP through its consultant contract.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, AUTHORITY and CITY do hereby agree as follows:

SECTION I
AUTHORITY AGREES:

1. Cotati ATP Completion. To work with consultant toward timely completion of the Cotati ATP in accordance with the deadlines set forth in the Cotati ATP Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit B.

2. Compliance with Laws. With regard to administering and completing the Cotati ATP, AUTHORITY shall at all times comply with all applicable laws of the United States, the State of California, and the County, and with all applicable regulations promulgated by federal, state, regional, or local administrative and regulatory agencies, now in force and as they may be enacted, issued, or amended during the term of this Agreement, including but not limited to compliance with all applicable prevailing wage requirements under the California Labor Code.

3. Records. To allow CITY to audit all expenditures relating to the Cotati ATP funded through this Agreement. For the duration of the Cotati ATP, and for five (5) years following completion of the Cotati ATP, or earlier discharge of the Agreement, AUTHORITY shall make available to CITY all records relating to expenses incurred in performance of this Agreement.

4. Close-Out. Upon completion of the Cotati ATP, AUTHORITY shall submit all receipts to CITY for review. All unused funds must be returned to CITY and any funds used for other than the Cotati ATP shall be subject to immediate reimbursement by AUTHORITY to CITY. 25 of 191
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SECTION II
CITY AGREES:

1. AUTHORITY Expenses. Upon execution of this Agreement, CITY shall pay AUTHORITY the amount of THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($30,000), for a portion of AUTHORITY’s costs to complete the Cotati ATP.

2. Notice of Audit. To provide timely notice to AUTHORITY if an audit is to be conducted.

SECTION III
IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED:

1. Funding Availability and Needs. The funding available to the Cotati ATP for expenditure is limited to the amount of funds identified in Exhibit B and to approved appropriations by the Cotati City Council. If funds beyond those identified in Exhibit B are necessary to complete the Cotati ATP, CITY will cooperate with AUTHORITY to identify and secure new or increased fund commitments, although no such additional funds are guaranteed. CITY is the only party obligating funds in this agreement

2. Term. This Agreement will remain in effect until discharged as provided in Paragraph 3 or 13 of this Section III.

3. Termination. This Agreement shall be subject to termination as follows:
a. This Agreement may be canceled by a party for breach of any obligation, covenant or condition hereof by the other party, upon notice to the breaching party. With respect to any breach which is reasonably capable of being cured, the breaching party shall have thirty (30) days from the date of the notice to initiate steps to cure. If the breaching party diligently pursues cure, such party shall be allowed a reasonable time to cure, not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the initial notice, unless a further extension is granted by the non-breaching party. On cancellation, the non-breaching party retains the same rights as a party exercising its right to terminate under the provisions of paragraph 3(b), except that the canceling party also retains any remedy for breach of the whole contract or any unperformed balance. If the Agreement is cancelled because AUTHORITY has failed to wholly or partially complete the Cotati ATP, CITY may, at its option, demand repayment of all unexpended funds and funds determined by audit not to have been expended as provided for in this Agreement, with interest accrued thereon as would have accrued had such funds been invested in the Sonoma County Treasury Pool; and, further, to offset such balances due to the CITY from any other funds due from the AUTHORITY. b. By mutual consent of both parties, this Agreement may be terminated at any time. Upon termination by mutual consent, AUTHORITY shall repay to CITY any unexpended funds originally provided to AUTHORITY under this Agreement, and any interest that has accrued thereon.

4. Indemnity. Each party shall indemnify, defend, protect, hold harmless, and release the other, its officers, agents, and employees, from and against any and all claims, loss, proceedings, damages, causes of action, liability, costs, or expense (including attorneys’ fees and witness costs) arising from or in connection with, or caused by any act, omission, or negligence of such indemnifying party or its agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors, or invitees. This indemnification obligation shall not be limited 26 of 191
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in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of damages or compensation payable to or for the indemnifying party under workers’ compensation acts, disability benefit acts, or other employee benefit acts.

5. Notices. Any notice which may be required under this Agreement shall be in writing, shall be effective when received, and shall be given by personal service, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses set forth below, or to such addresses which may be specified in writing to the parties hereto.

To CITY: Noah Housh
Community Development Director
201 W. Sierra Ave
Cotati, CA 94931
To AUTHORITY: James Cameron
Executive Director Sonoma County Transportation Authority 411 King Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 565-5373
[email protected]

6. Additional Acts and Documents. Each party agrees to do all such things and take all such actions, and to make, execute and deliver such other documents and instruments, as shall be reasonably requested to carry out the provisions, intent and purpose of the Agreement.

7. Integration. This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No representations, warranties, inducements or oral agreements have been made by any of the parties except as expressly set forth herein, or in other contemporaneous written agreements.

8. Amendment. This Agreement may not be changed, modified or rescinded except in writing, signed by all parties hereto, and any attempt at oral modification of this Agreement shall be void and of no effect.

9. Independent Agency. AUTHORITY renders its obligations under this Agreement as an independent agency. None of the AUTHORITY’s agents or employees shall be agents or employees of the CITY.

10. Assignment. The Agreement may not be assigned, transferred, hypothecated, or pledged by any party without the express written consent of the other party.

11. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the successor(s), assignee(s) or transferee(s) of the CITY or AUTHORITY as the case may be. This provision shall not be construed as an authorization to assign, transfer, hypothecate or pledge this Agreement other than as provided above.

12. Severability. Should any part of this Agreement be determined to be unenforceable, invalid, or beyond the CITY of either party to enter into or carry out, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement which shall continue in full force and effect; provided that, the remainder of this Agreement can, absent the excised portion, be reasonably interpreted to give effect 27 of 191
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to the intentions of the parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

CITY OF COTATI SONOMA COUNTY

TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
By: By:

James Cameron, Executive Director
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO SUBSTANCE:

By: By:

Legal Counsel Authority

APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
FOR CITY:

By:

City Attorney
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COOPERATIVE FUNDING AGREEMENT NO. SCTA24020

BETWEEN THE SONOMA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF COTATI

EXHIBIT A DESCRIPTION OF THE COTATI ATP
SCTA is conducting a Countywide Active Transportation Plan (Countywide ATP) with funding from a Caltrans Sustainable Communities Transportation Planning Grant and from MTC. As part of the Countywide ATP, an Active Transportation Plan for the City of Cotati (Cotati ATP), including an optional sidewalk gap assessment, will be developed as a stand-alone document and will be included under the umbrella of the Countywide ATP.

As part of the above-described plan, AUTHORITY will manage the consultant contract for the Countywide ATP and local plans for participating jurisdictions, including the City of Cotati.

AUTHORITY will be the primary point of contact and project manager for the coordination of the plan and work with the consultant.

The AUTHORITY will be solely responsible for procuring and managing a consultant to prepare and complete the Countywide ATP and local ATPs.

The AUTHORITY will host project coordination discussions at the Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, invite the CITY to participate in discussions on the Countywide ATP and the Cotati ATP, invite the CITY to participate in the consultant selection process, and invite the CITY to review Cotati ATP deliverables with consultant and the AUTHORITY.

SCOPE OF WORK FOR COUNTYWIDE ATP
Task 0 Project Coordination
Task 0.1 Kick-Off Meeting with SCTA Project Manager
Consultant will prepare for and conduct a kick-off meeting with SCTA project manager to discuss and confirm roles, responsibilities, schedule, workflow specifics, project reporting needs, communication protocols, and initial data/information needs. In advance of the meeting, Consultant will provide an agenda to the SCTA project manager. Within one week following the meeting, Consultant will provide written meeting notes.

Task 0.2 Kick-Off Meeting with SCTA Staff and Participating Jurisdictions Consultant will prepare for and conduct a kick-off meeting with SCTA staff and participating jurisdictions. In advance of this kick-off meeting, Consultant will coordinate with SCTA project manager to create an agenda and supporting meeting materials. The intent of the meeting will be to clarify scope, schedule, roles and responsibilities, and communication protocols.

Task 0.3 Coordination Meetings with SCTA Staff
To support ongoing collaboration and coordination with SCTA staff, Consultant will conduct bi-weekly coordination meetings with SCTA staff throughout the duration of the project. These meetings will be 30- minutes in duration and be held virtually. These will occur directly in advance of the coordination meetings with participating jurisdictions (see Task 0.4 below). Consultant will coordinate with the SCTA project manager in 29 of 191
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advance of these meetings to ensure there is a meaningful agenda. If a meaningful agenda is not identified, then a specific occurrence of the recurring meeting will be skipped.

Task 0.4 Coordination Meetings with Participating Jurisdictions To support ongoing collaboration and coordination with participating jurisdictions, we will conduct bi-weekly coordination meetings with staff representatives from the participating jurisdictions and SCTA staff. These meetings will be 30-minutes in duration and be held virtually. These will occur directly after the coordination meetings with SCTA staff (see Task 0.3 above). We will coordinate with the SCTA project manager in advance of these meetings to ensure there is a meaningful agenda. If a meaningful agenda is not identified, then a specific occurrence of the recurring meeting will be skipped.

TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION: Ongoing over project duration (April 2023 – February 2025) PERSONNEL ASSIGNED: Erin Ferguson, Matthew Ridgway, Taylor McAdam, Kari McNickle, Carrie Modi, Eleanor Leshner

DELIVERABLES
» Prepare and conduct kickoff meetings with SCTA and participating jurisdictions » Prepare and conduct coordination meetings with SCTA and participating jurisdictions Task 1 Establishing Foundation*
Task 1.1 Existing Conditions
SCTA will lead several elements of the existing conditions work as noted in the RFP. The Consultant team will focus on overlaying travel patterns with the existing active transportation network to identify gaps in safe connections to desired destinations. This work will include reviewing the high injury network developed through Vision Zero Data Dashboard to take into consideration priority areas already identified for improvement. As part of this effort, Consultant will identify recommendations for updated data. Potential recommendations could include incorporating vehicle speed data from sources such as Wejo. This data can indicate prevailing vehicle speeds, which can inform priorities for the types of walking and biking facilities as well as priorities for road safety and speed management.

Consultant team will compile the existing conditions research provided by SCTA as well as our findings from the travel patterns overlay to create a context overview section for the Countywide plan and community profiles for each of the seven local jurisdictions whose plan is being updated as part of the CAT Plan. The draft content will be reviewed by the CBPAC, and each participating jurisdiction will review their respective community profiles. As part of Task 6, the Consultant team will make revisions based on the review comments received.

Task 1.2 Existing Policies and Coordination
SCTA will prepare a policy and planning summary as described in the RFP. Consultant team will review the policy and planning summary and incorporate the content into the Existing Conditions section of the plans.

Task 1.3 Vision, Goals, and Objectives
SCTA will review the vision, goals, and objectives from the 2014 Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and work with CPBAC, as described in the RFP, to develop draft shared vision, goals, and objectives for the CAT PLAN. Consultant team will review the draft vision, goals, and objectives for the CAT PLAN and provide input as they relate to the entirety of the Countywide Plan and policy context.

Consultant will use the community profiles and initial findings from the Task 2 technical analysis to inform discussions with participating jurisdictions about their locally focused vision, goals, and objectives. Consultant would develop those initial drafts as part of this Task 1.3. 30 of 191
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TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION: April 2023 – June 2023
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED: Erin Ferguson, Kari McNickle, Eleanor Leshner, Carrie Modi, Ashlee Takushi, Jonathan Kupfner

DELIVERABLES
» Draft of Countywide Plan section summarizing existing conditions » Draft community profiles for each full Local Plan update Task 2 Technical Analysis
To effectively inform the countywide plan as well as each local plan, the technical analysis is organized into the following subtasks. The subtasks are organized to strategically conduct analysis and/or perform best practice review at scales appropriate for the countywide as well as local level, as well as consider the different typical travel distances of each active modes (e.g., we plan for bicycle facilities over a larger geography than walking facilities). As part of this task, Consultant will leverage the use of Fehr & Peers’ tools such as StreetScore+ to evaluate how comfortable the network is for people walking and biking of all ages and abilities; TravelAccess+ which assesses how well a network connects to key destinations to expose potential equity and modal limitations and gaps; and Consultant’s Micromobility Market Suitability tool, which identifies favorable geographies for deployment of shared scooters/bikes program.

Task 2.1 Establish Database and Confirm Methodology
Consultant will use a data driven approach to using geospatial data and analysis techniques to identify needs. To initiate this work, Consultant will identify data needs, what data is already publicly available, data that SCTA may have internally and be able to provide, and supplemental data that could be obtained to further enhance analyses in Task 2 (e.g., big data sources that identify multimodal volumes, vehicle speeds, origin-destinations for shorter trips). Based on the data obtained, Consultant will prepare a GIS database. Consultant will also assess the suitability of applying tools such as StreetScore+ and TravelAccess+ at the local and/or countywide level.

The results of applying those tools in this context can address the questions around route priorities, needed enhancements, as well as added considerations regarding equity and greater granularity of pedestrian needs.

Consultant will confirm the methodological approach for the remainder of Task 2 with SCTA and the participating local jurisdictions.

Task 2.2 Local Review and Assessment
For each participating local jurisdiction, the Consultant team will assess existing walking and biking networks overlaid with planned improvements, the Sonoma Vision Zero high injury network, priority safety locations identified within each Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP), key destinations within each local jurisdiction, and the countywide level of traffic stress (LTS) results. This analysis will create consistency with countywide as well as local projects or initiatives.

This task will also include reviewing previously prepared Safe Routes to School engineering studies specific to each jurisdiction to document identified gaps and barriers near schools. Based on this analysis, Consultant will identify active transportation gaps, barriers, needs, and opportunities via maps and supporting visuals. This will include considering opportunities for new or reinstituted slow streets. Consultant will conduct an in-person workshop with each participating local jurisdiction’s staff to inform these maps of gaps, barriers, needs, and opportunities. The identified needs will be reviewed with stakeholders (as part of Task 3) to confirm, add specificity, or adjust findings based on community member lived experiences. The stakeholder informed findings will then inform the project and program development in Task 4.

Task 2.3 Countywide Low Stress Network Analysis
Consultant team will use the Sonoma County Travel Behavior Study, travel model origin-destination data, StreeLight Data, and Strava data to understand modal travel patterns as well as opportunities and needs for 31 of 191
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improved low stress bicycle connections. Having developed the Sonoma County Travel Behavior Study and the county’s travel demand model, Consultant is extremely familiar with those data and tools. Consultant will use that information to identify origin-destination pairs that are opportunities for increased travel by bicycle based on information like trip length and purpose. After identifying those origin-destination pairs, Consultant will use the GIS database and Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) methodology to identify specific network needs and improvements to create low stress connections.

Task 2.4 Regional Routes and Wayfinding
Using the results from the origin destination and low stress connection needs identified in Task 2.3, Consultant will identify regional routes across the county. Part of this task will include overlaying the Sonoma Vision Zero High Injury Network, the MTC Regional Active Transportation Network, as well as identifying physical barriers such as highways, freeways, rivers, and transitions in jurisdictional boundaries or changes in right-of-way ownership. The outcome will be a draft Regional Routes Network that is a subset of the low stress network focused on connecting countywide origins and destinations. The draft network will identify key locations for SCTA’s involvement in helping to resolve barriers or support transitions across different jurisdictions. Consultant suggest conducting an in-person workshop with SCTA staff and local jurisdiction staff to inform the regional routes assessment. Consultant will prepare materials in advance to facilitate the discussion. Through Task 3 engagement activities, Consultant will gather input to support the development of the draft Regional Routes Network, as well as input on the draft Regional Routes once developed. The actual form of the Regional Routes (e.g., multiuse path, on-street facility, bike highway) will be informed by Task 2.5 and further assessed in Task 4.

To support ultimate enhancement of the Regional Routes, Consultant will develop a proposed approach to wayfinding considering both residents as well as visitors to the county. The approach will speak to the use of traditional bike route signage, supporting regulatory and warning signs that reinforce road user expectations, and the use of uniquely branded route signs. The approach will also touch on supporting materials SCTA and/or other partners can produce and distribute to inform residents and visitors of route options and characteristics.

Task 2.5 Design Standards and Best Practices Review
Consultant will focus the design standards and best practice review on the topics below. For each topic, Consultant will prepare a white paper for SCTA staff to review. Consultant will draw from a mix of urban, suburban, and rural contexts, including different trail typologies. Content from the white papers will be used to inform the countywide plan’s content related to policies, programs, and practices.

ON-STREET BIKEWAY SELECTION AND KEY DESIGN ATTRIBUTES
Consultant will summarize guidance related to how to select degree of separation for people biking based on land use and roadway characteristics. It will include information on key design attributes or elements that are most impactful towards positively influencing a person’s experience biking on the facility type. Content related to urban, suburban, and rural contexts will be reviewed and summarized.

MULTIUSE PATHS AND BIKE HIGHWAYS
Consultant will summarize the differences between these and the circumstances in which one facility type may be preferable to another, as well as key design considerations. This summary will include considerations around such facilities as potential wildfire barriers and/or facilities designed to accommodate additional or supplement existing evacuation capacity.

STREET CROSSINGS AND INTERSECTIONS
Consultant will summarize best practice resource materials for selecting treatments and designing appropriate crossings for people walking, biking, and rolling. The content will consider resources that address uncontrolled, stop or yield controlled, and signalized controlled conditions.

MICROMOBILITY TRENDS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
As part of this best practice review, Consultant will assess the state of micromobility in Sonoma County including attitudes towards e-scooters, bike/scooter share programs, and e-bikes. Consultant will also peer review and 32 of 191
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validate for Sonoma County Consultant’s Micromobility Market Suitability tool which creates heat maps of the areas of the county where scooter or bikeshare programs would likely be economically viable. Consultant will also peer review, summarize, and advise on design standards to accommodate e-scooters and e-bikes.

QUICK BUILD PROJECTS
Consultant will summarize best practices for identifying opportunities for quick build projects as well as for designing and implementing them. Consultant will integrate its experiences working with public agencies to develop and evaluate their quick build programs as well as Consultant’s experiences implementing active transportation quick build improvements.

AMENITIES TO IMPROVE USER EXPERIENCES
This white paper will incorporate considerations and opportunities for urban greening, transit shelters, and other similar types of amenities that can improve user experiences particularly during hot days or extreme heat events. Consultant will draw on resources from areas of the U.S. that tend to experience seasonal extreme heat as well as consider international best practices.

Task 2.6 Sidewalk Gap Analysis - Optional Task*
*This Optional Task includes a range of level of effort and will be performed only after written approval with direction on the level of analysis, scope, and budget from the SCTA project manager or executive director.

For sidewalk gap analysis, Consultant will use a combination of crowd sourced inventory of missing sidewalks supplemented with aerial and field observation-based inventory. Consultant will work with participating local jurisdictions to identify priority areas for the analysis. The result would be maps identifying sidewalk gaps and an order of magnitude prioritization based on land use characteristics and previous road safety analysis.

For each local jurisdiction, Consultant will identify pedestrian priority areas. The definition of these areas will be based on land use (e.g., likely generators of walking trips), transit, equity considerations, input from local staff, input from community members, and walk shed assumptions (e.g., the average distance we assume a person will walk to reach a destination). Consultant anticipates for smaller communities, the pedestrian priority areas may be inclusive of larger portions of their street network whereas for unincorporated County there are likely to be miles of more rural roads not included in pedestrian priority areas. Within those pedestrian priority areas, Consultant will conduct the sidewalk gap analysis using a combination of crowd sourced input/data from local community members, reviewing aerials, and conducting field work. Consultant assumes the participating local jurisdictions do not have an existing sidewalk inventory and so we would be creating a GIS shape file with that information. The information will be used to inform local plan recommendations. As noted in the proposal, Consultant is intentionally not including big data as a part of this effort as previous experiences with such data have found it to be unreliable and costly to QA/QC.

The estimated range of costs to conduct this optional task for each participating jurisdiction are listed below.

Local Jurisdiction Cost Estimate
Cloverdale $7,000 to $9,000
Cotati $5,000 to $7,000
Unincorporated County $10,000 to $18,060
Healdsburg $7,000 to $9,000
Rohnert Park $9,000 to $12,000
Sebastopol $5,000 to $7,000
Sonoma $7,000 to $9,000
Total $50,000 to $70,000
TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION: May 2023 – December 2023
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED: Erin Ferguson, Matthew Ridgway, Eleanor Leshner, Carrie Modi, Kari McNickle, Jess Sandoval, Terence Zhao, Jonathan Kupfer, Ashlee Takushi, Kevin Fang 33 of 191
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DELIVERABLES
» Low Level of Traffic Stress bicycle network maps, including identification of gaps and barriers in the network » Needs for completing regional routes
» Proposed approach to regional wayfinding
» Analysis of gaps and barriers in bicycle and pedestrian networks for all seven Local Plans » Analysis of needs for emerging micromobility use, including recommendations for accommodation off electric bicycles, scooters, and shared micromobility
» Non-infrastructure program needs
» Review of best practices for emerging mobility, quick build projects, and slow streets » Recommendations for further data collection or studies » Optional Deliverable, as approved: Sidewalk gap analysis for participating jurisdictions Task 3 Public Engagement and Advisory Committee Meetings Task 3.1 Advisory Committee Meetings
Consultant will work with SCTA project manager at the onset of CAT PLAN development to identify and confirm the SCTA/RCPA’s established advisory bodies to which Consultant will present key milestone information.

Consultant will document the advisory bodies, anticipated topics, and schedule of meetings in an Advisory Committee Coordination Plan. Consultant will use that coordination plan to proactively work with the SCTA project manager and prepare appropriate materials in advance of the identified meetings. Consultant will work with the SCTA project manager to establish a realistic review schedule for presentation materials in advance of each meeting.

Consultant assumes milestone updates will occur at the following project milestones:

MILESTONE #1
Initiate the CAT PLAN development with the consultant team and SCTA staff. Provide overview of scope, schedule, and role/input desired from advisory body. Present summary of existing conditions assessment and overview of approach to technical analysis. Discuss draft vision, goals, and objectives.

MILESTONE #2
Present technical analysis findings including highlights from best practice review. Provide update on public engagement activities and input received. Present draft recommendations for projects, programs, and policies inclusive of public engagement input. Discuss approach to project prioritization for local funding.

MILESTONE #3
Present draft plan and provide overview of public review comments received.

Consultant assumes the specialized topics would be covered in the same meetings as the milestone updates.

Consultant assumes that regular coordination with the SCTA Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee would correspond to additional quarterly updates at one of their standing meetings Consultant has budgeted to allow for either in-person or virtual meetings, depending on the preferences or needs of SCTA and each committee.

Consultant will provide a project close email update to all committees that participate in the CAT PLAN process to share the final plan materials, highlight implementation next steps and ways they can be involved, and thank them for their contributions.

Consultant staff will provide updates at up to 12 SCTA/RCPA Advisory Committee Meetings and will provide materials to SCTA for their use in providing updates, as needed.

Task 3.2 Coordination with Participating Jurisdictions and Non-Participating Jurisdictions at Staff Level
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of their local plan. As part of Task 3.2, Consultant will identify the local bicycle and pedestrian advisory bodies for each participating jurisdiction and establish the three milestone meetings for each of the local plans.

Consultant anticipates those three milestone meetings to be similar to what is noted above in Task 3.1.

Consultants will likely present at these milestone meetings virtually, when feasible.

Consultant will update staff from the three local jurisdictions not participating in the local plan update through the SCTA Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. More targeted engagement with these three local jurisdictions will be at the initiation of Task 4 to create the opportunity to discuss and integrate their respective project lists into the countywide plan.

Task 3.3 Public Engagement

REVIEW OF RECENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Prior to developing specific public engagement strategies to inform the local plans and the countywide plan, Consultant will review relevant recent community engagement activities and summaries from other planning efforts such as the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Caltrans District 4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans, Vision Zero Action Plan, and the Connected Communities Transportation Study. Consultant will consolidate and synthesize input related to active transportation as well as make note of the groups engaged and geographies covered through the previous engagement.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PLAN
Based on the review of recent community engagement activities, Consultant will identify who needs to be engaged at the local and countywide level, what groups or areas of the county appear underrepresented, begin to
identify CBOs/NGOs that could help enable or support
engagement to those groups, identify what topics or issues for which input is most critical, and begin to outline how best to engage with those different audiences. Consultant will develop an initial outline for the engagement plan and
collaborate with SCTA staff and local jurisdictions to identify specific CBOs/NGOs, contacts, and other community
members or groups.

Consultant will work collaboratively with SCTA, local
jurisdictions, and CBO/NGO partners to develop an
engagement plan that meaningfully engages disadvantaged communities and sets up the countywide and local plans to be responsive to community needs. The Community
Engagement flow chart shows the anticipated workflow for creating the engagement plan—Consultant will coordinate with SCTA at each step. The final public engagement plan will identify specific engagement tools, events, approaches to advertising events/tools, etc., to support each local plan as well as to support the countywide plan.

Consultant has allocated approximately $30,000 of the
consultant team budget to be able to compensate CBO/NGO partners as part of the public engagement activities.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The specific public engagement activities will be determined based on the final engagement plan. Types of engagement activities include:
» In-person or virtual community meetings
» Pop-up workshops (e.g., held at farmers’ markets, fairs, festivals, school events)

FINALIZE CBO/NGO ROLES & COMPENSATION

FINALIZE ENGAGEMENT PLAN

PREPARE A DRAFT ENGAGEMENT PLAN FOR

ALL PARTIES TO REVIEW

SHARE & DISCUSS POTENTIAL ENGAGEMENT

APPROACH W/ CBO/NGO PARTNERS

ENGAGEMENT PLAN OUTLINE

REVIEW RECENT EFFORTS

INITIATE IMPLEMENTING

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
PLAN
Figure 1: Community Engagement Flow Chart
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» Targeted presentations to community groups
» Focus group meetings for unique topics or needs
» Website and online engagement through interactive maps, surveys, etc.

Consultant assumes that engagement activities will include:

PROJECT WEBSITE WITH ONLINE SURVEY AND MAPPING TOOL
Consultant will provide support for an SCTA hosted a project website that provides a venue for sharing information both about the countywide plan as well as about the local plan updates. The Consultant will prepare materials for the project website throughout the duration of the project. The website would include an opportunity for community members to take a survey as well as provide comments on an interactive map.

Consultant recommends using the SafeTREC Story Map to gather input on location-based concerns and issues.

This tool is already connected to the Sonoma County Vision Zero Dashboard and so provides some crossintegration with those countywide efforts. As part of the countywide engagement effort, Consultant will prepare an online survey community members can take in addition to providing input via the interactive map.

AT LEAST ONE GENERAL COMMUNITY EVENT PER LOCAL PLAN
Consultant will host at least one general community event for each local plan’s development that is widely advertised and provides an opportunity for community members to provide input regarding active transportation. These events could be in-person or virtual depending on discussions with each local agency and thoughts on the most effective forum.

UP TO THREE STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES PER LOCAL PLAN The specifics of what these are, who is involved, and where they are located will be determined in the development of the engagement plan.

AT LEAST ONE BOARD MEETING PRESENTATION PER LOCAL JURISDICTION For each participating jurisdiction, their local plan’s engagement activities will include at least one presentation to their respective local bicycle and pedestrian board. For each nonparticipating jurisdiction, their local bicycle and pedestrian board will be engaged in policy development related to project prioritization and identifying near-term priorities.

PASSIVE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
For both the countywide and local plans, Consultant will develop passive engagement opportunities such as flyers at community centers and libraries, social media posts directing the public to the project website, or branded comment boxes that allow community members to submit their concerns.

VOLUNTEER AMBASSADOR TRAINING AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS
As part of the collaboration with CBOs/NGOs, Consultant will identify volunteer ambassadors who are community members interested and willing to provide time and support in implementing the engagement plan, sharing information and gathering input from community members. Consultant will develop easy to reference training materials and conduct a one-hour training session for the volunteer ambassadors. Consultant will provide SCTA the opportunity to review and provide input on the materials prior to distributing them and conducting the training. Consultant will provide the volunteer ambassadors with materials and information they can share as part of the engagement activities.

ENGAGEMENT MATERIALS AND EVENT STAFFING
Consultant will provide materials in English and Spanish to support engagement activities. In identifying the specific engagement activities, Consultant will work with SCTA staff, local jurisdiction staff, and CBO/NGO partners to identify staffing needs for each event. There may be some activities that do not include consultant staff.

TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION: April 2023-January 2025
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED: Erin Ferguson, Matthew Ridgway, Taylor McAdam, Eleanor Leshner, Carrie Modi, Terence Zhao, Jonathan Kupfer, Ashlee Takushi
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DELIVERABLES
» Meeting schedules and agendas
» Meeting notes, lists of attendees, lists of action items » Public Outreach Strategy with stakeholder list, schedule, and logistics » Survey mapping tool for public engagement
» PowerPoint presentations, flyers, website announcements, sign in sheets, community surveys, conceptual maps and drawings, bilingual services, receipts for light snacks (with Caltrans approval before purchase, no full meals)
» Public engagement summary, including feedback from recent planning efforts, survey tools, and community meetings
Task 4 Proposed Projects and Programs
Task 4.1 Local Projects and Programs Participating Jurisdictions Based on the findings from Task 2 and input gathered through Task 3, Consultant will work with each participating jurisdiction and their bicycle and pedestrian advisory bodies to identify proposed projects as well as supportive non-infrastructure programs. The recommendations will also consider future data collection and/or areas where further study is needed. Consultant will use the second milestone meeting identified in Task 3.2 as a workshop with the local bicycle and pedestrian advisory bodies to identify and vet proposed projects and recommendations. Based on the input from the group, Consultant will then document and map the draft projects and programs for inclusion in the draft local plan (see Task 6).

Task 4.2 Countywide Projects, Programs, and Policies
Consultant will develop the countywide project list based on each local plan’s project list plus the low stress, regional routes identified as part of Task 2. If one or more of the non-participating jurisdictions elects to update their local project list using the Task 2 analysis, Consultant will be sure to include the updated list as part of the countywide project list. The countywide project list and associated data will be populated in GIS to facilitate mapping and displaying the countywide information. In addition to the projects, Consultant will identify enhancements to existing programs and policies and/or recommendation to create new programs or policies in support of active transportation. These recommendations will be based on findings in Task 2 related to design standards and best practice review as well as network analysis.

Task 4.3 Update Local Projects Non- Participating Jurisdictions - Optional Task* *This Optional Task includes a range of level of effort and will be performed only after written approval with direction on the level of analysis, scope, and budget from the SCTA project manager or executive director.

If one of the non-participating local jurisdictions would like assistance using the Task 2 technical analysis to review and update their project list, Consultant will recommend updates to their project list based on a comparison of the Task 2 needs and opportunities findings with the given local plan’s project list. The outcome of this comparison would be an augmented or amended project list for the local jurisdiction to review and approve.

TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION: August 2023 – June 2024
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED: Erin Ferguson, Matthew Ridgway, Taylor McAdam, Eleanor Leshner, Carrie Modi, Kari McNickle, Geoff Rubendall, Robert Stevens, Adrian Engle, Terence Zhao, Ashlee Takushi, Jess Sandoval, Jonathan Kupfner

DELIVERABLES
» Inventory of proposed projects including projects included in previously adopted plans and new proposed projects, for all seven Local Plan and combined list for Countywide Plan, including inventory of recommendations for regional routes and wayfinding and recommendations for non-infrastructure programs 37 of 191
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» Updated countywide map and updated maps for all seven Local Plans » Description recommendations for non-infrastructure programs including expansion of current programs and future programs that support and encourage active transportation » Optional: Updated projects for three local jurisdictions not participating in full Local Plan Task 5 Funding and Implementation
Task 5.1 Cost Estimates and Funding Opportunities
Consultant will develop planning-level cost estimating spreadsheet that can be used by local jurisdictions and serve as a reference for SCTA staff. The spreadsheet will include typical active transportation project elements for urban, suburban, and rural projects. It will also incorporate most recent unit costs for materials.

For the countywide plan and in collaboration with SCTA staff, Consultant will identify up to five priority projects based on their likelihood to be competitive for Active Transportation Program (ATP) funding. Consultant will develop project cost estimates for each priority project. The project information will include project type, length, current condition, proposed typical cross-section, and implementing agency.

For the local plans, Consultant will develop planning level cost estimates based on facility type (e.g., sidewalk of certain width, Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV) that is on a per mile basis to develop high-level cost estimates for project implementation of planned local active transportation networks. Consultant will also develop high-level cost estimates for common spot location improvements such as crosswalk enhancements and curb extensions.

To help inform the local plans and countywide plan implementation strategies, Consultant will identify existing local, regional, state, and federal funding sources. For each source, will identify types of projects and activities that can be funded, as well as unique considerations such as if it is competitive funding, characteristics that may increase competition, matching fund requirements, eligibility requirements, and timeline or relevant deadlines to secure funding. For each local agency and SCTA, Consultant will identify financial constraints associated with implementation.

Task 5.2 Prioritization of Projects for Local Funding Opportunities Consultant will work closely with SCTA staff and the appropriate advisory committees to establish proposed policies for prioritizing active transportation funding. This effort will focus on the use of 12-percent set-aside for bicycle and pedestrian projects through the Go Sonoma Act. To identify the near and mid-term priority projects for this funding, Consultant will work with SCTA staff to develop a prioritization approach.

One such prioritization approach could include identifying performance measures that align with the countywide visions, goals, and objectives. For example, performance measures could be related to road safety, access, equity, connectivity, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and others. Each project would be qualitatively or quantitatively assessed relative to each performance measure. Each project would score points per performance measure and, using the summation of those points, the project would then be ranked from highest to lowest scoring.

Using revenue estimates from the Go Sonoma Act funding source, Consultant will identify the estimated amount of annual funding available. The revenue availability will define the order of magnitude near- and medium-term projects. Using the planning level cost estimates from Task 5.1 and the results of the project prioritization, Consultant will identify the projects aligning for the near- and medium-term project funding.

As part of the funding considerations, Consultant will also discuss with SCTA staff and advisory bodies the potential use of the Go Sonoma Act funding for matching funds in grant pursuits and a process of identifying and setting aside such matching funds to leverage local dollars for state and/or federal funds.

TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION: August 2023 – June 2024
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED: Erin Ferguson, Matthew Ridgway, Taylor McAdam, Eleanor Leshner, Kari McNickle, Geoff Rubendall, Robert Stevens, Adrian Engel, Terence Zhao, Ashlee Takushi, Jonathan Kupfner 38 of 191
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DELIVERABLES
» Draft funding and implementation chapter of plan including updated cost estimates in database files for each participation jurisdiction; a compilation of fund sources, applicability, and examples by funding types; and policies for prioritizing active transportation project funding and list of near-to mid-term priority projects Task 6 Draft and Final Plan
Task 6.1 Drafts and Final Countywide Plan and Local Plans The countywide plan will be written to be inclusive of the local plans, while the local plans will be written as standalone documents. Initial draft outlines of the countywide plan and local plans were noted as part of the introduction to the project approach further above.

In this subtask, Consultant will prepare the admin draft, public draft, draft final and final versions of the countywide plan and local plans. SCTA staff will review each draft (e.g., admin, public, draft final) and provide consolidated written comments to each draft. Participating local jurisdictions will review their respective local plans admin draft, public draft, and draft final, and similarly provide a consolidated set of comments per draft.

Following each draft, Consultant will prepare an updated version based on comments received. Prior to any revisions based on the public review, Consultant will review public comments received with SCTA staff and appropriate local jurisdiction staff to confirm and clarify revisions based on those comments.

Task 6.2 Comment Summary from Public Review
Consultant will prepare a summary of public comments received on the countywide plan and local plans.

TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION*: City of Cotati: July 2023 – December 2023, Other Plans: May 2024 – November 2024
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED: Erin Ferguson, Matthew Ridgway, Taylor McAdam, Eleanor Leshner, Carrie Modi, Kari McNickle, Terence Zhao, Jonathan Kupfer, Ashlee Takushi

DELIVERABLES
» Admin Draft and Public Draft Countywide Active Transportation Plan » Admin Draft and Public Draft Local Plans for each of the participating jurisdictions » Public Review – list of comments from all meetings and online survey tools » Review Draft and Final Draft Countywide Active Transportation Plan that incorporates feedback from the public review process, a summary of next steps towards implementation, and credits Caltrans on the cover or title page
» Review Draft and Final Draft Local Plans for local adoption by each participating jurisdiction that incorporates public feedback relevant to each respective jurisdiction, and credits Caltrans on the cover or title page Task 7 Local Agency and SCTA Board Presentations
Task 7.1 Support for Local Agency Plans
To support local agency plan adoption, Consultant will prepare presentation materials to present the draft and final plans to each local agency governing body. Consultant will coordinate with local jurisdiction staff to determine what level of consultant support is needed or desired with respect to meeting presentation and participation. If needed or desired, the consultant can present or be present at the plan adoption meetings.

Task 7.2 Support for Countywide Plan
To support Countywide Plan adoption, Consultant will prepare presentation materials to present the draft and final plan to the SCTA Board. Consultant will coordinate with SCTA staff to determine what level of consultant support is needed or desired with respect to meeting presentation and participation. If needed or desired, the 39 of 191
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consultant can present or be present at the adoption-related meetings.

TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETION: Full Completion by February 2025* *Schedule to be adapted to each adopting bodies standing meeting schedule.

PERSONNEL ASSIGNED:

Anticipated Presenters or Co-Presenters: Erin Ferguson, Matthew Ridgway Supporting Materials Development: Taylor McAdam, Eleanor Leshner, Carrie Modi, Terence Zhao, Jonathan Kupfer, Ashlee Taskushi

DELIVERABLES
» Draft presentation materials for each participating local agency governing body for its respective Draft and Final Local Plans
» Present and/or co-present Draft and Final Local Plan to each participating local agency governing body » Draft presentation materials for SCTA Board for the Draft and Final Countywide Plan » Present and/or co-present Draft and Final Countywide Plan to the SCTA Board of Directors 40 of 191
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COOPERATIVE FUNDING AGREEMENT NO. SCTA24020

BETWEEN THE SONOMA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF COTATI

EXHIBIT B

FINANCIAL PLAN AND SCHEDULE
Funding
Sonoma Countywide Active Transportation Plan - Cost Sharing Proposal Task Cost
Estimate SCTA Cotati

1. Existing Conditions/ Establishing Foundation $23,380 $23,380 -

2. Technical Analysis $78,470 $78,470 -

2.6 Sidewalk Gap Analysis (Cotati) $5,000 - $5,000

3. Public Engagement and Advisory Committees $204,980 $179,980 $25,000

4. Proposed Projects and Programs $72,880 $72,880 -

5. Funding and Implementation $44,202 $44,202 -

6. Draft and Final Plans $63,230 $63,230 -

7. Board Review/Approval $39,780 $39,780 -
TOTAL $531,922 $501,922 $30,000
Schedule
Plan Development Phase Begin
(MO/YR)
End
(MO/YR)
Select Consultant 02/2023 03/2023
Negotiate and
Execute Contract
04/2023 05/2023
Project kick-off
meetings
05/2023 06/2023
Prepare Draft Cotati ATP 06/2023 02/2024
Prepare Final Cotati ATP 3/2024 04/2024
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: PRESENTATION OF THE HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL
REPORT
Date: March 26, 2024
Written by: Eli Arreola, Planning Technician
Recommendation
It is recommended the City Council review the provided information, identify any concerns or direction for staff, and file the report for future discussion.

Background
All cities and counties in California are required to have a General Plan and among the required elements of a General Plan is the “Housing Element.” A Housing Element provides an analysis of a community's housing needs for all income levels and identifies strategies to respond to and provide for those housing needs. In 1980, the State began requiring scheduled Housing Element updates and (pursuant to Government Code Section 65400) General Law Cities are required to submit an annual report on Housing Element progress (Annual Progress Report or APR) to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), outlining the progress made towards implementing the City’s Housing Element.

Specifically, the Progress Report is required to detail local efforts to implement the City’s adopted Housing Element programs. The Progress Report must also detail the actions taken by the local government towards completion of the other adopted Housing Element programs and the status of the local government’s compliance with any associated deadlines in its Housing Element. The Annual Progress Report (APR) is to be considered at a public meeting before the legislative body where members of the public shall be allowed to provide oral testimony and written comments. This report is being presented to the Planning Commission on March 18, 2024, and the City Council on March 26, 2024, and will be submitted to the HCD and OPR ahead of the April 1, 2024, deadline.

California Department of Housing and Community Development 42 of 191
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) reviews every local government’s housing element to determine whether it complies with state law and then submits written findings back to each local government. Jurisdictions must update their housing elements on a set schedule, with most following an eight-year cycle. Like most cities, the City of Cotati is on an eight-year cycle, with the current “6th Cycle” being from 2023-2031, making this APR the first report for the 6th Cycle.

These housing cycles have historically partially aligned with the schedule that the local council of governments/metropolitan planning organizations (or COGs/MPOs) use to update their Regional Transportation Plans (which are updated every four years). Additionally, the Regional Transportation Plans are now mandated to align with housing plans in Regional Sustainable Communities Strategies. In the Bay Area, the COG is commonly known as the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the MPO is known as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). These two organizations merged in 2016 and Plan Bay Area 2050 is the combined transportation plan and sustainable community strategy, the foundational document for all Bay-area communities’ Housing Elements.

Calculating the Housing Need in Each Region
HCD is responsible for determining the regional housing needs assessment (RHNA), segmented by income levels, for each COG. HCD starts with demographic population information from the Census and California Department of Finance and uses a formula to calculate a figure for each region/COG. Each COG uses its own demographic figures and growth projections to calculate what it believes the regional housing need is, gathering input from the individual communities within the COG to further refine their projections. Each COG then coordinates with HCD — considering additional factors which may not have been captured in the calculations — to arrive at a final figure. This final figure is the regional housing needs assessment (RHNA) for the region.

Regional Housing Needs Assessment Allocation
Once HCD and the COG have agreed to the region’s assessment figure (the amount of housing that must be planned for), the COG is responsible for allocating the housing need amongst all of the jurisdictions (cities/counties) within that region. The COG does this in a Regional Housing Need Allocation Plan (RHNA Plan) created with input from a Housing Methodology Committee (HMC), made of elected and staff representatives from individual communities, and based on individual input and statutory requirements. This methodology is then used to allocate individual communities their “share” of the regional RHNA. In a COG as diverse as the San Francisco Bay Area, it can be challenging to meet all the various needs and individual characteristics of each jurisdiction within the COG (for example Cotati is very different from Oakland, but both communities are under the ABAG/MTC COG). Both the methodology and individual RHNA allocations are ultimately approved by HCD before they are formally approved for each community within the COG. Cotati’s 6th Cycle RHNA is 234 units.

Changes under AB 879
Until 2018, all California cities (and Counties) submitted annual housing production reports to HCD annually, no later than April 1 (CRC Title 25, Section 6202). The intent of the housing report is to report on the jurisdiction’s status and progress implementing its housing element and 43 of 191
RHNA. In 2018, a change went into effect (AB 879, Greyson) which modified the reporting requirements (and moved the applicable reporting requirements to Government Code Section 65400). Additional changes under AB 1486 (2019) and AB 1233 (2020) added new data requirements for the APRs.

New Reporting Requirements:
• The Annual Progress Report must additionally include the number of housing development applications received in the prior year, units included in all development applications in the prior year, units approved and disapproved in the prior year, and a listing of sites rezoned to accommodate that portion of the city’s or county’s share of the regional housing need for each income level that could not be accommodated on specified sites.
• The APR must also include reporting on the status of any designated “surplus land” owned by the City.
• The APR must include a report on any local tenant preference ordinance. • Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Reporting is now required in the APR. Jurisdictions must include updates on the status of proposed uses listed in their application for funding and the corresponding impact on housing within the region.

New or amended Housing Element and Reporting Requirements:
• Include an analysis of governmental constraints (including any locally adopted ordinances) that directly impact the cost and supply of residential development. • Include an analysis of nongovernmental constraints and also include the requests to develop housing at densities below those anticipated in a specified analysis. Also include the length of time between receiving approval for a housing development and the submittal of building permits for that housing development. • Require the analysis of nongovernmental constraints to demonstrate local efforts to remove nongovernmental constraints that create a gap between the locality’s planning for the development of housing for all income levels and the construction of that housing. • Require a program to also address and remove nongovernmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing.

Finally, HCD was also mandated to evaluate the reasonableness of local fees charged to new developments, as defined. This study is required to include findings and recommendations regarding potential amendments to the Mitigation Fee Act to substantially reduce fees for residential development. The results of this study could affect how communities throughout the State structure their development fees. No direction on fee changes has been received to date, however an analysis and update to the City’s Development Impact Fees are included in the 44 of 191
proposed FY 24/25 budget.

Analysis/Discussion
As identified, the current eight-year 6th cycle “RHNA”, runs from 2023 to 2031. The number of housing units constructed during this timeframe provides one metric for how HCD assesses a jurisdiction’s progress toward meeting the assigned RHNA numbers for that cycle. The Annual Production Report (attached) provides the basis for this assessment. As identified, the City is reporting to begin the current eight-year RHNA cycle which began Jan. 1, 2023. This is also the basis by which HCD may exercise its’ new authority to refer jurisdictions to the State Attorney General for enforcement due to lack of progress in housing production.

The attached APR is a template report required by HCD to demonstrate progress on the current housing element. As such, it includes both accounting metrics on the number of homes approved and constructed within the City, and a progress summary for each of the programs in the current housing element. Staff directs the public, Planning Commission, and City Council to Table D for more information on each of these topics. Below is a summary of the housing units by income level required to be constructed by December 31, 2031, in compliance with the City’s RHNA allocation.

Income
Level:

Very Low
Income
(<50% of Area
Median Income)
Low Income
(50-80% of Area
Median Income)
Moderate
Income
(80-120% of Area
Median Income)
Above
Moderate
Income
(>120% of Area
Median Income)
Total
RHNA
Allocation:
60 34 39 101 234
City Affordable Housing Requirements
In accordance with Chapter 17.31 of the Cotati Municipal Code, all housing developments of 10 or more units must deed-restrict 15% of their housing units as designated affordable housing.

Developments of 9 or fewer units may pay a “Housing in-lieu” fee. Generally, affordable housing must be built providing a minimum of 30% Very Low, 30% Low with the remaining units at Moderate income levels; alternatively, the percentages of unit types are based on the City’s remaining RHNA allocations by income level. Affordable housing must be similar to the market rate units within the development, and must be distributed throughout the project, unless a housing plan has been approved by the City Council allowing the affordable units to be built elsewhere in the City, or the developer applies a “concession on incentive” allowed under state density bonus law. All affordable units are typically restricted for a period between 30-55 years Legislative Update Summary
Below staff has provided a summary of some of the most consequential development related legislation passed since 2020. This is a partial list and only touches on the volume of Housing legislation affecting the City’s review of housing development projects and applicable regulations. Further, staff has attached a summary of the 2023 housing bills passed by the State 45 of 191
legislature, and the most recent changes in mandates to the local review process for housing development. As has been the case for several years, the trends continue to move housing development toward a “by-right” and CEQA exempt process, which is often not public or discretionary. This summary is brief and incomplete but is intended to provide a contemporary perspective on the recent laws affecting the development review process and the policy direction to be recommended by staff in the coming months and years, including programs to implement the 6th Cycle Housing Element Programs.

AB 2345 (Gonzalez)-Density Bonus Changes
AB 2345 amends Density Bonus Law to increase the maximum density bonus from thirty-five percent (35%) to fifty percent (50%). A ‘qualifying’ project must set aside at least fifteen percent (15%) of total units for very low-income households, twenty-four percent (24%) of total units for low-income households, or forty-four percent (44%) of for-sale units for moderate income households. Levels of bonus density between thirty-five percent (35%) and fifty percent (50%) are granted on a sliding scale.

Further, these amendments provide that, upon a developer’s request, a locality must utilize statemandated amended parking ratios (inclusive of handicapped and guest parking) which decrease the parking required for two- and three-bedroom units for qualifying projects, as shown in the table below.

Maximum Parking Requirements
Rooms Number of spaces required
Studio / 1 bedroom 1 space
2 bedroom / 3 bedroom 2 spaces → 1.5 spaces
4 bedroom 2.5 spaces
AB 1287 (Alvarez) Density Bonus
AB 1287 amends the Density Bonus Law to provide an additional density bonus and concession/incentive for projects that provide very low or moderate-income units. For a project to qualify for the additional density bonus and incentive under AB 1287, a project must provide the required percentage of on-site affordable units to obtain the maximum density bonus established by AB 2345. The project must also provide an additional 5-10% of units affordable at the very low-income level or an additional 5-15% of units affordable at the moderate-income level. A project that provides both set-asides will be eligible for a density bonus of up to 100% and three to four incentives/concessions. This bill also clarifies that jurisdictions are not prohibited from requiring an applicant to provide reasonable documentation to establish eligibility for a requested density bonus and parking ratios.

Staff Note: With the City’s requirement that 15% of a project’s units be deed restricted as affordable, it is likely a majority of residential projects in the future will be density bonus. 46 of 191
Contrary to the current Cotati Municipal Code (CMD) which identifies that the City Council grants the density bonus, recent changes in State Density Bonus law and a clarifying technical advisory from HCD identify that a density bonus (and the related concessions and incentives) is “by-right” for projects providing the required amount of affordable housing (15% at the VLI level). This means the Council will no longer be “granting” the density bonus as part of a project approval.

AB 602 (Grayson) Impact Fees
AB 602 imposes new requirements on jurisdictions regarding development impact fees. This bill requires jurisdictions to post and maintain updated information on the agency’s website about impact fees. Any member of the public is also allowed to submit evidence to challenge the agency’s compliance with the Mitigation Fee Act. AB 602 shifts the focus to conducting nexus studies to calculate impact fees in order to develop a fee that is proportional to the square footage of the development. If a jurisdiction does not utilize this approach to calculating fees they must make findings to explain why square footage is not an appropriate metric to calculate the fees.

AB 725 (Wicks) Missing Middle Housing
AB 725 is intended to address the current “housing crisis”, by requiring that many jurisdictions across the state plan for moderate-density housing (e.g., duplexes, fourplexes, garden apartments, townhomes, etc.) through their general plan housing elements. AB 725 requires that qualifying jurisdictions allocate at least 25% of their Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for moderate and above-moderate income units to housing sites zoned for at least four units, with moderate income sites being capped at a density of 100 units per acre. These sites must be identified in the Housing Element inventory of land suitable for residential development.

Accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling units do not count towards the 25% requirement.

SB330 (Skinner) “Housing Crisis Act” & New GC Section 66300 Development Process Changes SB 330 makes numerous changes to the Permit Streamlining Act and the Housing Accountability Act (many of which expire Jan. 1, 2025) and establishes the Housing Crisis Act. Under the new rules, cities and counties will be limited in the ordinances and policies that can be applied to housing developments. “Housing development” is now defined to include residential projects, mixed-use projects with 2/3 of the square footage dedicated to residential units and transitional or supportive housing projects. With limited exceptions, housing developments will only be subject to those ordinances and policies in effect when a newly created “preliminary” application is submitted. To facilitate the preliminary application process, all public agencies must compile a checklist that specifies what is required to complete a development application. The application checklist must now be made available in writing and on the public agency’s website.

The Housing Accountability Act was amended to prohibit more than 5 hearings when reviewing a project that complies with the general plan and zoning code objective standards in place when the application was deemed complete. “Hearing” is broadly defined to include any workshop or meeting of a board, commission, council, department, or subcommittee. Additionally, a housing development cannot be required to rezone the property if it is consistent with the objective general plan standards for the property. The public agency may require the housing development to comply with adopted objective zoning code standards applicable to the property, but only to 47 of 191
the extent they facilitate the development at the density allowed by the general plan.

SB 330 also shortens the time frames for housing development approval under the Permit Streamlining Act. Local agencies now have 90 days (instead of 120 days), following certification of the environmental impact report to approve a project. For low-income projects seeking tax credits or other public funding, that time frame is further shortened to 60 days.

SB 423 (Wiener) Streamlined Housing Approvals
SB 423 extends and expands the provisions in SB 330 by expanding the applicability of SB 35 to jurisdictions that have not adopted a housing element that has been found in substantial compliance with housing element law by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. This bill also extends SB 35 applicability to the Coastal Zone. SB 423 extends the provisions of SB 35 to a new sunset date of January 1, 2036.

SB 9 (Atkins) Ministerial Lot Splits of Single Family Parcels SB 9 also allows for ministerial approval of qualifying lot splits of existing single-family properties. Qualifying generally means in an urbanized area, the surrounding be development and that does not disrupt existing tenants. A proposed SB9 subdivision must ensure each new parcel be a minimum of forty (40%) percent of the original parcel size and be at least one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet. The new parcels are limited to residential uses, and each new lot is limited to two units (single family home + ADU). A local agency may impose objective zoning standards, subdivision standards, and design standards unless they would preclude either of the two units from being at least 800 square feet in floor area.

SB 10 (Wiener) Upzone In-Fill Parcels in Transit Areas (Optional) SB 10 creates a voluntary process for local governments to pass ordinances prior to January 1, 2029, to zone any parcel for up to ten (10) residential units if located in transit rich areas and urban infill sites. Adopting a local ordinance or a resolution to amend a general plan consistent with such an ordinance would be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). This provides cities with an increased ability to upzone property for housing without CEQA review. However, if the new housing authorized by the upzoning would require a discretionary approval to actually build the housing (for example, a subdivision map or design review), CEQA review is required for those subsequent approvals. Moreover, in contrast to SB 9, each individual city or county must affirmatively pass an ordinance authorizing the up zoning.

AB 1033 (Ting) Separate Sale or Conveyance of ADUs (Optional) AB 1033 creates an optional process for local jurisdictions to pass ordinances allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be bought and sold as condominiums, separate from the primary dwelling.

AB 68 (Ting)-Land Use: Accessory Dwelling Units
Effective January 1, 2020, this bill sought to increase the supply of housing units by easing restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) by requiring a local planning agency to ministerially approve or deny a permit application for the creation of an ADU (or JADU) within 60 days if the unit(s) proposed meet 48 of 191
certain standards. AB 68 allows property owners to develop two additional units (one ADU and one JADU) on any residential property, so long as that property meets size and setback requirements. Additionally, this bill removes parking requirements for ADU/JADU, and prohibits the local agency from imposing impact fees or connection fees for ADUs/JADUs that are not proportional to the size of the unit.

AB 894 (Friedman) Shared Parking
AB 894 allows entities to enter into a shared parking agreement if the applicable parking is “underutilized.” Parking is considered “underutilized” if at least 20% of the spaces in a development are vacant during the shared parking time. Jurisdictions are mandated to allow the shared parking plans if the entities submit the shared parking agreement and an explanation of the benefits of the proposal. If a shared parking plan includes a parking analysis based on “peerreviewed methodologies” and ensures long-term parking the plan must be approved by the local agency. If the analysis is not included in the submittal, approval is discretionary. AB 894 also requires local agencies to count shared spaces toward parking requirements for existing or proposed uses and development(s) if parking meets local requirements.

Financial Considerations
The City maintains an Affordable Housing Fund intended to support the development of affordable housing within Cotati. Affordable housing in-lieu payments are remitted to this account for residential development projects which are allowed to pay in-lieu fees (generally those which are less than 10-units in size) and commercial projects paying the linkage fee. The City recently utilized approximately $1,650,000 of this fund to purchase 120 E. Cotati Avenue and the account has an outstanding loan to the sewer fund for approximately $1,000,000 Separately, the City has committed approximately $620,000 to support the affordable housing units of the Cotati Station apartment project. The Fiscal Year 24/25 budget will reflect these commitments (as appropriate). Staff anticipates the remaining fund balance will support implementation of the City’s 6th Cycle affordable housing programs.

CD staff was also successful in obtaining $415,000 in Priority Development Grant funds, in addition to the $50,000 in competitive REAP grant previously received to support an update to the Santero Way Specific Plan. The project is underway and is anticipated to be completed in late Summer/early Fall 2024.

Environmental Issues
The action of receiving the annual housing report does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no further environmental review is required.
49 of 191

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Jurisdiction Cotati Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Year 2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table A
Housing Development Applications Submitted
Total Total Date
Application
Submitted
Approved Disapproved Density Bonus Law
Applications
Application
Status Project Identifier
1 Unit Types Proposed Units - Affordability by Household Incomes Streamlining 9 Project Type
12 Notes
13 Units by
Project
7 Units by
Project
2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11
Did the housing Were incentives
or concessions
reqested
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915
Please select
streamlining
provision/s the
development
application seek
incentives or
concessions
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915?
Is the project
considered a
ministerial
project or
discretionary
project?
Date
Application
Submitted
(see
Tenure Very LowIncome
Deed
Very LowIncome Non
Deed
LowIncome
Deed
Moderate- Moderate- Total Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Low-Income
Non Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total Please indicate
the status of the
application.

Income
Deed
Income
Non Deed
Total PROPOSED APPROVED Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+ DISAPPROVED application was Notes+ R=Renter
O=Owner
Units by Project Units by
project Units by Project submitted
pursuant to. Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted instructions) approved?
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
144-420-014 4 LOMA LINDA
13 0 0 0 0 0 114
1 127
1 1
1 0
ADU
MH
R
R
NONE
NONE
No
Yes
N/A
N/A
Approved Ministerial 23004 DR
144-040-011 & 8145 Hwy 116
144-040-021 &7517 Alder
Ave
1/5/2023
13 113 126 Pending Discretionary
Cotati Village 2 PA# 23-19
8/21/2023
0 0
0 0
50 of 191
Jurisdiction Cotati ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Reporting Year
Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 -
-
Dec. 31)
01/31/2031
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
6th Cycle 01/31/2023
Table A2
Annual Building ActivityReport Summary- NewConstruction, Entitled, Permitsand Completed Units Housing without Financial Termof Affordability
Project Identifier
1 Unit Types AffordabilitybyHousehold Incomes
4 - Completed Entitlement AffordabilitybyHousehold Incomes 7 - Building Permits AffordabilitybyHousehold Incomes
10 - Certificatesof Occupancy Streamlining
14 Infill
15 Housing with Financial Assistance
and/or Deed Restrictions Assistance or Deed
Restrictions or Deed Restriction Demolished/Destroyed Units 20 DensityBonus Notes
2 3 5 6 8 9 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25
Please select the
streamlining
provision the
project was

APPROVED
pursuant to. (may
select multiple)
For units affordable without
Total Density Bonus Applied
Demolished/De to the Project (Percentage
NumInbceernotifveOst,her
Concessions, Waivers,
List the incentives,
concessions,
waivers, and
modifications
(Excluding Parking parking standards? (Y/N)
Waivers or Parking
Tenure Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
InVcoemryeLoNwo-n Low- Income Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
Mo
o
dmeeraten
Above
ModerateIncome
Entitlement
Date Approved
Very Lowncome Deed
Restricted
InVcoemryeLoNwo-n Low- Income Low- Income ModerateIncome Deed Restricted
Mo
o
dmeera ten
Above
ModerateIncome
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
InVcoemryeLoNwo-n Low- Income Low- Income MIodceormatee- Mo o
dmeera ten
Above
ModerateIncome
Occupancy or other
forms of readiness
(see instructions)
Date Issued
Certificates of # oisfsuU
e
ndits
How many of Assistance Programs
for Each Development
Deed Restriction
Type
(may select
restrictions, explain how the Deed Restriction (years)
financial assistance or deed Term of Affordability or
Number of Did the project receive a
reduction or waiver of Loc
T
arlaJukriins
g
diIcDtion (SFA,SFD,2 to Unit Category
Deed Inc No # of Units issued
Entitlements
Deed Non Deed
Restricted
Inc No Building Permits
Date Issued
# of Units Issued Deed Non Deed
Restricted
n Inc No Certificates of the units were
Occupancy or Extremely Low
other forms of
readiness
Infill Units?
Y/N+ locality determined the units (if affordable in perpetuity Demolished/Destroyed Destroyed Units Demolished or stroyed Units Increase in Total Allowable or Other Modifications Notes +
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
c R=Renter
O=Owner
Deed Deed
Restricted
Deed Deed
Restricted
Building Permits Deed Deed
Restricted
Deed
Restricted
(may select multiple
see instructions)
- Owner or
Renter
Units or Total Maximum
Allowable Residential Gross
Floor Area)
Given to the Project
(Excluding Parking
Waivers or Parking
Reductions)
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Restricted
Restricted
Restricted
Restricted
Restricted
Restricted
Income?
multiple - see were affordable
(see instructions)
enter 1000)+ Units
instructions)
Modifications)
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 1
0 1 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0
144-420-014
144-220-014
4 Loma Linda Dr 23004
21133
ADU
ADU
R
R
0 0
1 1
1/23/2023
2/8/2023
1 1
11/1/2023 1
0 NONE
NONE
Y
666 School St W Y
Phone call made on 2/2/2023 to
the owner of the ADU. Unit will be
designated to the elderly; $0 rent.
144-740-021 618 McGinnis Cir Gary's ADU 22209 ADU O 1 8/29/2022 8/22/2022
1 1 1/18/2023
7/3/2023
1 1
0 NONE Y
0 046-620-015 0
144-302-030
119 Macklin Dr 22209 ADU
5+
R
R
1 1
0 1
0 NONE
NONE
Y
Y 902 EaAsvteCotati PA# 22/05 2 4 2/14/2023 ListAeDdUins pwroilljec b
et rdestcerdiptiMonRt.hat
6 0
0 0
en B
0 0
0 0
0 0
51 of 191
This table is auto-populated once you enter your jurisdiction name and current year data. Past Jurisdiction Cotati year information comes from previous APRs. 2023

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year Housing Element Implementation
Planning Period
(Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Please contact HCD if your data is different than the material supplied here 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
1 2 3 4
Projection Period -
06/30/2022-
01/30/2023
Total Remaining
RHNA by Income
Level
RHNA Allocation by
Income Level
Total Units to
Date (all years) Income Level 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 Deed Restricted -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
60 - 60
Very Low
Low
Non-Deed Restricted
Deed Restricted 34
39 - 34
Non-Deed Restricted
Deed Restricted
- 39
Moderate
Above Moderate
Non-Deed Restricted
101 1 100
Total RHNA
Total Units
234
- 1 - - - - - - - - 1 233
Progress toward extremely low-income housing need, as determined pursuant to Government Code 65583(a)(1). 5 6 7
Extremely low-Income
Need
Total Units to
Date
Total Units
Remaining 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Extremely Low-Income Units* 30 - - - - - - - - - - 30
*Extremely low-income houisng need determined pursuant to Government Code 65583(a)(1). Value in Section 5 is default value, assumed to be half of the very low-income RHNA. May be overwritten.

Please Note: Table B does not currently contain data from Table F or Table F2 for prior years. You may login to the APR system to see Table B that contains this data.

Note: units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income RHNA progress and must be reported as very low-income units in section 7 of Table A2. They must also be reported in the extremely low-income category (section 13) in Table A2 to be counted as progress toward meeting the extremely low-income housing need determined pursuant to Government Code 65583(a)(1).

Please note: For the last year of the 5th cycle, Table B will only include units that were permitted during the portion of the year that was in the 5th cycle. For the first year of the 6th cycle, Table B will only include units that were permitted since the start of the planning period. Projection Period units are in a separate column.

Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected].
52 of 191

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Jurisdiction Cotati Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Year
Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table C
Sites Identified or Rezoned to Accommodate Shortfall Housing Need and No Net-Loss Law Project Identifier Date of Rezone
2 RHNA Shortfall by Household Income Category
3 Rezone Type
4 Sites Description
1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Local Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Above ModerateIncomeRezone Type Parcel Size
(Acres)
General Plan
Designation
Minimum
Density Allowed Density Allowed
Maximum Description of Existing
Uses APN Street Address Project Name+ Date of Rezone Very Low-Income Low-Income Moderate-Income Zoning Realistic Capacity Vacant/Nonvacant Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
53 of 191

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Jurisdiction
Reporting Year
Cotati
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583 Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
1 2 3 4
Name of Program Objective Timeframe in H.E Status of Program Implementation The Community Development Department has identified remaining Affordable Housing Funds dollars as a potential source to create a revolving loan fund with which to implement Program 1-1. The exact dollar amount has yet to be determined, however it has been identified as a funding commitment for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 proposed budget.

Improve neighborhoods and housing by
1-1 Housing Rehabilitation providing opportunities for home ownership and housing rehabilitation.

Annually
Improve neighborhoods and housing by
providing opportunities for home
ownership by
implementing a Home Ownership
Assistance Program.

Although a direct subsidy funding source has not been identified, a homeownership assistance program will continue to be implemented as an inclusionary housing component of any for-sale housing project over nine units in the City.
1-2 Home Ownership On-Going
On December 9, 2023, the City of Cotati hosted and participated in the first annual Housing Fair held at the Cotati SMART Train Depot and managed by the Napa/Sonoma Collaborative (4Leaf). Over the last year, the City has greatly expanded its relationship with local non-profit organizations resulting in Cotati residents having access to rental and utility bill assistance, landlord-tenant legal advice, and other housing services. In addition, the CD Department has increased engagement with the non-profit community to leverage expanded access to Accessory Dwelling Unit financing and technical assistance (Homes for Sonoma, the Napa/Sonoma ADU Center). Further, the City of Cotati has formalized a relationship with the Housing Land Trust of Sonoma County (HLT) to provide affordable housing expertise and assistance with managing for sale below market rate (BMR) home sales and re-sales.

Continue existing and develop new
relationships with agencies, nonprofits On-Going
and others to assit in rehab assistance.
1-3 Non-Profit & Agency
Coordination
The Community Development Department works annually with the Public Works Department to review the CIP and prioritize projects that will maintain and enhance the city’s older residential neighborhoods. This coordination has resulted in street improvement projects benefiting existing eastern Cotati neighborhoods around Old Redwood Highway, E. Cotati Avenue and Myrtle Avenue, as well as western Cotati neighborhoods accessed via West Cotati Avenue. These projects include pothole repair and slurry seal of existing streets; full-depth reclamation of existing streets, bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements.

As part of the annual review of the
Capital Improvement Program,
determine priorities for the capital
improvement projects required to
maintain community's aging
infrastructure.
1-4 Capital Improvement
Program Annually
Staff has inventoried the existing affordable housing properties, their owners and contacted the site management/ownership to compile affordability documentation and ensure accurate information regarding potential expiration of affordability agreements (aka Deed Restrictions). Review of this information will allow continuous monitoring of the affordability duration of these properties and proactive engagement with any pending expiration. City has engaged with partner government and non-profit housing service providers and updated website with information and services.
1-5 Preservation of
Affordable Housing Preserve supply of affordable units. On-Going CD staff maintains an updated inventory of MHPs. On October 17, 2023, City staff met with Countryside MHP residents to provide information on HCD's MORE program (formally MPRROP) and gather feedback on the City's proposed Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay Ordinance. Separately, staff mailed an informational flyer to every MHP resident within the City regarding the MORE program. Staff is collecting data to update and inventory the affordability of all MHP units in the City through a survey provided to park residents. City staff is also in coordination with the Sonoma County Community Development Commission to gather affordability information and provide active support Facilitate the preservation of mobile
home parks and protect residents from On-Going
displacement.
1-6 Preservation of Mobile
Home Parks
action such as owner/resident mediation.

Throughout 2023, the CD Department engaged with other jurisdictions to Partner with a Joint Powers Authority
and non-profit asset manager to acquire
Bond Financing Program and/or construct affordable housing units.
explore several JPA models, including existing JPAs the City is currently a partner in, local JPAs currently in existence and the creation of a new JPA specific to funding affordable housing. The City Council has committed to further exploring this as a funding mechanism in the development of an affordable housing development in FY2024/25.
1-7 Essential Housing 12/1/2023
The City of Cotati adopted the new CALGreen Intervening Cycle Tier 1 EV charging requirements on July 26th. In Spring 2023, the City launched a Climate and Sustainability webpage to provide sustainability resources and a guide to residential building electrification. The City is updating the Santero Way Specific Plan (SWSP), and as part of the update, Santero Way will be rezoned to allow for higher density housing near the SMART train station. The City has received proposals for several mixed use developments within PDAs including Cotati Villages 1 and 2, and Cotati Station, all of which will be subject to updated CalGreen efficiency standards. The City has also received permit applications for two new ADUs and a new SFH within the PDAs in Cotati. Lastly, the City is updating the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, now called the Active Transportation Plan with adoption expected in May 2024.

Promote energy efficiency and
1-8 Residential Building
Decarbonization
conservation in new and existing
residential development
through.

On-Going
54 of 191
The City has updated the list of Housing Opportunity Sites, including density and special needs information since adoption of the 2023 Housing Element (HE). This list will be actively maintained to reflect parcels that have developed or in response to changes in the zoning or the RHNA needs of the City. The City has not identified a shortfall of available sites necessary to meet the existing and future RHNA needs identified in the 6th Cycle Housing Element-primarily utilizing vacant and available parcels, many of which are developer owned). In addition, the City has created a list of additional parcels available to replace those that develop over this period, and will maintain and update this list. 2-1 Adequate Housing
Sites Maintain adequate inventory of sites. On-Going
The City continues to offer amd encourage an optional pre-application process to support potential housing applications. Fast track opportunities are available for residential development proposals with significant affordable housing components. CD staff continues to engage with the Napa Sonoma Collaborative to leverage this additional resource. An SB 35 and 330 process has been created, including a preliminary application and review process. Objective Design Guidelines have been adopted and are being expanded in FY 24/25 to include all types of residential development. Compliance with Density Bonus and Growth Management law changes is also anticipated in 2024.

Implement various processes and
opportunities for developers to
streamline their projects.
2-2 Streamlining Housing
Development On-Going
The City updated its ADU ordinance in 2020 and has scheduled an additional update to implement the additional more recent changes passed by the State legislature, as interpreted by HCD. As identified above, the City has further sought to promote the development of ADUs, partnering with the Napa/Sonoma ADU Center and creating an ADU specific webpage on the CD Department site.

Finally, the City intends to create an ADU Amnesty program in 2024.

Incentivize and promote the
development of accessory dwelling
units.
2-3 Accessory Dwelling
Units 2024
The City has initiated a review of the Cottage Housing ordinance as a component of the Plex-Housing Objective Design Guideline Ordinance currently under way. The goal of this review is to identify opportunities to fine tune the ordinance and make it more supportive of in-fill housing development projects within the City. Once complete, the City will look for opportunities to market the ordinance to the development community. An SB 10 Ordinance will be reviewed Promote Cottage Housing Ordinance to
incentivize smaller units. 2-4 Cottage Housing Annually by December 2025.

As identified above, throughout the 6th Cycle HE Update process, the City of Cotati greatly expanded its relationship with local non-profit organizations and service providers, both through participation with the CDC and separately through individual interactions and relationship building. The goal of these efforts is to ensure the City has the resources available to meet the various needs of the un-housed population. Further, the City continues to seek funding to support shelters, transitional and supportive housing units.

The City is reviewing approximately 450 residential units on the west side of Cotati, along and near Hwy 116. Additionally, the City is updating the Santero Way Specific Plan, which will include rezoning to allow for increased residential development significantly above the City's default density and to include AFFH policies within the PDA. Plan adoption in anticipated for Fall 2024, ahead of the Support funding for the provision of
emergency shelters, transitional
housing, and supportive housing.
2-5 Continuum of Care and
Crisis Response On-Going
1/31/2026
2-6 Santero Way Rezoning Increase residential development in to Affirmatively Further
Fair Housing
Moderate Resource areas and near
amenities.

HE schedule.

The City Council approved the Flahaven Estates single family residential subdivision on January 23, 2024. The City proactively rezoned several parcels (APNs: 144-050-009 & 046-286-021) for the "Cotati Village" project in (scheduled for Council action on February 27, 2024. Several other parcels are planned for pro-active rezoning by the City to remove antiquated Planned Development zoning in favor of their “base zones”. Finally, all proposed housing Ensure pending and approved projects
2-7 Support Development will be available for occupancy within Immediately of Proposed Projects the planning period. development projects receive regular and on-going staff commitments and are anticipated to be processed and reviewed in keeping with project review timeline commitments.

The City has amended Zoning Codes to allow for reduced amounts of commercial square footage in mixed-use areas; reduced commercial parking requirements in mixed-use developments, clarified development criteria in the Downtown Specific Plan area; and eliminated antiquated Planned Development Incentivize development projects for affordable housing that addresses
community's priorities through
amendments to Land Use Code and
Zoning Code
3-1 Zoning for a Variety of
Housing Types
Land Use Code Revisions Districts. An ordinance to allow Permanent Supportive Housing and Low Barrier by 2023 Navigation Centers as required has been adopted. All parking, ADU/JADU and manufactures housing requirements continue to be implemented in keeping with State Law. The City continues to support density bonus concessions and incentives to remove constraints for projects providing affordable housing units.

The City's Land Use Code requires 10% of all units in new subdivisions to be single story and universally accessible to allow for full conversions in the future if needed/wanted. The City's objective design guidelines also require multifamily housing projects to incorporate 10% of the units as accessible.

Additional policies and programs for the support of affordable and special needs housing are included in the City’s certified 6th Cycle Housing Element and are being incorporated into the CD Department work plan for FY 24/25 in 3-2 Funding for Affordable
and Special Needs
Housing
Seek available funding for lower income
and special needsd housing. On-Going
keeping with the committed timelines.

The City entered and has maintained an ongoing contract with an outside consulting firm to process projects when workload exceeds staff capacity; this contract will continue through mid-2025. In addition, the City Council approved a budget adjustment in fall of 2023 to increase the hours for both the part-time Associate Planner and Planning Technician through the end of the calendar year to increase staff capacity to process current development and housing policy projects. These hours are being maintained through FY2023/24. The City Council will review CD staffing needs in mid-2024 to determine if an extension of these increased hours is necessary in the next fiscal year. This staffing is adequate to meet the current needs of the City, and additional capacity is available if the demand increases.

Maintain staff in CDD to process and
review housing development
applications and implement housing
programs.
3-3 Maintain Adequate
Staff On-Going
On-Going 3-4 Housing Choice
Vouchers
Require developers utilizing tax exempt
financing to include Section 8 vouchers.

In this cycle to date, the City has had no developers utilize tax exempt financing. 55 of 191
The City has posted all required information regarding development impact fees in compliance with AB 602. The City Council is anticipated to support a review and update of impact fees as a component of the FY024/25 workplan for the CD Department.

Pursue Housing Fund dollars to reduce
fees for affordable projects and ensure On-Going
compliance with SB 330 and AB 602.
3-5 Review Processing
Fees
3-6 Prohousing
Designation
Pursue Prohousing Designation from
CHD.

The City is reviewing its implemented policies and programs and planning to apply for the Prohousing Designation in 2024. 2025
On December 12, 2024, the City adopted a Senior Zoning Overlay for one of its MHP to prevent the displacement of residents on fixed incomes. The City has created a local preference policy for inclusion in adopted affordability agreements, and this policy will be posted on the City website. Further, the CD Department plans to implement an ADU amnesty program in 2024 to allow the legalization of existing un-permitted ADUs over time and while they remain occupied (assuming no substandard housing issues exist). 4-1 Anti-Displacement
Actions
Reduce the risk of displacement
throughout the City On-Going
In this cycle to date, the City has had no fair housing complaints. Information regarding legal assistance and how to file a complaint is available at the CD Department front counter, website and through City staff. Further, this information was available at the City’s Housing Fair, held on Dec. 9, 2023.

Ensure that residents have access to
information regarding fair housing
rights.
4-2 Housing
Discrimination Complaints On-Going
On-Going
The City provides non-discrimination regulations and tenant rights information at the CD Department front counter, website and through City staff. Further, this information was available at the City’s Housing Fair, held on Dec. 9, 2023.

Additionally, the City provides referrals to the CDC and Legal Aid of Sonoma County to support tenants expressing concerns over fair housing and housing rights procedures. Finally, the City Code Enforcement and Building Department engages directly with property owners and tenants in cases of substandard housing complaints.

The City shall take measures to provide
and publicize information regarding fair
housing
programs, housing rights, and
complaint procedures
4-3 Nondiscrimination &
Fair Housing Information
Continue to ensure that reasonable
accommodation is provided for persons
with disabilities,
The City processes requests for reasonable accommodations, as needed and ensures all disability related code requirements are met through the review of all entitlement and building permit applications.
4-4 Reasonable
Accommodation Biannual
On-Going
including developmental disabilities
The City continues to prioritize code enforcement activities that pose immediate threats to public health and safety. Internal City Code Enforcement policies identify that life safety and substandard housing are the top priority in allocating resources to complaints received. Cultural sensitivity training to be held by May 2025.

Continue to prioritize residential code
enforcement activities for situations
that pose an immediate threat to public
health and safety
4-5 Limit Code
Enforcement Activities
Facilitate the involvement of
underrepresented residents,
4-6 Culturally Appropriate businesses, and organizations in all Outreach efforts for all housing related activities are being modeled to ensure historically underrepresented populations are specifically targeted for these efforts. Specific actions include Spanish translation of documents and informational materials, marketing to and inclusion of local Tribal members in City affordable housing preference policies; and outreach efforts being crafted to ensure participation from identified groups.

Facilitation and
Involvement
aspects of the planning process,
utilizing culturally appropriate
approaches to public
On-Going
participation and involvement.

Prepare an annual report to the City
Council describing implementtion of the Annually
Element.

Cotati Community Development staff meets all annual HCD reporting requirements. 5-1 Annual Report
Community Development staff regularly hold workshops to provide information on housing regulations and opportunities within the City. Specifically, an annual presentation is made to the Planning Commission and City Council to identify changes in State housing law, as a component of the Annual Progress Report (APR) presentation. Further, City-staff presents a “Land Use 101” workshop with a Housing Law focus at a Special Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council after each major election (or other significant change on these bodies). In addition, the City has created a Housing specific webpage to share this information and provide regular updates in an effort to keep citizens informed of these changes. This website includes a "Housing Interest List" sign up whereby individuals interested in Housing related issues may provide their email and get direct updates on the City’s efforts to support housing in Cotati. Further, the City continues to hold public hearings and discussions to discuss the City’s responses to the recent state legislation which requires modifications and updates to the City’s land use code. In addition to these meetings and workshops, city staff regularly engages with the community through social media and local events such as farmer's markets, to get input from Cotati residents on housing. As an example, CD staff is currently requesting input via a survey on Plex Housing Design Guidelines. Finally, the City conducts a community wide survey and presents the results to the City Council every two to three years. On February 13, 2024, this years survey was presented, which identified housing affordability as the number one priority of the community.

Hold workshops that provide the public,
developers and service providers with
opportunities to review and discuss the
Housing Element.
5-2 Workshops & Public
Hearings On-Going
56 of 191
Community Development staff regularly hold workshops to provide information on housing regulations and opportunities within the City. Specifically, an annual presentation is made to the Planning Commission and City Council to identify changes in State housing law, as a component of the Annual Progress Report (APR) presentation. Further, City-staff presents a “Land Use 101” workshop with a Housing Law focus at a Special Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council after each major election (or other significant change on these bodies). In addition, the City has created a Housing specific webpage to share this information and provide regular updates in an effort to keep citizens informed of these changes. This website includes a "Housing Interest List" sign up whereby individuals interested in Housing related issues may provide their email and get direct updates on the City’s efforts to support housing in Cotati. Further, the City continues to hold public hearings and discussions to discuss the City’s responses to the recent state legislation which requires modifications and updates to the City’s land use code. In addition to these meetings and workshops, city staff regularly engages with the community through social media and local events such as farmer's markets, to get input from Cotati residents on housing. As an example, CD staff is currently requesting input via a survey on Plex Housing Design Guidelines. Finally, the City conducts a community wide survey and presents the results to the City Council every two to three years. On February 13, 2024, this years survey was presented, which identified housing affordability as the number one priority of the community.

Engage the residents and workforce of
Cotati, and stakeholders directly
involved in housing.
5-3 Stakeholder
Engagement On-Going
The City will increase accessibility and
transparency of housing development
standards and
opportunities and meet the new
transparency and development fee
requirements of AB 602
The City has posted required information regarding development impact fees on its website in compliance with AB 602. The summary of the City's Sites Inventory has been included in the Housing Element and is accessible on the City's website. Additional information such as Standard Conditions of Approval and Objective Design Guideline Check Lists are also in process and plan to be published on the City’s website in 2024.
5-4 Accessible and
Transparent Information On-Going
and SB 319
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Jurisdiction Cotati ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field Cells in grey contain auto-calculation
Reporting Period Housing Element Implementation formulas Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031 (CCR Title 25 §6202)
Table E
Commercial Development Bonus Approved pursuant to GC Section 65915.7 Description of Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved
Project Identifier Units Constructed as Part of Agreement 1 2 3 4
Local Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Very Low
Income
Low
Income
Moderate
Income
Above Moderate
Income
Description of Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved APN Street Address Project Name+
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Annual Progress Report January 2020
58 of 191
Cotati ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Jurisdiction Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Reporting Period
Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table F
Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired for Alternative Adequate Sites pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c) Please note this table is optional: The jurisdiction can use this table to report units that have been substantially rehabilitated, converted from non-affordable to affordable by acquisition, and preserved, including mobilehome park preservation, consistent with the standards set forth in Government Code section 65583.1, subdivision (c). Please note, motel, hotel, hostel rooms or other structures that are converted from non-residential to residential units pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c)(1)(D) are considered net-new housing units and must be reported in Table A2 and not reported in Table F.

Units that Count Towards RHNA + The description should adequately document how Note - Because the statutory requirements severely limit what can be each unit complies with subsection (c) of Government counted, please contact HCD at [email protected] and we will unlock the Code Section 65583.1+.

Units that Do Not Count Towards RHNA+
Listed for Informational Purposes Only
form which enable you to populate these fields. For detailed reporting requirements, see the chcklist here:

Activity Type
Extremely LowIncome+Extremely LowIncome+Very LowIncome+ https://www.hcd.ca.gov/communityVery Low-Income+ Low-Income+ TOTAL UNITS+ Low-Income+ TOTAL UNITS+ development/docs/adequate-sites-checklist.pdf Rehabilitation Activity
Preservation of Units At-Risk
Acquisition of Units
Mobilehome Park Preservation
Total Units by Income
Annual Progress Report January 2020
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Note: "+" indicates
Jurisdiction Cotati ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT an optional field Reporting Period Housing Element Implementation
Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table F2
Above Moderate Income Units Converted to Moderate Income Pursuant to Government Code section 65400.2 For up to 25 percent of a jurisdiction’s moderate-income regional housing need allocation, the planning agency may include the number of units in an existing multifamily building that were converted to deed-restricted rental housing for moderate-income households by the imposition of affordability covenants and restrictions for the unit. Before adding information to this table, please ensure housing developments meet the requirements described in Government Code 65400.2(b).

Units credited toward Moderate Notes Project Identifier 1 Unit Types Affordability by Household Incomes After Conversion 4 Income RHNA
2 3 5 6
Tenure Very LowIncome Non Low- Income Deed Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non Deed ModerateRestricted IncomeAbove Total Moderate Income Units Converted from Above
Moderate
Unit Category
(2 to 4,5+)
Moderate- Income
Deed Restricted
Date Converted Notes Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+ R=Renter Deed Restricted
Restricted
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
60 of 191
NOTE: This table must only be filled out if the housing element sites inventory contains a site which is or was owned by the reporting jurisdiction, and has been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of Jurisdiction Cotati Note: "+" indicates an optional field Cells in grey contain auto-calculation
Reporting Period formulas
Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) during the reporting year.
6th Cycle ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table G
Locally Owned Lands Included in the Housing Element Sites Inventory that have been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of Project Identifier
1 2 3 4
Realistic Capacity
Identified in the
Housing Element
Local Jurisdiction Entity to whom the site
transferred APN Street Address Project Name+ Intended Use for Site Tracking ID+
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
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Jurisdiction Cotati
2023
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
(Jan. 1 - Dec. surplus/excess lands the reporting jurisdiction owns Cells in grey contain auto-calculation NOTE: This table must contain an invenory of ALL
Reporting Period 31) formulas

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
For Sonoma County jurisdictions, please format the APN's as follows:999-999-999-999 Table H
Locally Owned Surplus Sites
Parcel Identifier
2 Designation
5 Size
6 Notes
1 3 4 7
Number of
Units
Surplus
Designation
Parcel Size (in
acres) APN Street Address/Intersection Existing Use Notes Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
144-320-026-000 0 E Cotati Ave Commercial 0 Surplus Land 0.41 Cotati SMART TOD Site 62 of 191

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Jurisdiction Cotati Note: "+" indicates an optional field NOTE: STUDENT HOUSING WITH DENSITY BONUS ONLY. This
table only needs to be completed if there were student housing projects WITH a density bonus approved pursuant to
Government Code65915(b)(1)(F)
Reporting Period
Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table J
Student housing development for lower income students for which was granted a density bonus pursuant to subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 65915 Units (Beds/Student
Capacity) Granted
Density Bonus
Project Identifier Project Type Date Units (Beds/Student Capacity) Approved 4 Notes
1 2 3 5 6
Very Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
Moderate- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total Additional Beds
Created Due to Density
Bonus
Local Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Unit Category
(SH - Student Housing)
Very Low- Income
Deed Restricted
Low- Income Deed Low- Income Non Moderate- Income APN Street Address Project Name+ Date Notes Restricted Deed Restricted Deed Restricted Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Annual Progress Report January 2020
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Jurisdiction Cotati ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Period
Planning Period
2023 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table K
Tenent Preference Policy
Local governments are required to inform HCD about any local tenant preference ordinance the local government maintains when the jurisdiction submits their annual progress report on housing approvals and production, per Government Code 7061 (SB 649, 2022, Cortese). Effective January 1, 2023, local governments adopting a tenant preference are required to create a webpage on their internet website containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting materials, no more than 90 days after the ordinance becomes operational.

Does the Jurisdiction have a local tenant preference policy? Yes If the jurisdiction has a local tenant preference policy, provide a link to the jurisdiction's webpage on their internet website containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting materials. https://www.cotaticity.org/214/Affordable-Housing Notes
The City exercises preference in deed-restricted affordable housing units for Cotati residents, members of the Cotati workforce, families enrolled in the Cotati/Rohnert Park Unified School District, members of local tribes including the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and employees of Sonoma State University. 64 of 191
65 of 191
3/4/24, 2:54 PM California's 2024 Housing Laws: What You Need to Know | Insights | Holland & Knight https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2023/10/californias-2024-housing-laws-what-you-need-to-know 1/32 OCTOBER 31, 2023
California's 2024 Housing
Laws: What You Need to
Know
Expansion of Affordable Housing Streamlining and First Steps Toward Addressing CEQA Abuse Are Highlights of a Big Year in Housing Law
Holland & Knight Alert
Chelsea Maclean | Daniel R. Golub | Kevin J. Ashe | William E. Sterling | Deborah Brundy

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Highlights
In 2023, the California Legislature enacted and extended significant housing streamlining laws – most, but not all, are limited to projects that pay prevailing wage for construction labor and contain significant amounts of Below Market Rate (BMR) housing.

The session also saw important signs of legislative frustration at California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) abuse. A new law will limit localities' ability to refuse to certify an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or confirm a CEQA
exemption for qualifying housing developments, and a new CEQA exemption applies to qualifying 100 percent affordable housing projects. The Legislature also reacted to the University of California, Berkeley "students are pollution" case by 66 of 191
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providing that noise generated by occupants and their guests is not a significant effect on the environment.

The Legislature further expanded the State Density Bonus Law, but limited the scope of the Surplus Lands Act – in ways that may increase the complexity of both statutes.

New laws will allow localities to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be sold separately as condos and prohibit localities from imposing "owner occupancy" requirements on ADUs.

The 2023 California Legislative session, like the last
several, saw the enactment of a large number of
significant new housing production laws. (See Holland & Knight's previous annual recaps of California Housing
Laws in the final section below.) This Holland & Knight alert takes a closer look at some of the most significant housing laws that the Legislature passed and that Gov.

Gavin Newsom has signed into law, grouped into
following categories:

Streamlining:

SB 423 (extension and expansion of streamlined
ministerial approval law for affordable projects
consistent with objective zoning rules)
SB 4 (by-right approval for affordable housing on
land owned by religious organizations and higher
education institutions)
SB 684 (ministerial approval of up to 10-unit
housing projects on small sites)
AB 1490 (adaptive reuse for affordable housing)
AB 1114 and AB 281 (reforms to post-entitlement
permitting)
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA):

AB 1633 (CEQA reform for infill housing) 67 of 191
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AB 1449 (affordable housing exemption)
SB 406 (financial assistance exemption)
SB 91 (motel conversion exemption)
AB 356 (Dilapidated Building Refurbishment Act)
SB 149 (CEQA administrative record reform)
Density, Land Use and Planning:

AB 1287 (additional density bonuses for very low or
moderate income units)
SB 747 and AB 480 (amendments to scale back the
Surplus Land Act)
AB 821 (local agency obligation to resolve general
plan and zoning conflicts)
SB 272 (sea level rise planning in coastal
commission and bay conservation and
development commission jurisdiction)
AB 529 (building code updates for adaptive reuse
projects)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

AB 1033 (ADUs sold separately as condos)
AB 976 (owner-occupancy requirements prohibited
beyond 2025)
AB 1332 (streamlined 30-day approval for
preapproved ADU plans)
Enforcement:

AB 434 (expanded Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) enforcement
authority) 68 of 191
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housing enforcement suits)
Anti-Displacement and Affordable Housing:

SB 439 (motion to strike lawsuit challenging
affordable housing)
AB 1218 (replacement housing and relocation
benefit expansion)
AB 911 (notification and ownership requirements for
modifications to recorded covenants restricting
development of affordable housing)
SB 469 (exemptions from Article 34 of the California
Constitution for affordable housing projects
receiving specified funding)
ACA 1 (constitutional amendment to lower
threshold for bond measures)
SB 789 (constitutional amendments scheduled for
voter consideration at November election)
AB 812 (authorization of conditions of approval for
affordable artist housing)
Financing and Costs:

SB 253 (carbon emission disclosure)
AB 1319 (Bay Area Housing Finance Authority
authorizations to facilitate production and
preservation of affordable housing)
AB 835 (fire marshal to study safety of requirement
for apartments to have more than one staircase)
Parking:

AB 1308 (no increased minimum parking
requirements on single-family home renovations)
AB 1317 (unbundled parking for qualifying
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AB 894 (shared parking)
Except where noted, the new laws take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Streamlining
SB 423 (Sen. Scott Wiener) – Extension and Expansion of Streamlined Ministerial Approval Law for Affordable
Projects Consistent with Objective Zoning Rules. SB 423 significantly expands, and extends the "sunset date" of, the streamlined ministerial approval law originally
created by SB 35 of 2017 (SB 35). Holland & Knight has
substantial experience advising both 100 percent
affordable developers and mixed-income developers
entitling projects on the basis of this law and litigating cases under SB 35. Holland & Knight was the first in
California to secure housing approval through litigation under SB 35, and the California Court of Appeal sided
with Holland & Knight clients in a landmark housing
case.

SB 35 provides a CEQA-exempt, time-limited ministerial
approval process (90-180 days, depending upon
whether the project has more or less than 150 units), for residential and mixed-use projects in the majority of
California jurisdictions that are not making sufficient progress toward the regional need for housing. To
qualify for this ministerial process, projects must comply with a locality's "objective" standards, meet a long list of qualifying criteria designed to capture "infill" sites, commit to paying "prevailing wage" (typically union)
rates for construction labor, and meet significant
affordable requirements (either 10 percent, 20 percent
or 50 percent of units at Below Market Rate (BMR) rents, depending upon a project's location and the local
jurisdiction's progress toward meeting its Regional
Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)).
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from to 2026 to 2036, SB 423 expands the statute in
several ways, including:

Reduction in Labor Requirements. The law previously
applied a very costly "skilled and trained workforce"
labor requirement to many projects. Now, the "skilled
and trained workforce" has been removed except for
projects that are more than 85 feet in height – and
even then, only if a prime contractor receives at least three bids for construction work that can meet the
"skilled and trained workforce" requirement.

Prevailing wage remains required except for projects
of 10 or fewer units, and projects of more than 50
units are newly required to ensure contractors
provide specified apprenticeship training and
healthcare expenditures to workers.

Coastal Zone. SB 35 previously did not apply in the
coastal zone. As amended, the law will apply to areas
of the coastal zone that are zoned for multifamily
housing, unless the area is not subject to a certified
local coastal program or a certified land use plan, is
vulnerable to 5 feet of sea level rise, or is within 100 feet of a wetland or on prime agricultural land.

Applicability in the coastal zone does not go into
effect until Jan. 1, 2025.

Housing Element Noncompliance. Previously, the
only criteria that determined whether a jurisdiction
was subject to streamlining is the number of housing
permits the jurisdiction had issued relative to its
RHNA. After SB 423, a jurisdiction's failure to achieve an HCD-certified housing element will also make the
jurisdiction subject to SB 35 streamlining – creating
yet another negative consequence for failure to adopt
a legally compliant housing plan.

Flexibility for 100 Percent BMR Projects. Affordable
housing projects have often found that the specific
income targets required by state laws such as SB 35
do not match up well with the income levels required
by various federal, state or local funding programs. To meet this concern, 100 percent BMR projects can
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that is consistent with the maximum rent levels
stipulated by the public program providing financing
for the development.

Hearing Required in Certain Areas. A public hearing
must be provided if the development is proposed in a
census tract designated as either a moderate
resource area, low resource area or an area of high
segregation and poverty by the California Tax Credit
Allocation Committee (CTCAC) and HCD.

Even as amended, SB 35 remains costly. But project
applicants should at least give streamlined processing a second look to see if the costs imposed are outweighed
by the benefits of a ministerial, CEQA-exempt approval
process.

SB 4 (Sen. Wiener) – By-Right Approval for Affordable
Housing on Land Owned by Religious Organizations
and Higher Education Institutions. SB 4 creates a "by
right," CEQA-exempt, time-limited (90-180 day) approval process closely modeled on SB 35 of 2017 and AB 2011 of 2022 for affordable housing projects (including
qualifying ground-floor commercial, childcare center
and community center uses) on land owned by religious
organizations and higher education institutions. Such a project can be entitled to approval even if the project is inconsistent with applicable local general plan and
zoning requirements. Instead, a project is entitled to a height of one story above applicable local requirements and to specified minimum residential densities of
between 10-40 dwelling units per acre, depending upon
the project's location.

To qualify for this process:
the development must be on land owned on or
before Jan. 1, 2024, by an institution of higher
education or a religious institution
the developer must be a local entity; a nonprofit
corporation, as specified; a developer that contracts
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developer that the religious or educational institution has contracted with before to construct housing or
other improvements
the housing must be deed-restricted housing
affordable to lower-income households, except that
up to 20 percent of the units may be for moderateincome households and 5 percent may be for staff of the educational or religious institution
projects of more than 10 units that are not a public
work must ensure construction workers are paid
"prevailing wage," unless otherwise provided in a
bona fide collective bargaining agreement; projects
of more than 50 units are required to ensure
contractors provide specified apprenticeship training
and healthcare expenditures to workers
the project site must meet a long list of qualifying
criteria – similar to those in SB 35 and AB 2011 –
designed to capture "infill" project locations that
avoid environmentally sensitive areas and avoid
demolition of existing housing
The law sunsets on Jan. 1, 2036. Affordable housing
developers should consider whether development
opportunities on sites owned by houses of worship or
educational organizations might make SB 4 a
potentially appealing avenue relative to SB 35 or AB 2011.

SB 684 (Sen. Anna Caballero) – Ministerial Approval of
Up to 10-Unit Housing Projects on Small Sites. In an
effort to meet the need for "missing-middle" housing
types that are not inherently expensive to build, SB 684 requires CEQA-exempt ministerial approval for up to 10
units of housing on qualifying multifamily infill sites of no more than 5 acres. Under the law:

Local governments must ministerially approve,
without discretionary review or a hearing, a parcel
map or a tentative and final map for a housing
development project that will result in 10 or fewer
parcels and 10 or fewer units, if the lot is no larger
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criteria, most designed to capture "infill" sites with
water and sewer supply that are not environmentally
sensitive and avoid demolishing existing housing.

Housing development projects on qualifying sites are
exempt from needing to comply with any minimum
requirement on the size, width, depth or dimensions
of an individual parcel other than a 600-foot
minimum parcel size. Qualifying projects are also
exempt from the requirement to form a homeowners'
association, except as required by the Davis-Sterling
Common Interest Development Act.

A local government must also approve, on a
ministerial basis, an application for a housing
development project on a lot subdivided by this law
and then issue a building permit also on a ministerial
basis. A locality may not apply any standards that
would preclude development at densities deemed
naturally suitable to lower-income household (10-30
units per acre, depending upon the jurisdiction), and
the locality is further limited from applying certain
setback, parking, floor area and other limitations as
specified in the statute.

SB 684 was originally written to be applicable in singlefamily residential zoning districts but was amended very late in the process to only apply to sites zoned for multifamily housing – to the disappointment of its
supporters. Despite this limitation in its scope, the law is notable for being one of few that provide a streamlined, CEQA-exempt approval process for housing without
requiring developers to commit to specified labor
standards or BMR housing requirements. Developers of
small subdivisions should determine whether a
potential site may be able to make use of the statute's ministerial approval process.

The primary operative provisions of the law do not take effect until July 1, 2024.
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for Affordable Housing. AB 1490 makes "adaptive reuse"
– retrofitting and repurposing of an existing building to create new residential units – an "allowable use" for
qualifying 100 percent affordable housing projects, even if such a use conflicts with local plans, zoning
ordinances or regulations. To qualify, an adaptive reuse project must meet criteria, including:
the development must be entirely within the existing
envelope of a residential building or a commercial
building that currently allows temporary dwelling or
occupancy (i.e., a hotel or motel)
all units (other than managers' units) must be
dedicated to lower-income households, with at least
50 percent dedicated to very-lower-income
households; home prices can be set at an "affordable
cost" pursuant to existing California Health and Safety Code definitions or at an affordable rent consistent
with rent limits established by the CTCAC
the site must be 75 percent surrounded by urban
uses or within one-half mile of a rail, bus rapid transit or ferry station, or the intersection of two bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or
less during peak periods; further, the development
cannot be on a site or adjoining a site where more
than one-third of square footage is devoted to
industrial uses
The law allows jurisdictions to impose objective design standards to the extent consistent with the law, as long as those restrictions do not limit maximum density or
require additional parking or open space or require
curing any preexisting deficit or conflict with existing standards. Local governments are must determine
whether a project meets its design guidelines and the
requirements of the law within 60 or 90 days,
depending upon whether the project has more or less
than 150 units. Failure to meet these deadlines results in the project being "deemed" to comply. The law also
requires jurisdictions to include affordable adaptive
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funding.

This law and AB 529 (discussed further below) only
make limited steps toward addressing the clear need to
facilitate residential conversions of nonresidential
properties. But the law may provide pathways for
affordable housing developers to make effective use of
hotel and motel properties without needing to seek
rezoning of the property.

AB 1114 (Assembly Member Matt Haney) and AB 281
(Assembly Member Tim Grayson) – Reforms to PostEntitlement Permitting. In 2022, the Legislature established enforceable timelines and procedures for
cities and counties when issuing ministerial postentitlement permits such as building in grading permits. (See Holland & Knight's previous alert,
"California's 2023 Housing Laws: What You Need to
Know," Oct. 10, 2022.) AB 1114 amends the law to provide that this process also applies to discretionary postentitlement permits and further provides that once a local agency determines that a post-entitlement permit
is compliant with applicable standards, the local agency shall not subject the permit to any appeals or additional hearing requirements. AB 281 requires special districts to comply with specified timeframes, similar to those
for cities and counties, when reviewing and approving
post-entitlement phase permit applications from
housing developers for service from the special district.

CEQA
AB 1633 (Assembly Member Phil Ting) – CEQA Reform
for Infill Housing. AB 1633 was inspired by the San
Francisco Board of Supervisors' vote to uphold a CEQA
appeal of a proposed 495-unit infill development
project. The legislation is the most direct reform in
recent years aiming to crack down on excessive CEQA
review practices that are weaponized against residential development.
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by defining two new violations of the Housing
Accountability Act (HAA), which can expose jurisdictions to litigation and vulnerability to pay attorneys' fees and penalties. First, under AB 1633, it is now an HAA violation to refuse to make a CEQA exemption determination
when dealing with an AB 1633-protected project that is
entitled to a CEQA exemption. This addition is designed to prevent local governments from insisting on full
CEQA analysis when a project is entitled to bypass
CEQA. AB 1633 also creates a 90-day notice procedure,
whereby applicants who believe they are entitled to
CEQA exemptions may protest when local governments
proceed with CEQA review. If there is substantial
evidence that the project is entitled to a CEQA
exemption, then the agency has 90 days to make an
exemption determination. Failure to do so constitutes
an HAA violation.

Second, it is now an HAA violation for a local
government to hold a meeting at which an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or similar CEQA
document is considered, but decline to approve that
document, if there is substantial evidence to support
EIR certification and the project is protected by AB 1633.

This addition directly addresses the San Francisco
development project situation, wherein the Board of
Supervisors indicated they were seeking to disapprove
the project but avoided liability by technically only
rejecting certification of the project's EIR.

AB 1633 does not apply statewide. Instead, it applies to project sites that are within an urbanized area and that meet one of four requirements:

1. It is within one-half mile of a high-quality transit corridor or a major transit stop.

2. It is located in a very low vehicle travel area.

3. It is "proximal" to six or more amenities (bus stations or ferry terminals, grocery stores, parks, community
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4. It is adjoined on three sides by parcels with urban
uses (or 75 percent if not a four-sided site).

Further, the project must be at least 15 units per acre.

High and very high fire hazard severity zones are
excluded, and sites must also meet SB 35 criteria
designed to capture "infill" project locations. Beyond
this, however, there are no requirements to "use" AB
1633 (e.g., no labor or BMR housing requirements). The
law also provides cities with some protection against
having to pay CEQA petitioners' attorneys' fees if the
petitioner sues the city for approving project subject to AB 1633.

Although it remains to be seen how often the law can
be effectively invoked, the law makes important steps
toward making a CEQA exemptions something an
applicant can insist on – rather than something lead
agencies can simply decline to adopt at their
preference.

AB 1307 (Assembly Member Buffy Wicks) – Residential
Noise Impacts. AB 1307 is a direct reaction to the
University of California, Berkeley "students are pollution" case, holding that an EIR for UC-Berkeley's 2036-37
long-range development plan – and specifically the
university's immediate plan to build student housing on the site of "People's Park" – failed to assess potential noise impacts from loud student parties in residential
neighborhoods near the campus. The case has been
appealed to the California Supreme Court, which
granted review. In the meantime, AB 1307 specifies that, for residential projects, noise generated by occupants
and their guests is not a significant effect on the
environment. The law's author notes that the law will
reestablish existing precedent that minor noise
nuisances such as from human voices will be addressed
through local nuisance ordinances and not via CEQA. As
such, CEQA cannot be used to consider "people as
pollution."
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EIR prepared for a project proposed by a higher
education institution shall not be required to study offsite alternatives if 1) the residential or mixed-use housing project is located on a site that is no more than 5 acres and is substantially surrounded by urban uses
and 2) the residential mixed-use project has already
been evaluated in the EIR for the most recent longrange development plan for the applicable campus.

As an "urgency statute," the law took effect when signed into law on Sept. 7, 2023.

AB 1449 (Assembly Member David Alvarez) – Affordable
Housing Exemption. AB 1449 adds a new exemption not
only for the entitlement of qualifying affordable housing but also for the actions leading up to and following
project approval, including general plan amendments
and rezonings, the lease or sale of property and
financing decisions. The fact that the exemption also
applies to the actions leading up to a project helps
address the line of cases addressing when an action
becomes a “project” under CEQA, holding that a lead
agency's actions that commit an agency to a project
require CEQA review.

Such projects must be 100 percent low-income housing
projects (except for managers' units), meet prevailing
wage and other labor standards identified in AB 2011, be located in an infill location and meet a range of criteria intended to ensure the site has access to transit or other amenities. The qualifying criteria include a slightly more permissible definition of "infill" than other statutes
(requiring a site to be surrounded by urban uses on
three sides rather than 75 percent). It is also notable that the site location criteria can be met either by onehalf mile proximity to a high-quality transit corridor or a major transit stop or location in very low vehicle travel area (which is intended to capture areas that do not
have access to transit but otherwise have lower vehicle miles traveled averages than surrounding areas).

Another new option for meeting the location criteria
has been added for projects that are within one mile (or 79 of 191
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designated amenities (e.g., a grocery store, public park, community center, pharmacy, library or school).

This CEQA exemption sunsets on Jan. 1, 2033.

SB 406 (Sen. Dave Cortese) – Financial Assistance
Exemption. An existing CEQA exemption exempts HCD
and the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
actions providing financial assistance or insurance for affordable housing projects. SB 406 expands the
exemption to a local agency not acting as the lead
agency as long as the project receiving funding will be reviewed pursuant to CEQA by another public agency.

Similar to AB 1449, this exemption avoids any need for a public agency providing funding to conduct CEQA
review as such CEQA review will separately be
conducted by the lead agency.

SB 91 (Sen. Tom Umberg) – Motel Conversion
Exemption. SB 91 extends indefinitely the CEQA
exemption for projects that convert motels, hotels,
residential hotels or hostels to supportive or transitional housing that was otherwise set to expire in January
2025. In addition, SB 91 extends CEQA streamlining
provisions for "environmental leadership transit
projects" located within the County of Los Angeles that meet certain specified requirements.

AB 356 (Assembly Member Devon Mathis) – Dilapidated
Building Refurbishment Act. This law extends the
sunset date from 2024 until 2029 on an existing
provision that waives consideration of aesthetic impacts under CEQA for projects that refurbish, convert,
repurpose or replace an existing building and meet
certain criteria. The author stated that the purpose is to encourage beautification projects in disadvantaged
communities.

SB 149 (Sen. Caballero) – CEQA Administrative Record
Reform. Holland & Knight previously reported on the
package of laws intended to streamline infrastructure
processing and implement CEQA reform. Most relevant
to housing projects, the new law provides that a
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prepare the administrative record of proceedings before the lead agency, and if they fail to do so, the agency can prepare the record at taxpayer expense (for public
agency projects) or at an applicant's expense (for
affordable housing projects, for example). Existing law requires parties who file CEQA lawsuits challenging
agency approvals of housing or other projects to either prepare the administrative record themselves (at their
expense) or pay to have the agency they have sued
prepare the record. Accordingly, this "reform" actually makes it much cheaper and easier for project
opponents to file CEQA lawsuits challenging projects.

The amendments also authorize a lead agency (at its
own cost or the real party in interest's cost) to opt to prepare the record without waiting for the petitioner to so do. This may lead to a faster administrative record
preparation process.

As budget laws, these laws took effect when signed this summer.

Density, Land Use and
Planning
AB 1287 (Assembly Member Alvarez) – Additional
Density Bonuses for Very-Low or Moderate Income
Units. This year's State Density Bonus Law amendments
provide benefits to projects that provide additional verylow or moderate income units. AB 1287 requires that a project maximize the production of very-low, low or
moderate units, as allowed by the current State Density Bonus Law (i.e., 15 percent very-low, 24 percent low or 44 percent moderate, which must be for-sale units) before
utilizing the bonuses in AB 1287. Where these
maximums are met, additional bonuses can be stacked
on top of the prior maximum bonus. As an example, if a
project includes 25 percent very-low income units, it can now achieve an 88.75 percent bonus by coupling the
prior maximum bonus of 50 percent with an additional

38.75 percent bonus awarded by AB 1287. Additionally, a project that includes 59 percent moderate for-sale units can achieve a 100 percent bonus by coupling the prior
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percent bonus granted by AB 1287.

Other amendments include:

Concessions and Incentives: The above-described
projects that exceed the prior maximum bonus tiers
are now eligible for four incentives or concessions.

The number of incentives or concessions for 100
percent affordable projects located within one-half
mile of a major transit stop or within a low vehicle
travel area in a designated area has also been
increased from four to five.

Documentation: The obligation for an applicant to
provide reasonable documentation in connection
with a request for incentives or concessions or
development standard waivers has been eliminated.

Maximum Density: AB 1287 removes language stating
that for purposes of determining a project's base
density, the greater density prevails if the density
allowed under the zoning ordinance is "inconsistent"
with a general or specific plan or specific plan. After this removal, the law now provides that the base
density for the State Density Bonus Law is the
greatest number of units allowed under the zoning
ordinance, specific plan or land use element of the
general plan – with no specific requirement that the
zoning must necessarily be "inconsistent" for this to
apply.

Nonprofit Corporation Eligibility: AB 1287 provides
additional specification of criteria for nonprofit
corporations that may purchase affordable for-sale
units.

SB 747 (Sen. Caballero) and AB 480 (Assembly Member
Ting) – Amendments to Scale Back the Surplus Land
Act (SLA). The SLA significantly limits the ability of local governments to dispose of surplus property for the
purpose of affordable housing development without
first proceeding with a noticing process. SB 747 and AB 480 are intended to significantly roll back amendments
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delays. The full universe of this year's SLA amendments is beyond the scope of this alert, but the primary focus of the amendments is to add new exemptions and
clarifications to the exemptions from the SLA. Some of
the notable amendments include:

Leases: Clarifies that a lease less than 15 years or a
lease for property on which no development or
demolition will occur is exempt
Small Size: Increases the "small size" exemption for
sites up to one-half acre that are not contiguous to
land owned by a state or local agency used for open
space or affordable housing purposes
Affordable Housing: Eliminates the obligation to
conduct competitive bidding for qualifying affordable
housing projects
Third-Party Intermediary: Allows an agency to transfer
property to a third-party intermediary for a receiving
agency's use
Valid Legal Restrictions: Provides additional
clarifications on the types of valid legal restrictions that may qualify for an exemption
Transportation System: Allows agencies whose
mission is to supply the public with a transportation
system to transfer property for the sole purpose of
investment or generation of revenue
There are still other exemptions that apply to other
unique scenarios such as California public-use airports and community land trusts.

The new amendments also identify activities that may
be conducted prior to the obligation to issue a notice of availability under the SLA such as issuing a request for proposals in certain instances. Most scenarios are tied to specific exemptions and again require careful review. 83 of 191 3/4/24, 2:54 PM California's 2024 Housing Laws: What You Need to Know | Insights | Holland & Knight https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2023/10/californias-2024-housing-laws-what-you-need-to-know 19/32 Finally, a penalty for noncompliance with the SLA will
now be based on the final sales price of the land or the fair market value of the land at the time of the sale,
whichever is greater. Since land may be sold at less than fair market value, this provision tying the penalty to fair market value could increase the penalty amount in the
event of a violation.

While the intent of these amendments is to reduce
bureaucratic delays, a learning curve is anticipated to digest and implement the new provisions.

AB 821 (Assembly Member Grayson) – Local Agency
Obligation to Resolve General Plan and Zoning
Conflicts. AB 821 provides that if a local agency receives a development application for a project that is
consistent with the general plan but not the zoning, the agency must either: 1) amend the zoning ordinance
within 180 days from the receipt of the development
application or 2) process the application based on the
general plan standards and ignore inconsistent zoning
standards. AB 821 further provides a legal remedy for
challenging an agency that does not comply. This
provision does not apply to housing projects subject to the HAA, since the HAA already provides a mechanism
requiring approval of a project that is consistent with the general plan that is inconsistent with the zoning.

This law is intended to address the numerous instances
in which agencies adopt general plan updates but
corresponding zoning amendments never materialize.

SB 272 (Sen. John Laird) – Sea Level Rise Planning in
Coastal Commission and Bay Conservation and
Development Commission (BCDC). SB 272 requires sealevel rise planning as part of local coastal programs in the coastal zone and areas covered by the BCDC. By
2024, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and
BCDC are required to establish guidelines for the
preparation of sea level rise plans under their respective jurisdictions, and all local governments must then
prepare plans by 2034. Implementation of SB 272
remains expressly contingent on an appropriation by
the Legislature in the annual budget or another statute. 84 of 191
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Code Updates for Adaptive Reuse Projects. AB 529 was
one of the few laws to address the obvious need in the
post-COVID-19 era to facilitate conversion of office (or other use) buildings to residential. Rather than address entitlement processing of such projects, AB 529 made
minor changes to existing law. First, AB 529 adds
facilitation of the conversion projects (including the
adoption of reuse ordinances) to the list of examples of pro-housing policies that HCD may consider in
awarding grants to local governments. AB 529 also
requires HCD to convene a working group with various
state agencies to identify challenges and opportunities that may help support conversion projects. HCD must
issue a report by Dec. 31, 2025, of its findings and
thereafter research and consider proposing
amendments for adoption by the California Building
Standards Commission adaptive reuse building
standards in within each agency's respective authority
for the next code adoption cycles in 2025 and 2026.

Given the astronomical statistics regarding
underutilized office buildings, hopes and tensions
continue to run high that more significant conversion
laws will be adopted next year.

ADUs
AB 1033 (Assembly Member Ting) – ADUs Sold
Separately as Condos. State ADU law has historically
allowed local agencies to prohibit the separate sale or conveyances of ADUs from the primary dwelling. The
sole exception to that rule has been that qualified
nonprofits can sell or convey an ADU separately from
the primary residence to a qualified low-income buyer,
through the establishment of a tenancy in common.

The original intent behind this regime was to support
ADUs' role in adding rental unit stock throughout the
state as opposed to being a viable source of
homeownership. AB 1033 now authorizes (but does not
require) local agencies to adopt local ordinances
allowing ADUs to be conveyed as condominiums
separately from the primary dwelling. Condominium
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subject to the Subdivision Map Act and Davis-Stirling
Common Interest Development Act.

AB 976 (Assembly Member Ting) – Owner-Occupancy
Requirements Prohibited Beyond 2025. Current state
ADU law prohibits local agencies from imposing
"owner-occupancy" conditions on ADUs permitted
between Jan. 1, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2025. AB 976 extends
the prohibition indefinitely, meaning local agencies
cannot impose owner-occupancy conditions on ADU
projects permitted after Jan. 1, 2025. Local agencies are still required to impose owner-occupancy requirements
on Junior ADUs (JADU), which are defined as units that
are no more than 500 square feet, contained entirely
within a single-family residence and equipped with
separate or shared sanitation facilities.

AB 1332 (Assembly Member Juan Carrillo) – Streamlined
(30-Day) Review of Preapproved ADU Plans. Even prior
to the enactment of AB 1332, local agencies were
required to approve or deny a complete ADU
application within 60 days (including approvals and
sign-offs from all interagency departments, special
districts and utilities). AB 1332 creates an even more
streamlined approval process for locally "preapproved"
ADU designs. By Jan. 1, 2025, local agencies must
develop a program for the preapproval of ADU plans
whereby the local agency accepts ADU plan
submissions for preapproval. Once an ADU plan is
approved, local agencies are required to either approve or deny an ADU application utilizing a preapproved ADU
plan within 30 days. The bill also specifies that local agencies must maintain a website page with
preapproved ADU plans and the contact information of
companies offering preapproved ADU plans. Lastly, AB
1332 specifies that ADU plans approved by the local
agency or "other agencies within the state" (i.e., HCD) can be admitted into the local preapproval program.

While some cities such as San Jose have already
enjoyed success with preapproved ADU design
programs, such programs will now become mandatory
across the state.
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AB 434 (Assembly Member Grayson) – Expanded HCD
Enforcement Authority. AB 434 significantly expands
the scope of HCD's enforcement authority over state
housing laws. AB 72 of 2017 granted HCD express
enforcement authority with respect to four statutes: the HAA, State Density Bonus Law, fair housing law and the
"no net loss" requirements for replacing housing
element sites that are not developed as projected.

Subsequent legislation broadened HCD's enforcement
authority to cover nine additional statutes, including
2017's SB 35, 2019's SB 330 and 2022's AB 2011.

AB 434 brings 13 more areas of law into HCD's
enforcement authority, including five statutes adopted
this year. Now, the following state housing laws are
enforceable by HCD: several provisions streamlining
approvals for ADUs, along with a provision allowing
certain ADUs to be sold separately from the primary
residence; several requirements of 2021's SB 9,
concerning ministerial processing of lot splits in singlefamily residential zones; 2022's SB 6, which allows residential development in certain commercial zones;
the so-called "five hearing rule" applicable to codecompliant residential projects; this year's SB 684, requiring ministerial approval of certain small
multifamily infill projects (discussed herein); this year's SB 4, concerning ministerial approval of affordable
housing on religious sites (discussed herein); and this year's AB 1218, addressing replacement of demolished
housing units (discussed herein).

Separately, AB 434 shortens the timeline for HCD to
review housing elements that have already been
adopted from 90 to 60 days.

AB 1485 (Assembly Member Haney) – Attorney General
Right to Intervene in Housing Enforcement Suits. Prior
to AB 1485, in order to intervene in housing-related
litigation brought by third parties, the California
Department of Justice was required to petition the
court for permission to participate in the litigation. This 87 of 191
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1485 now gives both the attorney general and HCD an
unconditional statutory right to intervene in cases
concerning the enforcement of housing laws.

Anti-Displacement and
Affordable Housing
SB 439 (Sen. Nancy Skinner) – Motion to Strike Lawsuit
Challenging Affordable Housing. SB 439 creates a new
procedural option for defending against litigation
challenging 100 percent affordable housing projects,
modeled on California's "anti-SLAPP" law that protects
defendants from lawsuits designed to chill political
participation and free speech. SB 439 creates a new
"special motion to strike" any portions of a pleading that challenge the approval or permitting of a 100 percent
affordable project. If the plaintiff challenging the project does not establish a probability of prevailing in the
litigation, the party filing the special motion to strike is entitled to recover their attorney's fees and costs.

AB 1218 (Assembly Member Josh Lowenthal) – Revisions
to Requirements for Replacement Units and Relocation
Benefits Applicable to Demolition of Protected Housing.

This law creates a new article within the Government
Code for replacement housing and relocation benefit
requirements that were previously contained within the
Housing Crisis Act of 2019. The revised provisions
expand replacement requirements to nonresidential
developments. Development projects that demolish
vacant or occupied protected units or that are located
on sites where protected units were demolished in the
last five years will be required to replace all protected units that currently exist or were demolished after
January 2020. Only industrial projects in zones that
prohibit residential uses, which demolish residential
units that are nonconforming uses, are exempt from
the law's replacement requirement. Nonresidential
projects may satisfy the replacement requirement by
contracting with a third party to develop the units,
which may be located offsite within the jurisdiction of the project.
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clarifications that aim to address confusion arising from implementation of the Housing Crisis Act of 2019's
replacement unit and relocation benefit requirements.

In particular, the law clarifies that notice of construction must be given six months in advance and that
relocation benefits provided by private developers must be equivalent to those provided by public entities. Other amendments define the terms "housing development
project" and "very low income households" through
cross-references to existing definitions in the
Government Code and Health and Safety Code.

Although the clarifications resolve some ongoing issues, the clarifications do not confirm when occupants
qualify as "existing" for purposes of relocation benefits, nor do the amendments address how an occupant's
income level should be documented. Early coordination
with the jurisdiction and use of a relocation consultant may help to resolve these open questions, but the law
does not yet provide clarity on these important aspects of implementing the law's demolition protections.

AB 911 (Assembly Member Pilar Schiavo) – Notification
and Ownership Requirements for Modifications to
Recorded Covenants Restricting Development of
Affordable Housing. Two years ago, AB 721 authorized
owners of qualifying affordable housing developments
to remove restrictive covenants that limit residential
development. AB 911 amends AB 721 to clarify notice
requirements and ownership qualifications for
modifications and to specify timelines for lawsuits
challenging modifications.

As amended by AB 911, the law requires a county to
notify a property owner who has submitted a restrictive covenant modification request of the county counsel's
determination regarding the modification request. This
notification then allows (but does not require) the
owner to inform interested parties – such as a party with an interest in the covenant that is being redacted – that the county has approved the removal of the covenant. If such notice is provided, it triggers a 35-day statute of 89 of 191
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AB 911 confirms that any record title owner of the
property, any beneficial owner of a property or any
person with site control (such a right to acquire the
property under an option agreement, purchase and sale
agreement, or similar agreement) may request that the
county redact a covenant. However, an owner may not
actually record a modification documents until they
close escrow and receive title.

SB 469 (Sen. Ben Allen) – Exemptions from Article 34 of the California Constitution for Affordable Housing
Projects Receiving Specified Funding. Article 34 of the California Constitution requires voter approval prior to a jurisdiction's development of a state- or locally financed or funded "low-rent housing project." In advance of
ballot measures seeking to repeal Article 34, SB 469
adds projects that receive federal and state grants or tax credits to the list of projects exempt from Article 34. The law specifies that the definition of "low-rent housing
project" does not apply to rural and urban residential
projects receiving funding in the following forms: 1)
funding from HCD, CalHFA and Business, Consumer
Services and Housing (BCSH) pursuant to the ZenovichMoscone-Chacon Housing and Home Financing Act, 2) grants from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable
Communities program and 3) allocations of federal or
state low-income housing tax credits from the CTCAC.

Exempting affordable housing projects receiving
funding from these sources from Article 34's
requirements removes a layer of uncertainty and delay
resulting from voter approval from the development of
these housing projects without risking state funding for local jurisdictions that is tied to compliance with Article

34. Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 1 (Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry) – Constitutional
Amendment to Lower Voter Threshold for Affordable
Housing General Obligation Bonds. If passed, ACA 1
would lower the voter threshold required for approval of 90 of 191
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affordable housing, permanent supportive housing and
public infrastructure projects. The current (two-thirds) supermajority required to pass such measures would be
lowered to 55 percent. Proceeds from the bonds may
only be spent on the authorized improvements, subject
to an annual performance audit and oversight by a
citizens' committee. Funded projects must service the
approving jurisdiction, and local officials are prohibited from bidding on contracts for the project if the official voted to place a measure to fund the project on the
ballot.

SB 789 (Sen. Allen) – Two Constitutional Amendments
Facilitating Affordable Housing Set for the General
Election Ballot. SB 789 consolidates two constitutional amendments set for special election on March 5, 2024,
with the general election on Nov. 5, 2024: 1) Senate
Constitutional Amendment No. 2 would repeal Article
34 of the California Constitution (see above), and 2) ACA 1 would lower the voter threshold for bonds to fund
affordable housing, public infrastructure and
permanent supportive housing (see above).

AB 812 (Assembly Member Tasha Boerner) –
Authorization of Conditions of Approval for Affordable
Artist Housing. AB 218 authorizes local governments to
impose as a condition of approval a reservation of up to 10 percent of a development's affordable housing units
for "artist housing," as defined, within one-half mile of a designated state or local cultural district. When signing the law, Gov. Newsom explained that he would be
"disinclined" to sign bills providing "statutory carve outs for specific professions" in the future.

Financing and Costs
SB 253 (Sen. Wiener) – Carbon Emission Disclosure. The
law will require the California Air Resources Board
(CARB), on or before Jan. 1, 2025, to develop and adopt regulations requiring companies that do business in
California to disclose to the state's emissions registry 91 of 191
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will be clarified and enforced, but given the large
number of different products used to build a home and
the complexity of determining how each such product
impacts greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout
the product's entire life cycle, the process of tracking and ensuring compliance with this law may impose
significant new costs on homebuilding.

AB 1319 (Assembly Member Wicks) – Bay Area Regional
Housing Finance Authority Authorizations to Facilitate
Production and Preservation of Affordable Housing. AB
1319 amends the San Francisco Bay Area Regional
Housing Finance Act (Act), expanding the Act's scope
and the governing powers of the Bay Area Housing
Finance Authority and Governing Board (Board). The
amendments expand the Act's definition of "affordable
housing" to include rental housing and revise the
definition of "authority revenues" to include special
taxes, other charges, investment income, income from
operation and ownership of property and loan
repayments. Other key provisions increase the
membership total of the Act's advisory committee,
specifying that members should have construction
workforce and finance experience. Significantly, Board
actions funding affordable housing and technical
assistance are exempt from CEQA.

AB 835 (Assembly Member Lee) – Fire Marshal to Study
Safety of Requirement for Apartments to Have More
than One Staircase. AB 835 requires the state fire
marshal to analyze and report to the Legislature on
standards for "single-exit, single stairway apartment
houses." The report will assess "fire and life safety" issues with respect to the requirement to have more than one
exit in apartment buildings with three or more stories
and at least two dwelling units. Proponents of the bill contend that California's current requirement of two
exits in certain apartment buildings limits the location and design of potential housing and contributes to
California's ongoing housing crisis.

Parking
92 of 191
3/4/24, 2:54 PM California's 2024 Housing Laws: What You Need to Know | Insights | Holland & Knight https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2023/10/californias-2024-housing-laws-what-you-need-to-know 28/32 AB 1308 (Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva) – No
Increased Minimum Parking Requirements on SingleFamily Home Renovations. AB 1308 prohibits public agencies from increasing minimum parking
requirements applicable to single-family residences as a condition of approval for projects remodeling,
renovating or adding to a single-family residence, as
long as the project does not cause the residence to
exceed applicable zoning regulations (e.g., floor area
ratio, lot coverage and height). The Legislature declared the prohibition necessary because the imposition of
minimum parking standards "can increase the cost of
housing, limit the number of available units" and "lead to an oversupply of parking spaces."
AB 1317 (Assembly Member Carrillo) – Unbundled
Parking for Qualifying Residential Properties. Requires owners of "qualifying residential properties" in certain counties to unbundle the cost of parking from the total rent for the housing unit. The law defines "unbundled
parking" as the practice of selling or leasing parking
spaces separate from the lease of the residential
property. To be subject to this law, the property must:
have received a certificate of occupancy on or after
Jan. 1, 2025
include 16 or more residential units
be located in Alameda, Fresno, Los Angeles, Riverside,
Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa
Clara, Shasta or Ventura counties
Tenants of a qualifying residential property have a right of first refusal to parking spaces built for their property, which if not exercised may be leased by the property
owner to other residential users onsite or offsite "on a month-to-month basis."
Affordable housing that is 100 percent deed-restricted
or financed through tax credits for low-income housing
or tax-exempt bonds, as well as properties designed
with a garage that is "functionally a part of the property 93 of 191
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from the unbundling requirements.

AB 894 (Assembly Member Laura Friedman) – Shared
Parking. Local agencies generally establish parking
standards for various land uses or properties in their
zoning ordinances. AB 894 mandates local agencies
allow shared parking plans if applicable parking is
"underutilized" and the entities proposing shared
parking provide an agreement meeting certain criteria
and an explanation of the benefits of the proposal.

Parking is "underutilized" if at least 20 percent of
parking spaces in a development are vacant during the
time that the parking will be shared. For projects
receiving public funding after June 30, 2024, local
agencies and developers must analyze the possibility of shared parking, but local agencies may not "compel
private parties to enter into a shared parking
agreement." Local agencies must count shared parking
spaces identified in a shared parking agreement toward
local parking requirements for existing or proposed
uses and development if the parking meets certain
locational requirements. Shared parking agreements
that include a parking analysis based on specified
"peer-reviewed methodologies" and that ensure longterm parking or include provisions for periodic review by the local agency must be approved. Approval of shared
parking agreements that do not include this analysis is discretionary. Local agencies may not condition
approval on the remedying of existing parking deficits
nor "withhold approval" because the shared plan will
reduce the parking included in the originally proposed
use. Provisions of AB 894 may not reduce parking
spaces needed to meet accessibility or electric vehicle requirements.

Conclusion
For more information about how to maximize these and
other state housing laws to advance the approval of
your project, contact the authors or your Holland &
Knight West Coast Land Use & Environmental Practice
Group attorney.
94 of 191
3/4/24, 2:54 PM California's 2024 Housing Laws: What You Need to Know | Insights | Holland & Knight https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2023/10/californias-2024-housing-laws-what-you-need-to-know 30/32 Previous California Housing
Law Alerts
A Closer Look at California's New Housing
Production Laws, Dec. 6, 2017
California's 2019 Housing Laws: What You Need to
Know, Oct. 8, 2018
California's 2020 Housing Laws: What You Need to
Know, Oct. 18, 2019
California's 2021 Housing Laws: What You Need to
Know, Nov. 4, 2020
California's 2022 Housing Laws: What You Need to
Know, Oct. 13, 2021
California's 2023 Housing Laws: What You Need to
Know, Oct. 10, 2022
Information contained in this alert is for the general education and knowledge of our readers. It is not designed to be, and should not be used as, the sole source of information when analyzing and resolving a legal problem, and it should not be substituted for legal advice, which relies on a specific factual analysis. Moreover, the laws of each jurisdiction are different and are constantly changing. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. If you have specific questions regarding a particular fact situation, we urge you to consult the authors of this publication, your Holland & Knight representative or other competent legal counsel.

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95 of 191
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96 of 191
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97 of 191
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: PRESENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL
REPORT
Date: March 26, 2024
Written by: Eli Arreola, Planning Technician
Recommendation
It is recommended the City Council review the provided information, identify any concerns or direction for staff, and file the report for future discussion.

Background
The City of Cotati General Plan identifies the City’s vision for the future and provides a framework that will guide decisions on growth, development, and conservation of open space and resources in a manner consistent with the quality of life desired by the City’s residents and businesses. The City adopted its current General Plan in March 2015. Annual Progress Reports (APRs) on General Plan implementation must be submitted to the State of California annually by April 1.

A General Plan is required by State of California law. While Annual Progress Reports on the Housing Element of the General Plan have been required by the State for many years, the requirement to provide a report on the other Elements of the General Plan is relatively new. The first year for which the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) required an Annual Progress Report (APR) for the remainder of the General Plan was 2019.

Analysis/Discussion
Staff has prepared the 2023 General Plan APR, describing the City’s progress in implementing the goals of the Plan (excluding the Housing Element) during calendar year 2023. The APR reports on the specific actions set forth in the General Plan, and is organized by the different Elements of the Plan, which include:
• Circulation
98 of 191
• Community Health and Wellness
• Community Services and Facilities
• Conservation
• Economic Vitality
• Land Use
• Noise
• Open Space
• Safety
• (Housing—APR prepared and submitted separately)
Cotati’s 2023 APR will be submitted to the state by March 27, 2024.

Financial Considerations
Not applicable.

Environmental Issues
The action of receiving the annual general plan report does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no further environmental review is required.
99 of 191
| 201 West Sierra Avenue | Cotati, CA 94931 | www.cotaticity.org | General Plan Implementation Annual Progress Report
2023
Planned Adoption: March 26, 2024
100 of 191
General Plan Implementation — 2023 Annual Progress Report Introduction and Background
The City of Cotati General Plan identifies the City’s vision for the future and provides a framework that guides decisions on growth, development, and conservation of open space and resources in a manner consistent with the quality of life desired by the City’s residents and businesses. The City adopted its current General Plan in March 2015.

Adoption and periodic updates of the General Plan is required by State of California law. The General Plan is organized into different Elements, each of which include goals, objectives, policies, and actions for implementation. The Elements of Cotati’s General Plan include: Circulation, Community Health and Wellness, Community Services and Facilities, Conservation, Economic Vitality, Land Use, Noise, Open Space, Safety, and Housing (the Housing Element is maintained as a separate document).

The State of California Office of Planning and Research requires preparation and submittal of Annual Progress Reports (APRs) on General Plan implementation. In Cotati, the Housing Element APR is prepared and submitted separately.

Annual Progress Report Organization
This APR is for the calendar year 2023 and addresses implementation activities relating to all of the GP Elements (with the exception of Housing) during that time period.

The APR will be submitted to the State of California Office of Planning and Research by April 1, 2024. The APR will be presented to the Cotati Planning Commission on March 18, 2024, and to the Cotati City Council on March 26, 2024.

The APR consists of the following components:

1. Chapter 11—Implementation—of the General Plan. Presented in table format, this chapter describes the Action items for each Element, and lists the City’s 2023 activities and accomplishments to implement each Action.
101 of 191
CHAPTER 11: IMPLEMENTATION—2023 UPDATE
Cotati General Plan
11-1
For the General Plan to serve as an effective guide to achieving the City’s vision for its future, it must be implemented and administered. The General Plan includes a number of "Action” items that provide direction for how the City will implement the goals, objectives, and policies within the body of the General Plan. In general, actions are spread throughout each of the elements, appearing immediately after the corresponding objective and policies.

Government Code Section 65400(a)(1) requires the City’s planning agency (City of Cotati Community Development Department) to make recommendations to the City Council that identify reasonable and practical means for implementation of the General Plan. The Community Development Department is also required to provide an annual report to the City Council, the State Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse), and the State Department of Housing and Community Development that includes the status of the General Plan, the City’s progress in the implementation of the General Plan, and the County’s progress in meeting its allocation of regional housing needs and removing governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing.

Table 11-1: General Plan Implementation is intended to serve as a tool for tracking implementation of the General Plan and preparing the annual report, as Table 1 identifies the general timing for the implementation of each action, the Department responsible for the action’s implementation, and the status of the action. The Departments that are responsible for the various actions include: – the City Manager’s office is responsible for administrative actions and economic development actions, Community Development Department – this department is responsible for actions related to planning and building, and Public Works/Engineering – this department is responsible for actions related to infrastructure, utilities, capital improvements, and other public works and engineering items.

For each of the actions listed below, the letters “A” or “B” refer to a relative priority for implementation. More specifically, the letter A implies that the action will be implemented in the relatively short-term (most likely, 1 to 5 years). The letter B similarly implies a somewhat longerterm implementation, approximately 5 to 10 years. In other cases, the reader may notice the use of the term "ongoing" which refers to actions already being undertaken by the City or those that are expected to continue on either a periodic or perpetual basis. The party or parties that are primarily responsible for implementing each action are also indicated where applicable.

The reader should keep some caveats in mind regarding the implementation schedule. One is that many of these actions will require both staff and financial resources to implement, thus making them difficult to definitively schedule, given the annual nature of the budgetary process and changing priorities over the years. A second caveat to keep in mind is that it is often difficult to clearly state the duration of tasks; therefore, estimated starting dates (priority levels) are presented for actions rather than completion dates. A third caveat is that, in some instances, the selection of priority level (A or B) reflects the level of complexity and the level of effort required to implement an action rather than the importance of the Action itself.

1. Introduction

2. Circulation

3. Community Health &
Wellness

4. Community Services &
Facilities

5. Conservation

6. Economic Vitality

7. Land Use

8. Noise

9. Open Space

10. Safety

11. Implementation
102 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-2 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CI 1a: Continually seek opportunities to fund maintenance of and improvements to the circulation network, including through active pursuit of a wide range of grant sources.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.

The City completed
significant road
preservation and
rehabilitation projects
which included
enhancements to
bike/ped features in
2023, and was
awarded grants for
the Redwood
Dr./Cypress street
rehabilitation and
sidewalk gap closure
projects. The City is
actively seeking
funding with the CMA
for future
maintenance and
safety enhancements
to the circulation
network.

Action CI 1b: Ensure that future development provides roadway improvements consistent with the Circulation Diagram and implement the roadway improvements identified in the Traffic Impact Fee Study to improve the safety and efficiency of the current circulation system, and to support buildout of the General Plan.
• Install a traffic signal on Madrone Avenue at the intersection of Gravenstein Highway, establishing the north leg as the primary roadway connection to Derby Lane and Locust Avenue.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of General Plan
(GP) Circulation 103 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-3
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
• Eliminate the current skewed intersection at Gravenstein Highway/Derby Lane. • Realign the eastern portion of Derby Lane so that it extends as an east-west collector street to Alder Avenue.
• Construct a new north-south collector street in the western portion of the City, intersecting Gravenstein Highway approximately midway between Locust Avenue and Alder Avenue.

Extend the street northward to Helman Lane and southward to intersect with an extension of Isabel Drive as warranted by future development.
• Install a traffic signal on the new north-south collector street at the intersection of Gravenstein Highway.
• Eliminate the intersection at Gravenstein Highway/Alder Avenue once a connection between Alder Avenue and the new north-south collector street is established. • Construct a minor realignment of West Cotati Avenue to intersect Gravenstein Highway at an improved angle, and install a traffic signal at the intersection. • Restrict direct access between private parcels and Gravenstein Highway once alternative access is established (i.e., parallel roadways and new intersections as described above). • Add a southbound right turn pocket on Redwood Drive at the Gravenstein Highway intersection (improvement is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence). • Widen Helman Avenue to include a center turn lane in areas with abutting Commercial and/or Industrial uses.
• Eliminate the northbound left turn pocket at Old Redwood Highway/Commerce Avenue/US 101 North Onramp and convert to a through lane.
• Eliminate the southbound left turn movement at Gravenstein Highway/Old Redwood Highway (modification is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence). improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.

The City has prepared
35% of the design for
the Highway 116
Corridor Safety
Project, consisting of
the installation of a
new signalized
intersection at W
Cotati Ave, provide a
bike/ped crossing on
Hwy 116, and a Class 1
Pathway along Hwy
116. The City is
pursuing State,
Federal, and
developer funding as
well.

The City is working
with neighboring
Rohnert Park to
identify how traffic
mitigation funds that
are collected from
new development in
Rohnert Park is to be
spent.
104 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-4 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
• Install a traffic signal at Old Redwood Highway/William Street-George Street. • Reassign lanes at the Old Redwood Highway/East Cotati Avenue-West Sierra Avenue intersection to better serve traffic demands. One possible modification includes restriping the southbound approach to include dual left turn lanes and a combined through-right turn lane; restriping the westbound approach to include separate through and right turn lanes; restriping East Cotati Avenue to include dual eastbound through lanes through the La Plaza intersection before merging to a single lane, and eliminating the westbound left turn lane and movements (except buses).
• Install a traffic signal at East Cotati Avenue/Charles Street. • Install a traffic signal at East Cotati Avenue/Lasalle Avenue. • Install a traffic signal at East Cotati Avenue/Santero Way and add a northbound right turn pocket.
• Install all-way stop-controls at the intersection of West Sierra Avenue/US 101 South OnrampWest School Street.

Action CI 1c: Work collaboratively with Caltrans and the County of Sonoma to identify funding sources and complete the following improvements, or improvements of comparable effectiveness, on roadways owned by these agencies within and near the City of Cotati. • Reconstruct Gravenstein Highway between Madrone Avenue and Redwood Drive to include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, two vehicle travel lanes in each direction, and left turn pockets. • Widen Gravenstein Highway to include two travel lanes in each direction between Madrone Avenue and a point approximately 500 feet to the west of Madrone Avenue (improvement is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence).
• Widen Gravenstein Highway to include three eastbound lanes between a point just west of Redwood Drive and the US 101 South Ramps intersection.
• Add a right turn lane on the US 101 Southbound off-ramp at Gravenstein Highway (improvement is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence).

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Current development
projects are required
to implement their
fair share of GP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.

Completed 35%
design for Hwy 116
Corridor Safety Project
105 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-5
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
• Implement coordinated signal timing along the Gravenstein Highway corridor between Old Redwood Highway and Madrone Avenue.
• Upgrade the U.S. 101 freeway interchange at Railroad Avenue to a full diamond interchange. • Complete capacity improvements on Railroad Avenue between Petaluma Hill Road and U.S. 101.
and seeking State,
Federal, and
Developer funding.

Action CI 1d: Coordinate with Caltrans to determine the feasibility of constructing new freeway ramps to and from U.S. 101 at existing interchanges in the City of Cotati. • Add new freeway on- and off-ramps between West Sierra Avenue and U.S. 101. • Relocate the U.S. 101 North on-ramp at the Gravenstein Highway interchange, creating a standard diamond interchange configuration.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not yet started
Action CI 1e: As part of the development review and planning process, review general plan amendments, zone change requests, specific plans, and development projects to ensure that adequate circulation improvements are included, that the project addresses its proportional-share of impacts to the City’s circulation network, and that the project provides for complete streets to the extent feasible.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of GP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.

The City’s LRSP
includes complete
street elements.

Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022
and new projects are
106 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-6 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
subject to Woonerf
standards in 2023.

Action CI 1f: Update the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include, as appropriate, the roadway improvements necessary to support buildout of the General Plan.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
prepares annual and
multi-year CIPs as part
of its annual budget
process.

Action CI 1g: Routinely monitor the performance of the circulation network, optimizing traffic signals and utilizing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) measures where beneficial to maximize efficiency of the existing network on a regular basis.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City has
an annual traffic signal
maintenance contract.

In 2023, City installed
new traffic controllers
along the Old
Redwood Hwy and E
Cotati Ave. The
controllers
communicate with
one another to
improve traffic flow.

Action CI 1h: Monitor ongoing efforts to establish multimodal level of service methodologies and assess whether a multimodal level of service is appropriate for application in Cotati. One set of methodologies for analyzing multimodal level of service is contained in the 2010 Highway Capacity Manual (Transportation Research Board).

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City’s
Bicycle/Pedestrian 107 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-7
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Master Plan includes
improvements to be
included in City street
paving projects, and
an update to the Plan
was initiated in 2023
(Now called the Active
Transportation Plan).

The City works with
SMART to ensure
customer safety to
and from the station
and is working on first
and last mile
solutions.

Action CI 1i: Once the City deems a multimodal LOS methodology to be suitable for application in Cotati, the LOS standards described in Policy 1.3 shall be amended to include quantitative evaluation of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit modes where deemed applicable.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
participates in the
SCTA TAC meetings
where LOS and VMT
analysis tools are
being developed.

Action CI 1j: Monitor collision reports on an annual basis. Prioritize locations with high collision rates for safety improvements. Through the use of available City funds or grants, apply techniques such as installation of traffic control or warning devices, implementation of traffic calming, geometric modifications, increased enforcement, etc., to improve safety.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. LRSP
includes a list of
recommended
projects. The Police
Department sends
collision reports to
Engineering. These 108 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-8 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
reports, citizen
complaints, and the
recommendations of
the LRSP are used to
identify and install
safety improvements
City-wide. In 2023, a
high visibility X-Walk
was installed across
Valparaiso at Lund
Hill.

Action CI 1k: Monitor residential streets as needed to ensure that traffic volumes do not exceed a maximum of 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles per day on improved streets (those with curb, gutter, sidewalk, and well-conditioned pavement), and a maximum of 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles per day on streets which are more rural in nature (typified by poorly-conditioned pavement and the absence of pedestrian walkways). If traffic volumes exceed these criteria, the City shall consider implementing traffic calming measures to reduce through traffic volumes.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Ongoing. The City
periodically completes
engineering speed
surveys to set radar
enforced speed limits.

With passage of SB43,
the City has or will
have expanded tools
to regulate speed
limits.

Action CI 1l: Require developers to design local roadways (i.e., streets other than arterials and collectors) for speeds of 25 miles per hour or less.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not started. Fire Dept.
access and emergency
circulation, plus laws
about how speeds are
set, impact feasibility
of this action.

Pedestrian features
and traffic calming
measures are 109 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-9
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
identified in the Vision
Zero Plan (VZ) and
LRSP. Woonerf
standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022.

Action CI 1m: Review plans for new or modified intersections to ensure that lane configurations are limited where possible to provide for moderate speeds and pedestrian and cyclist safety, and that curb extensions are installed where appropriate to reduce driving speeds and shorten pedestrian crossing distances.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. City street
paving projects
incorporate
recommendations
from the Bike/Ped
Plan and LRSP.

Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022.

The City completed
35% of the design for
the Hwy 116/W Cotati
Ave intersection which
includes bike/ped
safety features in
2023.

Action CI 1n: Prepare an Impact Fee Study to support an updated development impact fee that requires new development to pay its proportional share of circulation improvements, including but not limited to the improvements shown on Figure CI 1, identified as actions in this section, and/or identified in the General Plan Environmental Impact Report or the Traffic Impact Fee Study, as well as pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as those included in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and those described in this Circulation Element.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Traffic Impact fee in
place and payments
being made. The cost
estimates include Bike
and Ped safety 110 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-10 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
enhancement
features.

Action CI 1o: Continue to maintain and routinely update a development impact fee program to fund Citywide transportation improvements.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. CPI increases
are made to fees
annually per direction
in their implementing
ordinances.

Action CI 1p: In coordination with Caltrans, establish an impact fee that allows future development along the State-owned portion of Gravenstein Highway to contribute a proportional-share of the funding for future circulation improvements within Cotati on this corridor.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Current Traffic Impact
Fee anticipates
improvements on
Gravenstein Highway.

Action CI 1q: As part of the development review process, require new development to mitigate circulation impacts by making improvements to the motorized and non-motorized circulation networks as necessary, and in a fair manner with an established nexus between the level of impact and required improvements and/or contributions.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of GP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.

Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022
and new projects 111 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-11
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
include review of
Woonerf standards in
2023.

Action CI 1r: As part of the development review process, ensure that new development facilitates walking, biking, and transit modes; incorporates streets that are designed to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow; constructs or (if deemed appropriate by the City Engineer) contributes funds toward construction of off-site improvements necessary to mitigate traffic impacts; provides adequate emergency vehicle access; and pays development impact fees that contribute to cumulative circulation improvements.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of GP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.

VZ and LRSP include
measures to address
this action. Post-2017
Fire projects over 50
units must have
designated evacuation
routes and CD and
Fire District
collaborate on
implementation.

Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022
and new projects
include review for
applicability of
Woonerf standards in
2023.
112 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-12 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CI 1s: Study mechanisms to require new development to privately fund maintenance of local roads (not including collector or arterial streets) through special assessment districts or similar mechanisms to determine whether such an approach would be appropriate for Cotati. The study should evaluate issues including (but not limited to):
• voter support;
• mechanisms for adjusting assessment fees over time;
• risks associated with future default of fee payments; • responsibilities associated with the maintenance of public utilities; • equity concerning drivers that use these streets but are not subject to the fee; and • ability to enforce the California Vehicle Code on affected streets.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Community
Facilities District (CFD)
was established in
2017 and Santero
Way, Kessing Ranch,
and Jamie Lane
developments have
been annexed into it.

New developments
join CFD as they are
built and thus
contribute to
maintenance of roads.

Kessing Ranch added
an assessment for
bond payments to its
property tax
assessment.

Action CI 1t: Maintain, and update as necessary, a list of designated truck routes in the Municipal Code.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Truck routes were
established in 2015
and enforcement is
ongoing. The
Ordinance to keep
trucks out of
Downtown allows
Police to issue
citations associated
with fines and
warnings to trucks 113 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-13
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
using Downtown
streets. New signage
has been added
designating truck
routes.

Action CI 2a: As part of the development process, review development applications to ensure compliance with the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. New
developments are
conditioned to include
Capital projects
identified in the
Bike/Ped Plan.

Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022,
and projects subject
to review for
applicability of
Woonerf standards in
2023, which will
provide bicycle and
pedestrian facilities in
applicable new
developments.

Action CI 2b: Review traffic signal timing plans to ensure adequate crossing times for all users at signalized intersections.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Ensuring
adequate crossing
times and upgrading
controllers are an 114 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-14 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
ongoing Public Works
function.

Action CI 2c: Review all transportation improvements to ensure installation in accordance with current accessibility standards.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. ADA ramp
upgrades are included
in street paving
projects and the
annual Citywide bike
and pedestrian safety
Capital project.

Policy CI 2d: Regularly review transportation corridors to identify barriers encountered by persons with disabilities, including locations where there are not ADA-compliant curb cuts and ramps, and address such obstacles in the Capital Improvement Program, to the extent that funding for such activities is available.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. ADA ramp
upgrades are
completed with street
paving projects. 12
upgraded curb ramps
were installed during
2022 as part of street
preservation project.

Action CI 2e: Review all plans for sidewalk construction to ensure that the sidewalk circumvents existing trees of a size subject to Municipal Code Chapter 17.54, Tree Preservation and Protection, where appropriate and feasible.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. 8150 La
Plaza sidewalk
circumvention of oak
tree completed in
2022.

Action CI 2f: Develop a rural roads standard to ensure that rural roads provide accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists in a manner consistent with the goals of the Land Use Code.

Public Works/
Engineering,
A Complete
In progress 115 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-15
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Community
Development
Comments:

Not started. Bike-Ped
Plan update, initiated
in 2022, will help
address (now called
the Active
Transportation Plan).

Action CI 2g: Public Works shall include construction of bicycle and pathway facilities in the City’s Capital Improvement Program.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Bike/Ped,
CIP, and LRSP
recommendations are
incorporated with
street pavement
projects. 2023 paving
projects included
adding class 2 and 3
bike lanes and
upgrades to curb
ramps. Most notable
were the Myrtle Drive
and W Sierra Ave
projects which added
Class 2 buffered bike
lanes, stamped
crosswalks, and
increased lighting at E
School Street and W
Sierra Ave.

Action CI 2h: Public Works shall ensure that bicycle loop detectors at traffic signals are clearly identified with stencils, if in-ground loops are used for detection.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
116 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-16 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing. Stencils are
in place for most
intersections. The City
is moving away from
in-ground equipment;
video detectors also
work with stencils.

Action CI 2i: As funding becomes available, the City should encourage Sonoma County Transit to provide more frequent headways, extend service hours, and serve a greater portion of the City. The City would review and renew the contract as necessary.
• Bus headways of 30 minutes or less are desirable on routes serving Old Redwood Highway and East Cotati Avenue.
• Local bus service operating until 10 PM would be desirable. • New or modified routes that serve the southern and western portions of Cotati should be prioritized.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

On hold until bus
service reaches preCovid levels.

Action CI 2j: Compile a list of bus stops with inadequate lighting, and through the Capital Improvement Program, install street lights at those stops as funding is available.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Older bus
stops need evaluation.

Action CI 2k: Study the feasibility of establishing a public or private shuttle system to serve the SMART commuter rail station, strengthening ties to the Hub as well as major employers and schools in and surrounding Cotati.

Public Works/
Engineering, ,
City Manager
B Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City is working
with SCTA to explore
regional bike sharing
programs, and SMART
for a potential shuttle
program. Currently, a
shuttle service isn't
financially feasible.
117 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-17
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CI 2l: Identify potential bicycle and pedestrian connections from East Cotati Avenue and School Street locations east of US 101 to Thomas Page Elementary School. Along rural streets, determine the feasibility of developing a bicycle/pedestrian path along one side of the road.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CI 2m: As part of the development review process, ensure that new development projects, particularly those along potential Safe Routes to School shown on Figure CI-2, provide bicycle and pedestrian improvements to facilitate the implementation of a Safe Routes to School plan for Thomas Page Elementary School.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

City has the School
Street/Thomas Page
pathway as a top
priority project for
grant funding. If a lot
is developed along the
pathway, the City will
require completion of
the pathway segment
along that property’s
frontage.

Action CI 2n: Coordinate with the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, City of Rohnert Park, Sonoma County Transportation Authority, Sonoma County Department of Public Health, and the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition to fund and initiate development of a Safe Routes to School Program.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City will support
Sonoma County
Bicycle Coalition if an
effort is started to
develop a safe routes
to school program
(SR2S) and the City
will continue to look
for SR2S funding
opportunities.
118 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-18 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CI 2o: Once adopted, routinely review and update the Safe Routes to School plan, to reflect the current circulation infrastructure, student travel patterns, identified hazards, and school characteristics.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

SR2S Plan has not
been developed.

Action CI 3a: Supply transportation data to the RCPA as requested to assist in the assessment of GHG reduction efforts.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
provides
transportation data to
RCPA as available.

Action CI 3b: Establish specific TDM requirements for projects and consider making requirements sectorbased (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial). Public Works/ Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

VMT standards
adopted in 2020. SCTA
has developed a VMT
calculator for
satisfying CEQA
impact analysis
requirements.

Action CI 4a: Work with the SCTA, County of Sonoma, and City of Rohnert Park to develop a system that allows for the collection of regional transportation impact fees and/or a mechanism to collect and fund transportation mitigations between jurisdictions.

Public Works/
Engineering
B Complete
In progress
Comments:

RTIF in place through
SCTA. City has
coordinated with RP
for use of
development TIPs
from their University
District and SoMo
Village projects. A fee 119 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-19
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
agreement is being
drafted for
consideration by both
agencies.

Action CI 5a: Continue to work with downtown property owners to facilitate the creation of parking assessment districts.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not started.

Action CI 5b: Require either the development of an assessment district or the preservation of the site for the future formation of an assessment district when reviewing all Hub-related development proposals.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

On-going. There is an
assessment on
Downtown Specific
Plan (DTSP) properties
to recover the costs of
preparing and
updating the DTSP. In
addition, new
development projects
are conditioned to join
the Landscape and
Lighting Assessment
District and/or the
Community Facilities
Assessment District as
they develop or redevelop.

Action CI 5c: Review parking best practices employed in other jurisdictions, as well as parking utilization within Cotati itself, and if appropriate, incorporate revised parking requirements into the Municipal Code.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Various state
laws including density
bonus, SB 35, and SB 120 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-20 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
330 have preempted
local parking
requirements,
especially for housing.

Santero Way has COA
to develop a parking
management plan. In
2023, the City
adopted an ordinance
to update the DTSP
which incorporates
State-mandated
parking requirements.

Action CI 5d: Study the potential for a parking permit system and reduced parking requirements to be implemented in transit-oriented areas surrounding the Hub and Cotati SMART station.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
B Complete
In progress
Comments:

Study completed. In
2013 the City
supported a parking
management system
for Santero Way, and
in 2016 the Cotati
Station Apts was
conditioned to lead
the implementation of
that system. The 2019
extension of Cotati
Station entitlements
carried that through.

State laws regarding
parking near transit
impact this action.

Action CI 5e: During the development review process, require commercial, multi-family residential, mixed-use, and other projects that may result in parking impacts to submit parking studies to ensure that adequate parking is provided.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
121 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-21
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Community
Development
Comments
Ongoing
Action CI 5f: If deemed necessary by the City, use parking management techniques (such as residential parking permits) to limit spillover parking impacts in residential neighborhoods.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CHW-1a: Develop and implement a plan to re-establish the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. City Manager, City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Completed.

Action CHW-1b: Develop and connect with existing programs to foster collaboration between local health agencies/officials and City staff and elected officials.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. CD staff
regularly engages with
County Health
Department staff on
development and
housing projects,
including restaurants,
cannabis businesses.

Action CHW-1c: Develop or obtain a list of best practices related to promoting healthy communities. Community Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. City staff
regularly engages with
County Health Dept
staff. Best practices
implemented in 2023
include the Senior
Mobilehome Park 122 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-22 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Overlay, update of the
Active Transportation
Plan, and Plant-A-Tree
Cotati Program.

Action CHW-1d: Collaborate with the Sonoma County Departments of Health Services and Human Services to track community health information systematically and in ways appropriate for use in decisions about the built environment.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. City staff
regularly engages with
County Health Dept
staff.

Action CHW-1e: Collaborate with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, experts and nonprofits to develop and implement training programs for elected officials, commissions, and City staff to build capacity for implementing the Community Health and Wellness Element. Training programs may also be developed for community leaders and organizations to advocate for healthy communities over the life of this General Plan and beyond.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not started. New
programs initiated in
2023 that promote
healthy communities
include the Senior
Mobilehome Park
Overlay, update of the
Active Transportation
Plan, and Plant-A-Tree
Cotati Program.

Action CHW-1f: Work with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services and community stakeholders to identify creative ways to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Explore strategies that effectively target special needs of underserved communities such as youths, seniors and low-income households. Outreach materials may include newsletters, a website, postcards and radio or television announcements.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
continues to support
the programs of
Farmster and Sandy
Loam at VerondaFalletti Ranch that
facilitate community 123 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-23
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
access to food- and
farming-related
programs. The City
works with REFB to
provide free lunches
for youth during
summer break, as well
as food for seniors.

DHS and other service
agencies table at
community events.

The Farmer’s Market
offers Market Match
program through
CalFresh, in
coordination with the
City. The City offers
free or reduced cost
recreation enrollment
for low income
residents. City website
includes many
resources and links to
service providers.

Action CHW-1g: Consider adoption of a Second-Hand Smoke Ordinance and/or other regulations that would reduce exposure to tobacco smoke. These regulations may addresslimitations on smoking in public places (e.g., entryways to buildings and outdoor dining areas); at public events; and in multi-unit housing, including common areas and residential units. The ordinance may also include provisions to provide greater oversight regarding tobacco sales and availability to minors, including a tobacco retail licensing fee that would allow more stringent oversight and enforcement of tobacco sales to minors, and limitations on tobacco sales near sensitive areas such as schools and parks.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Smoking ordinance
adopted Fall 2015.

Action CHW-1h: Continue to require that all new or transferred Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensees and their employees participate in Responsible Beverage Service training, to promote public health and safety by reducing incidence of sales/service to minors and sales/service to obviously intoxicated persons.

Community
Development,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments: 124 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-24 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing. This is
conditioned for all
projects with alcohol
service, enforced by
Police. 2017 CA law
requires all businesses
with an ABC license to
have their employees
RBS trained. Cannabis
Lounges in the City
will be held to the
same RBS standards as
ABC licensed
businesses.

Action CHW-2a: Consider the feasibility of developing a medical services providers attraction and retention program to increase the number of medical and health services providers within the City.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

DTSP update
ordinance was
updated in 2023 and
included land use
streamlining elements
for medical and health
services providers to
allow doctors’ offices
in all areas of the DSP
and clinic, urgent care
land uses in the
Commerce Avenue
District. Additional
flexibility under
consideration would
allow clinic/urgent
care land use in the
Northern Gateway 125 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-25
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
and Commercial, East
Cotati Corridor zoning
districts.

Action CHW-2b: Provide resources at City Hall and on the City website regarding the location and contact information of health care providers serving the City, including mental health and substance abuse programs, oral health services, mobile services, access to such providers, available free and low-cost health care programs. Information on the website may include a community health or similar page that provides links to the Sonoma County 211, Healthy Sonoma, Health Action, and other community health resources.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Links on City
website for services,
resources, and partner
agencies and flyers on
display in City Hall.

Community
Development
conducted overhaul of
the housing and social
services pages of the
City’s website,
improving the
accessibility of
resources for the
public SAFE Program
links people in need
directly with
resources. City
promotes the new
24/7 helpline for
mental health
services.

Action CHW-2c: Collaborate with transit service providers to adequately serve people who are transitdependent by improving connections to regional medical facilities that serve Cotati residents and businesses.

Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not started.
126 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-26 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CHW-2d: Support efforts by local community health agencies and organizations to provide annual training to Cotati residents and City staff for basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills.

City Manager,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Police officers and
Recreation employees
receive CPR/first aid
training, and police
officers also receive
Narcan training.

Action CHW-3a: Encourage the Sonoma County Human Services Department to continue its efforts working with stores to increase acceptance of food assistance programs such as CalFresh EBT cards and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) in order to increase food security for all Cotati residents.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Olivers and
Farmers Market
accept CalFresh.

Action CHW-3b: Encourage the Sonoma County Departments of Human Services and Health Services, the Sonoma County Food System Alliance, and community-based organizations to provide information and educational outreach to Cotati residents about healthy food choices, including the Sonoma County CalFresh program and other food programs, to ensure that all City residents have information and access to resources on healthier eating and access to nutritious foods.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Farmster
and Sandy Loam
promote healthy
eating and garden
education at Veronda
Falletti Ranch. The
City is working with
community partners
to promote the rules
regarding Urban
Agriculture that were
adopted in late 2022.

CalFresh flyers are
given out at events
and resources are
127 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-27
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
available on City
webpage.

Action CHW-3c: In collaboration with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services and community organizations, develop and implement a program to encourage new and existing convenience stores, supermarkets, liquor stores and neighborhood and ethnic markets to stock a variety of good quality healthy food (including fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables), market and promote healthy food options, follow responsible alcohol and tobacco marketing and sale practices, participate in food assistance program, help create a safe and inviting environment around their stores, and, when possible, secure and promote “local” food produced in Sonoma County.

City Manager,
Community
Development
B Complete
In progress
Comments:

Use Permit for ABC
707 Highway
Convenience Store in
2023 included
requirement for food
sales.

Action CHW-3d: Work with the Sonoma County Food System Alliance, Health Action, and non-profits, community groups and regulatory agencies to explore the potential for creating, expanding and sustaining local urban agriculture, including community gardens, and orchards. The work effort should explore the feasibility of implementing the following strategies:
• Promoting urban agriculture as a desirable civic activity that improves the quality of urban life, food security, neighborhood safety and environmental stewardship; • Supporting the development of appropriate agriculture in residential, industrial, business, and open space zones;
• Support farm to institution (such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers) and businesses (such as restaurants and food outlets), while creating economic opportunities for urban growers and related industries;
• Support efforts of local gardening organizations to promote the development and expansion of family and community gardens as well as edible landscaping; • Encourage and promote local garden food exchanges and local food cooperatives; and • Work with representatives of local farming organizations to meet needs unique to urban farm enterprises.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Urban Agriculture
Ordinance passed in
2022 to promote local
food production. The
City partners with
Farmster and Sandy
Loam for community
and youth agricultural
and education
programs, and a
demonstration farm at
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. A community
garden is a future
potential use at
Veronda-Falletti.
128 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-28 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CHW-3e: Encourage schools that serve the City to develop school gardens and to develop protocols to facilitate the streamlined development of school gardens from year to year.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

School gardens are
allowed by Code. The
City engages with preschools and youth for
garden education
programs through
Sandy Loam at
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch.

Action CHW-3f: Coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce to increase public awareness that the local farmer’s market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) payments for qualified food purchases.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CSF 1a: Periodically review and update the various Master Plans for the provision and/or extension of public services. These plans can include the Water Master Plan, the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, and the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. Cost estimates for improvements identified within each respective plan will be used as a basis for establishing and periodically updating development fees. As part of the next update for each of these plans, the update shall include a more streamlined process to facilitate smaller development projects. This process may involve an equivalent dwelling unit (EDU)-type fee and accompanying study to determine EDU allocations.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Current practice.

Master plans are in
place and are the
basis for the impact
fees. Addendums to
Master Plans are
prepared as part of
capacity studies
required of new
subdivisions.

Action CSF 1b: As part of the development review process, evaluate the degree of impact a development will have on the City's infrastructure. The City Council shall ensure that appropriate impact fees and assessments are levied accordingly.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
129 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-29
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing. Impact fees
are reviewed and
updated on a regular
basis to reflect
inflation and
applicability. Off-site
utility impact studies
are conditioned on
development to
identify the nexus to
master planned offsite infrastructure.

Action CSF 1c: As part of the development review process, ensure that utilities associated with development and infrastructure projects will be constructed underground consistent with the requirements of Chapter 13.60.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Projects are
conditioned to
underground utilities
as required by the
Municipal Code (MC).

Action CSF 1d: Provide assistance and support, when feasible, to residents, businesses, and new development areas to secure high-speed communications technologies in areas of the City not currently served by such infrastructure.

Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

New technology and
State laws are
providing private
communications
companies with more
opportunities for cost
effective solutions for
providing high-speed
communications
within the City. The 130 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-30 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
City is looking at
revisions to its MC and
engineering standards
to facilitate this
transition. In 2023,
Verizon installed fiber
optics into City Hall
and provides service
during power outages.

In 2023, public Wifi
was installed in La
Plaza Park.

Action CSF 2a: As part of the development review process, determine the potential impacts of development and infrastructure projects on the water system and ensure that new development contributes its fair share toward necessary water infrastructure and supply. The City Engineer and Community Development Department shall be responsible for ensuring that the assessments are made.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
master plans and
impact fees ensure
future developments
pay their fair share.

New developments
are conditioned to
prepare water and
sewer capacity impact
studies.

Action CSF 2b: Achieve water use reductions through implementation of the Demand Management Measures (DMM) contained in the water supply assessment, Urban Water Management Plan, or other appropriate measures as applicable.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City has
a water conservation
program and is a
member of the
Sonoma Marin Saving
Water Partnership. 131 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-31
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
The Program offers
water use surveys and
rebates for high
efficiency toilets and
washing machines,
and for replacing grass
with low water use
landscaping. All
landscaping installed
as part of new
development is
required to be WELO
compliant.

Action CSF 2c: Develop mechanisms and infrastructure to deliver recycled water to City water users from the Santa Rosa Subregional Treatment and Reclamation System.

Public Works/
Engineering
A/B Complete
In progress
Comments:

On hold. Reduction in
potable use,
legislative
disincentives, and high
costs to extend the
Santa Rosa recycled
pipeline make this
infeasible. City is
monitoring changes in
these factors that
would make it
feasible. Additionally,
the City pays over 80%
of its sewer revenue
for wastewater
treatment and is
emphasizing
infrastructure renewal
132 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-32 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
and replacement
projects.

Action CSF 2d: Coordinate with the Sonoma County Water Agency, and continue to participate in planning efforts for the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Management Plan to ensure more reliable conjunctive groundwater use.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City is a
member agency and
has a Board seat on
the Santa Rosa Plain
Groundwater
Sustainability Agency
and conjunctive use is
identified in the GSA’s
Plan as one of the
tools for sustainable
groundwater. The City
also participates on
the Sonoma Water
WAC, TAC, and
Operations
Subcommittees.

Above normal rains in
the 22/23 season
ended the drought
and supply reservoirs
full going into the
summer months of
2024. Contractors
discuss coordinating
their groundwater
pumping to make use
of the surface water
while it is plentiful.

However, significant
continued reduction in 133 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-33
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
demands are the main
cause of double digit
rate increases by
Sonoma Water which
complicates the
conjunctive use
efforts.

Action CSF 2e: Develop a public outreach and incentive program to expand and promote the use of recycled water once delivery infrastructure becomes available (this action may be in conjunction with the Conservation Guide discussed in the Conservation Element).

Public Works/
Engineering
A/B Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not started. Recycled
water is not feasible
for the foreseeable
future.

Action CSF 2f: Through the planning process and the Conservation Guide discussed in the Conservation Element, the City shall implement its water waste and water conservation requirements established in Chapter 13.30 of the Municipal Code.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City has
a water conservation
program and water
and sewer rates that
incentivize
conservation.

Action CSF 2g: Update the City’s water waste and conservation strategy established in Chapter 13.30 of the Municipal Code to be consistent with current BMPs for water conservation, including measures identified by the Sonoma County Water Agency, Sonoma-Marin Water Saving Partnership, and California Urban Water Conservation Council. Ensure that the Conservation Guide (see Conservation Element) includes the mandatory and voluntary measures identified in Chapter 13.30.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Chapter 13.30 is
effective for a small
community and is
being used for both
long-term
conservation and the
current drought with a
Stage 2, 20% 134 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-34 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
reduction. The
strategy
accommodates
further reductions if
called upon. Revisions
are needed to be
more consistent with
the larger retailers,
however. For
example, the City’s
drought water states
only go to 30% and
larger agencies are
required to have
contingency plans
accounting for
reductions up to 50%.

In 2023, the City
updated its Water
Supply Contingency
Plan as required by
Senate Bill 552 (2021)
and is submitting
quarterly drought
reports to the State
Board.

Action CSF 2h: Coordinate Cotati's sewage system with other affected municipalities (Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, and Sonoma County) to bring about more efficient and effective solutions for the affected region.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. As a
customer relying on
Santa Rosa for
wastewater
treatment, the City is
a member of and 135 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-35
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
participates in the
Subregional meetings.

At these meetings,
Santa Rosa shares its
operational and
maintenance and
capital planning and
the member agencies
have opportunity to
comment and
annually make
recommendations on
the Subregional
Budget.

Action CSF 2i: Develop a program to reduce sewer usage. Continue to implement the low flow toilet retrofit program.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City’s rates
incentivize low water
use resulting in low
sewer usage. The City
has rebate programs
for high efficiency
toilets and washing
machines. Daily Acts
has installed
greywater systems
and provided
workshops.

Action CSF 2j: Continue to participate in the Santa Rosa Subregional Sewage System efforts to expand capacity and locate appropriate uses for the treated wastewater.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. As a
customer of the 136 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-36 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Subregional System,
the City participates in
the Regional Technical
Advisory Committee.

With significant
reductions in water
use, system capacity is
no longer an issue and
efforts are focused on
R&M of aging
infrastructure. Santa
Rosa has begun
charging its recycled
agricultural users for
the water, which
recognizes its value as
a resource rather than
a waste to dispose of.

Action CSF 2k: The City Engineer shall monitor sewer capacity. The remaining sewer capacity shall be offered to serve the existing homes in newly annexed areas prior to the issuance of any new building permits.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Due to significant
reductions in indoor
water use, sewer
treatment capacity is
no longer a current
issue. The City’s
Wastewater Master
Plan does not
contemplate serving
areas outside the
current City limits. The
Master Plan update
could establish a
Study Area consistent 137 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-37
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
with the GP’s Urban
Growth Boundary and
evaluate sewer flows
generated by existing
and future
development in those
areas.

Action CSF 2l: Continue to monitor wastewater flow generation rates within the City’s service area and apply to the subregional partners for an incremental increase in wastewater flow allocation to meet projected demand prior to any exceedance of the City’s wastewater flow allocation under the Subregional Partnership.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Because of significant
and lasting water use
reductions over the
past two decades, the
City’s current regional
wastewater allocation
is sufficient for the
foreseeable future.

Staff will continue to
monitor flows against
its regional allocation.

Action CSF 2m: Coordinate with the Laguna Wastewater Treatment Plant to increase the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit capacity of the plant to meet projected 2035 demand for all sources of wastewater treated at the plant.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Due to significant
water use reductions
over the past 20 years,
the plant’s capacity is
adequate for the
foreseeable future.

Action CSF 2n: Perform regular cleaning and inspection to help eliminate sanitary sewer overflows. Public Works/ Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
138 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-38 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing. The City has
a map of Fats, Oil, and
Grease (FOG) Hot
Spots and routinely
cleans these sections.

In 2023, the City
began implementation
of an Asset
Management System
and will include
tracking maintenance
of these problem
areas.

Action CSF 2o: Continue to enforce the California Building Code and the California Fire Code to ensure that all construction implements fire-safe techniques, including fire resistant materials, where required.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. New
California Standard
Building Code was
adopted in Nov 2022.

Action CSF 2p: As part of the development review process for new projects, the City will continue to refer applications to the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District for determination of the project’s potential impacts on fire protection services. Requirements will be added as Conditions of Approval to project’s approving resolutions.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CSF 2q: As part of the development review process, consult with the Police Department in order to ensure that the project design facilitates adequate police response time and public safety and that the project addresses its impacts on police services.

Community
Development,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CSF 2r: Perform a periodic assessment to ascertain means of assuring that the Police staff and equipment are adequate to meet the needs of the community.

City Manager,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Equipment is
typically procured as 139 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-39
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
needed by basic police
safety standards, best
practices for nonlethal control, and
innovative equipment
recommended by the
Police Chief, such as
Electric Patrol Car and
WRAP, and bola wrap.

Per recent state law,
the Council now needs
to authorize the use
or purchase of any
"military" equipment,
ensuring it meets the
social standards of the
community.

Action CSF 2s: Develop information on Neighborhood Watch Programs and actively promote such programs.

City Manager,
Police
Department
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Neighborhood Watch
has evolved to Beat
Officers. For the past
approximately 6 years,
the Police Department
has been holding Area
Officer (Beat)
meetings. The City is
divided into 6 beats,
each with an assigned
area officer who is
available to answer
citizen and business
questions, and hold
area community 140 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-40 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
meetings at least
twice per year in each
beat.

Action CSF 3a: Work with the refuse collection contractor and the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency to continue and expand an effective recycling and composting program of glass, paper, aluminum, plastic, and other recyclable materials, as well as compostable materials including yard debris and vegetative food scraps.

City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. In 2023 per
State law all residents
are required to divert
compostable waste to
on-site composting or
to green bins for
removal by Recology
for composting offsite.

Action CSF 3b: Require the City's refuse collection contractor to be responsible for periodic press releases which remind residents about the recycling and composting program.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Recology
sends out quarterly
newsletters to all of its
customers about
programs and for
education.

Action CSF 3c: Work with the City’s refuse collection contractor and Sonoma County Waste Management Agency to provide a higher level of recycling and composting services for multiple family projects.

City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

In 2023 per State law
all residents are
required to divert
compostable waste to
on-site composting or
to green bins for
removal by Recology 141 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-41
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
for composting offsite.

Action CSF 3d: Undertake a solid waste disposal and reduction education program in collaboration with the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency. The outreach program shall include information related to the proper disposal and resources for the disposal of household hazardous wastes, including, but not limited to:
• Motor oil
• Electronics
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Batteries
• Paint
• Syringes/needles
• Treated Wood
• Fluorescent lamps/CFLs
City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Police holds drug
takeback events and
on-going collection in
the lobby. City and
Franchise waste
hauler (Recology)
newsletters
periodically pushes
out information on
waste services. The
Waste Management
Agency (now known
as Zero Waste
Sonoma) has
developed a robust
website and materials
on how to dispose of
all items, which is
leveraged by Recology
in its direct mail
newsletters. A
polystyrene ban and
single use take out
container ban were
passed in 2021.

Action CSF 3e: Amend or revise the City’s procurement process to favor the purchase of recycled products and/or materials that contain recycled materials.

City Manager,
City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
142 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-42 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
The City requires
paper with recycled
content in its
operations. City is
planning to update
requirements in 2024.

Action CSF 4a: Through the development review process, ensure that the Cotati/Rohnert Park School District is provided an opportunity to evaluate the impact of new development to public schools that serve the City of Cotati.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.

Development project
proposing new
residential units are
referred to the
CRPUSD.

Action CSF 4b: Encourage SSU to undertake projects in the City and to undertake assignments on realworld projects in Cotati. Examples of such projects may include, but are certainly not limited to:
• Programs that provide care and assistance to seniors, • Programs that promote youth activity and community participation, • Joint use of recreational facilities,
• Programs that encourage internships in Cotati;
• Programs that expand public access to the arts and cultural resources, and • Programs that support the City’s conservation and sustainability goals.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Farmster actively
engages with Sonoma
State University (SSU)
and the Santa Rosa
Junior College,
facilitating internships,
apprenticeships, and
special studies at the
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. These
opportunities allow
full/part-time
students to earn
credits towards
general education
(GE) classes or specific 143 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-43
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
graduate track
programs. The
collaboration extends
to student
sustainability clubs,
upper division
business classes, and
the SSU Alumni
Association, fostering
a holistic approach to
involving SSU alumni
in the exploration and
support of the
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch and Farmster as
a vital Cotati-based
organization. The
Recreation
Department continues
to collaborate with
Rancho Cotate High
School to offer
internships and
classes in
Management and
Events.

Action CSF 4c: Designate a City staff person or member of the City Council to act as a liaison between the City and SSU to encourage collaboration on projects, activities, and service opportunities.

City Manager,
City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City Manager is
liaison. There is a
"2x2x2" committee
that meets regularly
to update and
coordinate between 144 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-44 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Cotati, RP, SSU, and
Rancho Cotati School
District. For Cotati,
Mayor Sparks and
Councilmember Rivers
have been designated
for this committee,
which also includes
the CM's.

Action CSF 4d: Identify partnership opportunities between municipalities, other agencies and library support organizations to expand library facilities, resources and services.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

A CC member sits on
the Library Advisory
Board. Recreation
regularly partners
with the Library or
Library Foundation for
mobile book buses at
La Plaza Park events
and at Veronda
Falletti Ranch. The
library tables at
community events.

The City promotes
Library news on its
website.

Action CSF 4e: Pursue joint-use agreements with schools, social service agencies, cultural institutions, and other community organizations to extend library and other public services to populations that may otherwise not be served.

City Manager,
City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City has
agreements with
Farmster and Sandy
Loam for agricultural 145 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-45
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
and education
programming at
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch, and with SRJC
for recreation
programs for seniors.

In 2023, the City also
went into an
agreement with the
County of Sonoma to
manage the
operations of the
Cotati Veterans
Building with the goal
of expanding
community services
and rental space
availability to the
community.

Action CSF 4f: Identify partnership opportunities between the City and local volunteers to undertake projects that educate and inform the public about the City’s historical and cultural background.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City provides free
space to the Historical
Society and consults
with them regularly
on historical
information for
interpretive signage,
etc. Volunteers work
with Farmster in the
upkeep of the
demonstration farm at
the historic VerondaFalletti Ranch. 146 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-46 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CSF 5a: Regularly update information on the City’s website to provide current information regarding City services, City programs, and resources for residents, visitors and businesses.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Regular
social media updates
also occur.

Action CSF 5b: Prior to City meetings, hearings, and public workshops, provide adequate notice to the public through a range of methods, including but not limited to, the City’s website, advertisements in the local newspaper, postings on community bulletin boards, outreach to local schools, and outreach at community events.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
routinely goes beyond
legal requirements for
noticing and on-site
signage.

Action CSF 5c: Implement programs aimed at improving and enhancing City government services to the public. Programs may include, but are not limited to, public feedback questionnaires, online resources for development review procedures and requirements, the identification of permit streamlining incentives and tools, and periodic updates to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding new staff procedures and protocols to improve government service levels.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing improvement
of the City’s website
has occurred during
2023. The City has
undertaken major
updates of its
Housing, Social
Services, and Climate
and Sustainability
webpages.

Community
development
Department
overhauled all
planning application
forms in 2023.

Resources, application 147 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-47
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
forms, and surveys are
now regularly offered
through the City
webpage, and Zoom is
used for virtual live
participation in City
meetings.

Action CON 1a: Require development project proposals, infrastructure projects, long-range planning projects, and other projects that may potentially impact special-status species and sensitive resources to submit a biological resources evaluation which determines whether significant adverse impacts will occur.

Evaluations shall be carried out under the direction of the Community Development Department and consistent with applicable state and federal guidelines. Projects shall be designed to avoid or reduce impacts to the maximum extent feasible. Where adverse impacts cannot be feasibly reduced or avoided through project design, projects shall include the implementation of site-specific or project-specific effective mitigation strategies developed by a qualified professional in consultation with state or federal resource agencies with jurisdiction (if applicable) that may include, but are not limited to, the following strategies:
a. Preservation of habitat and connectivity of adequate size, quality, and configuration to support the special-status species. Connectivity shall be determined based on the specifics of the species' needs.
b. Project design measures, such as clustering of structures or locating project features to avoid known locations of special-status species and/or sensitive habitats. c. Provision of supplemental planting and maintenance of grasses, shrubs, and trees of similar quality and quantity to provide adequate vegetation cover to enhance water quality, minimize sedimentation and soil transport, and provide adequate shelter and food for wildlife.
d. Protection for habitat and the known locations of special-status species through adequate buffering or other means.
e. Provision of replacement habitat of like quantity and quality on- or off-site for special-status species. Preference shall be given to the preservation of habitat as close to the area of impact as feasible, so long as that habitat is of comparable quality.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.
148 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-48 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
f. Enhancement of existing special-status species habitat values through restoration and replanting of native plant species.
g. Provision of temporary or permanent buffers of adequate size (based on the specifics of the special-status species) to avoid nest abandonment by nesting migratory birds and raptors associated with construction and site development activities. h. Incorporation of the provisions or demonstration of compliance with applicable recovery plans for federally listed species.
i. Monitoring of construction activities by a qualified biologist to avoid impacts to on-site special status species.

Action CON 1b: Where sensitive biological habitats have been identified on or immediately adjacent to a project site, the project shall include appropriate mitigation measures identified by a qualified biologist, which may include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Pre-construction surveys for species listed under the State or Federal Endangered Species Acts, or species identified as special-status by the resource agencies, shall be conducted by a qualified biologist;
b. Construction barrier fencing shall be installed around sensitive resources and areas identified for avoidance or protection; and
c. Employees shall be trained by a qualified biologist to identify and avoid protected species and habitat
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CON 1c: Develop CEQA Thresholds of Significance to assist staff, project applicants, and decisionmakers in determining whether a project may have a significant effect on the environment under Section 21082.2 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Complete. SB 743 set
VMT and GHG
thresholds and the MC
was updated
accordingly in 2020.

Action CON 1d: Through coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and Sonoma County develop and maintain a map of sensitive biological communities and Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
149 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-49
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
habitat within the Cotati Urban Growth Boundary. Ensure that this map and associated information is readily available to potential developers and the public.

Comments:

The City’s GIS
webpage provides this
information to the
public.

Action CON 1e: Revise the Zoning Map to add the coordinated planning overlay zone to the Commercial/Industrial and General Commercial areas south of Helman Lane that are located within the critical habitat designation for the California tiger salamander.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City’s GIS
webpage provides
parcel-level CTS
habitat area
identification.

Action CON 1f: Utilize existing regulations and procedures, including but not limited to the Land Use Code, Design Review, and the environmental review process (CEQA) to conserve wetlands and riparian habitat within the City and the Urban Growth Boundary. Comply with the federal and state requirements, including no net loss of wetlands using mitigation strategies such as:
a. Avoidance of wetlands and riparian habitat through site design; b. Clustered development;
c. Transfer of development rights; and/or
d. Compensatory mitigation, such as habitat restoration or habitat creation.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The Cottage
Housing ordinance
encourages and
rewards clustering of
housing and rewards
avoidance of
wetlands.

Action CON 1g: Coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Game and Sonoma County to identify potentially impacted aquatic habitat within the City and the Urban Growth Boundary and to develop riparian management guidelines to be implemented by development, recreation, and other projects adjacent to creeks, streams and other waterways.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. No
annexations have
occurred since current
GP adoption, but the
City prezoned three
properties in 2019.

The City engages in 150 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-50 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
project-specific
management with the
Water Board and
Sonoma Water.

Action CON 1h: Periodically review, and update if necessary, Chapter 17.56 of the Cotati Municipal Code to ensure that the most appropriate requirements and best management practices are implemented to protect and restore wetland resources in the Planning Area.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The most
appropriate best
management
practices are in place.

Action CON 1i: Provide a Conservation Page (or similar page) on the City’s website provides links to resource agencies (CDFG, USFWS, USACE, etc.) and provides information regarding local and regional conservation and environmental programs, to the extent the City has readily available information.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not started.

Action CON 1j: Coordinate with interested public and private entities to create new and expanded public access trails along creeks and streams that connect to parks and open space areas within the Urban Growth Boundary.

Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The Bike and
Ped Plan Update (Now
called the Active
Transportation Plan),
underway in 2023, will
identify new
opportunities for
expanded public
access trails. The Plan
is a collaboration with
SCTA, and completion
is expected in 2024.

The Hwy 116 Corridor
Safety Project includes
a new Class 1 pathway
along Hwy 116. The 151 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-51
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
City is pursuing
implementation
options with grant and
developer funding.

The Sidewalk Gap
Closure project
includes 10 segments
throughout the City to
be constructed in
2024, and will connect
trails to parks,
downtown, the
Thomas Page School
and other destinations
around town.

Action CON 1k: Continue to identify which stormwater and drainage facilities are in need of repair and address these needs through the CIP process.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Addressed as part of
City’s O&M. Public
Works repaired the
Henry Street drainage
system and
Engineering is
designing repairs to
correct deficiencies in
the W School Street
area.

Action CON 1l: Require assessment of public views and ridgelines as part of the project review process to assure that projects protect natural resources through proper site planning, building design, and landscaping.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.
152 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-52 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CON 2a: Review all new industrial and commercial development projects for potential air quality impacts to residences and other sensitive receptors. Staff shall ensure that mitigation measures and best management practices are implemented to reduce significant emissions of criteria pollutants.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Project-byproject through CEQA
process and referrals
to BAAQMD
Action CON 2b: Refer development, infrastructure, and planning projects to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) for review. Require project applicants to prepare air quality analyses to address BAAQMD and General Plan requirements, which include analysis and identification of:
a. Air pollutant emissions associated with the project during construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.
b. Potential exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants. c. Significant air quality impacts associated with the project for construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.
d. Mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts to less than significant or the maximum extent feasible where impacts cannot be mitigated to less than significant.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing, see CON 2a
above.

Action CON 2c: Adequate buffers between new industrial uses and sensitive receptors shall be required to avoid potential air quality and nuisance impacts.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.

Action CON 2d: Provide a Conservation Page (or Environmental Page) on the City’s website provides links to resource agencies (ARB, BAAWMD, EPA, etc.) and provides information, regarding local and regional conservation and environmental programs, to the extent the City has readily available information, including methods for pollution prevention, including reduced air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions through use of alternative forms of transportation (bicycling, pedestrian, transit), through reducing woodburning activities using EPA-certified wood-burning devices, etc.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City has launched
its Climate and
Sustainability
webpage to provide
information and
resources regarding 153 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-53
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
local and regional
sustainability
programs.

Action CON 2e: Continue to review new development, significant remodels, and infrastructure projects for consistency with the county-wide Climate Action Plan 2020.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing in
coordination with
RCPA. A Reach Code
for additional EV
Charging in new
construction was
adopted in 2023 for
greenhouse gas
reduction. The 2023-
2031 Housing Element
Update, updated in
2023 includes
Program 1-8
Residential Building
Decarbonization
which includes
numerous City GHG
reduction goals.

Action CON 2f: Regularly monitor and track the City’s progress towards meeting the municipal GHG reduction goals contained in the 2008 Cotati Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing, see CON 2e
above.

Action CON 2g: Update the City’s 2008 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan every five years, or more frequently if the City Council deems appropriate, to make progress towards the City’s GHG reduction goals.

Community
Development,
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done yet. See
CON 2e above. 154 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-54 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CON 3a: Continue to review development projects to ensure that all new public and privately development complies with CALGreen Tier 1 standards as well as the energy efficiency standards established by the General Plan and Land Use Code.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The New
California Building
Standards Code was
adopted by City in Nov
2022. A Reach Code
for additional EV
Charging in new
construction was
adopted in 2023 for
greenhouse gas
reduction.

Action CON 3b: Amend the Land Use Code to include a requirement that all new swimming pools be solar heated.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done
Action CON 3c: Connect residents and businesses with programs that provide free or low-cost energy efficiency audits and retrofits to existing buildings.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing through
referrals to RCPA,
BayREN, and the
County of Sonoma.

The City’s new Climate
and Sustainability
page increased access
to resources.

Action CON 3d: Amend the Municipal Code to incentive the use of small-scale renewable energy facilities and, where appropriate, to remove impediments to such uses.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
155 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-55
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Solar permitting has
been streamlined
since 2019, with
reduced fees and
processing times
Action CON 3e: Amend the Land Use Code to include provisions for alternatives to traditional paved surfaces, e.g. turf block, where appropriate.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing; prioritized
through discussions
with Planning
Commission.

Action CON 3f: Review development applications consistency with the solar access, building orientation, shade tree, and other climate-related provisions in the General plan, Land Use Code, and Design Review Standards.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. HE standards
and reach code
address.

Action CON 3g: Establish an annual tree planting day, making every effort to collaborate with and engage civic and community groups and local nurseries to assist with providing trees, outreach, and coordination.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done, but the City
has a mitigation fund
that gets regular
prioritized
contributions for tree
planting. The City is
using the mitigation
fund for newly created
Plant-A-Tree Program.

Action CON 3h: Update the Design Guidelines to encourage the use of trees for windbreaks and wind channeling in new development and to ensure that deciduous trees do not interfere with solar access.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments: 156 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-56 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Not done
Action CON 3i: Provide a Conservation Page (or Environmental Page) on the City’s website providing links to resource agencies and information regarding local and regional conservation and environmental programs, to the extent the City has readily available information, including recycling guidance for single family residences, businesses, and apartments, opportunities for reuse of materials, a description of how to compost, and a description of methods to reduce water use, such as appropriate re-use and recycling of water, water conservation measures, and xeriscaping.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Water conservation
resources and a link to
Zero Waste Sonoma
are included on City
webpage. In 2023, the
City launched its
Climate and
Sustainability
webpage to provide
resources and
information. In 2023,
the City initiated an
update to its
Suggested Tree
Species list to include
more CA Natives and
drought tolerant tree
species.

Action CON 3j: Develop a list of drought-tolerant and native plants appropriate for use in Cotati and review development projects for adherence to this list.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done. In 2023, the
City launched its
Climate and
Sustainability
webpage to provide
resources and
information. In 2023,
the City initiated an
update to its 157 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-57
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Suggested Tree
Species list to include
more CA Natives and
drought tolerant tree
species.

Action CON 3k: Continue implementing the City Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (Chapter

17.54 of the Municipal Code). .

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. In 2023, the
City initiated an
update to its
Suggested Tree
Species list to include
more CA Natives and
drought tolerant tree
species.

Action CON 3l: Periodically undertake a citywide notification program to notify the citizens and arborists doing business within the City limits of the tree preservation requirements.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done
Action CON 3m: Through the use of public funds, where available, provide for the screening of public parking areas through the use of trees, shrubs, berms, and evergreen plants Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CON 3n: Through the development review process, the City shall encourage the use of deciduous trees to promote energy conservation.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CON 3o: During the development review process, discourage the loss of native trees in accordance with the Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (Chapter 17.54 of the Municipal Code).

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing 158 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-58 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CON 3p: The City shall continue to implement the landscape and tree ordinance to give preference to native and drought tolerant species. The Planning Division shall review and revise as necessary.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. In 2023, the
City initiated an
update to its
Suggested Tree
Species list to include
more CA Natives and
drought tolerant tree
species.

Action CON 3q: Design Review criteria shall be prepared to require that creeks, trees, views and features unique to the site be preserved and incorporated into design proposals. The Design Review Committee shall insure that new development meets the criteria.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CON 3r: Through the use of public funds, where available, provide educational plant and tree labeling in City parks and City-maintained plant demonstration areas to educate and inform residents of native plant and tree species planted and maintained in Cotati.

Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
A/B Complete
In progress
Comments:

Plants are identified in
the City’s
Demonstration
Garden. The
Demonstration
Garden is being
remediated in early
2024, with
replacement plants,
soil amendments,
replaced irrigation
system, and repairs to
the DG pathway. The
Sonoma Marin Saving
Water Partnership
developed Landscape 159 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-59
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Design Templates free
to the public.

Action CON 4a: Work with the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria to prepare a narrative description of the Native American background of the Cotati area and request the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria provide pictorial examples of the types of Native American resources present in the vicinity. Place this description on the City’s website as a link under the History of Cotati section.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done
Action CON 4b: Require a cultural and archaeological survey prior to approval of any development project where a potential or known historical, archaeological, or other cultural resource is located or which would require excavation in an area that is sensitive for cultural or archaeological resources. If significant cultural or archaeological resources, including historic and prehistoric resources, are identified, the project shall be required to implement appropriate measures, such as avoidance, capping of the resource site, or documentation and conservation, to reduce adverse impacts to the resource to a less than significant level.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action CON 4c: Require all development, infrastructure, and other ground-disturbing projects to comply with the following conditions in the event of an inadvertent discovery of cultural resources or human remains:
a. If construction or grading activities result in the discovery of significant historic or prehistoric archaeological artifacts or unique paleontological resources, all work within 100 feet of the discovery shall cease, the Community Development Department shall be notified, the resources shall be examined by a qualified archaeologist, paleontologist, or historian for appropriate protection and preservation measures; and work may only resume when appropriate protections are in place and have been approved by the Community Development Department.
b. If human remains are discovered during any ground disturbing activity, work shall stop until the Community Development Department and the County Coroner have been contacted; if the human remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and the most likely descendants have been consulted; and work may only resume when appropriate measures have been taken and approved by the Community Development Department.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
160 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-60 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CON 4d: Continue to invite the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria, as well as other recognized tribes that express interest, to comment on City projects as part of the environmental review process.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing through the
tribal consultation
process in CEQA.

Action CON 4e: Develop a Historic Cotati program to identify historic resources, encourage landowners to voluntarily preserve and rehabilitate historical structures, and to provide a coordinated approach to draw visitors and tourists to these areas. The program may include:
a. Coordinated signage and identifying placards of historic areas, including downtown, specific buildings, and businesses.
b. Maps available on-line, at the Chamber of Commerce, and key locations of the City that direct visitors and history aficionados to key historic and cultural resources in the City. c. Establishment of local historic districts (potentially the Old Redwood Highway Corridor) with standards to conserve historical resources and promote the highest and best use of such resources.
d. Property owner incentives such as reduced building permit fees for historic renovations, streamlined application processing, a brochure that identifies resources to purchase materials and fixtures that are historically accurate in appearance but offer modern benefits (e.g., energy-efficient lighting, windows, building materials that correlate to specific architectural or historic periods that are often seen in the City).

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Interpretive sign
panels in kiosks were
installed in 2022, with
interpretive panels
planned for
installation in 2024.

Re-zoning of VerondaFalletti Ranch to Open
Space, Recreation
completed in Nov
2022, which aids
preservation of this
historic resource. The
City partners with the
Historical Society on
informational and
signage efforts.

Action CON 4f: Develop guidelines for remodels of potentially historic residential structures to ensure that the character and individuality of such residences is maintained. The guidelines should address:

1. Design styles, age of home, and other criteria to determine applicability of the guidelines;

2. Exterior features that are important and covered by the guidelines (e.g., siding and exterior finishes, windows, doors, roofs, porches, garages, outbuildings, streetscapes); Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done. The City
utilizes Secretary of
the Interior standards
for the treatment of
historic properties and 161 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-61
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status

3. Standards for modifications and renovation, including the extent of changes that can occur;

4. Activities that are exempt from the guidelines, such as interior improvements and routine maintenance and repair.
refer projects to
SHPO.

Action CON 4g: Collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce and other interested community groups to support and promote community festivals and events, such as the Cotati Accordion Festival, Music Festival, and Oktoberfest.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
supports the Chamber
with $15,000 annually.

Event-related fees
waived in 2022 for
Covid.

Action EV 1a: Develop, adopt and implement an Economic Sustainability Strategy. City Manager, Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City engages in
ongoing economic
development efforts.

Action EV 1b: Consider the establishment of a Business Improvement District in the downtown area. City Manager, Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The DTSP update
ordinance was
adopted in 2023 and
will incorporate
economic
development
elements to support
DT businesses.

Additional
consideration will be
made in future 162 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-62 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
amendments and
updates to the DSP.

Action EV 1c: Identify potential funding sources and methods to replace Redevelopment Agency funds that had been planned to provide support for business growth.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Mostly
subject to state law.

Action EV 1d: Establish an incentive program, including permit streamlining incentives and assistance in the identification of vacant or underdeveloped parcels, to attract visitor serving uses, including but not limited to, hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and green businesses.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Hotel project
received grading and
underground
plumbing permits in
2023. DTSP ordinance
includes streamlining
elements and
increased land uses
allowed by the zoning
code. Flexible
implementation of
mixed-use and public
space requirements is
on-going to support
development and redevelopment of
downtown parcels.

Action EV 1e: As part of an overall branding effort, develop an updated signage program including:
• “Welcome to Cotati”/”You are now leaving Cotati” signs maintained at all principal entry/exit points of the City;
• Signage that directs visitors to key attractions, public parking, recreational areas, and focal points in Cotati; and
• Signage that identifies areas of historical or cultural significance.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
163 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-63
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action EV 1f: As part of an overall branding effort, develop distinctive palette of native plants and trees to be used in landscaped public areas.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done.

Action EV 1g: As part of an overall branding effort, coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce to develop marketing and tourism materials that highlight the City’s proximity to SSU’s Green Music Center, local cultural events, art events, local music events, and rich musical history.

City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City has general
branding in place,
including banner signs
and promotional
videos about Cotati.

The City’s logo design
has been updated,
and new website
design echoes
branding. Update of
the City seal
completed in 2023.

Action EV 1h: Partner with local businesses to establish an “adopt a landscape” program. The program should provide opportunities for local businesses to maintain and clean public rights of way and public areas within the City to assist with beautification and aesthetic appeal. A corresponding signage program should be included to highlight and acknowledge work done in the City by local businesses.

City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City has a draft
program. The 101/116
interchange has been
adopted by the City’s
landscape contractor,
PJM. The City is
receptive to public
requests for volunteer
clean-up events,
including an annual
Creek Week event,
and residents along 164 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-64 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Water Street
removing French
Broom from the creek.

Downtown businesses
are routinely
encouraged to keep
the areas in front of
their businesses clean.

Action EV 1i: Continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma County BEST, GO LOCAL Sonoma County, and other organizations to attract additional businesses.

City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
EV 1j: Continue Community Development Department technical assistance for new economic development projects requiring development and/or use permit applications. In conjunction with Action LU 4a, work with the local business community to ensure that the City effectively meets the needs of the business community.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The City
continues to
implement the 2019
ED zoning code
ordinance, and the
DTSP ordinance which
included new ED
provisions (as
referenced above). In
2023 the City created
new parklets and
outdoor dining
standards for
restaurants, and the
first parklet was
installed in late 2023.

The Chamber of
Commerce has
committed to 165 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-65
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
updating the
businesses lists on the
interpretive sign
kiosks and continues
to help businesses
that approach them
with interest in
locating here in Cotati.

Action EV 2a: Pursue funding sources, as they become available, to implement the public improvements and infrastructure in the Downtown Specific Plan.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. La Plaza
reunification project is
one of the 5 Cotati
projects in the 2021
SCTA priority project
list. 8150 La Plaza was
privately developed,
and the frontage was
constructed in
accordance with DTSP
specifications.

Action EV 2b: Continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to devise plans to promote various festivals and community events that are unique to Cotati. The La Plaza Park or the inner Hub area shall be the focal point of these festivals.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.

Ashley - Local events
in 2022 included the
Accordian Festival,
Cotati Music Festival,
Oktoberfest, Kids Day,
National Night Out,
Movies in the Park,
Cotati Car Show, 166 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-66 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Holiday Tree Lighting,
Downtown Shop and
Stroll, the Farmer’s
Market, Breakfast
with Santa, Bunny
Brunch, Community
Yard Sale, and SoCo
Market.

Action LU 1a: Update the Zoning Map to be consistent with the land use designations shown on Figure 7-1.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Done.

Action LU 1b: Review the standards provided in the Land Use Code and amend as necessary for consistency with General Plan policies and allowed uses, including:
• Create the Agricultural-5 (5-acre minimum parcel size) and Agricultural-10 (10-acre minimum parcel size) to implement the Agricultural land use designation; • Preclude residential uses in the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial districts; • Increase maximum building height in the Neighborhood, Urban zone to 35 feet, without the requirement for a use permit;
• Increase the maximum site coverage to 55% in the Neighborhood, Medium Density zone and to 75% in the Neighborhood, Urban zone; and
• Either combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial districts into a single district that accommodates the range of industrial and commercial uses allowed in the Commercial Industrial land use designation, or amend the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial designations to accommodate the range of uses allowed in the Commercial Industrial land use designation.

Community
Development
A Complete
X In progress
Comments:

All residential-related
updates have been
made through
multifamily
streamlining
ordinance in Nov
2022. New state law
has addressed the
placement of
residential uses in
industrial zones.

Combination of
industrial zones
expected in 2024.

Action LU 1c: Prioritize the processing of development applications for infill, underutilized, or vacant parcels designated for urban uses over those projects requiring annexation.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments: 167 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-67
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing
Action LU 1d: Annexation proposals shall be evaluated in the development review process and acted upon in accordance with the criteria set forth in this General Plan.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action LU 2a: Through the development review and permit process, screen development proposals for land use compatibility, including conformance with existing development or neighborhoods.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action LU 2b: Update the Land Use Code to allow for the clustering of housing to protect scenic and natural resources and provide permanent open space, so long as there is no increase in density. Revisions should be consistent with standards developed as a result of Action OS 1h.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Complete—Cottage
Housing Ordinance
passed in 2021.

Action LU 2c: Update the Design Review Criteria for residential uses to address the following:

1. Outdoor lighting, trash receptacles, fencing and seating space should be carefully considered as integral elements of the landscape and should be included in, and shown on, all landscape plans.

2. Landscaping should utilize plant materials in a logical and orderly manner to define spatial organization, relate buildings and other structures, incorporate various site elements, promote consistency throughout the development, be scaled to site structures, and to provide screening of unaesthetic features. All landscaping shall be adequately maintained.

3. Rooftop and ground level mechanical equipment (e.g. Satellite TV dishes, telephone and electrical boxes, heating, cooling and ventilating systems, and trash sites, etc.) should be screened from public view, unless prohibited by the utility provider.

4. Opportunities for community interaction, such as parks, recreation facilities, gathering areas such as gazebos, plazas, etc.

5. Minimize vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian conflicts.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Woonerf
design standards for
multifamily were
adopted in late 2022.

Objective Design
Standards adopted in
2021 also address
these criteria, as
allowed under recent
State housing law.
168 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-68 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status

6. Maximize access to commercial uses, recreational uses, employment, public services and other destinations using a minimum of pavement.

Action LU 2d: Implement the Downtown Specific Plan and Santero Way Specific Plan, ensuring that a mix of land uses occurs in those locations identified for such uses.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. The DTSP
update was adopted
in 2023 and the
Santero Way Specific
Plan was initiated in
2023. Cotati Station
was re-entitled in
2022 to increase
allowable density and
incentivize project
development using
fee subsidies and
deferrals.

Action LU 3a: Review the land uses allowed in the Commercial/Industrial and Industrial zoning districts and consider expanding the uses allowed in the districts in order to increase the development potential of parcels with industrial and industrial-oriented commercial uses in each district, while ensuring that appropriate uses continue to be allowed in each district.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Addressed in ED
ordinance in 2019
Action LU 3b: Update the Land Use Code or Design Review Criteria for non-residential uses to include standards that promote attractive and sustainable development for commercial, industrial, office, institutional, and non-residential uses and that address the following provisions:

1. Site planning sensitive to the natural environment and that addresses creating functional and attractive places.

2. Architectural standards for retail, commercial, and visitor-serving uses shall be similar to the Main Street Commercial or Mission Revival styles described in the Downtown Specific Plan, other distinctive historic styles exemplified in Cotati or in a juxtaposition of those styles with Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The 2021 multi-family
objective standards
included elements to
ensure high quality
commercial design is
incorporated into
mixed use 169 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-69
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
either other historic styles represented in the region or with modern features. Architectural features shall include distinctive stylistic hallmarks.

3. Criteria to ensure outdoor lighting, trash receptacles, fencing, and seating space are carefully considered as integral elements of the landscape.

4. Landscaping should utilize plant materials in a logical and orderly manner to define spatial organization, relate buildings and other structures, incorporate various site elements, promote consistency throughout the development, and be scaled to site structures.

5. Require separate vehicle access, pedestrian pathways, and secured bicycle parking within the internal site plan of new commercial, office, mixed use, and public facility developments.

6. Criteria for screening rooftop and ground level mechanical equipment (e.g. Satellite TV dishes, telephone and electrical boxes, heating, cooling and ventilating systems, and trash sites, etc.) from public view, unless prohibited by the utility provider.

7. Standards for building design, architecture, and placement that incorporates a pedestrian scale with frontages oriented toward the street front or public gathering areas, varied articulated facades, windows and building features, reduced or zero setbacks where appropriate; and community design features, such as landscaping, entry features, fountains, plazas, pedestrian furniture, and similar features.

8. Requirements for larger projects to include community design and gathering features, such as entry features, outdoor benches, art, plazas, seating areas, fountains, etc.

9. Minimize vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian conflicts.

10. Maximize access to commercial uses, recreational uses, employment, public services and other destinations using a minimum of pavement.
developments in the
DTSP. Further, the
DTSP amendments
adopted in 2022,
support nonresidential uses and
discretionary process
improvements have
included elements of
improved design
criteria. Finally, the
on-going Santero Way
Specific Plan Update
will also include
design criteria for
both ministerial and
discretionary
development projects.

Action LU 3c: As part of the City’s development review process, continue to ensure that commercial projects are designed to minimize conflicts between commercial and residential uses. Review of commercial projects should ensure that the following design concepts are avoided in projects that abut residential areas:

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
170 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-70 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status

1. Corporate design/”signature” buildings and signage, rather than projects specifically designed to fit into the neighborhood

2. Inappropriate building scale and/or siting on the lot

3. Excessive noise due to long hours of operation or inappropriate location of accessory structures

4. Excessive glare or excessive impacts from light sources onto adjacent properties

5. Unnecessary loss of community and environmental resources (archaeological, historical, ecological, recreational, etc.)
Action LU 4a: Review and update the City’s development permitting process to provide a streamlined and straightforward process. At a minimum, the review may consider:
• Methods to streamline and simplify the process, including the process for review by City staff as well as various committees and commissions.
• Opportunities to reduce redundancies and delays.
• Methods to prioritize and fast-track in-fill development projects and re-use projects that are consistent with the General Plan and Land Use Code.
• Updating the City’s website to provide additional information to the public regarding development application requirements, and the building permit and land use approval process.

Community
Development
A/B Complete
In progress
Comments:

All updates have
occurred, and review
for further
improvements is
ongoing. In 2023 the
City initiated an
overhaul of the
planning applications
which have been
completed and are all
available on the City’s
website.

Action N 1a: Update the Land Use Code to ensure that the noise standards are consistent with this Noise Element, including Tables N-1 and N2, and to require new residential, mixed-use with a residential component, and other noise-sensitive development to be designed to minimize noise exposure to noise sensitive users through incorporation of site planning and architectural techniques such as:
• Locating dwellings as far from noise generators as possible. • Locating noise sensitive interior spaces, such as bedrooms, away from noise generators.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Individual projects are
analyzed for noise
impacts through CEQA
and most of these 171 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-71
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
• Orienting buildings to shield noise sensitive outdoor spaces from noise generators. • Use of sound walls should be avoided or minimized, through alternative measures such as berms, setbacks, or other measures, to the maximum extent feasible and appropriate. points are usually
incorporated.

Action N 1b: Review land use and development proposals, including use permits, for compliance with the noise requirements established in this element, including the standards established in Tables N-1 and N2.

For uses along the SMART corridor, the Federal Transit Administration vibration impact criteria shall be used to evaluate the compatibility of sensitive uses using the best available information (e.g., 2005 SMART DEIR) or site-specific measurements and analyses (assuming active operations).

Where necessary, require mitigation measures to achieve the noise standards identified in Tables N-1 and N-2 and, where applicable to minimize exposure of sensitive uses to existing or potential vibration levels to the maximum feasible extent.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. See N1a.

Action N 1c: Require an acoustical study for all new discretionary projects, including development and transportation, with potential noise impacts. The study shall include mitigation measures necessary to ensure compliance with this Noise Element and relevant noise standards in the Land Use Code.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.

Action N 1d: The Police Department shall continue to implement the truck ordinance which limits truck traffic routes and weights, thereby effectively reducing noise pollution.

Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Police enforces the
truck ordinance,
including writing both
warning and regular
citations, as well as
verbal warnings.

Action N 1e: Work with the California Highway Patrol to actively enforce the California Vehicle Code as it relates to adequate vehicle mufflers, modified exhaust systems, and car stereos.

Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Per new
countywide law 172 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-72 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
enforcement protocol
in response to illegal
sideshow activity, all
available jurisdictions
respond to enforce
these laws, including
CHP and local law
enforcement. In 2023,
Police officers
received training on
Side Show and vehicle
equipment violation
enforcement.

Action N 1f: Develop a consistent method to enforce Vehicle Code provisions contained in the California Vehicle Code, Division 12, Chapter 5, Article 2.5, Sections 27159 - 27207 related to vehicle noise and, to the extent allowed by State law, develop additional standards to regulate vehicle noise.

City Manager,
Police
Department,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Truck
ordinance helps
address vehicle noise
concerns in the
downtown area.

Action N 1g: Coordinate with Caltrans, the City of Rohnert Park, and Sonoma County, when necessary, to ensure that these outside agencies obtain City concurrence prior to initiating any noise mitigation or other project in, or affecting, Cotati.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action N 1h: During the environmental review process, determine if proposed construction will constitute a significant impact on nearby residents and require mitigation measures in addition to the standard “best practice” controls. Suggested “best practices” for control of construction noise:
• Construction period shall be less than twelve months. • Noise-generating construction activities, including truck traffic coming to and from the construction site for any purpose, shall be limited to between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
173 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-73
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
pm on weekdays and 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on Saturdays (if allowed through specific project conditions of approval). No construction shall occur on Sundays or holidays. • All equipment driven by internal combustion engines shall be equipped with mufflers, which are in good condition and appropriate for the equipment. • The construction contractor shall utilize “quiet” models of air compressors and other stationary noise sources where technology exists.
• At all times during project grading and construction, stationary noise-generating equipment shall be located as far as practicable from sensitive receptors and placed so that emitted noise is directed away from residences.
• Unnecessary idling of internal combustion engines shall be prohibited. • Construction staging areas shall be established at locations that will create the greatest distance between the construction-related noise sources and noise-sensitive receptors nearest the project site during all project construction. • The required construction-related noise mitigation plan shall also specify that haul truck deliveries are subject to the same hours specified for construction equipment. • Neighbors located adjacent to the construction site shall be notified of the construction schedule in writing.
• The construction contractor shall designate a “noise disturbance coordinator” who will be responsible for responding to any local complaints about construction noise. The disturbance coordinator would determine the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., starting too early, bad muffler, etc.) and institute reasonable measures as warranted to correct the problem. A telephone number for the disturbance coordinator shall be conspicuously posted at the construction site.

Action OS 1a: Work with the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department to ensure that Open Space/Parks, Agricultural, and Rural Residential lands within the Sphere of Influence and Urban Growth Boundary are zoned appropriately as rural residential, agricultural, parks, and other limited development or recreational uses in order to limit growth-inducement and development.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Unincorporated
properties to the 174 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-74 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
south, west, and
northwest of the city
are primarily zoned
rural residential
and/or agricultural by
the County. The City
has pre-zoned
properties in the
Sphere of Influence as
agricultural.

Action OS 1b: Review all proposals involving County land, within or adjacent to the Sphere of Influence or Urban Growth Boundary, to ensure adequate preservation of community separators and resources.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. See OS 1a.

Action OS 1c: Work with property owners willing to set up land trusts within the City limits. Community Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done
Action OS 1d: Update the Land Use Code to require new development to provide for active and passive open space, whether directly or through in-lieu contribution.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Woonerf standards for
multifamily were
adopted late 2022.

Objective Design
Standards and Cottage
Housing Standards
also address open
space.

Action OS 1e: Work in cooperation with County Permit and Resource Management Department staff to ensure land use compatibility and discourage subdivision within the areas designated as open space or community separators (see Figure 9.1).

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing 175 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-75
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action OS 1f: Review all development proposals, planning projects, and infrastructure projects to ensure that open space and scenic resource impacts are reduced by maximizing design features that preserve a sense of open space and by minimizing off-site and night sky impacts of outdoor lighting consistent, with the requirements of the Land Use Code.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action OS 1g: Revise the Design Review Guidelines to require clustering or other measures to preserve a sense of openness in new developments that are adjacent to open space or scenic resource areas.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done. State law
limits local ability to
regulate.

Action OS-2a: Update the Municipal Code to establish minimum parks and open space standards for new development. At a minimum, the standards shall seek to maintain one acre of park land per 200 residents.

Additional measures may include requirements to establish assessment or tax districts to fund park maintenance, open space requirements, and provisions for in-lieu fees in instances where it is not feasible or appropriate for new development to provide park land on-site.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done. Objective
Design Standards
adopted in 2021
require a minimum of
150 square feet of
open space per
multifamily dwelling
unit.

Action OS-2b: Use the Capital Improvement Program to maintain parks and recreation facilities and as the basis for determining supplemental funds collected for parks and open space development. The City’s population and acreage of parks/recreation facilities shall be tabulated periodically to ensure that parkland is developed consistent with the ratio of one acre of park land per 200 residents.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City prepares and
adopts an annual
Capital Improvement
Program. The CIP
identifies funding
sources and earmarks
funds for
improvements to City
parks. 176 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-76 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action OS-2c: Continue to work with the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District to maintain a joint use agreement to allow Cotati residents and organizations to utilize school facilities for a range of recreation- and education-oriented activities.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Initial conversations,
but no formal
agreement has been
developed at this
time. There is a field
trip planned with
Thomas Page
Academy in early 2024
for the 4th grade class
to visit the historic
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. Students will
get a history lesson of
the ranch and a
demonstration on
animal and ranch care.

Action SA 1a: Prepare and adopt a coordinated Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency Response Plan should be developed collaboratively with City departments and outside agencies that provide services for police protection, fire, public works, flood control, and other emergency services. The Emergency Response Plan should include information regarding emergency access routes for major flood or fire events, measures to ensure adequate access for emergency vehicles on designated emergency routes, and the location of emergency shelters and evacuation areas. The Plan should also include protocols for the dissemination of information following a disaster, establish roles and responsibilities for City staff and public safety officials during and after an emergency, and identify resources available to the public during and after an emergency or natural disaster.

City Manager,
Police
Department,
Public Work/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Emergency Response
Plan adopted. Police
Dept regularly drills
community on
evacuations, has
evacuation maps on
the City website, and
notifies citizens of
emergencies through
CivicPlus.

Action SA 1b: Support regional earthquake preparedness activities such as strapping water heaters, organizing periodic city-wide earthquake drills, providing first aid training and disaster preparedness City Manager,
Police
Department,
Ongoing Complete
In progress 177 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-77
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
classes to neighborhood groups, and encouraging residents and businesses to stockpile emergency food, water, and medical supplies.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Comments:

Ongoing. Most of this
is done by County
Emergency Services.

The City shares this
information via its
website and social
media. The City’s
Building division
conducts safety
inspections of
properties. In 2023,
the City upgraded
emergency
notifications by
moving to the more
robust Civic Ready
platform.

Action SA 1c: Encourage schools, neighborhood associations, mobile home park associations and other interested groups to teach first aid and disaster preparedness, including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs, Map Your Neighborhood programs, and other tools available to neighborhood and community groups to improve disaster preparedness.

City Manager,
Police
Department,
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

County Emergency
Services runs some of
these programs, and
City promotes on its
website
Action SA 1d: Periodically review, maintain and repair City roadways and emergency access routes and provide signage, where necessary, to clearly identify emergency access routes.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. City
coordinates with
Police and Fire on all
City street
improvements 178 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-78 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
projects and private
development roadway
improvements.

Action SA 1e: Seek funding from State, Federal, and other sources to assist in emergency management planning, including community education and outreach describing public procedures and evacuation routes in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

City Manager,
Police
Department,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City received
FEMA grant funding to
create its first Local
Hazard Mitigation
Plan, which is
complete and
adopted. Evacuation
zones are on the City
website and the City
runs annual Hi-Lo
siren evacuation drills
with SSU and Rohnert
Park. The City has
submitted grant
applications to FEMA
for emergency
generators.

Action SA 1f: Develop and annually update an emergency contact list and emergency response information on the City’s website. The information should include emergency access routes, available emergency resources, and contact information for emergency responders.

City Manager,
Police
Department
A/
Ongoing
Complete
In progress
Comments:

Not done yet, but the
City maintains an
internal list that is
updated periodically,
with the emergency
response plan. The
City has published
evacuation zones 179 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-79
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
available on the City
website.

Action SA 1g: Develop a public information program which will provide all citizens with access to needed information concerning disaster preparedness and safety.

City Manager,
Police
Department
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City website has
Emergency
Preparedness list of
Fire and Medical
Services, Making your
Home Safe, and
County Wide Hazard
Mitigation Plan. Nixle
alerts are in place.

Action SA 1h: Conduct annual emergency response drills with key members of the City, local leaders, and emergency response personnel. The training should include the dissemination of information to the public regarding emergency response procedures, resources, and City responsibilities.

City Manager,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Hi-Lo Siren drills are
performed annually.

In 2023, City staff
participated in a
County led EOC drill
for disaster scenario.

Action SA 1i: Establish procedures to allow local citizen and community groups to utilize City-owned facilities to conduct disaster training and preparation programs.

City Manager A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Trainings at City
facilities have included
search and rescue,
and regular ham radio
testing in the City
Emergency Operations
Center.
180 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-80 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action SA 1j: Require strict adherence to the requirements of the California Building Standards in all areas of the City and, during the development review process, ensure that public and critical use buildings shall not be located in areas susceptible to potential natural hazards.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 1k: Any critical use building shall meet earthquake codes and standards. Community Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing.

Action SA 1l: Coordinate with Sonoma County to implement portions of the Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan that are applicable and appropriate within the City of Cotati.

City Manager,
Police
Department,
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The Hazard mitigation
plan is complete and
coordinated with
Countywide plan.

Action SA 2a: Require a geotechnical analysis for construction in areas with potential geological hazards and require that recommendations from the geotechnical analysis are incorporated into the project’s design and engineering.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2b: All building code requirements shall be adhered to so as to provide for maximum safety requirements. Inspections for compliance shall be made by the Building Division prior to approval for occupancy.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2c: Maintain and enforce standards in the Cotati Municipal Code which specify maximum permissible vegetation removal, soil compaction, and site coverage. Inspections by the Building Division and Engineering Department will ensure compliance.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2d: As part of the development review process, ensure development applications incorporate drainage and erosion standards identified in the Cotati Municipal Code. Inspections by the Building Division and Engineering Department will ensure compliance.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
181 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-81
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing
Action SA 2e: Require the submission of geologic and soils reports for all new developments. The geologic risk areas that are determined from these studies shall have standards established and recommendations shall be incorporated into development.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2f: When a change in natural grade or removal of existing vegetation is necessary, appropriate vegetative cover to stabilize slopes and reduce erosion will be required. This shall be accomplished through the development and design review process.

Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2g: Review, and amend if necessary, the Land Use Code to allow only those uses compatible with site specific geologic conditions in areas of liquefaction or slope instability. The Planning Division shall develop appropriate development standards and review and amend as necessary.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2h: Enforce the Municipal Code to ensure the implementation of measures and standards that will insure compatibility with site specific geologic conditions. The Community Development and Public Works/Engineering Departments will evaluate and amend the criteria as necessary.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2i: Annually review revisions to the California Building Standards Code (CBSC) and consider adoption of updates to the CBSC that include new or revised measures to avoid or reduce the potential for damage to structures and facilities caused by groundshaking and other geologic hazards.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2j: As applications for building permits are received, identify and inspect seismically unsafe buildings and structures, including unreinforced masonry buildings.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
Action SA 2k: Explore programs and funding sources that would encourage, assist, or provide incentives to property owners to retrofit their buildings for seismic safety, such as the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) program.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing
182 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-82 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action SA 3a: Periodically review, and update as needed, the Cotati Storm Drain Master Plan, and continue to require new development projects to construct and implement all applicable standards and improvements contained in the Santa Rosa LID Manual, or equivalent document that implements the City’s stormwater permit.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

City requires new
development and
redevelopment to
follow the Santa Rosa
LID Manual. The City’s
2002 Storm Water
Master Plan has not
been updated.

However, the LID
requirements are met
by following the SR
LID Manual which is
regularly updated and
the MS4 Committee
holds annual
workshops for
contractors and
municipal staff.

Additionally, in 2022
the City submitted to
the State Water Board
its Trash
Implementation Plan
(TIP) and the Plan is
currently being
considered by the
Board for approval.

Action SA 3b: During preparation of the Capital Improvement Program, review the conditions of bridges, culverts, and other flood control and storm water conveyance infrastructure and include necessary improvements on the CIP to ensure safety of persons in the City and adequate conveyance of flood waters.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City repairs storm
water facilities as part 183 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-83
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
of its O&M. Sonoma
Water owns and
maintains the major
storm water
conveyance facilities
through the City.

Action SA 3c: Seek State and Federal funding for improvements to existing flood control and drainage infrastructure.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The Cotati Creek
Bypass Project did not
get constructed
because of steep cost
increases. However,
the City terminated
the agreement with
Sonoma Water, and
Sonoma Water
retaining ownership
and maintenance
responsibilities for
Zone 1a facilities
through the City.

Action SA 3d: Review the Cotati Municipal Code, including Chapter 15.04, Floodplain Management, and revise as necessary to ensure that development standards are consistent with the requirements of state law, including Government Code Section 65007. Development and building standards shall require the following:

1. New structures proposed for location within the 100-year floodplain shall be elevated one (1) foot or more above the 100-year flood elevation.

2. New construction in the 100-year floodplain shall be designed and constructed so that they do not contribute to cumulative flooding problems that could pose a hazard to surrounding landowners or the public.

Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

Complete. The City’s
MS4 permit requires
new development to
maintain the site
runoff intensities of
the undeveloped site.

This is achieved by
measures to slow, 184 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-84 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status

3. Discourage extensive areas of impermeable surfaces and promote the use of permeable materials for surfaces such as driveways and parking lots.

4. Ensure new development within areas prone to flooding include all-weather access roads or other measures to ensure access during a flood event.
store, and treat the
runoff post
construction.

Action SA 3e: Work with the Sonoma County Water Agency to maintain adequate and appropriate flood channels.

Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

City routinely
communicates with
Sonoma Water for
creek and Laguna
maintenance and for
long-range capital
projects as part of
Zone 1 proceedings.

Action SA 3f: Maintain unimproved drainage channels on a periodic basis. Public Works/ Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. This is part of
routine City O&M.

Action SA 3g: As part of the development review process, require developers to prepare hydrological studies for all new developments as required by the City Engineer. Studies shall encompass the project site as well as the entire drainage area.

Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. Incorporated
in standard
development review
and conditioning
procedures.

Action SA 3h: Review the Safety Element concurrently with the periodically updated Housing Element to update any new information regarding floodplain mapping and/or regulations to ensure consistency with Federal and State requirements.

Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments: 185 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-85
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
FEMA has not notified
the City of any
updated flood
mapping or federal
regulations impacting
HA.

Action SA 3i: Through participation as a member of the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency, work to educate the community about alternative products.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

Ongoing. A recent
example is the takeout container
ordinance that
allowed restaurants to
impose a fee for
disposable utensils
and containers.

Action SA 3j: Continue to support the creation of a permanent hazardous waste storage facility by the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency.

City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:

The Waste Agency has
hazardous materials
drop off at Central
Landfill and is trying to
open a drop off facility
in North County. The
Waste Agency
recently authorized
the purchase of
property in Windsor
for a North County
hazardous materials
drop off.
186 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-86 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action SA 3k: Prepare and maintain an inventory of environmentally contaminated sites to educate future landowners about contamination from previous uses. The City shall work directly with landowners in the cleanup of these sites, particularly in areas with redevelopment potential.

Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:

The City’s public GIS
website identifies
properties that are
listed as contaminated
by the Water Quality
Control Board.
187 of 191

11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-87
188 of 191

7. LAND USE
7-88 Cotati General Plan
189 of 191
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS
POSTED
To: City Council
Subject: INFORMATION RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS
POSTED
Date: March 26, 2024
Written by: Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Recommendation
Information or written comments pertaining to this meeting, and which was received after the agenda was posted, is attached below.

Pursuant to City Council Policy 2023-01: City Council Rules section IV A., written Communications, interested persons or their authorized representative may address the Council by written communication on any matters concerning the City’s business, or any matters over which the Council has control.

1. To be considered for inclusion in the agenda packet, such written communication shall be delivered to the Deputy City Clerk no later than 11:00 a.m. of the Wednesday the week preceding the regular Council meeting for which such written communication is intended.

2. If received after the above date and time, but no later than noon the day before the meeting, written communications received by the Deputy City Clerk shall be posted on the website by the end of that day and notification provided to the electronic Agenda mailing list by the end of the day. All written communications received by the Deputy City Clerk by 5 pm on the City Council meeting day shall be made available to the City Council and public at the City Council meeting.

City Council Policy 2023-01 is available at the online meeting portal at www.cotaticity.org or by request from the Deputy City Clerk at 707-665-3622 or [email protected]. 191 of 191

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