CITY OF COTATI
CITY COUNCIL
CODE CLEAN-UP ORDINANCE
FILE NO. PA24-24
NOAH HOUSH
MAY 27, 2025
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
Consideration, first reading and adoption
of an Ordinance amending multiple
sections of the Cotati Municipal Code
(CMC) to correct errors; clarify permit
processes; and allow greater flexibility,
Citywide
2 SPECIFIC MUNICIPAL
CODE CHAPTERS AND
SECTIONS
o 17.22.020 Table 2-2-Residential Uses
o 17.30.020; 17.30.030 and Table 3-2
o 17.42.080 and 17.42.160
o 17.44
o 17.62.030 and 17.62.060
CMC 17.30.020, .030 AND .042
Proposed Changes
-Reduce HVAC Equipment setbacks
-Make pool setbacks consistent with other accessory structures -Improve consistency within residential fencing rules and allow mechanism for increased front yard fence height
Reasons for Changes
-HVAC equipment challenges and improvements
-No need for increased pool setbacks
-7-foot fencing by-right in building code but not zoning code, 8-feet with lattice standard fence design and expectation
-Occasional need for front yard fencing above 42’’
CMC 17.42.080 & 17.42.160
Proposed Changes
-Add new home business information to the code
-Make parking requirements consistent-No covered
-Increase flexibility for residential accessory structures Reason for Changes
-State Law- Cottage Food and MEHKOs
-Remove references to covered parking-consistency
-Remove current CMC limits on number of accessory
structures to one/lot 5
17.44 TELECOMMUNICATION
FACILITIES
Propose Change- Add 2 new requirements to the required
application materials for new telecom facilities-Coverage Maps and Electromagnetic Facility (EMF) Exposure Report.
Reason for Change- Information has been identified as critical to the review of newly proposed telecommunication facilities by Council, community and staff.
6 CMC 17.62.030 LTP
Proposed Changes
Mandate that all LTPs will be decided at a public
meeting
Reasons for Changes
-Current Language only requires meeting “if
requested”
-Adds time, cost and uncertainty into process
-Changes will increase certainty and public
involvement
CMC 17.62.060 MINOR VARIANCE
Proposed Changes
–Mandate that minor variances are decided at a public meeting; and
- Expand the flexibility allowed from 10% to 25% of a standard Reasons for Changes
-Current Language only requires decision meeting “if
requested”, creates uncertainty in process time and cost -Current 10% allowance is often non-functional when applied -Add flexibility for unique situations
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
Policy LU 2.12: Continue to permit home occupations in residential areas, provided they do not alter the residential character of the neighborhood. Goal LU 4: Provide a streamlined and straightforward permitting process that promotes transparency, predictability, cost savings, and customer service.
Policy EV 1.11: Encourage commercial uses that provide everyday goods and services for residents.
Policy EV 1.12: Encourage the growth of new commercial enterprises within appropriately zoned areas while maintaining the stability of the existing commercial businesses.
Policy EV 1.18: Ensure clarity and transparency in local regulations, permitting processes, and fee structures.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Community Development Department and the Planning Commission that the City Council review, introduce and conduct the first reading of an ordinance amending several chapters and sections of Title 17 of the Cotati Municipal Code to correct errors, streamline permitting processes, and allow flexibility for residential accessory equipment, fences and structures, citywide.
10 QUESTIONS?
Noah Housh
Community Development
[email protected]