Agenda packet — Cotati City Council, June 10, 2025 (part 2 of 4)

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APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT
Establishing Appropriations Limits
Historical and Estimated Future Limits
Fiscal Year
Personal Income
Change Population Change Growth Factor Annual Adjustment Historical Appropriations Limits
2024/25 1.0362 0.9973 1.0334 $ 636,911
2023/24 1.0444 0.9947 1.0389 $ 714,016
2022/23 1.0755 0.9847 1.0590 $ 1,022,621
2021/22 1.0573 0.9899 1.0466 $ 771,734
2020/21 1.0373 0.9875 1.0243 $ 392,881
2019/20 1.0385 0.9960 1.0343 $ 536,171
2018/19 1.0367 0.9978 1.0344 $ 519,848
2017/18 1.0369 1.0050 1.0421 $ 610,292
2016/17 1.0537 1.0053 1.0593 $ 811,607
2015/16 1.0382 1.0084 1.0469 $ 613,559
Future Year Estimates Appropriations Limit (2)
2026/27 1.0525 0.9908 1.0429 $ 900,233
2027/28 1.0551 0.9915 1.0461 $ 1,009,208
$ 16,167,939
$ 19,069,191
Appropriations Limit
$ 18,355,175
$ 17,332,554
$ 16,560,820
$ 19,706,102
$ 22,916,146
(2) Estimates calculated based on changes to both personal income and population change following a trending 5 year average. $ 21,906,938
$ 15,631,769
$ 15,111,919
$ 14,501,625
$ 13,690,018
The City's limitation is calculated every year and is established by resolution of the City Council as part of the Annual Operating Budget. A City Resolution was approved June 10, 2025 establishing the City of Cotati's appropriations limit.

The City's appropriations subject to the Gann Limit totals $8,887,030, which is well below the authorized spending limit of $21,006,705.

Additional appropriations to the budget funded by non-tax sources such as beginning fund balances, grants or service charges are unaffected by the appropriations limit. Historically, the City's Annual Appropriations Limit has exceeded annual appropriations and the City projects the trend to continue.

Page 2 of 2 ends

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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A BUDGET

AMENDMENT AND CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR THE
2025 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Date: June 10, 2025
Written by: Craig Scott, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Recommendation
It is recommended the City Council of the City of Cotati adopt a resolution approving a budget amendment and contract amendment for the 2025 Street Improvement Project to include added safety improvements on Benson Lane and West School Street.

Background
On April 8, 2025, the City Council approved construction and construction management agreements for the 2025 Street Improvement Project. The Project is to maintain City streets using low-cost preservation construction methods consisting of dig-outs, crack seals and a finishing slurry seal course. Since the work is routine, and to remain within the City’s adopted budget amount for the project, a minimal 2% was approved for contingency. However, during construction, a number of street safety improvements identified by Staff in response to citizen concerns are recommended to be added to the Project for expediency. These added construction scope items exceed the previously approved minimal contingency amount, and a request for additional budget is needed.

Analysis/Discussion
Construction began on May 12th, 2025, and work is expected to wrap up with striping in the first week of June and is expected to be substantially completed by the time this item is presented to City Council. The 2025 City-Wide Traffic Safety Improvements Project includes improvements to E. Cotati Ave, Benson Lane and West School Street. Namely, a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at E. Cotati Ave at the Laguna De Santa Rosa pathway crossing to replace the inoperable in-roadway flashing lights, two speed cushions on Benson Lane, installation of a 147 of 791
three-way stop at Benson Lane and Loretto Avenue, fog line on West School Street along the new Class 1 pathway, and striping along Water Road to delineate the four foot pathway along the roadside. These safety improvements have an immediate benefit to Cotati citizens and the type of work is consistent with the current construction agreement with the construction contractor for the 2025 Street Improvement Project. Additionally, the design significantly underestimated the amount of crack sealing needed for the project. Staff determined it was necessary to complete the crack sealing ahead of the slurry seal paving for the treatment to have its intended added life expectancy.

Financial Considerations
The table below itemizes the additional construction costs:

Potential Change Order
# Item Description Cost
PCO 1 Benson Speed Cushions $15,030
PCO 2 Benson/Loretto All-Way Stop Control $3,370
PCO 3 W School Street Fog Line $2,479
PCO 4 Removal of in-roadway lights at E. Cotati $3,000
PCO 5 Added crack seal $20,000
PCO 6 Water Road fog line and pathway
delineation $4,910
n/a Added contingency $6,211
Total $55,000
Funding sources are recommended to be $29,170 from the unspent funds in the 2025 City-Wide Traffic Safety Improvements Project and $25,830 from the unappropriated General Fund balance. In anticipation of this change, the proposed estimated actual budget for fiscal year 2024/25 was amended to include these changes as it is presented to the council for adoption at the same meeting on June 10, 2025.

Environmental Issues
This action is found to qualify for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption under CEQA Section 15301 in that the project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of the existing or former use. 148 of 791
RESOLUTION NO. (XX)

RESOLUTION APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT AND CONTRACT
AMENDMENT FOR THE 2025 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2025, the City Council of the City of Cotati approved construction and construction management agreements for the 2025 Street Improvement Project in order to maintain City streets using low-cost preservation construction methods consisting of dig-outs, crack seals and a finishing slurry seal course; and WHEREAS, construction began on May 12, 2025, and work is expected to be substantially completed in June 2025; and
WHEREAS, due to the routine nature of the work is routine, and in order to remain within the City’s adopted budget amount for the project, a minimal 2% contingency was initially approved for the Project; and
WHEREAS, during construction, a number of street safety improvements previously identified by Staff in response to citizen concerns are recommended to be added to the Project for expediency; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 City-Wide Traffic Safety Improvements Project includes improvements to E. Cotati Ave, Benson Lane and West School Street, namely, a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at E. Cotati Ave at the Laguna De Santa Rosa pathway crossing to replace the inoperable in-roadway flashing lights, two speed cushions on Benson Lane, installation of a three-way stop at Benson Lane and Loretto Avenue, fog line on West School Street along the new Class 1 pathway, and striping along Water Road to delineate the four foot pathway along the roadside; and
WHEREAS, these safety improvements have an immediate benefit to Cotati citizens, and the type of work is consistent with the current construction agreement with the construction contractor for the 2025 Street Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, additionally, the design significantly underestimated the amount of crack sealing needed for the project, and Staff determined it was necessary to complete the crack sealing ahead of the slurry seal paving for the treatment to have its intended added life expectancy; and
WHEREAS, the agreed-to costs to complete the added work items plus a contingency of $6,211 total $55,000; and
WHEREAS, since these added construction scope items exceed the previously approved minimal contingency amount, a request for added budget is needed; and WHEREAS, Staff recommends the sources of funding be $29,170 of unspent funds from the 2025 City-Wide Traffic Safety Improvements Project and $25,830 from unappropriated General Fund balance; and
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WHEREAS, this action is found to qualify for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption under CEQA Section 15301 in that the project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of the existing or former use.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cotati City Council hereby approves the following:

1. The above recitals are hereby declared to be true and correct and to be findings of the City Council of the City of Cotati and are made a part of this Resolution.

2. The total Project budget is to be increased by $55,000 to a total of $719,000.

3. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to make the budget adjustments from the aforementioned accounts to the Project account and to execute any needed Change Orders or agreement amendments up to the authorized Project budget amount.

4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.

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 June 10, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO APPROVE THE

PRELIMINARY ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE

LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT,

LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SET

THE TIME AND DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE

COTATI LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26.

Date: June 10, 2025
Written by: Craig Scott, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Recommendation
It is recommended the City Council of the City of Cotati adopt a resolution approving the Preliminary Engineer's Report, declaring the City’s intent to levy and collect annual assessments, and set the time and date for the Public Hearing for the City of Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025/26.

Background
The ten original Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts (“Districts”) were initially formed by the City from 1989 to 2003 in accordance with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (“Landscaping and Lighting Act”) to pay for costs associated with maintaining landscaping and streetlights within developments. To simplify the process and reduce administration costs, the 2017 proceedings combined the ten Districts into one District with ten separate “Zones.” A Preliminary Engineer’s Report has been prepared for the District, detailing work done and individual budgets for each of the ten Zones. The Engineer’s Report is to be considered for acceptance and a date is to be set for the Public Hearing for the levying of the assessments.

Analysis/Discussion
The Landscaping and Lighting Act requires that the City undertake certain proceedings for any 151 of 791
fiscal year in which assessments are to be levied and collected. On January 28, 2025, the City Council began the required annual proceedings for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year by appointing the City Engineer as Engineer of Work and directed the preparation of the Engineer’s Report. The Engineer’s Report has been prepared and filed in accordance with the Landscape and Lighting Act and is being presented to the City Council for consideration.

This is the second of three City Council meetings regarding annual review of the assessment district. Currently, the Council typically adopts a Resolution of Intent to levy and collect assessments and preliminary approval of the Engineer’s Report. At the third and final meeting, the Council will conduct a public hearing and may then authorize the levying and collection of assessments for FY 2025-26. At that time, the assessments cannot be increased above those stated in the Resolutions of Intent and the preliminary Engineer’s Report.

The date of the required public hearing is proposed to be July 8, 2025.

Preliminary Engineer’s Report
The Preliminary Engineer’s Report begins with a background and summary of the proposed assessments for FY 2025-26 and is followed by separate sections describing each Zone, what services are included for each Zone, including capital projects (i.e., major repairs, re-plantings, or other improvements), the estimated costs for FY 2025-26, the allocation of the assessment to the lots, and an estimate of each Zone’s reserve fund balance. Following these sections, the report has attachments; Attachment A describing the method of apportionment of the assessments, and Attachment B with a description of which properties are within each zone and the zone diagrams.

For this past year, all Zones received routine maintenance. There may be replanting and repairs in one or more zones once City staff has evaluated the landscaping conditions and priorities as well as budgets in each of the ten zones. Zones 2, 4 and 5 have annual per lot assessments of $40.00, $32.00, and $36.74 which are very low and do not fully cover utilities, minimal labor, and administrative costs. However, they do partially offset otherwise required General Fund expenditures. These zones will continue to be a challenge financially, as the City cannot increase the annual assessment without a majority approval of residents within the zone. However, without a significant improvement in the service, which is not possible, it is very unlikely that the residents would vote for an increase. Therefore, staff consider these areas city-maintained streetscapes with a partial offset of costs by an assessment. While not ideal, it’s better than no cost offset.

Annual assessments are at a fixed maximum amount for all the zones except zones 7, 8, 9, and

10. The assessments for these zones can be raised up to the maximum assessment amount which is the Construction Cost Index (CCI) for the City of San Francisco from the date the LLAD was formed to January 1, 2025. An increase above this amount would require a Proposition 218 process. The determining factor in selecting the rate increases is to maintain a positive Zone reserve. Costs continue to increase and include contract services, utilities, and administration costs. The reserve is to be sufficient to cover unexpected costs and planned Capital Improvements. The proposed rate adjustments for Zones 7, 8, 9 and 10 are indicated in Table 2 of the engineer's report. While not the highest assessment, note that Zone 9 is proposed to be 152 of 791
adjusted to the current maximum to begin addressing the defict Financial Considerations
All costs associated with these annual proceedings and the annual operation, maintenance and administration of the Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District are intended to be recovered from the annual assessments levied on the properties within the District. It may be necessary to have a loan from the City’s General Fund if improvements or repairs become necessary, but it is the intent that these borrowed funds be paid back through zone revenue over time.

For Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6,annual assessments are to remain at previous year’s levels ($158.00, $40.00, $290.00 [$435.00 for triplex], $32.00, $36.74, and $133.50, respectively).

Zone 7 assessment is proposed to increase from $278.30 to $292.20. The Zone 8 assessment is proposed to increase from $556.40 to $584.20. The Zone 9 assessment is proposed to increase from $236.40 to $313.50. The Zone 10 assessment is proposed to increase from $455.96 to $478.74
Environmental Issues
The action of approving the preliminary annual engineer’s report, declaring the City’s intention to levy the annual assessment, and scheduling a public hearing for the levying and collection of assessments for the Cotati Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no further environmental review is required.
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RESOLUTION NO.

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE CITY OF COTATI LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT; DECLARING THE

INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO LEVY THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT AND

SETTING THE TIME AND DATE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 WHEREAS, the original ten Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts within the City (“Districts”) were initially formed by the City from 1989 to 2003 in accordance with the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 (“Act”) to levy and collect assessments under the Act to pay for costs associated with maintaining landscaping and streetlights within developments; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, the City Council consolidated the ten Districts into one District, containing ten separate Benefit Zones, each of which match identically the original ten original Districts, to simplify the annual assessment process and subsequently reduce administration costs; and
WHEREAS, the revenues and expenses of each of the ten individual Benefit Zones will be kept separate and the individual annual budget of each separate Benefit Zone has been tracked, in the same manner as currently occurs for the separate Districts; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, an annual Engineer’s Report is required to be prepared and filed outlining estimated costs, methods of spreading costs, a description of properties in the Assessment District and their proposed assessments to levy and collect assessments in any following fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025, the City Council adopted a resolution appointing Craig Scott, P.E. as the Engineer of Work, directing the preparation and filing of the annual FY 2025- 26 Engineer’s Report, and describing the potential changes to the Assessment District; and WHEREAS, the annual operation, maintenance and other incidental costs associated with the entire Assessment District includes improvements in the following Zones 1 through 10:

1. Valparaiso Zone 1 ‐ Zone 1 includes the maintenance of 7,416 square feet of landscaping along Redwood Highway and Valparaiso Avenue and five streetlights within the development. The parcels within this zone receive a direct special benefit from these amenities that are an asset to the values of the homes.

2. Quail Hollow Zone 2 ‐ Zone 2 funds the annual costs associated with the operation and maintenance of Quail Hollow, and the back-on landscaping along portions of Myrtle Avenue. Additionally, maintenance of the landscaping provides a direct benefit for the 154 of 791
parcels as maintaining the landscaping adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

3. Sommers Zone 3 ‐ The Assessment District improvements in Zone 3 include six driveway lights on La Salle Avenue. Additionally, the lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

4. Macklin Zone 4 ‐ The related improvements in Zone 4 includes 1,170 square feet of “back‐on” landscaping along Myrtle Avenue. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping, as maintaining the landscaping adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

5. Sierra Meadow Zone 5 ‐ The improvements in Zone 5 include nine streetlights within the development on Oretsky Way. Residents within this zone directly benefit from the lighting, as maintaining the lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial lighting features specific to residents within this zone.

6. Oak Knoll Zone 6 ‐ The related improvements in Zone 6 include the island landscape maintenance on Christensen Court and five streetlights. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

7. Garden Gate Zone 7 ‐ The improvements in Zone 7 include 2,900 square feet of “back‐on” landscape along a portion of East Cotati Avenue at Dyquisto Way and five streetlights.

Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

8. Park Meadows Zone 8 ‐ The improvements in Zone 8 include 38,475 square feet of landscape along McGinnis Circle, two pathways from McGinnis – one ending at Marsh Way and the other to a pedestrian bridge across the Laguna De Santa Rosa leading to Loretto Avenue, and sixteen streetlights (five streetlights were added in FY 2018/19).

9. Santero Way Zone 9 ‐ The improvements in Zone 9 include a 31,000 square feet landscaped park and seventeen streetlights. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

10. Altman Acres Zone 10 ‐ The improvements in Zone 10 include a 11,750 square feet landscaped area along Old Redwood Hwy across from Clothier Lane and five street lights (two along Old Redwood Highway and three along John Roberts Drive). Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone; and 155 of 791
WHEREAS, the Engineer of Work has prepared and filed with the City the annual Engineer’s Report for FY 2025-2026 as required by the Act; and WHEREAS, all interested persons are referred to the Engineer’s Report, a copy of which is attached to the staff report for this item and is also on file with and available for inspection in the City Clerk’s Office; and
WHEREAS, the Engineer’s Report contains a full and detailed description of the improvements, the proposed operation and maintenance costs, the boundaries of the ten zones of the Assessment District and the proposed FY 2025-26 assessments upon assessable lots and parcels of land within the Assessment District; and
WHEREAS, for Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the proposed FY 2025-26 annual assessments to levy and collect are proposed to stay the same as that assessed FY 2024-25; and WHEREAS, for Zones 7, 8, 9 and 10 the FY 2025-26 maximum annual assessments will be adjusted up by the allowable Construction Cost Index for San Francisco extending back to the formation of the District; and
WHEREAS, for FY 2025/26 the annual assessments proposed to be levied and collected are: $158.00 per unit for all properties within Zone 1, $40.00 per unit for all properties within Zone 2, $290.00 per unit [$435.00 for triplex] for all properties within Zone 3, $32.00 per unit for all properties within Zone 4, $36.74 per unit for all properties within Zone 5, $133.50 per unit for all properties within Zone 6, $292.20 per unit for all properties within Zone 7, $584.20 per unit for all properties within Zone 8, $313.50 per unit for all properties within Zone 9, and $478.74 per ESD unit for all properties within Zone 10.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI DOES HEREBY RESOLVE:

1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution; and

2. Proposal to Levy Assessments. The City Council intends to levy and collect assessments during Fiscal Year 2025-26 and preliminarily approves the filed FY 2025-26 Engineer’s Report with the estimate of the costs and expenses to operate and maintain the said improvements and their incidental expenses as it pertains to Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 for the proposed Cotati Landscape & Lighting Assessment District and its component Benefit Zones for FY 2025-26; and

4. Inflation Adjustment. In order to take inflation into account, the City Council approves the allowance for an annual increase of up to the maximum assessments 156 of 791
in accordance with the annual Construction Cost Index for the San Francisco Area for Zones 7, 8, 9 and 10; and

5. Public Hearing. A public protest hearing will be held on July 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm, or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, at that time, the City Council will conduct a public hearing on the levy and collection of annual assessments for FY 2025-26 for the District; and

6. This Resolution is adopted pursuant to Section 22620 et. seq. of the California Streets and Highway Code; and

7. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to publish the Notice of Hearing required by the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 for said public hearing.

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 June 10, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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Annual Engineer's Report
City of Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Draft
June 2025
Prepared By:

Craig A. Scott, PE, Director of Public Works/City Engineer 158 of 791 FY 2025-25
City of Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Pursuant to the Landscaping and LightingAct of 1972)
The undersigned respectfully submits, as directed by the City Council on January 28, 2025, the enclosed Engineer’s Report on the 8th day of July, 2025.

By:__________________________________________
Craig A. Scott, PE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with the Assessment Diagrams thereto attached was filed with the City on the 8th day of July, 2025.

Damien O’Bid, City Manager, City of Cotati
Sonoma County, California
By:___________________________________________
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with the Assessment Diagrams thereto attached was approved and confirmed by the City Council of the City of Cotati, California, on the 8th day of July, 2025.

Damien O’Bid, City Manager, City of Cotati
Sonoma County, California

By:___________________________________________
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with the Assessment Roll and the Assessment Diagram thereto attached, was filed with the County Auditor of the County of Sonoma on the ___day of _, 2025.

Damien O’Bid, City Manager, City of Cotati
Sonoma County, California
By:___________________________________________
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FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT

CITY OF COTATI LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (Pursuant to the Landscaping & Lighting Act of 1972)
FY 2025-2026 Annual Assessment
Craig A. Scott, Engineer of Work for the City of Cotati Landscaping & Lighting Assessment District, City of Cotati, Sonoma County, California, prepares this annual Engineer’s Report, as directed by the City Council of the City of Cotati, pursuant to Section 22620 of the Streets & Highways Code (Landscaping & Lighting Act of 1972) for the Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for Fiscal Year 25/26.

Background
The ten Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts (“Districts”) were initially formed by the City from 1989 to 2003 in accordance with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (“Landscaping and Lighting Act”) to pay for costs associated with maintaining landscaping and streetlights within developments. Fiscal Year 2017-18’s annual assessment process was combined with the action of consolidating the ten District’s into one District to simplify the process and reduce administration costs. The City now has a single District with ten individual “Zones” each having retained their identical and separate characteristics.

The ten zones consist of the following subdivisions: Valparaiso Vista (Zone 1), Quail Hollow IV (Zone 2), Sommers (Zone 3), Macklin I (Zone 4), Sierra Meadows (Zone 5), Oak Knolls (Zone 6), Garden Gate (Zone 7), Park Meadows (Zone 8), Santero Way Developments (Zone 9), and Altman Acres (Zone 10). Under California State law, the City is required to hold a public hearing annually to set the assessment rates for the following year for each assessment zone.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping & Lighting Act of 1972, an annual Engineer’s Report must be prepared and filed with the City to levy and collect assessments on any following fiscal year. Annually, the City Council directs the City Engineer to prepare and file the Engineer’s Report on the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District to establish assessment zone rates. Once the preliminary Engineer’s Report has been filed, the City Council can then adopt a Resolution of Intention to levy and collect annual assessments for FY 25/26, then preliminarily approves the filed annual Engineer’s Report and sets the time and date of the public protest hearing. The Engineer’s Report outlines the proposed budgets, assessments, improvements, and changes to the zones within the Assessment District. These budgets/costs are updated with each subsequent annual Engineer’s Reports as required by the 1972 Act.

To take annual inflation into account, four of the assessment zones have an inflation adjuster (Zones 7, 8, 9 and 10). The inflation adjuster used is the San Francisco Construction Cost Index (CCI). The SF CCI for January 2025 is 15478.32. A zone’s maximum assessment is calculated by dividing the January 2025 CCI by the CCI at the time the Assessment Zone was formed and is the most that can be charged without holding a protest vote. An annual CCI adjustment to the annual assessment is not mandatory. If the annual Engineer’s Report recommends any adjustment up to the maximum assessment, notices are not required to be sent nor shall a vote be required. If, however, the annual Engineer’s Report recommends any adjustment that exceeds the Zone’s maximum assessment, noticing and/or voting shall be required in accordance with the provisions applicable to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Proposition 218. The maximum assessments for the four zones that have CCI adjustments are shown in the following table. 160 of 791

Table 1
Zone Initiated CCI SF at Date Zone
was Initiated Multiplier
Initial
Assessment
per Unit
Maximum
Assessment
7 02/14/2001 7,399.07 2.092 $148.00 $309.62
8 10/13/1999 6,816.70 2.271 $354.43 $804.91
9 10/09/2002 7,644.46 2.025 $154.82 $313.51
10 10/09/2002 7,644.46 2.025 $333.78 $675.90
The table below summarizes the proposed FY 25/26 assessments to levy and collect for each of the ten zones.

Table 2
Zone Assessment Zone Name FY 24/25 Annual
Assessment
Current
Maximum Annual
Assessment*
Proposed
Assessment to
Levy Per ESD
1 Valparaiso Vista $158.00 $158.00 $158.00
2 Quail Hollow IV $40.00 $40.00 $40.00
3 Sommers $290.00 $290.00 $290.00
4 Macklin Phase 1 $32.00 $32.00 $32.00
5 Sierra Meadows $36.74 $36.74 $36.74
6 Oak Knoll $133.50 $133.50 $133.50
7 Garden Gate* $278.30 $309.62 $292.20
8 Park Meadows* $556.40 $804.91 $584.20
9 Santero Way* $236.40 $313.51 $313.50
10 Altman Acres* $455.96 $675.90 $478.74
*Only Assessment Zones 7, 8, 9, and 10 allow for inflationary adjustment (Consumer Price Index for San Francisco).

The original landscaping and lighting improvements within all 10 Zones of the Assessment District are completed and have been accepted by the City. The proposed changes, budgets and assessments for FY 25/26 are included in the description of each zone below. See ‘Attachment A, Method of Apportionment of Assessment’ of this report for a detailed description of the apportionment methodology for each zone. The FY 23/24 actuals are the actual revenues and expenses for the complete fiscal year. The FY 24/25 estimated values are derived by using actual expenses through the most current data available at the time this report was drafted, then extending the expenses to June 30 using a prorated estimate. FY 25/26 revenues and expenses are projected values based on prior years and expected cost increases due to inflation and planned maintenance and capital expenses.

Attachment A is a statement of the method used by the Engineer of work to determine the amount proposed to be assessed against each parcel within the assessment district.

Attachment B contains the assessment diagrams (maps) showing all the parcels of real property within the boundaries of the 10 assessment zones. The APNs are shown in the assessor’s maps available at the County of Sonoma Assessor’s Office.

Attachment C contains descriptions of any improvement plans that may be needed for the installation of any improvements identified in the report. If plans exist, they are filed with the City Clerk. Although separately 161 of 791

bound, the plans and specifications of this engineer’s report are included in it by reference.

Zone 1: Valparaiso Vista
Background
On June 12, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-35, approving the Engineer’s Report, and on June 26, 1991, adopted Resolution No. 91-38, ordering the formation of the City of Cotati Valparaiso Vista Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District confirming the diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of an assessment.

This zone includes 7,416 square feet of landscape area and five LED, 120-volt, 100-watt lights.

The City provides landscape maintenance within the City Right-of-Way for this Zone. On a weekly basis the City performs general clean-up of the area and prunes and weeds monthly. The City fertilizes and performs structural pruning on a yearly basis. Streetlights are inspected once per month and repaired as needed.

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $2,660.

Zone 1 Valparaiso Vista FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $3,530.59 $1,459.66 $1,620.22
Contract Services $151.32 $324.18 $320.00
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Annual Zone Administration $1,595.33 $650.00 $680.00
General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $5,277.24 $2,467.44 $2,660.22
Zone Reserve Used $2,556.51 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Assessment $2,370.00 $2,370.00 $2,370.00
Assessment Interest $410.35 $320.60 $200.00
Total Revenue $5,307.05 $2,656.99 $2,570.00
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $6,087.69 $6,344.45 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $2,690.60 $2,570.00 Estimated Expenses $2,433.84 $2,620.22
General Fund Subsidy $0.00 $0.00
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $6,344.45 $6,294.23 The total proposed assessment for FY 2025-2026 is $2,370.00.

Method of Assessment Spread
The assessment shall be divided equally among all of the individual parcels within the assessment zone. A more detailed description of the method of apportionment is in Attachment A. 162 of 791

Assessment Spread
Fifteen (15) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 144-400-051 $158.00
2 144-400-052 $158.00
3 144-400-053 $158.00
4 144-400-054 $158.00
5 144-400-055 $158.00
6 144-400-056 $158.00
7 144-400-057 $158.00
8 144-400-058 $158.00
9 144-400-059 $158.00
10 144-400-060 $158.00
11 144-400-061 $158.00
12 144-400-062 $158.00
13 144-400-063 $158.00
14 144-400-064 $158.00
15 144-400-065 $158.00
Total Annual Assessment $2,370.00
Zone 2: Quail Hollow IV
Background
On February 28, 1989, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 509 granting tentative approval for the Quail Hollow IV Subdivision. Condition No. 11 of said Ordinance requires that a source of maintenance funding shall be provided for the landscaping to be placed between the back of sidewalk and property line fence along Myrtle Avenue. Then, on December 12, 1989, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 89-62, ordering the formation of the City of Cotati Quail Hollow IV Subdivision Landscaping Maintenance Assessment Zone confirming the diagram and assessment and ordering the levy of an assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to generate funds for the maintenance of landscaping within Myrtle Avenue Right-of-Way and the curve return portion of the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Aguirre Way Right-ofWay of Quail Hollow IV Subdivision. The funds are to be used solely for maintenance of landscaping within the Quail Hollow IV Subdivision. There are no lights to be maintained within this Zone.

City crews and its landscape contractor provide landscape maintenance within the Right-of-Way for this Zone. On a weekly basis the contractor performs general clean-up of the area and prunes and weeds on a monthly basis. The City fertilizes the zone and structurally prunes on a yearly basis.

In FY 18/19, the City performed routine maintenance and replanted missing or damaged plants. In Fiscal Year 21/22 the City removed and replaced the sidewalk in two places which were damaged by tree roots. After consulting with the LLAD residents, the City removed the redwood trees that caused the damage The LLAD continues to have insufficient funds for capital projects as well as routine maintenance and, therefore, the work was completed from a loan to the LLAD from the City’s General Fund. The annual GF Loan amount is projected to increase again in FY25/26 due to increased water costs. The Zone’s revenues comprise less than 163 of 791

half the projected expenses.

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The actual base maintenance cost for this Zone in FY 21/22 increased from prior years due to the need to irrigate the newly installed landscaping. This increased expense is reflected in the utilities line item below and is not sustainable. Therefore, an annual subsidy from the City’s General Fund will be needed to fill the revenue shortfall. In 22/23, the City cleared the prior General Fund loan balance of $45,951 with a one-time subsidy payment. Much of the amount was due to the Myrtle Avenue landscape project, completed in 2016, and the sidewalk repairs and tree removals completed in 2021/22. Contract services dropped in FY23/24 as the City noticed the area was not being maintained and stopped paying the landscape contractor until the maintenance resumed. Staff met with the contractor who recognized this and committed to resuming maintenance.

The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $3,436.

Zone 2 Quail Hollow IV FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $1,027.30 $1,555.22 $1,726.30
Contract Services $160.72 $259.34 $270.00
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $0.00 $55.83 $60.00
Annual Zone Administration $2,507.58 $1,315.00 $1,380.00 General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $3,695.60 $3,185.40 $3,436.30
Zone Reserve Used $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Subsidy $2,454.90 $1,945.40 $2,196.30
Total Assessment $1,240.00 $1,240.00 $1,240.00
Assessment Interest $0.70 $0.00 $0.00
Total Revenue $3,695.60 $3,185.40 $3,436.30
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $0.00 $0.00 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $1,240.00 $1,240.00 Estimated Expenses $3,185.40 $3,436.30
General Fund Subsidy $1,945.40 $2,196.30
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $0.00 $0.00 The total proposed assessment for FY 2025-2026 is $1,240.

Zone 2 has an annual need for a General Fund subsidy as the water irrigation, maintenance and LLAD administration expenses exceed the zone's assessment revenue.

At present, this zone is not expected to be self-sufficient without an increase in the annual assessment which requires approval by the majority of the owners of the assessed lots, or cessation of maintenance of the streetscape along Myrtle Avenue. Without an approved increase of the annual assessment, and with continued maintenance of the streetscape, this Zone will continue to receive a General Fund loan annually. 164 of 791

Assessment Spread
Thirty-one (31) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 046-610-017 $40.00
2 046-610-018 $40.00
3 046-610-019 $40.00
4 046-610-020 $40.00
5 046-610-021 $40.00
6 046-610-022 $40.00
7 046-610-023 $40.00
8 046-610-024 $40.00
9 046-610-025 $40.00
10 046-610-026 $40.00
11 046-610-027 $40.00
12 046-610-028 $40.00
13 046-610-029 $40.00
14 046-610-030 $40.00
15 046-610-031 $40.00
16 046-610-032 $40.00
17 046-610-033 $40.00
18 046-610-034 $40.00
19 046-610-035 $40.00
20 046-610-036 $40.00
21 046-610-037 $40.00
22 046-610-038 $40.00
23 046-610-039 $40.00
24 046-610-040 $40.00
25 046-610-041 $40.00
26 046-610-042 $40.00
27 046-610-043 $40.00
28 046-610-044 $40.00
29 046-610-045 $40.00
30 046-610-046 $40.00
31 046-610-047 $40.00
Total Annual Assessment $1,240.00
165 of 791

Zone 3: Sommers
Background
On March 28, 1989, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 89-11, approving the Engineer’s Report, and on March 28, 1989, adopted Resolution No. 89-11, ordering the formation of the City of Cotati Sommers Subdivision Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District confirming the diagram and assessment and ordering the levy of an assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to generate funds for the maintenance of Landscaping and Lighting within the City Right-of-Way of the Sommers Subdivision. The funds are to be used solely for maintenance of landscaping and lighting within the City Right-of-Way of the Sommers Subdivision.

This Zone includes six driveway lights and 3,047 square feet of landscaping fronting La Salle Avenue. City crews and its landscape contractor provide landscape maintenance within the City Right-of-Way for this Zone. On a weekly basis the contractor performs general clean-up of the area and prunes and weeds monthly. The City fertilizes and structurally prunes on a yearly basis as well as places mulch as needed in planter area. Driveway lights are inspected once per month and repaired as needed. The City installed ADA compliant curb ramps on either side of the subdivision’s driveway in FY 19/20. The City plans to prune the street-trees in FY25/26.

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $1,760.

Zone 3: Sommers FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Materials and Supplies $294.36 $13.12 $10.00
Utility Charges $725.56 $899.64 $900.00
Contract Services $291.70 $270.15 $270.00
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $0.00 $218.52 $230.00
Annual Zone Administration $647.12 $340.00 $360.00
General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $1,664.38 $1,741.43 $1,760.00
Zone Reserve Used $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Assessment $2,465.00 $2,465.00 $2,465.00
Assessment Interest $864.47 $898.20 $640.00
Total Revenue $3,329.47 $3,363.20 $3,105.00
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $16,969.59 $18,591.36 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $3,363.20 $3,105.00 Estimated Expenses $1,741.43 $1,760.00
General Fund Subsidy $0.00 $0.00
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $18,399.54 $19,644.54 The total proposed assessment for FY 2025-2026 is $2,465. 166 of 791

Method of Assessment Spread
The assessment shall be assessed at $290.00 per parcel with duplex per year and $435.00 per parcel with triplex per year. A more detailed description of the method of apportionment is in Attachment A.

Assessment Spread
Eight (8) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 144-282-020 $290.00
2 144-282-021 $290.00
3 144-282-022 $290.00
4 144-282-023 $290.00
5 - Triplex 144-282-024 $435.00
6 144-282-025 $290.00
7 144-282-026 $290.00
8 144-282-027 $290.00
Total Annual Assessment $2,465.00
Zone 4: Macklin
Background
On June 12, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-34 initiating proceedings to establish the Macklin Subdivision Phase I Landscape Maintenance Assessment Zone, in accordance with the "Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972", Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500, et seq. On June 12, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-34, approving the Engineer's Report, and on June 26, 1991, adopted Resolution No. 91-37, ordering the formation of the City of Cotati Macklin Subdivision Phase I Landscape Maintenance Assessment District confirming the diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of an assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to generate funds for landscape maintenance within the City Right-of-Way of the Macklin Subdivision Phase I. The funds are to be used solely for landscape maintenance within the City Right-of-Way of the Macklin Subdivision Phase I.

This zone includes 1,170 square feet of landscaping. City crews and its landscape contractor provide landscape maintenance for this zone within the City Right-of-Way. On a weekly basis the contractor performs general clean-up of the area and prunes and weeds on a monthly basis. The City fertilizes and structurally prunes on a yearly basis. The landscape contract services is lower in FY23/24 because the landscapes were not being maintained and the City stopped payment. Contract maintenance resumed in FY24/25 and is expected to continue in 25/26. The City may competitively bid for landscape maintenance contract services in FY25/26 which may result in higher costs but would be for improved service. 167 of 791

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $2,110.

Zone 4: Macklin FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $26.40 $41.45 $50.00
Contract Services $201.42 $324.18 $320.00
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Annual Zone Administration $3,154.71 $1,660.00 $1,740.00 General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $3,385.04 $2,025.62 $2,110.00
Zone Reserve Used $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $2,107.78 $777.62 $862.00
Total Assessment $1,248.00 $1,248.00 $1,248.00
Assessment Interest $31.77 $0.00 $0.00
Total Revenue $3,382.53 $2,025.62 $2,110.00
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $0.00 $0.00 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $1,248.00 $1,248.00 Estimated Expenses $2,025.62 $2,110.00
General Fund Subsidy $777.62 $862.00
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $0.00 $0.00 The total proposed assessment for FY 25/26 is $1,248.00.

Method of Assessment Spread
The assessment shall be divided equally among all the individual parcels within the assessment zone. A more detailed description of the method of apportionment is in Attachment A. 168 of 791

Assessment Spread
Thirty-nine (39) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 046-620-001 $32.00
2 046-620-002 $32.00
3 046-620-003 $32.00
4 046-620-004 $32.00
5 046-620-005 $32.00
6 046-620-006 $32.00
7 046-620-007 $32.00
8 046-620-008 $32.00
9 046-620-009 $32.00
10 046-620-010 $32.00
11 046-620-011 $32.00
12 046-620-012 $32.00
13 046-620-013 $32.00
14 046-620-014 $32.00
15 046-620-015 $32.00
16 046-620-016 $32.00
17 046-620-017 $32.00
18 046-620-018 $32.00
19 046-620-019 $32.00
20 046-620-020 $32.00
21 046-620-021 $32.00
22 046-620-022 $32.00
23 046-620-023 $32.00
24 046-620-024 $32.00
25 046-620-025 $32.00
26 046-620-026 $32.00
27 046-620-027 $32.00
28 046-620-028 $32.00
29 046-620-029 $32.00
30 046-620-030 $32.00
31 046-620-031 $32.00
32 046-620-032 $32.00
33 046-620-033 $32.00
34 046-620-034 $32.00
35 046-620-035 $32.00
36 046-620-036 $32.00
37 046-620-037 $32.00
38 046-620-038 $32.00
39 046-620-039 $32.00
Total Annual Assessment $1,248.00
169 of 791

Zone 5: Sierra Meadows Subdivision
Background
On September 11, 1996, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 96-66 approving the Engineer’s Report, ordering the formation of the City of Cotati Sierra Meadows Subdivision Lighting Assessment District confirming the diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of an assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to generate funds for the maintenance of lighting in the Sierra Meadows Subdivision City Right-of-Way. The funds are to be used for electrical costs and incidental expenses associated with street lighting within the Sierra Meadows Subdivision City Right-of-Way. There is no landscaping in this Zone.

This Zone includes six LED 120-volt, 700-watt lights and three LED, 120-volt, 100-watt lights. Streetlights are inspected once per month and repaired as needed.

The reserves were depleted in FY 17/18 and a General Fund loan of $308.00 was needed to keep the reserves from being negative. With minimal maintenance efforts and no emergency expenditures, the zone paid back the General Fund in FY 18/19. The Zone’s reserve went negative again in FY23/24 and General Fund loans are expected each year from FY24/25 forward.

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The estimated annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $1,610.

Zone 5: Sierra Meadows FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $292.50 $243.13 $270.00
Contract Services $62.63 $0.00 $0.00
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Annual Zone Administration $2,426.68 $1,280.00 $1,340.00 General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $2,784.58 $1,523.13 $1,610.00
Zone Reserve Used $1,182.08 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $455.82 $420.93 $507.80
Total Assessment $1,102.20 $1,102.20 $1,102.20
Assessment Interest $41.71 $0.00 $0.00
Total Revenue $2,781.81 $1,523.13 $1,610.00
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $0.00 $0.00 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $1,102.20 $1,102.20 Estimated Expenses $1,523.13 $1,610.00
General Fund Subsidy $420.93 $507.80
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $0.00 $0.00 The total proposed assessment for FY 25/26 is $1,102.20. 170 of 791

Assessment Spread
Thirty (30) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number
Annual
Charge
1 144-730-001 $36.74
2 144-730-002 $36.74
3 144-730-003 $36.74
4 144-730-004 $36.74
5 144-730-005 $36.74
6 144-730-006 $36.74
7 144-730-007 $36.74
8 144-730-008 $36.74
9 144-730-009 $36.74
10 144-730-010 $36.74
11 144-730-011 $36.74
12 144-730-012 $36.74
13 144-730-013 $36.74
14 144-730-014 $36.74
15 144-730-015 $36.74
16 144-730-016 $36.74
17 144-730-017 $36.74
18 144-730-018 $36.74
19 144-730-019 $36.74
20 144-730-020 $36.74
21 144-730-021 $36.74
22 144-730-022 $36.74
23 144-730-023 $36.74
24 144-730-024 $36.74
25 144-730-025 $36.74
26 144-730-026 $36.74
27 144-730-029 $36.74
28 144-730-031 $36.74
29 144-730-032 $36.74
30 144-730-033 $36.74
Total Annual Assessment $1,102.20
171 of 791

Zone 6: Oak Knoll Subdivision
Background
On March 11, 1998, the City Council of the City of Cotati, California, adopted Resolution No. 98-14 initiating proceedings to levy an annual assessment for the landscaping and lighting improvements of the City of Cotati Oak Knoll Subdivision Landscape and Street Light Maintenance Assessment District, Sonoma County, California (“Assessment District”), pursuant to the provisions of the California Streets and Highways Code Section 22500 et seq., (the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972). On June 23, 1999, the City Council adopted resolution 99-37 approving the Engineer’s Report, ordering the formation of the City of Cotati Oak Knoll Subdivision Landscape and Lighting Assessment District confirming the diagram and assessment and ordering the levy of an assessment.

On April 9, 1997, the City Council of the City of Cotati adopted Resolution No. 97-22 granting tentative approval for the Oak Knoll Subdivision. Condition No. 2 of the Resolution requires a landscape and street light maintenance assessment zone be formed to provide funds for the maintenance of landscaping and street lighting within the City Right-of-Way of the Oak Knoll Subdivision, in accordance with the provision of Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500, et seq. (the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972). Then, on March 25, 1998, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 98-21 forming the Landscaping and Street Light Maintenance Assessment District for the Oak Knoll Subdivision.

All individual lots within the boundary of Oak Knoll Subdivision shall be included within the assessment zone, except for all dedicated public streets and Parcel “A” as shown upon the recorded map of Oak Knoll Subdivision.

This Zone includes five streetlights, LED, 120-volt, 100-watt diffuser bulbs.

The City provides landscape maintenance within the City Right-of-Way for this Zone including weekly general clean-up of the area, monthly pruning and weed control, and annual fertilization and structural pruning. High pressure sodium streetlights were replaced with energy efficient LED’s in FY 15/16 and these expenses were charged to the zone in FY 16/17. Additionally, streetlights are inspected once per month and repaired as needed. The landscape contractor failed to maintain the area for much of FY23/24 and the City stopped payment. The City met with the contractor in the Spring of 2025, and was assured maintenance work would resume.

The City solicited quotes in 2023 for landscape remediation including weeding, removal of dead and diseased trees, pruning, and irrigation repair. However, the costs exceeded the fund balance. With an adequate fund balance, the City will revisit having the remediation work done. In FY24/25, two dead trees were removed along Christenson Lane. Future work includes mulching the streetscapes and pruning the large oak trees in the Christenson Court island.
172 of 791

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $2,970.

Zone 6: Oak Knoll FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $489.36 $502.08 $560.00
Contract Services $250.11 $540.30 $650.00
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $0.00 $655.56 $690.00
Annual Zone Administration $2,705.38 $1,020.00 $1,070.00 General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $3,444.85 $2,717.93 $2,970.00
Zone Reserve Used $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Assessment $3,204.00 $3,204.00 $3,204.00
Assessment Interest $1,221.18 $741.44 $780.00
Total Revenue $4,425.18 $3,945.44 $3,984.00
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $23,209.51 $24,437.01 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $3,945.44 $3,984.00 Estimated Expenses $2,717.93 $2,970.00
General Fund Subsidy $0.00 $0.00
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $24,437.01 $25,451.01 The total proposed assessment for FY 25/26 is $3,204.00.

Method of Assessment Spread
The parcels within the Oak Knoll Subdivision receive special benefits of well-maintained public landscaped areas and streetlights. These special benefits include enhanced neighborhood identity and quality of life, as well as a sense of community along with increased property values. Based on the foregoing, each of the individual parcels within the assessment zone, will be assessed an amount equal to 1/24th of the total assessment since they receive equal share of the special benefits mentioned above. Parcel “A” is a driveway serving lots 7, 8, 9, and 10. As Parcel “A” does not receive any of the special benefits, it is not assessed. 173 of 791

Assessment Spread
Twenty-four (24) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 144-340-028 $133.50
2 144-340-029 $133.50
3 144-340-030 $133.50
4 144-340-031 $133.50
5 144-340-032 $133.50
6 144-340-033 $133.50
7 144-340-034 $133.50
8 144-340-035 $133.50
9 144-340-036 $133.50
10 144-340-037 $133.50
11 144-340-038 $133.50
12 144-340-039 $133.50
13 144-340-040 $133.50
14 144-340-041 $133.50
15 144-340-042 $133.50
16 144-340-043 $133.50
17 144-340-044 $133.50
18 144-340-045 $133.50
19 144-340-046 $133.50
20 144-340-047 $133.50
21 144-340-048 $133.50
22 144-340-049 $133.50
23 144-340-050 $133.50
24 144-340-051 $133.50
Total Annual Assessment $3,204.00
Zone 7: Garden Gate
Background
On February 14, 2001, the City Council of the City of Cotati Adopted Resolution No. 01-10 initiating proceedings to establish the Garden Gate Subdivision Landscape and Lighting Assessment Zone, in accordance with the "Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972", Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500, et seq. Then, on April 11, 2001, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 01-28 forming the Landscaping and Street Light Maintenance Assessment District for the Garden Gate Subdivision, confirming the diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of an assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to generate funds for the maintenance of landscape and lighting in the Garden Gate Subdivision Right-of-Way. The funds are to be used for electrical, landscape and incidental expenses associated with street lighting as well as Parcel A & B Landscape Maintenance within the Garden Gate Subdivision.
174 of 791

This Zone includes a total landscaping area for Parcel A & B of 2,900 square feet and five LED, 120 volt, 70 watt lights.

The City provides landscape maintenance within the City Right-of-Way for this Zone including general weekly clean-up of the area, monthly pruning and weed control, and annual fertilization and structural pruning.

Street lights are inspected once per month and repaired as needed. In FY21/22 one leaning tree was removed and two trees were topped for safety as they were close to a house. New mulch was applied, trees trimmed, and a blanket for the backflow device were completed in FY23/24.

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the lighting and Parcels A & B landscaping for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $3,766.

Zone 7: Garden Gate FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $777.64 $853.94 $950.00
Contract Services $2,053.32 $2,676.27 $2,155.99
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $6,398.50 $0.00 $0.00
Annual Zone Administration $1,213.34 $630.00 $660.00
General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $10,442.80 $4,160.21 $3,765.99
Zone Reserve Used $5,462.29 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Assessment $3,795.00 $4,174.50 $4,383.00
Assessment Interest $1,185.51 $689.11 $720.00
Total Revenue $10,442.80 $4,863.61 $5,103.00
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $1,142.15 $1,845.54 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $4,863.61 $5,103.00 Estimated Expenses $4,160.21 $3,765.99
General Fund Subsidy $0.00 $0.00
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $1,845.54 $3,182.56 The total proposed assessment for FY 25/26 is $4,383.00. Which is a 5% increase over FY 24-25.

Method of Assessment Spread
The assessment shall be divided equally among all of the individual parcels within the Assessment Zone. A more detailed description of the method of apportionment is in Attachment A. 175 of 791

Assessment Spread
Fifteen (15) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual
Charge
1 144-720-042 $292.20
2 144-720-043 $292.20
3 144-720-044 $292.20
4 144-720-045 $292.20
5 144-720-046 $292.20
6 144-720-047 $292.20
7 144-720-048 $292.20
8 144-720-049 $292.20
9 144-720-050 $292.20
10 144-720-051 $292.20
11 144-720-052 $292.20
12 144-720-053 $292.20
13 144-720-058 $292.20
14 144-720-059 $292.20
15 144-720-060 $292.20
Total Annual Assessment $4,383.00
Zone 8: Park Meadows
Background
On October 13, 1999, the City Council of the City of Cotati adopted Resolution No. 99-72 granting tentative approval for the Park Meadows Subdivision. Condition No. 43 of said Resolution requires that a landscape and street light maintenance assessment zone be formed to provide funds for the maintenance of landscaping and street lighting within the City Right-of-Way of the Park Meadows Subdivision, in accordance with the provision of Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500, et seq. (the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972). Then, on April 11, 2001, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 01-30 forming the landscaping and street light maintenance assessment district for the Park Meadows Subdivision, confirming the diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of an assessment.

The Zone consists of landscaping and street lighting within the City Right-of-Way and Parcel "A" of the Park Meadows Subdivision.

This Zone includes 38,475 square feet of landscape area and sixteen 120-volt, 70-watt high pressure streetlights. Up until FY 18/19, this Zone had eleven lights, however five of the lights installed as part of the City-Wide Lighting Project are within this Zone and their installation and ongoing maintenance costs are charged to this Zone.

Streetlights are inspected once per month and repaired as needed. The City installed five lights along pathways in this zone in FY 18/19 for a total cost of $30,000. Capital Projects were completed in FY 21/22 176 of 791

consist of improving the pathway from McGinnis Circle to the Laguna De Santa Rosa bridge, the pathway to Marsh Way, and repairs to the split rail fence. This work extended into FY22/23. Work in FY23/24 included removal of 2 maple trees which were splitting and recommended for removal by an arborist. Other trees are in similar condition and the City expects to have them removed also. The landscaping and irrigation system needs remediation. However, the reserves are depleted, and this work will be planned for several years out once the reserves are replenished.

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the fiscal year 2025-2026 is $19,878.

Zone 8: Park Meadows FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $4,553.46 $5,660.18 $6,280.00
Contract Services $10,720.42 $8,892.00 $9,336.60
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $2,000.00
City Labor $1,783.94 $764.82 $0.00
Annual Zone Administration $3,280.74 $1,660.00 $1,740.00 General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $521.54
Total Expenses $20,338.56 $16,977.00 $19,878.14
Zone Reserve Used $3,062.63 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Assessment $17,197.88 $18,917.60 $19,862.80
Assessment Interest $78.05 $48.59 $50.00
Total Revenue $20,338.56 $18,966.19 $19,912.80
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $847.87 $2,837.07 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $18,966.19 $19,940.65 Estimated Expenses $16,977.00 $19,878.14
General Fund Subsidy $0.00 $0.00
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $2,837.07 $2,899.58 The total proposed assessment for FY 25/26 is $19,862.20. Which is a 5% increase over FY 24/25.

Method of Assessment Spread
The parcels within the Park Meadow Subdivision will receive special benefits of well-maintained public landscaped areas and streetlights. These special benefits include enhanced neighborhood identity and quality of life, as well as a sense of community along with increased property values. Based on the foregoing, each of the individual parcels within the assessment zone will be assessed in an amount equal to 1/39th of the total assessment since they receive equal share of the special benefits mentioned above. Parcel "A" and Parcel "B" are open space areas; therefore, they are not assessed. 177 of 791

Assessment Spread
Thirty-nine (39) parcels in Assessment Area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 144-740-001 $584.20
2 144-740-002 $584.20
3 144-740-003 $584.20
4 144-740-004 $584.20
5 144-740-005 $584.20
6 144-740-006 $584.20
7 144-740-007 $584.20
8 144-740-008 $584.20
9 144-740-009 $584.20
10 144-740-010 $584.20
11 144-740-011 $584.20
12 144-740-012 $584.20
13 144-740-013 $584.20
14 144-740-014 $584.20
20 144-740-020 $584.20
21 144-740-021 $584.20
22 144-740-022 $584.20
23 144-740-023 $584.20
24 144-740-024 $584.20
25 144-740-025 $584.20
26 144-740-026 $584.20
27 144-740-027 $584.20
28 144-740-028 $584.20
29 144-740-029 $584.20
30 144-740-030 $584.20
31 144-740-031 $584.20
32 144-740-032 $584.20
33 144-740-033 $584.20
34 144-740-034 $584.20
35 144-740-035 $584.20
36 144-740-036 $584.20
Lands of Dluzak
37 144-740-046 $584.20
38 144-740-047 $584.20
39 144-740-048 $584.20
Total Annual Assessment $19,862.80
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Zone 9: Santero Way
Background
On October 9, 2002, the City Council of the City of Cotati adopted Resolution No. 02-91 granting tentative approval for the Santero Way Developments. Condition No. 59 of said Resolution requires that a landscape and street light maintenance assessment zone be formed to provide funds for the maintenance of landscaping and street lighting within the Cotati Station Phase I Subdivision, in accordance with the provision of Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500, et seq. (the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972). Then, on July 9, 2008, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 08-58 forming the landscaping and street light maintenance assessment district for the Santero Way Subdivision, confirming the diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of an assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to generate funds for the maintenance of landscape and lighting within the City Right-of-Way in the Santero Way Developments. The funds are to be used for electrical power, landscape maintenance, water, and park furniture maintenance. Additionally, the funds are used for incidental expenses associated with public street lighting and landscape maintenance of the public park within the Santero Way Developments.

This Zone includes 31,000 square feet of landscape area including the Santero Way Park and seventeen LED, 120 volt, 70 watt street lights.

The City provides contract landscape maintenance within the City Right-of-Way for this Zone including weekly lawn mowing, edging, and general clean-up of the area, monthly pruning and weed control, and annual fertilization and structural pruning.

Contract services for routine maintenance totaled $9,336 in FY21/22 and is expected to increase with some measure of inflation. This leaves just under $4,000 for other expenses including utility charges, City labor and administration. These expenses totaled $6,585 in FY20/21. Therefore, there is a systemic operating deficit for this Zone. Adding to the deficit, expenses were incurred in FY20/21 and FY21/22 beyond routine maintenance and required drawing down reserves. The expenses beyond routine maintenance in FY20/21 consisted of 1) mulch replacement along the Santero Way Streetscape ($5,815), 2) Irrigation repairs and tune up and electrical repair and turf repair ($965). Additional repairs and replacements in FY21/22 through April 2022, consisted of 1) removing and replacing a tree that was damaged in a windstorm ($2,271), and 2) irrigation and leak repairs ($270). The increase in water utility costs and watering that was above normal resulted in a significant increase in the utility charges in FY24/25. Additionally, up to a dozen trees were trimmed back by City personnel which resulted in additional charges to the Zone in FY24/25 and the reserves became negative for the first time since the Zone was formed. A 33 percent increase is proposed to bring back a positive reserve over the next few years. The City will endeavor to keep added maintenance costs down until revenues are at a sustainable level.
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Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $21,977.

Zone 9: Santero Way FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $4,553.46 $7,650.09 $6,374.84
Contract Services $10,713.75 $9,852.00 $10,152.00
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $1,343.78 $4,452.04 $1,500.00
Materials and Equipment $0.00 $868.10 $800.00
Annual Zone Administration $5,749.78 $3,000.00 $3,150.00 General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $22,360.77 $25,822.23 $21,976.84
Zone Reserve Used $8,118.33 $1,723.09 $0.00
General Fund Loan $0.00 $8,004.37 $638.84
Total Assessment $13,979.44 $16,075.20 $21,318.00
Assessment Interest $263.00 $19.56 $20.00
Total Revenue $22,360.77 $25,822.23 $21,976.84
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $1,723.09 $0.00 Estimated Assessment Revenue, Including Interest $16,094.76 $21,338.00 Estimated Expenses $25,822.23 $21,976.84
General Fund Subsidy $8,004.37 $638.84
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $0.00 $0.00 The total proposed assessment for FY 25/26 is $21,318.00. Which is a 33% increase over FY 24-

25. Method of Assessment Spread
The assessment shall be equally divided among the seventy (70) dwelling units. A more detailed description of the method of apportionment is in Attachment A.
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Assessment Spread
Seventy (70) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 144-770-001 $313.50
2 144-770-002 $313.50
3 144-770-003 $313.50
4 144-770-004 $313.50
5 144-770-005 $313.50
6 144-770-006 $313.50
7 144-770-007 $313.50
8 144-770-008 $313.50
9 144-770-009 $313.50
10 144-770-010 $313.50
11 144-770-011 $313.50
12 144-770-012 $313.50
13 144-770-013 $313.50
14 144-770-014 $313.50
15 144-770-015 $313.50
16 144-770-016 $313.50
17 144-770-017 $313.50
18 144-770-018 $313.50
19 144-770-019 $313.50
20 144-770-020 $313.50
21 144-770-021 $313.50
22 144-770-022 $313.50
23 144-770-023 $313.50
24 144-770-024 $313.50
25 144-770-025 $313.50
27 144-770-027 $313.50
28 144-770-028 $313.50
29 144-770-029 $313.50
30 144-770-030 $313.50
31 144-770-031 $313.50
32 144-770-032 $313.50
33 144-770-033 $313.50
34 144-770-034 $313.50
35 144-770-035 $313.50
36 144-770-036 $313.50
37 144-770-037 $313.50
38 144-770-038 $313.50
39 144-770-039 $313.50
40 144-770-040 $313.50
41 144-770-041 $313.50
42 144-770-042 $313.50
43 144-770-043 $313.50
44 144-770-044 $313.50
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Assessment Spread Continued
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
45 144-770-045 $313.50
46 144-770-046 $313.50
47 144-770-047 $313.50
48 144-770-048 $313.50
50 144-770-050 $313.50
CAP 1A 144-770-051 $313.50
CAP 1B 144-770-052 $313.50
CAP 2A 144-770-053 $313.50
CAP 2B 144-770-054 $313.50
CAP 3A 144-770-055 $313.50
CAP 3B 144-770-056 $313.50
CAP 4A 144-770-057 $313.50
CAP 4B 144-770-058 $313.50
CAP 5A 144-770-059 $313.50
CAP 5B 144-770-060 $313.50
CAP 6A 144-770-061 $313.50
CAP 6B 144-770-062 $313.50
CAP 7A 144-770-063 $313.50
CAP 7B 144-770-064 $313.50
CAP 8A 144-770-065 $313.50
CAP 8B 144-770-066 $313.50
CAP 9A 144-770-067 $313.50
CAP 9B 144-770-068 $313.50
CAP 10A 144-770-069 $313.50
CAP 10B 144-770-070 $313.50
Total Annual Assessment $21,318.00
Zone 10: Altman Acres
Background
On October 9, 2002, the City Council of the City of Cotati adopted Resolution No. 02-91 granting tentative approval for the Altman Acres Subdivision. Condition No. 59 of said Resolution requires that a landscape and street light maintenance assessment Zone be formed to provide funds for the maintenance of landscaping and street lighting within the Altman Acres Subdivision, in accordance with the provision of Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500, et seq. (the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972). Then, on October 9, 2002, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 02-94 forming the Altman Acres Subdivision.

The Zone is maintaining landscaping and lighting in the Altman Acres Subdivision City Right-of-Way and along Old Redwood Highway Right-of-Way fronting Lots 1 through 7. All funds shall be used for electrical, landscape, and incidental expenses within the Altman Acres Subdivision.

This Zone includes 11,750 square feet of landscape area and five LED, 120-volt, 100 watt streetlights. 182 of 791

Streetlights are inspected once per month and repaired as needed. Street landscape remediation improvements were completed in FY22/23. A 5 percent increase in the assessment is proposed for continued landscaping effort and building the reserve for plant replacement and irrigation repairs anticipated to be needed in the next several years.

Projected Costs of Assessment Zone
The projected annual cost of maintaining the landscaping and lighting for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is $5,285.

Zone 10: Altman Acres FY 23/24
Actuals
FY 24/25
Estimated
FY 25/26
Projected
Utility Charges $1,224.33 $1,391.98 $1,550.00
Contract Services $2,047.23 $2,451.74 $2,574.33
Capital Projects $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
City Labor $0.00 $500.07 $530.00
Annual Zone Administration $1,212.62 $600.00 $630.00
General Fund Loan Repayment $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Expenses $4,484.18 $4,943.80 $5,284.33
Zone Reserve Used $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
General Fund Loan $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Assessment $5,803.00 $6,383.44 $6,702.36
Assessment Interest $384.43 $418.97 $440.00
Total Revenue $6,187.43 $6,802.41 $7,142.36
Estimated Fund Balance FY 2024-25 (Est.) FY 2025-2026 (Proj.) Estimated Starting Reserve Fund Balance July 1 $8,263.78 $10,122.38 Estimated Assessment Revenue $6,802.41 $7,142.36
Estimated Expenses $4,943.80 $5,284.33
General Fund Subsidy $0.00 $0.00
Estimated Ending Reserve Fund Balance June 30 $10,122.38 $11,980.41 The total proposed assessment for FY 25/26 is $6,702.36. Which is a 5% increase over FY 24/25.

Method of Assessment Spread
The assessment shall be equally divided among the fourteen (14) dwelling units. A more detailed description of the method of apportionment is in Attachment A.
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Assessment Spread
Fourteen (14) parcels in assessment area
Lot No. Assessor's Parcel Number Annual Charge
1 046-640-001 $478.74
2 046-640-002 $478.74
3 046-640-003 $478.74
4 046-640-004 $478.74
5 046-640-005 $478.74
6 046-640-006 $478.74
7 046-640-007 $478.74
8 046-640-008 $478.74
9 046-640-009 $478.74
10 046-640-010 $478.74
11 046-640-011 $478.74
12 046-640-012 $478.74
13 046-640-013 $478.74
14 046-640-014 $478.74
Total Annual Assessment $6,702.36
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ENGINEER’S REPORT ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Method of Apportionment of Assessment - A statement of the method used by Engineer of Work to determine the amount proposed to be assessed against each parcel within the Assessment District.

Attachment B - Assessment Diagrams – An Assessment Diagram (maps) showing all of the parcels of real property within the boundaries of the ten Assessment Zones. The A.P.N.’s are shown in the Assessor’s Maps available at the County of Sonoma Assessor’s Office.

Attachment C - Improvement Plans – This portion of the Engineer’s Report describes any improvement plans that may be needed for the installation of the improvements. If plans exist, they are filed with the City Clerk. Although separately bound, the plans and specifications are part of this Engineer’s Report and are included in it by reference.
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ATTACHMENT A

METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT OF ASSESSMENT
The following is a brief description of the manner in which the annual assessment has been apportioned to each parcel within the Assessment Zones:

Each parcel within each of the zones of the Assessment District receives a direct special benefit from improvement covered by this assessment as follows:

Valparaiso Vista Zone 1 - Zone 1 includes the maintenance of 7,416 square feet of landscaping along Redwood Highway and Valparaiso Avenue and five street lights within the development. The parcels within this zone receive a direct special benefit from these amenities that are an asset to the values of the homes.

Quail Hollow IV Zone 2 - Zone 2 funds the annual costs associated with the operation and maintenance of Quail Hollow, the back-on landscaping along portions of Myrtle Avenue. Additionally, maintenance of the landscaping provides a direct benefit for the parcels as maintaining the landscaping adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

Sommers Zone 3 - The related Assessment Zone improvements in Zone 3 include six driveway lights. Additionally, the lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

Macklin Zone 4 - The related improvements in Zone 4 includes 1,170 square feet of “back-on” landscaping along Myrtle Avenue. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping, as maintaining the landscaping adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

Sierra Meadows Zone 5 - The related improvements in Zone 5 include nine street lights within the development. Residents within this zone directly benefit from the lighting, as maintaining the lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial lighting features specific to residents within this zone.

Oak Knoll Zone 6 - The related improvements in Zone 6 include the island landscape maintenance on Christensen Court and five street lights. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

Garden Gate Zone 7 - The related improvements in Zone 7 include 2,900 square feet of “back-on” landscape along a portion of East Cotati Avenue and five street lights. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features 186 of 791 specific to residents within this zone.

Park Meadows Zone 8 - The improvements in Zone 8 include 38,475 square feet of “back-on” landscape along a portion of East Cotati Avenue and eleven street lights. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

Santero Way Zone 9 - The improvements in Zone 9 include a 31,000 square feet landscaped park and seventeen street lights. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

Altman Acres Zone 10 - The improvements in Zone 10 include a 11,750 square feet landscaped area along Old Redwood Hwy and five street lights. Residents within this zone directly benefit from maintenance of the landscaping and lighting, as maintaining the landscaping and lighting adds to property values and provides beneficial landscape features specific to residents within this zone.

The method of apportionment (spread) equates all parcels in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9 and 10 within the boundaries of the Assessment Zone to an Equivalent Single-Family Dwelling (ESD) unit use, or portion thereof. The following basic use units reflect the relative benefit accruing to parcels of land within a City of Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Zone:

1. Single dwelling parcel 1 unit

2. Multiple dwelling unit parcel 1 unit per dwelling
Once the total number of ESD units is determined for each of the Zones, the total number of ESD units within each Zone shall be divided into each respective Zone’s operation and maintenance expenses for the upcoming fiscal year (see Part B). This will result in the proposed annual assessment per ESD for the upcoming fiscal year. The annual assessment per ESD shall be multiplied by the total use units established for each parcel, or portion thereof, to determine the proposed total annual assessment for each parcel within each Zone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Annual assessments are apportioned in this manner due to the relative benefit of the improvements to each of the parcels within each separate Zone. Since the improvements are easily accessible to all the parcels within each Zone, the level of benefit is equally spread to each parcel.

Although Section 22663 of the Streets and Highways Code typically requires that public property 187 of 791 not be assessed, Article XIII, Section 4(a) of Proposition 218 now requires that public agencies shall not be exempt from assessment. However, the creek area, wetlands and public rights-of-way and easements within various Zones preclude construction of structures for other uses that conflict with the allowable zoning of these areas. Therefore, these publicly owned areas without a dwelling and used exclusively for greenbelt, or open space, or the common area of any planned unit development, receive no special benefit and do not receive an annual assessment. 188 of 791

ATTACHMENT B

ASSESSMENT DIAGRAMS
Attached are the Assessment Diagrams (Maps) for the ten Assessment Zones. Please note the lines and dimensions of each parcel, as well as the distinctive Assessor’s Parcel Number, are shown on the Assessor's Maps for the City of Cotati available at the County of Sonoma Assessor's Office. The attached pages also provide the reference to the appropriate Assessor Books at the County of Sonoma Assessor’s Office for the respective subdivisions in each of the ten Zones. 189 of 791
Zone 1 - Valparaiso:

Lots 51 through 65 (15 total) and associated right-of –way street frontages lying within the Valparaiso Vista PUD Subdivision filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in book 144 of Maps, Page 40.

Zone 2 - Quail Hollow:

Lots 17-47 (31 total) and associated right-of-way street frontages lying within the Quail Hollow IV Subdivision are filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in book 46 of Maps, Page 61.

Zone 3 - Sommers:

Lots 20-27 (8 total) and associated right-of-way street frontages lying within The Sommer Subdivision are filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in book 144 of Maps, Pages 28.

Zone 4 - Macklin:

Lots 1-39 (39 total) and associated right-of-way street frontages lying within Macklin Subdivision, filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in Book 46 of Maps, Page 62.

Zone 5 - Sierra Meadows:

Lots 1-26, 29, and 31-33 (30 total) and associated right-of-way street frontages lying within the Sierra Meadow Subdivision, filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in Book 144 of Maps, Page 73.

Zone 6 - Oak Knoll:

Lots 1-26, 29, and 31-33 (30 total) and associated right-of-way street frontages lying within the Oak Knoll Subdivision, filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in Book 144 of Maps, Page34.

Zone 7 - Garden Gate:

Lots 42-53, 58-60 (15 total) and associated right-of-way street frontages lying within the Garden Gate Subdivision, filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in Book 144 of Maps, Page72.

Zone 8 - Park Meadows:

All the land lying within the Park Meadows Subdivision, filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in Book 144 of Maps, Page47.

Zone 9 - Santero Way:

The boundary of the Santero Way Developments Landscape and Lighting Assessment Zone coincides with the exterior boundaries of the Cotati Station Subdivision, Phase 1, recorded in Book 654 at Pages 44 through 49, Sonoma County Records. All individual Lots 1-50 and twenty (20) Condominium units 190 of 791
within the boundaries of the Cotati Station Subdivision, Phase 1 (for a total of 70 dwelling units) are included in the assessment Zone.

Zone 10 - Altman Acres:

Lots 1-14 (14 total) and associated right-of-way street frontages lying within the Altman Acres Subdivision are filed in the recorder’s office of the County of Sonoma in Book 46 of Maps, Pages 64.
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ATTACHMENT C

IMPROVEMENT PLANS
If improvement plans exist, they are filed with the City Clerk. Although separately bound, the improvement plans are part of this Engineer’s Report and are included in it by reference. 192 of 791

Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: SECOND READING OF A DRAFT ORDINANCE TO AMEND
CHAPTERS 17.22, 17.30, 17.42, AND 17.62 OF THE COTATI

MUNICIPAL CODE
Date: June 10, 2025
Written by: Noah Housh, Director of Community Development Recommendation
It is recommended by the Community Development Department and the Planning Commission that the City Council conduct the second reading of a draft ordinance amending Cotati Municipal Code (CMC) Chapters 17.22 Allowable Land Uses, 17.30 Standards for All Development and Land Uses, 17.42 Standards for Specific Land Uses, and 17.62 Permit Review and Decisions to correct errors, streamline permitting processes, establish consistency with state law, and allow flexibility in the development of residential accessory equipment, structures and fences, citywide.

Background
On May 27, 2025, the City Council considered, introduced and conducted the first reading of the “code clean-up” ordinance.

Analysis/Discussion
During their May 27, 2025, consideration of the ordinance, the City Council identified some changes be made to the ordinance. Specifically, the Council directed additional language be included in Section 17.30.042 regarding the installation of mechanical equipment to ensure noise impacts are minimized. Further, staff has clarified Section 17.30.030 language around fencing height allowances to ensure clear implementation of the proposed changes.

Additional changes which were discussed regarding telecommunication facilities and minor variance thresholds will be brought before the Council at a future date as part of a separate ordinance.
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Financial Considerations
There are no identified unanticipated general fund budget impacts associated with the drafting, consideration and adoption of the proposed ordinance.

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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ORDINANCE NO.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI AMENDING CHAPTERS 17.22 ALLOWABLE LAND USES, 17.30 STANDARDS FOR ALL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USES, 17.42 STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES, AND 17.62 PERMIT REVIEW AND DECISIONS OF THE COTATI MUNICIPAL

CODE TO CORRECT ERRORS, STREAMLINE PERMITTING PROCESSES,

ESTABLISH CONSISTENCY WITH STATE LAW, AND ALLOW FLEXIBILITY IN

THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT,

STRUCTURES AND FENCES
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2015, the Cotati City Council adopted its updated General Plan (Resolution No. 2015-12), which identifies the City’s vision for the future and provides a framework to guide decisions on growth and development consistent with the quality of life desired by Cotati citizens. On March 24, 2015, the Cotati City Council also certified the City of Cotati General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which reviewed potentially significant environmental effects resulting from the plan’s implantation and developed measures and policies to mitigate those impacts to less-than-significant levels; and
WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Cotati Municipal Code is to codify standards and establish permitting procedures for development within city limits; and WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of California has in Government Code Sections 65302, 65560, and 65800 conferred upon local governments the authority to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry; and WHEREAS, on April 21, 2025, the Planning Commission of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing to review the proposed ordinance adopting amendments to update the Cotati municipal code to correct errors, streamline permitting processes, establish consistency with state law and allow flexibility for multiple types of residential accessory equipment, fences and structures.

After receiving the staff report, reviewing a presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the Planning Commission voted to approve a resolution recommending City Council adoption of the proposed ordinance; and
WHEREAS, based on the record, the City Council finds that the proposed zoning code amendments are consistent with and facilitate the General Plan; and WHEREAS, on May 27, 2025, the City Council of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance to establish amendments to Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to correct errors, streamline permitting processes, and allow flexibility for multiple types of residential accessory equipment, fences and structures, reviewed the staff report, received a presentation from the Planning Division, and considered all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance prior to voting to introduce the Ordinance.

NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
208 of 791
SECTION 1: Recitals.

The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated into the findings herein.

SECTION 2: Record
The Record of Proceedings (“Record”) upon which the City Council makes its decision includes, but is not limited to: 1) the 2015 General Plan, 2) the FEIR certified for the 2015 General Plan, 3) all staff reports, City files and records, and other documents prepared for and/or submitted to the City Council related to adoption of the amendments to Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to correct errors, streamline permitting processes, establish consistency with State law and allow flexibility for multiple types of residential accessory equipment, fences and structures.

SECTION 3: General Plan Consistency
The Council of the City of Cotati does hereby find that the amendments to Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to correct errors, streamline permitting processes, establish consistency with state law and allow flexibility for residential accessory equipment, fences and structures, as set forth in this Ordinance, are in the best interest of the City in that they will further established goals, policies, and implementation programs of the General Plan to provide home occupations consistent with the allowances of state law, help to ensure the City provides best in class customer service, will streamline permitting processes for commercial uses in appropriate areas of the City, conserve resources, allow appropriate growth and business stability through the establishment of clear and transparent regulations.

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.

More specifically, the proposed amendments to Chapter 17.22 Allowable Land Uses, 17.30 Standards for All Development and Land Uses, 17.42 Standards for Specific Land Uses, 17.44 Telecommunication Facilities and 17.62 Permit Review and Decisions are consistent with and implement the identified General Plan goals, policies, and programs. These changes will serve to streamline the residential fence permitting process, allow for flexibility in the development of residential accessory structures, establish consistency in permitting procedures, expand the clarity and transparency of regulations and improve customer service. 209 of 791 SECTION 4: Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

In conformance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City Council finds that the proposed amendments to the Cotati Land Use Code identified herein are related to and implement the goals, policies, and objectives of the 2015 General Plan, and therefore finds that these proposed revisions conform to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, which provides a streamlined review of the environmental impacts of the project by tiering from the program level analysis prepared for the Cotati General Plan and its certified EIR, and other previously completed environmental analysis.

The Council further finds that all adopted mitigating General Plan policies, mitigation measures identified in the 2015 General Plan EIR address any potential environmental impacts of the proposed code changes. Additionally, some of these changes have been mandated by updates to state law. Finally, future project-specific environmental analysis of any telecommunication, limited term and/or minor variance proposed under the amended Code will be required and will allow project-specific impacts not previously identified or anticipated to be addressed.

SECTION 5: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.22, Section 17.22.020, Table 2-2 is amended to read as follows:

Section 17.22.020 (excerpt)
Table 2-2
Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Low Density and Neighborhood Zones P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit required
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

OSC OSR RR RVL NL NM NU
Specific
Use
Regulations
Agricultural and Open Space Uses
Agricultural accessory structure UP UP P P – – – 17.42.020 Animal keeping S S S S S S S 17.42.040
Crop production, horticulture,
orchard, vineyard(6)
– UP UP UP – – – 17.42.240
Market garden – – P P P P P 17.42.230,

17.42.240
Plant nursery – UP UP – – – –
Winery, small scale – – UP(2) – – – – 210 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit required
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

OSC OSR RR RVL NL NM NU
Specific
Use
Regulations
Industry, manufacturing and
processing, wholesaling
– – – – – – –
Artisan/craft product manufacturing – UP UP(3) – – – –
Recreation, Education and Public Assembly Uses
Community garden(6) – UP P P P P P 17.42.220,

17.42.240
Equestrian facility – UP UP – – – –
Meeting facility, public or private – UP – – UP UP UP
Park UP P P P P P P
Playground – P P P P P P
Private residential recreation facility – – – UP UP UP UP School – Elementary, middle,
secondary
– – – UP UP UP –
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit – – P P P P P 17.42.170
Caretaker quarters UP UP – – – – –
Cottage housing – – – – S S S 17.42.125
Home occupation – – P P P P P 17.42.080
Junior accessory dwelling unit – – P P P – – 17.42.170
Low barrier navigation center – – – – – – –
Mobilehome park – – UP UP UP UP UP 17.42.110
Mobile/manufactured home – – P P P P P 17.42.110
Multifamily plex housing, 2 units – – – – P P UP(4) 17.39.040 Multifamily plex housing, 3 to 9
units
– – – – P P P 17.39.040
Multifamily housing, 10 or more
units
– – – – – P P 17.39.030
Organizational house (sorority,
monastery, etc.)
– – – – – – UP
Residential accessory use or structure – – P P P P P 17.42.160 211 of 791 P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit required
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

OSC OSR RR RVL NL NM NU
Specific
Use
Regulations
Residential care facility for the
elderly (RCFE)
– – UP UP UP UP UP
Residential care, 11 or more clients – – UP UP UP UP UP Residential care, 6 or fewer clients,
in a single-family dwelling
– – P P P P P
Residential care, 7 to 10 clients – – UP UP UP UP UP
Residential component of a mixed
use project
– – – – P P P 17.39.030,

17.39.040,

17.42.100
Rooming or boarding house – – – – – – UP
Single-family dwelling – – P P P UP(4) UP(4) 17.39.050
Supportive housing – – – – – P P
Retail Trade
Accessory retail and services – – – – UP UP UP
Convenience store, 1,200 sq. ft. or
less
– – – – UP UP UP
Farmers Market(6) – UP – – – – –
Garden Stand – – P P P P P 17.42.130,

17.42.230
Produce stand(6) – UP UP UP – – – 17.42.130
Services – Business and Professional
Medical services – Extended care – – – – – UP UP
Office – Accessory – P P P P P P
Services – – – – – – –
Adult day care – 6 or fewer clients – – P P P P P
Adult day care – 7 to 14 clients – – UP UP UP UP UP
Adult day care – 15 or more clients – – UP UP UP UP UP
Child day care – Small family day
care home
– UP P P P P P
Child day care – Large family day
care home
– – P P P – – 17.42.060
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P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit required
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

OSC OSR RR RVL NL NM NU
Specific
Use
Regulations
Child day care – Day care center – UP – – – UP UP 17.42.060 Kennel, animal boarding – – UP – – – –
Lodging – Bed and breakfast inn
(B&B)
– – UP UP – – – 17.42.050
Personal services – 1,000 sq. ft. or
less
– – – – – UP UP
Public safety facilities – – UP UP UP UP UP
Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure
Electric vehicle charging station(5) P P P P P P P 14.38 Solar collector S S S S S S S 17.30.084
Telecommunications facility(7) – S – – – – – 17.44;

17.44.065
Windmills – – UP – – – – 17.42.190
Key to Zoning District Symbols
OSC Open Space –
Conservation
NL Neighborhood – Low
Density
OSR Open Space – Recreation NM Neighborhood – Medium
Density
RR Rural Residential NU Neighborhood – Urban
RVL Residential, Very Low
Density
Notes:
(1) See Article 9 of this title for land use definitions. (2) May be approved only in conjunction with an on-site vineyard of three acres or larger. (3) May be approved only on a site of three acres or larger. (4) Use permit approval shall require that the review authority first find that the location of a proposed single-family dwelling or two-unit multifamily plex development (duplex) on a parcel will not preclude future subdivision and/or development in compliance with the general plan and this chapter. (5) Permitted as an accessory use.
(6) Fees for crop production, horticulture, orchard, vineyard; community garden; farmers market; and produce stand planning permit applications shall be calculated at fifty percent of the fees set forth in the fee 213 of 791 schedule as described in Section 17.60.060, Application fees. Use permit approval shall require that the review authority first find that the proposed use will be compatible with any nearby residential uses. Notices of public hearing for these uses shall be mailed to property owners within a radius from the subject site of six hundred feet, or greater at the director’s discretion.
(7) Telecommunications facilities are subject to the limited waiver provision and other regulations described in Chapter 17.44.

SECTION 6: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.30 Section 17.30.020 Build-to-lines and Setbacks is amended to read as follows:

17.30.020 Build-to-lines and setbacks.

A. Purpose. This section explains the applicability of build-to-line requirements established by certain zoning districts in Article 2; and provides standards for the location, required size and allowable uses of setbacks.

1. Build-to-Lines. A build-to-line specifies the required location of new structures with respect to the street frontages of a site, so that proposed buildings will effectively assist in shaping the public space of streets, to enhance the comfort and convenience of the pedestrian experience.

2. Setbacks. Setback standards provide open areas around structures for: visibility and traffic safety; access to and around structures; access to natural light, ventilation and direct sunlight; separation between potentially conflicting activities; and space for privacy, landscaping and recreation.

B. Build-to-Line Requirements. Each proposed structure shall comply with any build-to-line requirement established by the applicable zoning district by having at least eighty percent of the length of its street-facing facade abutting the build-to-line. The review authority may waive build-to-line requirements for a project with more than one building, where the project street frontage is occupied by one or more buildings in compliance with applicable build-to-line requirements, and secondary buildings are placed on the site to the rear of the front buildings.

2. Exemptions from Setback Requirements. The minimum setback requirements of this land use code do not apply to the following:
a. A building feature that projects into a required setback allowed by subsection F of this section; b. A fence or wall seven feet or less in height, when located outside of a front or street side setback; c. A deck, earthwork, step, patio, freestanding solar device in other than a front setback, or other site design element that is placed directly upon grade and does not exceed a height of eighteen inches above the surrounding grade at any point;
d. A sign in compliance with Chapter 17.38 (Signs) of this title; e. A retaining wall less than thirty inches in height above finished grade;. f. Mechanical equipment associated with the primary use of the main structure in compliance with Sections 17.30.042 and 17.30.050 of this Chapter.

D. Measurement of Setbacks. Setbacks shall be measured as follows, except that the director may require different setback measurement methods where the director determines that unusual parcel configuration makes the following infeasible or ineffective. See Figure 3-1. 214 of 791
Figure 3-1. Location and Measurement of Setbacks

1. Front Setback. A front setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the public right-of-way at the front of the parcel (or edge of access easement on a private street) to the nearest point of the wall of the structure, except as follows. The front property line is the most narrow dimension of a lot adjacent to a street.
a. Developed Residential Block. In a block with a street frontage of three hundred feet or more and six hundred feet or less in the RVL, NL, or NM zoning districts, where fifty percent or more of the parcels along the block face have been improved with structures, the required front setback for a new structure shall be the greater of the following:
i. The minimum front setback required for the applicable zoning district; or ii. The average of the actual front setbacks of the existing structures along the same block face. b. Averaging. In the RVL, NL, or NM zoning districts, where fifty percent or more of the parcels on a single block face have been improved with structures at the time of adoption of this land use code, and the front setbacks of the parcels vary in depth up to six feet, the required front setback depth for the applicable zoning district shall not apply, but rather, the required front setback on the block shall be the average depth of the front setbacks of the parcels with existing structures. c. Mapped Street with Future Improvements. If the city has established a plan that identifies a rightof-way for the future construction of a new street or the widening of an existing street, a required front or street side setback shall be measured from the line shown on the plan. d. Infill Development on a Parcel Within a Previously Approved Project. Where the city has established specific setback requirements for individual single-family residential parcels through the approval of a specific plan, subdivision map, or other entitlement, prior to the effective date of this land use code, those setbacks shall apply to infill development within the approved project instead of the setbacks required by this land use code.
e. Flag Lot. For a parcel with a fee ownership strip extending from a street or right-of-way to the 215 of 791
building area of the parcel, the front setback shall be measured from the nearest point of the wall of the structure to the point where the access strip meets the bulk of the parcel; establishing a setback line parallel to the lot line nearest to the public street or right-of-way. See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2. Flag Lot Front Setback
f. Corner Lot. The front setback shall be measured from the nearest point of the wall of the structure to the nearest point of the most narrow street frontage property line. If the property lines on both street frontages are of the same length, the property line to be used for front setback measurement shall be determined by the director.
g. Double-Frontage Lots. A double-frontage lot is considered to have two front lot lines, and a required front setback shall be provided from both front lot lines. i. Vehicular access onto a double-frontage lot shall generally be from the street with the lowest existing and projected traffic volumes, but with each proposed building designed so that its primary facade faces the higher volume street.
ii. The review authority may authorize alternative access locations where appropriate because of localized traffic conditions, and/or nearby residential areas that would be adversely affected by increased traffic.

See Section 17.78.030(F)(5)(b) of this title regarding the limited circumstances where new doublefrontage lots are allowed.

2. Side Setback. The side setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the side property line of the parcel to the nearest point of the wall of the structure; establishing a setback line parallel to the side property line, which extends between the front and rear setbacks. See Figure 3-1.

3. Street Side Setback. The side setback on the street side of a corner parcel shall be measured from whichever of the following points results in the greatest setback from an existing or future roadway:
a. The nearest point on the side property line bounding the street; b. The edge of an easement for a private road;
c. The inside edge of the sidewalk; or 216 of 791
d. The boundary of a planned future right-of-way established as described in subsection (D)(1)(c) of this section.

4. Rear Setback. The rear setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the rear property line to the nearest line of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the rear property line. See Figure 3-1.
a. In the case of a double-frontage lot, the director shall determine which frontage is the front and which is the rear, for the purpose of measuring front and rear setbacks. b. Where a parcel has no rear lot line because its side lot lines converge to a point, an assumed line ten feet long within the parcel, parallel to, and at a maximum distance from the front lot line, shall be deemed to be the rear lot line for the purpose of determining the depth of the required rear setback.

See Figure 3-3.

Figure 3-3. Rear Setback on Irregular Lot
E. Limitations on the Use of Setbacks.

1. Structures. A required setback area shall not be occupied by structures other than:
a. The fences and walls permitted by Section 17.30.030 (Fences, walls, and screening) of this chapter; and
b. The projections into setbacks allowed by subsection F of this section and the applicable zoning district.

2. Storage of Materials. No front or street side setback shall be used for the storage of building materials, scrap, junk, machinery, indoor furniture, or similar materials, except for building materials required during an on-site construction project with a valid building permit.

3. Vehicle Parking and Storage. No required parking space shall be located within a required setback, except as provided by Section 17.36.090(A) of this title. No front or side setback shall be used for parking a motor vehicle, recreational vehicle (RV), boat, trailer, farm equipment, or other vehicle, except that an 217 of 791
operable automobile or truck of one-ton capacity or less, in regular use, may be parked within a paved driveway. A garage, carport, or any other structure for sheltering parking space within the RR, RVL, NL, NM, or NU zoning districts shall comply with the setback requirements of the applicable zoning district, and the requirements of Section 17.42.160(F)(2) of this title.

4. Mechanical Equipment. See Section 17.30.042 (Mechanical and utility equipment placement) of this chapter.

F. Allowed Projections into Setbacks. An architectural feature attached to a primary structure may extend beyond the wall of the structure and into a required front, side, or rear setback in compliance with Table 3-1.

See also Figure 3-4. These requirements do not apply to accessory structures which are instead subject to Sections 17.42.020 (Agricultural accessory structures) and 17.42.160 (Residential accessory uses and structures) of this title.

Table 3-1
Allowed Projections Into Setbacks
Allowed Projection into Specified Setback
Projecting Feature
Front Setback Side Setback Rear Setback
Attached deck, landing, porch, stairway –
Uncovered, unenclosed, and less than 30
in. above grade
25% of setback to a
maximum of 5 ft.

May project to
property line
May project to
property line
Balcony, attached deck, landing, porch,
stairway – Which may be roofed but is
otherwise unenclosed
25% of setback to a
maximum of 5 ft.
20% of side
setback(1)
20% of setback(1)
Balcony, attached deck, landing, porch,
stairway – Covered and enclosed
Not allowed in
setback
Balcony, attached deck, landing, porch,
stairway – Uncovered and unenclosed,
30 in. or more above grade
5 ft. 36 in.(1) 5 ft.(1)
Bay window, or similar projecting
feature
36 in. 20% of setback(1) 36 in.

Chimney/fireplace, 6 ft. or less in breadth 24 in. 24 in.(1) 24 in.(1) Cornice, eave, awning, roof overhang 24 in. 30 in.(1) 5 ft.(1) Notes:
(1) Feature may project no closer than thirty-six inches to any side or rear property line. 218 of 791
Figure 3-4. Examples of Allowed Projections into Side Setback G. Setback Requirements for Specific Structures.

1. Accessory Structures. See Sections 17.42.020 (Agricultural accessory structures and uses) and

17.42.160 (Residential accessory uses and structures) of this title.

2. Fences. See Section 17.30.030 (Fences, walls, and screening) of this chapter.

3. Detached Decks and Other Site Design Elements. A detached deck, freestanding solar device, steps, terrace, or other site design element that is placed directly upon the grade, and that exceeds a height of eighteen inches above the surrounding grade at any point, shall comply with the setback requirements of this land use code for detached accessory structures.

4. Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Etc. A swimming pool, hot tub, or spa shall be set back a minimum of five feet from side and rear property lines, and shall not be located within a front setback. All equipment associated with a pool, hot tub and/or spa on any parcel shall comply with the setback requirements established in this section.

5. Mechanical Equipment. See Section 17.30.042 (Mechanical and utility equipment placement) of this chapter. (Ord. 766 § 2 Exh. A (part), 2004).

SECTION 7: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.30 Section 17.30.030 Fences, Walls, and Screening is amended to read as follows:

17.30.030 Fences, walls, and screening. (excerpt)
A. Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to all fences and walls unless otherwise stated.

1. Fences or Wall in Flood Hazard Area. A fence or wall in an area subject to flooding identified on a Federal Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) on file in the department shall require a building permit, and shall comply with all requirements of the city engineer in addition to the requirements of this section.

2. Exemptions. These regulations do not apply to fences or walls required by regulations of a state or federal agency, or by the city for reasons of public safety. 219 of 791 B. Height Limits. Each fence, wall, and hedge shall comply with the height limits shown in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2
Maximum Height of Fences, Walls, and Hedges
Location of Fence, Wall, or Hedge Maximum Height
Within front or street side setback Solid wall, hedge, or fencing: 42 in.

Fencing: 42 in. in all zoning districts, except:
a. Up to 6 ft. is allowed in RR; and
b. From 42 in. to 72 in. is allowed with
Administrative Design Review approval
See also Section 17.30.040(E) (Height limit at
street corners)
Within interior side or rear setback – Residential
zone
7 ft.(1)
Within interior side or rear setback – Nonresidential
zone
7 ft.(1)
Within a zone where no setback is required
20 ft. or more to the rear of a front or street side
property line
7 ft.(1)
Within 20 ft. of a front or street side property line 42 in. for solid wall, hedge, or fencing 6 ft. for open fencing
At intersections of alleys, streets, and driveways
within sight visibility areas. See 17.30.040(E)
(Height limit at street corners).
3 ft.

Outside of a required setback 8 ft.(1)
Notes:
(1) Fences of up to eight feet in height are allowed by-right, provided that portions of the fence exceeding seven feet are of an open design (e.g., lattice, wrought iron or grille work). Any fence exceeding seven feet in height requires a Building Permit.
(2) A fence exceeding eight feet in height may be allowed with approval of a minor use permit and administrative design review.

SECTION 8: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.30 Section 17.30.042 Mechanical and utility equipment placement is amended to read as follows:

17.30.042 Mechanical and utility equipment placement.

Ground-mounted mechanical equipment located outside, and associated with the use of the primary structure are exempt from setback requirements. Examples of this equipment include: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and similar equipment; and transformers, cable television distribution boxes, and similar equipment that is allowed to be installed aboveground. Such equipment that generates noise shall be allowed in the setback only if there is no reasonable alternative. Ground-mounted mechanical equipment located outside and associated with the use of an accessory structure are subject to applicable accessory structure 220 of 791 setback requirements. See also Sections 17.30.050, Noise Standards and 17.30.100, Underground utilities. (Ord. 766 § 2 Exh. A (part), 2004).

SECTION 9: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.42 Section 17.42.080 Home Occupations is amended to read as follows:

17.42.080 Home occupations.

The following standards for home occupations are intended to provide reasonable opportunities for employment within the home, while avoiding changes to the residential character of a dwelling that accommodates a home occupation, or the surrounding neighborhood, where allowed by Chapter 17.22 (Allowable Land Uses) of this title:

A. Business License Required. A home occupation shall require a city business license.

B. Limitations on Use. The following are examples of business activities that may be approved as home occupations, and uses that are prohibited as home occupations:

1. Uses Allowed as Home Occupations. The following and other uses determined by the director to be similar may be approved by the director in compliance with this section:
a. Art and craft work (ceramics, painting, photography, sculpture, etc.); b. Office-only uses, including an office for an architect, attorney, consultant, counselor, doctor, insurance agent, planner, tutor, writer, and electronic commerce; c. Personal trainers and licensed massage therapy and physical therapy; d. Tailors, sewing; and
e. Cottage Food Operations operating in compliance with the California Health and Safety Code and possessing a current permit from County of Sonoma Environmental Health.

2. Uses Prohibited as Home Occupations. The following are examples of business activities that are not incidental to or compatible with residential activities, and are, therefore, prohibited as home occupations:
a. Adult entertainment activities/businesses;
b. Animal hospitals and boarding facilities;
c. Auto and other vehicle sales, repair and service (body or mechanical), painting, storage, or upholstery, or the repair, reconditioning, servicing, or manufacture of any vehicle engine, or of any motor vehicle, including automobiles, boats, motorcycles, or trucks; d. Commercial cabinet or furniture making, and similar uses; e. Contractor’s and other storage yards;
f. Dismantling, junk, or scrap yards;
g. Fitness/health facilities, except those allowed under subsection (B)(1) of this section; h. Medical clinics and laboratories;
i. On-site sales, except that mail order businesses may be allowed where there is no stock-in-trade on the site;
221 of 791
j. Personal services as defined in Article 9 (Glossary), except those allowed under subsection (B)(1) of this section;
k. Transportation services, including ambulance, taxi, limousine, tow truck, etc.; l. Uses which require explosives or highly combustible or toxic materials; m. Welding and machine shop operations;
n. Wood cutting businesses; or
o. Other use the director determines to be similar to those listed above.

C. Operating Standards. Home occupations shall comply with all of the following operating standards:

1. Accessory Use. The home occupation shall be clearly secondary to the full-time use of the property as a residence.

2. Location of Home Occupation Activities. All home occupation activities shall be confined completely to one room within the primary dwelling, which shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent of the gross floor area of the ground level floor or a permitted enclosed accessory structure. Urban agriculture activities in compliance with Section 17.42.240 of this Chapter may be conducted outdoors, but not within the front setback.

3. Visibility. The use shall not require any exterior modification to the structure not customarily found in a dwelling, nor shall the home occupation activity be visible from a public right-of-way, or from neighboring residential properties.

4. Signs. There shall be no signs, other than one name plate, not exceeding one square foot in area, and only if attached flush to a wall of the structure.

5. Safety. Activities conducted and equipment or material used shall not change the fire safety or occupancy classifications of the premises. The use shall not employ the storage of explosive, flammable, or hazardous materials beyond those normally associated with a residential use.

6. Off-Site Effects. No home occupation activity shall create dust, electrical interference, fumes, gas, glare, light, noise, odor, smoke, toxic/hazardous materials, vibration, or other hazards or nuisances as determined by the director.

7. Outdoor Display or Storage. There shall be no window display or outdoor storage or display of equipment, materials, or supplies associated with the home occupation.

8. Employees. A home occupation shall have no on-site employees other than full-time residents of the dwelling.

9. Client/Customer Visits. The home occupation shall be operated so as to not require more than twelve vehicle trips per day of clients, customers, and/or visitors to the residence. On-site presence of clients or customers shall be limited to one client or family at a time, and only between the hours of nine a.m. and eight p.m.

10. Deliveries. The home occupation shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for delivery of materials to or from the premises in a manner different from normal residential usage, except for FedEx, UPS, or USPS-type home pick-ups and deliveries.

11. Motor Vehicles. The motor vehicles used or kept on the premises, except residents’ passenger vehicles, shall comply with the requirements of Section 17.36.130 (Commercial vehicles on private 222 of 791 property) of this title.

12. Utility Service Modifications. No utility service to the dwelling shall be modified solely to accommodate a home occupation, other than as required for normal residential use. (Ord. 766 § 2 Exh. A (part), 2004).

SECTION 10: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.42 Section 17.42.160 Residential accessory uses and structures is amended to read as follows:

17.42.160 Residential accessory uses and structures.

A. Applicability. This section provides standards for residential accessory uses and structures. Where allowed by Chapter 17.22 (Allowable Land Uses) accessory structures shall be allowed on any parcel, as long as lot coverage standards and setback requirements are met. These requirements do not apply to residential accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, which are instead regulated by Section

17.42.170 (Accessory dwelling units/junior accessory dwelling units).

B. Relationship to Primary Use. An accessory use and/or structure shall be incidental to the primary residential use of the site, and shall not alter the character of the primary use.

C. Timing of Installation. A residential accessory structure shall only be constructed concurrent with or after the construction of the primary structure on the same site, unless:

1. The site is within the RR zoning district, is one acre or larger, and the proposed accessory structure is a garage; or

2. Construction in advance of a primary structure is authorized through minor use permit approval.

D. Attached Structures. An accessory structure attached to the primary structure shall comply with all zoning district requirements applicable to the primary structure, including height limits, site coverage, and buildto-lines; and shall also comply with any applicable requirements of subsection F of this section.

E. Detached Structures. An accessory structure that is detached from the primary structure shall comply with the following standards, except where subsection F of this section establishes a different requirement for a specific type of accessory structure:

1. Setbacks.
a. Front Setback. An accessory structure shall not be located within a required front setback. b. Side and Rear Setbacks. An accessory structure with a height of twelve feet or less shall maintain side and rear setbacks of at least five feet.
c. Separation Between Structures. An accessory structure shall maintain at least a five-foot separation from other accessory structures and the primary dwelling unit. d. Double-Frontage Lot. An accessory structure shall not occupy the front half of a parcel, or either front quarter of a double-frontage lot, unless it is set back at least seventy-five feet from any street lot line.
e. Reverse Corner Lot. On a reverse corner lot that abuts a key lot, no accessory structure shall be nearer the street than a distance equal to the depth of the front setback required for the key lot. See Figure 4-3.
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Figure 4-3. Accessory Structure Setback, Reverse Corner Lot

2. Height Limit. The height of an accessory structure other than a detached garage shall not exceed twelve feet, except where a greater height is authorized through minor use permit approval.

3. Coverage and Size Limitations. Where permitted, the aggregate coverage of accessory structures in required side and rear setbacks shall not exceed five hundred square feet for properties developed with a single family home with or without ADUs or JADUs. The maximum site coverage for all structures on a parcel shall comply with the requirements of the applicable zoning district.

F. Standards for Specific Accessory Uses and Structures. The following requirements apply to the specific types of accessory structures listed, in addition to the requirements of subsection A of this section, as applicable.

1. Antennas. Antennas shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.44 (Telecommunications Facilities) of this title.

2. Garages and Carports. A garage, carport, or other structure that shelters vehicles accessory to a singlefamily dwelling or multifamily plex development shall comply with the following requirements.

Covered parking for a multifamily development of ten or more units shall comply with the zoning district standards in Section 17.24.030 of this title. Covered parking for multifamily developments shall also comply with the requirements of Section 17.39.030 or 17.39.040 of this chapter, as applicable:
a. Limitation on Number. Except in the RR and RVL zoning districts, a single parcel shall have only one attached or detached garage or carport per dwelling unit. b. Setback Requirements.
i. Front Setback. A garage or carport shall comply with the garage front setback requirements of the applicable zoning district.
ii. Side Setbacks. A garage or carport shall be set back a minimum of five feet from side property lines, except that the review authority may authorize a zero side setback for a garage abutting a property line where the adjacent property owner has granted a maintenance easement, provided that the garage is located at least eight feet from the 224 of 791
opposite side property line, and the maintenance easement is first reviewed and approved by the city. iii. Rear Setback. An attached garage or carport shall comply with the rear setback requirements of the applicable zoning district. A detached garage or carport shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the rear property line where vehicles access the garage or carport from the front of the lot, and shall be located a minimum of twenty-five feet from the opposite side of the alley where accessed from an alley. c. Facade Width. The facade of any garage, or carport opening facing a street shall not exceed a width of twenty-five feet.
d. Design. Each garage, carport or other structure used to shelter vehicle parking space shall be of the same architectural style and use the same exterior materials as the primary dwelling. No temporary or portable structure for sheltering a parked vehicle shall be allowed.

3. Greenhouses. An accessory greenhouse may occupy up to four hundred square feet for each dwelling unit in the RVL, NL, NM, and NU zoning districts; and one thousand square feet or five percent of the parcel area, whichever is smaller, in the RR zoning district.

4. Guesthouses. Guesthouses shall comply with the requirements for attached or detached residential accessory structures in subsections D and E of this section.

5. Patio Covers. A patio cover that is attached to or detached from the primary dwelling, and open on at least three sides, may be located within the required rear setback subject to the following:
a. The five-foot separation from the primary dwelling unit required by subsection (E)(1)(c) of this section does not apply;
b. The structure shall comply with the coverage and size limitations of subsection (E)(3) of this section; and
c. No part of the patio cover shall be closer than ten feet to a property line.

6. Swimming Pools. Noncommercial swimming pools are an allowed accessory use in any zoning district subject to the following requirements:
a. Setbacks. No swimming pool shall be located within a required front or side setback, or within five feet of a property line; and
b. Fence or Wall. No swimming pool shall be located within three feet of a fence or wall.

7. Tennis and Other Recreational Courts. Noncommercial outdoor tennis courts and courts for other sports, including basketball and racquetball, accessory to a residential use shall comply with the following requirements:
a. Setbacks. No court shall be located within a required setback, or within ten feet of any property line; and
b. Fencing. Court fencing shall comply with Section 17.30.030 (Fences, Walls, and Screening) of this title; and
c. Lighting. Court lighting shall require minor use permit approval, and shall not exceed a maximum height of twenty feet, measured from the court surface. The lighting shall be directed downward, shall only illuminate the court, and shall comply with Section 17.30.060 (Outdoor lighting) of this title. 225 of 791

8. Workshops or Studios. An accessory structure intended as a workshop or studio for artwork, crafts, light hand manufacturing, or hobbies, is subject to the following standards when located in a RR, RVL, NL, NM, or NU zoning districts:
a. Limitation on Use. The use of an accessory structure as a studio shall be limited to: noncommercial hobbies or amusements; maintenance of the primary structure or setbacks; artistic endeavors, including painting, photography, or sculpture; or for other similar purposes. Any use of an accessory workshop for any commercial activity shall comply with Section 17.42.080 (Home occupations) of this chapter; and
b. Floor Area. A workshop shall not occupy an area larger than twenty-five percent of the gross floor area of the primary structure; except that where a workshop is combined with a garage, see subsection (F)(2) of this section. (Ord. 915 § 13, 2022; Ord. 893 § 9, 2020; Ord. 766 § 2 Exh. A (part), 2004).

SECTION 12: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.62 Section 17.62.030 Limited term permit is amended to read as follows:

17.62.030(H) (excerpt)
H. Project Review, Notice and Meeting. Each application shall be reviewed by the director to ensure that the proposal complies with all applicable requirements of this land use code.

1. Public Notice and Meeting. Prior to a decision on a limited term permit, the director shall hold a public meeting. The city shall provide notice of the public meeting in compliance with the following:
a. Contents of Notice. The notice shall include the following information and any additional information determined by the director to be appropriate:
i. Meeting Information. The date, time, and place of the meeting, and the name of the meeting body or officer; the phone number and street address of the department, where an interested person may call or visit to obtain additional information; and ii. Project Information. A general explanation of the matter to be considered; and a general description, in text and/or by diagram, of the location of the real property, that is the subject of the meeting.
b. Method of Notice Distribution. Notice shall be mailed or delivered at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting to the following:
i. Owners of the Project Site. The owners of the property being considered in the application; and
ii. Affected Owners and Occupants. All owners and occupants of real property as shown on the latest county equalized assessment roll, within a radius of five hundred feet from the exterior boundaries of the parcel that is the subject of the meeting.

SECTION 13: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Chapter 17.62 Section 17.62.060 Variance and minor variance is amended to read as follows:

17.62.060(E)(2) (excerpt)

2. Minor Variance. The director may approve or deny a minor variance, or may choose to refer any minor variance application to the commission for a hearing and decision in the same manner as provided for a variance by subsection (E)(1) of this section. Prior to a decision on a minor variance, the director shall hold a 226 of 791 public meeting. The city shall provide notice of the public meeting in compliance with the following:
a. Contents of Notice. The notice shall include the following information and any additional information determined by the director to be appropriate:
i. Meeting Information. The date, time, and place of the meeting, and the name of the meeting body or officer; the phone number and street address of the department, where an interested person may call or visit to obtain additional information; and ii. Project Information. A general explanation of the matter to be considered; and a general description, in text and/or by diagram, of the location of the real property, that is the subject of the meeting.
b. Method of Notice Distribution. Notice shall be mailed or delivered at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting to the following:
i. Owners of the Project Site. The owners of the property being considered in the application; and
ii. Affected Owners and Occupants. All owners and occupants of real property as shown on the latest county equalized assessment roll, within a radius of five hundred feet from the exterior boundaries of the parcel that is the subject of the hear.

SECTION 14: Construction and severability.

It is the intent of the City Council of the City of Cotati to supplement applicable state and federal law and not to duplicate or contradict such law, and this ordinance shall be construed consistently with that intent. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Cotati hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.

SECTION 15: Effective date.

This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption pursuant to the California Government Code.

SECTION 16: Publication.

The city clerk shall cause this ordinance to be published and/or posted as required in Section 36933 of the California Government Code.

Approved:

Mayor 227 of 791
Attest:

Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:

John Bakker, City Attorney
This document is a true and correct copy of Ordinance Number and has been published or posted pursuant to law. California Government Code § 40806 Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: PUBLIC HEARINGS (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 17 (LAND USE) OF THE

COTATI MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMBINE THE

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL

ZONING DISTRICTS INTO A SINGLE ZONING DISTRICT
Date: June 10, 2025
Written by: Autumn Buss, Associate Planner
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council hold a public hearing and introduce an Ordinance amending Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial Zoning Districts into a single zoning district, in accordance with the City’s General Plan.

Background
The City’s General Plan identifies a single land use designation—Commercial/Industrial—for industrially-zoned land in Cotati. In turn, the City’s Land Use Code identifies and sets forth standards for two zoning districts to implement the General Plan’s Commercial Industrial designation: the Commercial/Industrial and the General Industrial zoning districts.

However, the General Plan also includes an action item--Action LU1b (Land Use)--which calls for either 1) combining the two zoning districts into a single district that accommodates the range of industrial and commercial uses allowed in the Commercial Industrial land use designation, or 2) amending the two zoning districts to accommodate the range of uses allowed in the Commercial Industrial land use designation.
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Analysis/Discussion
General Plan and Land Use Code Designations
The Commercial Industrial (CI) land use designation in the General Plan (GP), shown in the map below, applies to areas appropriate for industrial parks, research/development, food processing/preparation, manufacturing, laboratories, and compatible commercial uses, including business parks, retail sales for on-site manufacturing, and professional offices, in the same district. Site coverage of up to 80 percent is allowed in the CI designation; residential uses are not allowed.

Detail of General Plan Land Use Map
Commercial/Industrial Land Use Designation shown in gray (bounded by Helman lane on the south, the city boundary on the north and west, and Redwood Drive to the east) The CI land use designation is currently implemented by two zoning districts identified in the City’s Land Use Code: Commercial/Industrial (CI) and General Industrial (IG), shown in the map below in light gray (south of Laguna de Santa Rosa) and dark gray (north of Laguna de Santa Rosa), respectively.
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The CI and IG zoning districts are described as follows in the Land Use Code:
• The CI zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a mixture of retail, service, largescale office, light industry uses, warehousing and live/work units. The allowable intensity of development is determined by Section 17.24.030 (Zoning district site planning and building standards). The CI zoning district is consistent with and implements the commercial/industrial land use designation of the general plan. • The IG zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a wider variety of land uses that are more land-intensive than allowed in the CI district. These include manufacturing, warehousing, assembly, and live/work units. The allowable intensity of development is determined by Section 17.24.030 (Zoning district site planning and building standards) of this title. The IG zoning district is consistent with and implements the general industrial land use designation of the general plan. (Staff note: The reference to the “general industrial land use designation” is incorrect as there is no such designation in the GP, and is corrected in the proposed ordinance.)
Please see Attachment A, a redline version of the proposed ordinance’s amendments to Code Section 17.22.020, Table 2-3, for the list of allowable land uses and level of review required in each of the two zoning districts.
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Combining the Zoning Districts
The GP directive regarding industrial zoning is to either:

1. Combine the two existing zoning districts into a single district that accommodates the range of industrial and commercial uses allowed in the CI land use designation; or

2. Amend the zoning districts to accommodate the range of uses allowed in the CI land use designation.

Staff have determined that the appropriate path to implement GP Action LU1b is to combine the existing CI and IG zoning districts into a single district which will retain the title Commercial/Industrial (CI) to correspond with the GP’s CI land use designation, and have drafted the attached ordinance to this end. There are several reasons to pursue this approach:
• Currently, the CI and IG zoning districts share a list of potential land uses which reflects the full range of uses allowed by the CI land use designation. There is no need to add or remove land uses to increase compliance with the General Plan. The key difference between the two districts is whether a given use is allowable or not, and if so, the type of permit required and the corresponding review authority. • Reducing the number of zoning districts provides an opportunity to streamline the Land Use Code and simplify its interpretation by the public and implementation by the City. • Cotati has a relatively small amount of industrial-zoned land, and demand for traditional heavier industrial or manufacturing land is limited and unlikely to increase in the future.

On the other hand, light industrial and commercial uses that thrive in a quasi-industrial setting and/or a freeway-adjacent setting are more likely to seek space here. Therefore, offering a single industrial zoning district—which is flexible and can accommodate commercial uses as well—can encourage businesses such as indoor sports facilities, breweries, wineries with tasting rooms, and artist studios, as well as business incubators, to locate in Cotati.
• In keeping with the objectives of flexibility and business attraction mentioned in the above bullet point, the proposed ordinance would not only combine the existing zoning districts, but also adjust the permit requirement for several land uses for the new CI zoning district. These adjustments are aimed at reducing administrative hurdles and permit fees in order to facilitate business development. Uses that are more likely to cause impacts on surrounding land uses, such as heavy manufacturing and processing, construction contractors, laundry/dry cleaning plants, and medium-scale recycling collection facilities, would still require a use permit process before the Planning Commission, with conditions of approval to reduce potential impacts. 232 of 791
The Land Use Code update would require a number of minor code language updates to correspond to the proposed combination of the CI and IG zoning districts. Please see Attachment B for the full redline text of code amendments proposed by the ordinance.

Impact on Existing Businesses
The amendment of the Land Use Code to combine the CI and IG zoning districts into a single district will not affect businesses that are currently located in these districts. The updated Code will be applied to businesses that are newly locating in the new CI zoning district or changing the use of a property in the district.

Planning Commission Recommendation
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 19, 2025 on the proposed ordinance, and adopted a resolution recommending that the City Council adopt the ordinance.

Financial Considerations
With the exception of the staff time to prepare this report, there will be no financial impact to the City from the adoption of this ordinance.

Environmental Issues
The proposed ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as it is consistent with the program Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2013082037) for the Cotati General Plan Update that was certified on March 24, 2015 (Resolution Number 2015-11).

In addition, the proposed ordinance is consistent with and implements the City’s adopted General Plan, and no new environmental impacts peculiar to the project site(s) have been realized or identified. Therefore no additional environmental analysis is required under CEQA Section 15183, and pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines, no further environmental review is required.
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ORDINANCE NO.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI AMENDING TITLE 17 (LAND USE) OF THE COTATI MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMBINE THE

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS

INTO A SINGLE ZONING DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL PLAN
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2015, the Cotati City Council adopted its updated General Plan (Resolution No. 2015-12), which identifies the City’s vision for the future and provides a framework to guide decisions on growth and development consistent with the quality of life desired by Cotati citizens. On March 24, 2015, the Cotati City Council also certified the City of Cotati General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which reviewed potentially significant environmental effects resulting from the plan’s implementation and developed measures and policies to mitigate those impacts to less-than-significant levels; and WHEREAS, one of the purposes of Title 17 of the Cotati Municipal Code is to ensure that the General Plan may be implemented, and adoption of changes to the Cotati Land Use Code are necessary to implement the General Plan with regard to its goals; and WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of California has in Government Code Sections 65302, 65560, and 65800 conferred upon local governments the authority to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry; and WHEREAS, the City’s General Plan sets forth Action LU1b, which directs the City to review the standards provided in the Land Use Code and amend as necessary for consistency with General Plan policies and allowed uses, including either combining the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial zoning 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 zoning districts to accommodate the range of uses allowed in the Commercial Industrial land use designation; and WHEREAS, updating the Land Use Code to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial zoning districts will streamline and simplify the Land Use Code and its implementation, and create opportunities for a broader range of business activity in the city’s industrial area; and
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2025, the Planning Commission of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing to review the proposed ordinance amending Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial Zoning Districts into a single zoning district, in accordance with the City’s General Plan.

After receiving the staff report, reviewing a presentation from the Planning Division, and considering all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance, the Planning Commission voted to approve a resolution recommending adoption of the proposed 234 of 791 ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on June 10 , 2025, the City Council of the City of Cotati held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance amending Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial Zoning Districts into a single zoning district, in accordance with the City’s General Plan, received the staff report, reviewed a presentation from the Planning Division, and considered all oral and written comments submitted to the City regarding the Ordinance prior to voting to introduce the Ordinance.

NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1: Recitals.

The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated into the findings herein.

SECTION 2: Record.

The Record of Proceedings (“Record”) upon which the City Council makes its decision includes, but is not limited to: 1) the 2015 General Plan, 2) the FEIR certified for the 2015 General Plan, and 3) all staff reports, City files and records, and other documents prepared for and/or submitted to the City Council related to adoption of the ordinance amending Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial Zoning Districts into a single zoning district, in accordance with the City’s General Plan.

SECTION 3: General Plan Consistency
The Council of the City of Cotati does hereby find that the amendments to Title 17 (Land Use) of the Cotati Municipal Code to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial Zoning Districts into a single zoning district, in accordance with the City’s General Plan, as set forth in this Ordinance, are in the best interest of the City in that they will further established goals, policies, and implementation programs of the General Plan to use land appropriately and to conserve resources.

The proposed ordinance amendment specifically implements Action LU1b of the General Plan:

Action LU1b: Review the standards provided in the Land Use Code and amend as necessary for consistency with General Plan policies and allowed uses, including: 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 land use designation.

In addition, the proposed ordinance will implement the following General Plan goals and policies:

Goal EV1: Establish and maintain a healthy local economy that includes a diversity of commercial and industrial enterprises which provide goods services, and employment opportunities to residents consistent with Cotati’s small-town image. 235 of 791
Goal LU 1: Establish an efficient, harmonious, and environmentally sensitive land use pattern that enhances Cotati’s small town character, provides adequate space to accommodate sustainable economic and housing growth, and encourages orderly growth.

Policy LU 1.1 Maintain a supply of developable mixed use, commercial, industrial, and residential lands sufficient to meet desired growth and economic needs over the planning period.

Goal LU 3: Provide for a range of commercial, industrial, and mixed use to provide Cotati’s residents access to jobs and employment and to support the local economy.

SECTION 4: Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

The Council of the City of Cotati does hereby find that the proposed ordinance to combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial Zoning Districts into a single zoning district Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as it is consistent with the program Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2013082037) for the Cotati General Plan Update that was certified on March 24, 2015 (Resolution Number 2015-11). In addition, the proposed ordinance is consistent with and implements the City’s adopted General Plan, and no new environmental impacts peculiar to the project site(s) have been realized or identified. Therefore no additional environmental analysis is required under CEQA Section 15183, and pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines, no further environmental review is required.

SECTION 5: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.20.020, Zoning map and zoning districts, Table 2-1, Zoning Districts, is amended as follows:
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Table 2-1
Zoning Districts
Zoning Map
Symbol Name of Zoning District General Plan Designation Implemented by Zoning District Location within
Transect
Low Density and Neighborhood Zones
OSC Open Space, Conservation Open Space MORE RURAL
OSR Open Space, Recreation Parks –
RR Rural Residential Rural –
RVL Residential Very Low Density Low Density Residential – NL Neighborhood, Low Density Low-Medium Density Residential – NM Neighborhood, Medium Density Medium Density Residential TO NU Neighborhood, Urban High Density Residential –
Mixed Use Corridor and Downtown Zones
CE Commercial, East Cotati Ave.

Corridor
Office, General Commercial –
CG Commercial, Gravenstein
Corridor
Highway Commercial, General
Commercial
–
CA Commerce Avenue Downtown Specific Plan –
NG Northern Gateway Downtown Specific Plan –
CD Downtown Commercial General Commercial, La Plaza
Specific Plan
–
HC Historic Core Downtown Specific Plan –
LP La Plaza Downtown Specific Plan MORE URBAN
Commercial/Industrial District
CI Commercial/Industrial District Commercial/Industrial Special Purpose and Overlay Zones
CP Coordinated Planning Overlay All
MHP Mobilehome Park Overlay All Residential
MHP-S Senior Mobilehome Park
Overlay
All Residential
PF Public Facility Public Facilities
SPSW Specific Plan, Santero Way All
SPD Specific Plan, Downtown General Commercial, Low Density Residential, Parks
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SECTION 6: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.20.030(C), Purposes of the zoning districts, is amended as follows:

C. Commercial/Industrial District.

1. CI (Commercial/Industrial District) Zoning District. The CI zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a mixture of retail, service, large-scale office, industrial uses, warehousing, manufacturing, assembly, and live/work units. The allowable intensity of development is determined by Section 17.24.030 (Zoning district site planning and building standards). The CI zoning district is consistent with and implements the commercial/industrial land use designation of the general plan.

SECTION 7: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.22.020, Allowable land uses and planning permit requirements, Table 2-2: Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements – Cannabis Uses is amended as follows:

Table 2-2: Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements – Cannabis Uses

LAND USE

MAXIMUM

CULTIVATION

AREA PER
PARCEL
(square feet of
canopy or # of
plants)

MINIMUM
PARCEL
SIZE
STATE

LICENSE
TYPE
East
Cotati
Avenue
Corridor
Gravenstein
Highway
Corridor
Downtown
Commercial
Commercial/
Industrial
Public
Facility
Specific
Use
Regulations
Med/AU CE CG CD CI PF
PERSONAL CANNABIS CULTIVATION; No Permit
Required
Personal or
Caregiver
Cultivation
(inside dwelling
unit or accessory
structure only)
6 plants/parcel None Exempt P
(1, 2) P(2) P(2)
– –
COMMERCIAL CANNABIS USES, Commercial Cannabis
Permit Required(3)
Specialty 5,000 sf or 50
plants None 1/1 – – – – –
Small 5,001 – 10,000 sf None 2/2 – – – – –
Medium 10,001 – 43,560
sf None 3/3 – – – – –
Large 43,561 sf or
larger None 5/5 – – – – –
Nursery 20,000 sf None 4/4 – – – – –
Specialty 501 – 5,000 sf 1A/1A – – – – –
Small 5,001 – 10,000 sf 2A/2A – – – S S 17.42.200
Medium 10,001 – 22,000
sf 3A/3A – – – S S 17.42.200
Large 22,001 or larger 5A/5A – – – – – 238 of 791
NOTES:
“–” Use Not Allowed “P” Permitted Use
“S” Check specific use regulations, as noted. “UP” Use permit required. “sf” means square feet. “AU” means adult or recreational use. (1) Commercial cannabis uses are not allowed in any residential zones. (2) Allowed only in residential use portions of mixed-use development. (3) Commercial cannabis uses are not allowed within the Downtown Specific Plan or Santero Way Specific Plan areas. (4) Nursery use is allowed as part of any city-issued indoor cultivation cannabis permit. “Specialty cottage” cultivation is not permitted. (5) Each manufacturing use type can perform related subtypes for infusion of products and/or packaging and labeling. Shared use facilities are not permitted. “Processor” activities are considered part of cultivation, manufacturing, or distribution permit approvals, and subject to the applicable cannabis business tax, as determined by the city. (6) Includes transport-only distributor.

LAND USE

MAXIMUM

CULTIVATION

AREA PER
PARCEL
(square feet of
canopy or # of
plants)

MINIMUM
PARCEL
SIZE
STATE

LICENSE
TYPE
East
Cotati
Avenue
Corridor
Gravenstein
Highway
Corridor
Downtown
Commercial
Commercial/
Industrial
Public
Facility
Specific
Use
Regulations
Med/AU CE CG CD CI PF
Specialty
Cottage 2,500 sf 1C/1C – – – – –
Specialty 2,501 – 5,000 sf 1B/1B – – – – –
Small 5,001 – 10,000 sf 2B/2B – – – – –
Medium 10,001 – 22,000
sf 3B/3B – – – – –
Large 22,001 or larger 5B/5B – – – – –
MANUFACTURING(5)
Manufacturer 1:

Non-Volatile/No
Solvents
N/A 6/6 – – – S S 17.42.200
Manufacturer 2:

Volatile
Solvents
N/A 7/7 – – – S S 17.42.200

TESTING
Testing
Laboratories 8/8 – P – P P
RETAIL (w/delivery)
Nonstorefront
Retailer
(delivery only)
9/9 – – – S S 17.42.200
Storefront
Retailer 10/10 – S – – – 17.42.200

DISTRIBUTOR
Distributor(6) 11/11 – S – S S 17.42.200
MICROBUSINESS (with delivery and/or cannabis
consumption cafe/lounge)
Microbusiness 12/12 – S – – – 17.42.200
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SECTION 8: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.22.020, Allowable land uses and planning permit requirements, Table 2-3: Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Mixed Use Corridors and Commercial/Industrial Districts is amended as follows:

Table 2-3
Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Mixed Use Corridors and Districts P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI PF
Specific
Use
Regulations
Industry, Manufacturing and Processing, Wholesaling
Agricultural product processing – – – P –
Artisan/craft product manufacturing(5) MUP MUP MUP P –
Brewery – Brew pub MUP MUP MUP MUP –
Brewery – Production – – – MUP –
Construction contractor – – – UP –
Food and beverage product manufacturing – – – MUP MUP
Furniture and fixtures manufacturing, cabinet shop – – – P – Industrial research and development – MUP – P –
Laboratory – Medical, analytical, research and
development
P P – P –
Laundry, dry cleaning plant – – – UP –
Manufacturing/processing – Light – – – P –
Manufacturing/processing – Medium intensity – – – MUP – Manufacturing/processing – Heavy – – – UP –
Media production P P – P –
Printing and publishing UP UP – P –
Recycling – Reverse vending machine MUP MUP – – –
Recycling – Small collection facility UP UP – P – 17.42.150 Recycling – Medium collection facility – – – UP – 17.42.150 Storage – Outdoor – – – UP – 17.42.140
Storage – Personal storage facility (mini-storage) – – – – – Storage – Warehouse, indoor storage – – – UP –
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P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI PF
Specific
Use
Regulations
Wholesaling and distribution – – – UP –
Winery – Boutique – UP – MUP –
Winery – Production – – – MUP –
Recreation, Education and Public Assembly Uses
Adult-oriented business – – – S – 17.40
Commercial recreation facility – Indoor – 5,000
sq. ft. or less
UP P – P –
Commercial recreation facility – Indoor – More
than 5,000 sq. ft.

UP MUP – UP –
Commercial recreation facility – Outdoor – – – UP –
Conference/convention facility – 5,000 sq. ft. or
less
UP MUP UP(2) MUP UP
Conference/convention facility – More than 5,000
sq. ft.

UP UP UP(2) UP UP
Health/fitness facility UP P UP(2) P –
Library, museum P P MUP P P
Meeting facility, public or private – 5,000 sq. ft.
or less
UP MUP MUP(2) MUP MUP
Meeting facility, public or private – More than
5,000 sq. ft.

UP UP UP(2) UP UP
Park P P P – P
School – Elementary, middle, secondary UP(2) UP(2) – – UP School – Specialized education/training UP(2) UP(2) UP(2) UP UP Sports and entertainment assembly – – – UP UP
Studio – Art, dance, martial arts, music, etc. P P MUP(2) P – Theater UP MUP MUP MUP UP
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit P P P – – 17.42.170
Emergency/transitional shelter – – S – S 17.42.072
Home occupation P P P – – 17.42.080
Live/work unit UP UP P UP – 17.42.090
Low barrier navigation center P P – – –
Residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) UP MUP – – UP Residential care facility, 7 or more clients UP – – – UP 241 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI PF
Specific
Use
Regulations
Residential component of a mixed use project P P P – – 17.39.030,

17.39.040,

17.42.100
Supportive housing P P – – –
Retail Trade(3)
Accessory retail or services P P P P P
Alcoholic beverage sales – Associated with a
restaurant(4)
P P P P – 17.42.030
Alcoholic beverage sales UP UP UP – – 17.42.030
Antique or collectible store MUP P MUP – –
Artisan shop P P P P –
Auto and vehicle sales and rental – UP – MUP –
Auto parts sales with no installation services – P – P – Bar, tavern UP UP UP – –
Building and landscape materials sales – Indoor – P – P – Building and landscape materials sales – Outdoor – UP – MUP – 17.42.130 Construction and heavy equipment sales and
rental
– – – MUP – 17.42.130
Convenience store UP UP – UP –
Drive-through retail – UP – UP – 17.42.070
Extended hour retail UP MUP MUP MUP –
Farm supply and feed store – P – P –
Farmers market(8) MUP MUP MUP MUP UP
Formula-based fast food restaurant S S S – – 17.42.071
Fuel dealer (propane for home and farm use, etc.) – – – UP – Furniture, furnishings and appliance store P P UP P –
General retail – Less than 5,000 sq. ft. P P P P –
General retail – 5,000 sq. ft. to 20,000 sq. ft. P P P P – General retail – More than 20,000 sq. ft. UP P UP P –
Groceries, specialty foods – 10,000 sq. ft. or less P P P P – Groceries, specialty foods – More than 10,000 sq.
ft.

UP MUP UP MUP –
242 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Mobilehome, boat, or RV sales – – – MUP –
Night club UP UP UP – –
Outdoor display and sales MUP MUP MUP MUP – 17.42.130
Plant nursery – MUP – MUP –
Restaurant – Outdoor dining(6) P/
MUP
P/
MUP
P/
MUP
P/
MUP
– 17.42.130(E)
Restaurant, cafe, coffee shop P P P P –
Retail complex UP P UP P –
Retail display gallery – P P – – 17.90.020
Second hand store UP UP UP – –
Service station (nonfossil fuels sales) UP UP UP – – 17.42.180 Tasting room UP P P P –
Warehouse retail – MUP – UP –
Services – Business, Financial, Professional
ATM P P P P –
Bank, financial services P P UP P –
Business support service P P P
(2) UP –
Medical services – Doctor office UP P
(2) P(2) – –
Medical services – Clinic, urgent care UP – – – –
Office – Accessory P P P P P
Office – Business/service UP UP(2) P
(2) P –
Office – Government MUP MUP MUP MUP MUP
Office – Processing UP(2) MUP UP(2) MUP –
Office – Professional/administrative P P P
(2) P –
Services – General
Accessory retail or services P P P P P 17.42.015
Adult day care UP – – – UP
Catering service – – – P –
Child day care center MUP P MUP MUP UP
Drive-through service – UP – – – 17.42.070
Equipment rental – – – MUP – 17.42.140
243 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI PF
Specific
Use
Regulations
Kennel, animal boarding – MUP – MUP –
Lodging – Bed and breakfast inn (B&B) P P MUP – –
Lodging – Boutique hotel or motel UP UP UP – –
Lodging – Hotel or motel UP UP UP – –
Maintenance service – Client site services – – – P –
Mortuary, funeral home UP – – – –
Personal services P P P P –
Personal services – Restricted UP(2) – – – –
Public safety facility UP UP UP UP P
Repair service – Equipment, large appliances, etc. – – – P – Social service organization MUP(2) MUP(2) – MUP UP
Vehicle services – Major repair/body work – – – MUP –
Vehicle services – Minor maintenance/repair – – – MUP – Veterinary clinic, animal hospital MUP P – P –
Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure
Ambulance, taxi, or limousine storage – – – UP –
Broadcasting studio – UP(2) UP(2) MUP –
Electric vehicle charging station(7) P P P P P 14.38
Parking facility, public or commercial UP UP UP – P
Telecommunications facility S S S S S 17.44
Transit station or terminal UP UP UP UP UP
Utility facility – – – UP UP
Vehicle storage – – – UP –
Key to Zoning District Symbols
CE East Cotati Avenue Corridor CI Commercial/Industrial District CG Gravenstein Highway Corridor IG General Industrial District CD Downtown Commercial PF Public Facility District
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Notes:
(1) See Article 9 for land use definitions.
(2) Use allowed only on second or upper floors, in compliance with Section 17.24.050(C), Limitation on the Location of Allowable Land Uses, or behind an allowed ground floor street frontage use.
(3) See Section 17.42.165, Retail use maximum floor area. (4) When the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control allows customers under twenty-one years of age on the premises. (5) Artisan/craft product manufacturing uses proposed in the CE, CG, CD, HC, LP, NG, and CA districts must be located within buildings and suites designed and oriented to engage and encourage pedestrian activity and interaction with the surrounding uses. Uses in these districts must also include retail storefront presence and design characteristics, with production and manufacturing design elements (such as loading doors, material storage, etc.) oriented away from the primary entrances and street frontages of developments where they are located. (6) MUP required for outdoor dining on private property in the CD district when the dining use abuts a residential land use. (7) Permitted as an accessory use.
(8) Fees for farmers market planning permit applications shall be calculated at fifty percent of the fees set forth in the fee schedule as described in Section 17.60.060, Application fees. Use permit approval shall require that the review authority first find that the proposed use will be compatible with any nearby residential uses. Notices of public hearings shall be mailed to property owners within a radius from the subject site of six hundred feet, or greater at the director’s discretion.

SECTION 9: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.24.020, Zoning district subdivision and density standards is amended as follows:

Each subdivision and residential development project shall comply with the minimum parcel size and density requirements shown in Table 2-4 for the applicable zoning district.

Table 2-4
Parcel Size and Density Standards
Minimum Parcel Size(1) Residential Density
Zoning District
Area(2) Width(1) Minimum Density Maximum Density
OSC Determined through subdivision review 1 caretaker unit; no other residential allowed OSR Determined through subdivision review No residential units allowed RR-1.5 1.5 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 1.5 acres
RR-1.0 1 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per acre
RVL-0.66 0.66 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 0.66 acres
RVL-0.5 0.5 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 0.5 acres
NL 6,000 sq. ft.(4) 60 ft. 4 units per acre(3) 6 units per acre NM 4,000 sq. ft.(4) 50 ft. 8 units per acre(3) 10 units per acre NU 2,500 sq. ft.(4) 40 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CE 2,500 sq. ft.(4) 40 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CG 2,500 sq. ft.(4) 40 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CD 2,000 sq. ft.(4) 20 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CI 10,000 sq. ft.(4) 100 ft. N.A. 15 units per acre
PF Determined through subdivision review N.A. N.A.

SP Determined by applicable specific plan
Notes:
(1) Parcel depth shall be no less than the parcel width; and no more than three times the parcel width. (2) Net area. In residential subdivisions, corner lots and reversed corner lots shall have an area of at least ten percent greater than that of the minimum lot area required.
(3) No residential subdivision, or residential development project with multiple units on a single parcel (including the residential component of a mixed use project) will be approved at less than the minimum density; except that in the CE, CG, and CD zoning districts, the review authority may reduce the minimum density for a mixed use project where it determines that the minimum density is not feasible due to constraints on the parcel, including topography, easements, and access.
(4) Where allowed by the applicable zone, a commercial condominium, or a residential condominium, townhouse, or other common interest 245 of 791
project may be subdivided with smaller parcels for ownership purposes, with the minimum lot area determined through subdivision review, provided that the overall development site complies with the minimum parcel size, and the total number of any dwellings is in compliance with the maximum density for the applicable zone.

SECTION 10: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.24.030, Zoning district site planning and building standards, Table 2-16 and Figures 2-23 and 2-24 are repealed.

SECTION 11: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.38.060(B), Zoning district sign standards is amended as follows:

B. Mixed Use Corridors and Districts. Each sign in the CG, CE, SPD, CD, and CI zoning districts shall comply with the requirements in Table 3-12.

SECTION 12: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Sections 17.40.030(A) and (B), Prohibited areas and minimum proximity requirements, are amended as follows:

A. Commercial Industrial (CI) Zoning District. Subject to the limitations set forth in this chapter, adult-oriented businesses may be established in the CI (Commercial/Industrial) zoning district of the city.

B. Specified Distance Separation Requirements. Notwithstanding the above, no adult-oriented business shall be established or located within certain distances of certain specified land uses or zoning districts as set forth in this subsection. No adult-oriented business shall be established or located:

1. On a parcel within the CI zoning district abutting Redwood Drive or Helman Lane;

2. Within a three hundred-foot radius from any existing residential zoning district or use. The distance between a proposed adult-oriented business use and a residential zoning district or use shall be measured from the nearest exterior wall of the facility housing the adult-oriented business use or proposed adult-oriented business use to the nearest property line included within a residential zoning district or property in current residential use, along a straight line extended between the two points;

3. Within five hundred feet of any other adult-oriented business as defined in this chapter which is located either inside or outside the jurisdiction of the city. The distance between the two adult-oriented business uses shall be measured between the nearest exterior wall of the facility housing the adult-oriented business use and proposed adult-oriented business use along a straight line extended between the two points; or

4. Within five hundred feet from any existing park, playground, religious facility, or school use or property zoned open space (OSC or OSR) or public facilities (PF). The distance between a proposed adult-oriented business use and park, playground, church or school uses or property zoned open space (OSC or OSR) or public facilities (PF), shall be measured from the nearest exterior wall of the facility housing the adult-oriented business use or proposed adult-oriented business use to the nearest property line where the park, playground, church or school use is located, or property zoned open space (OSC or OSR) or public facilities (PF) along a straight line extended between the two points.
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SECTION 13: Amendment to the Cotati Municipal Code. Section 17.42.071(A)(1), Formulabased fast food restaurant is amended as follows:

A. Limitations on Use.

SECTION 14: Construction and severability.

SECTION 15: Effective date.

This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption pursuant to the California Government Code.

SECTION 16: Publication. The city clerk shall cause this ordinance to be published and/or posted as required in Section 36933 of the California Government Code.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing ordinance was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on June 10, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

RESULT: MOVER:

SECONDER: AYES:

Approved:

Mayor
Attest:

Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:
247 of 791
City Attorney
This document is a true and correct copy of Ordinance Number ### and has been published or posted pursuant to law. California Government Code § 40806 Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
248 of 791
Attachment A: Redline version of proposed amendments to Allowable Uses Table
Section 17.22.020, Allowable land uses and planning permit requirements, Table 2-3:

Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Mixed Use Corridors and Commercial/Industrial Districts is amended as follows:

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Industry, Manufacturing and Processing, Wholesaling
Agricultural product processing – – – P– P –
Artisan/craft product manufacturing(5) MUP MUP MUP P P – See Note 5 Below
Brewery – Brew pub MUP MUP MUP MUP– – –
Brewery – Production – – – MUPUP UP –
Construction contractor – – – UP– UP –
Food and beverage product manufacturing – – – MUP– MUP MUP Furniture and fixtures manufacturing, cabinet shop – – – P P – Industrial research and development – MUP – P MUP –
Laboratory – Medical, analytical, research and
development
P P – P MUP –
Laundry, dry cleaning plant – – – UP– UP –
Manufacturing/processing – Light – – – P MUP P –
Manufacturing/processing – Medium intensity – – – MUP MUP – Manufacturing/processing – Heavy – – – UP– UP –
Media production P P – P P –
Printing and publishing UP UP – P P –
Recycling – Reverse vending machine MUP MUP – – – –
249 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Recycling – Small collection facility UP UP – PUP P – 17.42.150 Recycling – Medium collection facility – – – UP UP – 17.42.150 Storage – Outdoor – – – UP UP – 17.42.140
Storage – Personal storage facility (mini-storage) – – – – – – Storage – Warehouse, indoor storage – – – UP – –
Wholesaling and distribution – – – UP UP –
Winery – Boutique – UP – MUP MUP –
Winery – Production – – – MUP MUP –
Recreation, Education and Public Assembly Uses
Adult-oriented business – – – S– S – 17.40
Commercial recreation facility – Indoor – 5,000
sq. ft. or less
UP P – P – –
Commercial recreation facility – Indoor – More
than 5,000 sq. ft.

UP MUP – UP – –
Commercial recreation facility – Outdoor – – – UP – –
Conference/convention facility – 5,000 sq. ft. or
less
UP MUP UP(2) MUP – UP
Conference/convention facility – More than 5,000
sq. ft.

UP UP UP(2) UP – UP
Health/fitness facility UP P UP(2) P UP –
Library, museum P P MUP P – P
Meeting facility, public or private – 5,000 sq. ft. or
less
UP MUP MUP(2) MUP – MUP
Meeting facility, public or private – More than
5,000 sq. ft.

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit P P P – – – 17.42.170
Emergency/transitional shelter – – S – – S 17.42.072
Home occupation P P P – – – 17.42.080
Live/work unit UP UP P UP UP – 17.42.090
Low barrier navigation center P P – – – –
Residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) UP MUP – – – UP Residential care facility, 7 or more clients UP – – – – UP Residential component of a mixed use project P P P – – – 17.39.030,

17.39.040,

17.42.100
Supportive housing P P – – – –
Retail Trade(3)
Accessory retail or services P P P P P P
Alcoholic beverage sales – Associated with a
restaurant(4)
P P P P UP – 17.42.030
Alcoholic beverage sales UP UP UP – – – 17.42.030
Antique or collectible store MUP P MUP – – –
Artisan shop P P P P – –
Auto and vehicle sales and rental – UP – MUP UP –
Auto parts sales with no installation services – P – P – – Bar, tavern UP UP UP – – –
Building and landscape materials sales – Indoor – P – P P – Building and landscape materials sales – Outdoor – UP – MUP – – 17.42.130 Construction and heavy equipment sales and
rental
– – – MUP MUP – 17.42.130
Convenience store UP UP – UP – –
Drive-through retail – UP – UP – – 17.42.070
Extended hour retail UP MUP MUP MUP – –
Farm supply and feed store – P – P – –
251 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Farmers market(8) MUP MUP MUP MUP UP UP
Formula-based fast food restaurant S S S – – – 17.42.071 Fuel dealer (propane for home and farm use, etc.) – – – UP UP – Furniture, furnishings and appliance store P P UP P UP – General retail – Less than 5,000 sq. ft. P P P P – –
General retail – 5,000 sq. ft. to 20,000 sq. ft. P P P P – – General retail – More than 20,000 sq. ft. UP P UP P – – Groceries, specialty foods – 10,000 sq. ft. or less P P P P – – Groceries, specialty foods – More than 10,000 sq.
ft.

UP MUP UP MUP – –
Mobilehome, boat, or RV sales – – – MUP – –
Night club UP UP UP – – –
Outdoor display and sales MUP MUP MUP MUP – – 17.42.130 Plant nursery – MUP – MUP MUP –
Restaurant – Outdoor dining(6) P/
MUP
P/
MUP
P/
MUP
P/
MUP
– – 17.42.130(E)
Restaurant, cafe, coffee shop P P P P UP –
Retail complex UP P UP P – –
Retail display gallery – P P – – – 17.90.020
Second hand store UP UP UP – – –
Service station (nonfossil fuels sales) UP UP UP – – – 17.42.180 Tasting room UP P P P – –
Warehouse retail – MUP – UP – –
Services – Business, Financial, Professional
ATM P P P P – –
Bank, financial services P P UP P – –
Business support service P P P
(2) UP – –
Medical services – Doctor office UP P
(2) P(2) – – –
Medical services – Clinic, urgent care UP – – – – –
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P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Office – Accessory P P P P P P
Office – Business/service UP UP(2) P
(2) P – –
Office – Government MUP MUP MUP MUP MUP MUP
Office – Processing UP(2) MUP UP(2) MUP – –
Office – Professional/administrative P P P
(2) P – –
Services – General
Accessory retail or services P P P P P P 17.42.015
Adult day care UP – – – – UP
Catering service – – – P P –
Child day care center MUP P MUP MUP – UP
Drive-through service – UP – – – – 17.42.070
Equipment rental – – – MUP UP – 17.42.140
Kennel, animal boarding – MUP – MUP UP –
Lodging – Bed and breakfast inn (B&B) P P MUP – – –
Lodging – Boutique hotel or motel UP UP UP – – –
Lodging – Hotel or motel UP UP UP – – –
Maintenance service – Client site services – – – P P –
Mortuary, funeral home UP – – – – –
Personal services P P P P – –
Personal services – Restricted UP(2) – – – – –
Public safety facility UP UP UP UP UP P
Repair service – Equipment, large appliances, etc. – – – P P – Social service organization MUP(2) MUP(2) – MUP – UP
Vehicle services – Major repair/body work – – – MUPUP MUP – Vehicle services – Minor maintenance/repair – – – MUPUP UP – Veterinary clinic, animal hospital MUP P – P MUP –
Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure
253 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Ambulance, taxi, or limousine storage – – – UP– UP –
Broadcasting studio – UP(2) UP(2) MUP – –
Electric vehicle charging station(7) P P P P P P 14.38
Parking facility, public or commercial UP UP UP – – P
Telecommunications facility S S S S S S 17.44
Transit station or terminal UP UP UP UP – UP
Utility facility – – – UP UP UP
Vehicle storage – – – UP– UP –
Key to Zoning District Symbols
CE East Cotati Avenue Corridor CI Commercial/Industrial District CG Gravenstein Highway Corridor IG General Industrial District CD Downtown Commercial PF Public Facility District
Notes:
(1) See Article 9 for land use definitions.
(2) Use allowed only on second or upper floors, in compliance with Section 17.24.050(C), Limitation on the Location of Allowable Land Uses, or behind an allowed ground floor street frontage use. (3) See Section 17.42.165, Retail use maximum floor area. (4) When the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control allows customers under twenty-one years of age on the premises. (5) Artisan/craft product manufacturing uses proposed in the CE, CG, CD, HC, LP, NG, and CA districts must be located within buildings and suites designed and oriented to engage and encourage pedestrian activity and interaction with the surrounding uses. Uses in these districts must also include retail storefront presence and design characteristics, with production and manufacturing design elements (such as loading doors, material storage, etc.) oriented away from the primary entrances and street frontages of developments where they are located. (6) MUP required for outdoor dining on private property in the CD district when the dining use abuts a residential land use. (7) Permitted as an accessory use.
(8) Fees for farmers market planning permit applications shall be calculated at fifty percent of the fees set forth in the fee schedule as described in Section 17.60.060, Application fees. Use permit approval shall require that the review authority first find that the proposed use will be compatible with any nearby residential uses. Notices of public hearings shall be mailed to property owners within a radius from the subject site of six hundred feet, or greater at the director’s discretion. 254 of 791
Attachment B: Redline version of proposed amendments to Land Use Code Section 17.20.020, Zoning map and zoning districts, Table 2-1, Zoning Districts, is amended as follows:

Table 2-1
Zoning Districts
Zoning
Map
Symbol
Name of Zoning District
General Plan Designation
Implemented by Zoning District
Location
within
Transect
Low Density and Neighborhood Zones
OSC Open Space, Conservation Open Space MORE
RURAL
OSR Open Space, Recreation Parks –
RR Rural Residential Rural –
RVL Residential Very Low Density Low Density Residential – NL Neighborhood, Low Density Low-Medium Density Residential – NM Neighborhood, Medium
Density
Medium Density Residential TO
NU Neighborhood, Urban High Density Residential –
Mixed Use Corridor and Downtown Zones
CE Commercial, East Cotati Ave.

Corridor
Office, General Commercial –
CG Commercial, Gravenstein
Corridor
Highway Commercial, General
Commercial
–
CA Commerce Avenue Downtown Specific Plan –
NG Northern Gateway Downtown Specific Plan –
CD Downtown Commercial General Commercial, La Plaza
Specific Plan
–
HC Historic Core Downtown Specific Plan –
LP La Plaza Downtown Specific Plan MORE
URBAN
Commercial/Industrial Districts
CI Commercial/ Industrial
District
Commercial/ Industrial
IG General Industrial District General Industrial
255 of 791
Zoning
Map
Symbol
Name of Zoning District
General Plan Designation
Implemented by Zoning District
Location
within
Transect
Special Purpose and Overlay Zones
CP Coordinated Planning Overlay All
MHP Mobilehome Park Overlay All Residential
MHP-S Senior Mobilehome Park
Overlay
All Residential
PF Public Facility Public Facilities
SPSW Specific Plan, Santero Way All
SPD Specific Plan, Downtown General Commercial, Low
Density Residential, Parks
Section 17.20.030(C), Purposes of the zoning districts, is amended as follows:

C. Commercial/Industrial Districts.

1. CI (Commercial/Industrial District) Zoning District. The CI zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a mixture of retail, service, large-scale office, light industrialy uses, warehousing, manufacturing, assembly, and live/work units. The allowable intensity of development is determined by Section 17.24.030 (Zoning district site planning and building standards). The CI zoning district is consistent with and implements the commercial/industrial land use designation of the general plan.

2. IG (General Industrial District) Zoning District. The IG zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a wider variety of land uses that are more land-intensive manufacturing uses than allowed in the CI district. These include manufacturing, warehousing, assembly, and live/work units. The allowable intensity of development is determined by Section 17.24.030 (Zoning district site planning and building standards) of this title. The IG zoning district is consistent with and implements the general industrial land use designation of the general plan.

Section 17.22.020, Allowable land uses and planning permit requirements, Table 2-2:

Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements – Cannabis Uses is amended as follows:

Table 2-2: Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements – Cannabis Uses

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE

MAXIMUM

CULTIVATION

AREA PER
PARCEL
(square feet of
canopy or # of
plants)

MINIMUM
PARCEL
SIZE
STATE

COMMERCIAL

LAND USE

MAXIMUM

CULTIVATION

AREA PER
PARCEL
(square feet of
canopy or # of
plants)

MINIMUM
PARCEL
SIZE
STATE

LICENSE
TYPE
East
Cotati
Avenue
Corridor
Gravenstein
Highway
Corridor
Downtown
Commercial
Commercial/
Industrial
General
Industrial
Public
Facility
Specific
Use
Regulations
Med/AU CE CG CD CI IG PF
PERSONAL CANNABIS CULTIVATION; No Permit
Required
Personal or
Caregiver
Cultivation
(inside dwelling
unit or accessory
structure only)
6 plants/parcel None Exempt P
(1, 2) P(2) P(2)
– – –
COMMERCIAL CANNABIS USES, Commercial Cannabis
Permit Required(3)
Outdoor Cultivation
Specialty 5,000 sf or 50
plants None 1/1 – – – – – –
Small 5,001 – 10,000 sf None 2/2 – – – – – –
Medium 10,001 – 43,560
sf None 3/3 – – – – – –
Large 43,561 sf or
larger None 5/5 – – – – – –
Nursery 20,000 sf None 4/4 – – – – – –
Indoor Cultivation(4)
Specialty 501 – 5,000 sf 1A/1A – – – – – –
Small 5,001 – 10,000 sf 2A/2A – – – S S S 17.42.200
Medium 10,001 – 22,000
sf 3A/3A – – – S S S 17.42.200
Large 22,001 or larger 5A/5A – – – – – –
Mixed Light Cultivation
Specialty
Cottage 2,500 sf 1C/1C – – – – – –
Specialty 2,501 – 5,000 sf 1B/1B – – – – – –
Small 5,001 – 10,000 sf 2B/2B – – – – – –
Medium 10,001 – 22,000
sf 3B/3B – – – – – –
Large 22,001 or larger 5B/5B – – – – – –
MANUFACTURING(5)
Manufacturer 1:

Non-Volatile/No
Solvents
N/A 6/6 – – – S S S 17.42.200
Manufacturer 2:

Volatile N/A 7/7 – – – S S S 17.42.200
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COMMERCIAL

LAND USE

MAXIMUM

CULTIVATION

AREA PER
PARCEL
(square feet of
canopy or # of
plants)

MINIMUM
PARCEL
SIZE
STATE

TESTING
Testing
Laboratories 8/8 – P – P P P
RETAIL (w/delivery)
Nonstorefront
Retailer
(delivery only)
9/9 – – – S S S 17.42.200
Storefront
Retailer 10/10 – S – – – – 17.42.200

DISTRIBUTOR
Distributor(6) 11/11 – S – S S S 17.42.200
MICROBUSINESS (with delivery and/or cannabis
consumption cafe/lounge)
Microbusiness 12/12 – S – – – – 17.42.200
NOTES:
“–” Use Not Allowed “P” Permitted Use
“S” Check specific use regulations, as noted. “UP” Use permit required. “sf” means square feet. “AU” means adult or recreational use. (1) Commercial cannabis uses are not allowed in any residential zones. (2) Allowed only in residential use portions of mixed-use development. (3) Commercial cannabis uses are not allowed within the Downtown Specific Plan or Santero Way Specific Plan areas. (4) Nursery use is allowed as part of any city-issued indoor cultivation cannabis permit. “Specialty cottage” cultivation is not permitted. (5) Each manufacturing use type can perform related subtypes for infusion of products and/or packaging and labeling. Shared use facilities are not permitted. “Processor” activities are considered part of cultivation, manufacturing, or distribution permit approvals, and subject to the applicable cannabis business tax, as determined by the city. (6) Includes transport-only distributor.

Section 17.22.020, Allowable land uses and planning permit requirements, Table 2-3:

Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Mixed Use Corridors and Commercial/Industrial Districts is amended as follows:
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Table 2-3
Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Mixed Use Corridors and Districts P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Industry, Manufacturing and Processing, Wholesaling
Agricultural product processing – – – P– P –
Artisan/craft product manufacturing(5) MUP MUP MUP P P – See Note 5 Below
Brewery – Brew pub MUP MUP MUP MUP– – –
Brewery – Production – – – MUPUP UP –
Construction contractor – – – UP– UP –
Food and beverage product manufacturing – – – MUP– MUP MUP Furniture and fixtures manufacturing, cabinet shop – – – P P – Industrial research and development – MUP – P MUP –
Laboratory – Medical, analytical, research and
development
P P – P MUP –
Laundry, dry cleaning plant – – – UP– UP –
Manufacturing/processing – Light – – – P MUP P –
Manufacturing/processing – Medium intensity – – – MUP MUP – Manufacturing/processing – Heavy – – – UP– UP –
Media production P P – P P –
Printing and publishing UP UP – P P –
Recycling – Reverse vending machine MUP MUP – – – –
Recycling – Small collection facility UP UP – PUP P – 17.42.150 Recycling – Medium collection facility – – – UP UP – 17.42.150 Storage – Outdoor – – – UP UP – 17.42.140
Storage – Personal storage facility (mini-storage) – – – – – – Storage – Warehouse, indoor storage – – – UP – –
Wholesaling and distribution – – – UP UP –
Winery – Boutique – UP – MUP MUP –
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P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Winery – Production – – – MUP MUP –
Recreation, Education and Public Assembly Uses
Adult-oriented business – – – S– S – 17.40
Commercial recreation facility – Indoor – 5,000
sq. ft. or less
UP P – P – –
Commercial recreation facility – Indoor – More
than 5,000 sq. ft.

UP UP UP(2) UP – UP
Park P P P – – P
School – Elementary, middle, secondary UP(2) UP(2) – – – UP School – Specialized education/training UP(2) UP(2) UP(2) UP – UP Sports and entertainment assembly – – – UP – UP
Studio – Art, dance, martial arts, music, etc. P P MUP(2) P UP – Theater UP MUP MUP MUP – UP
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit P P P – – – 17.42.170
Emergency/transitional shelter – – S – – S 17.42.072
Home occupation P P P – – – 17.42.080
Live/work unit UP UP P UP UP – 17.42.090
Low barrier navigation center P P – – – –
Residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) UP MUP – – – UP 260 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Residential care facility, 7 or more clients UP – – – – UP Residential component of a mixed use project P P P – – – 17.39.030,

17.39.040,

17.42.100
Supportive housing P P – – – –
Retail Trade(3)
Accessory retail or services P P P P P P
Alcoholic beverage sales – Associated with a
restaurant(4)
P P P P UP – 17.42.030
Alcoholic beverage sales UP UP UP – – – 17.42.030
Antique or collectible store MUP P MUP – – –
Artisan shop P P P P – –
Auto and vehicle sales and rental – UP – MUP UP –
Auto parts sales with no installation services – P – P – – Bar, tavern UP UP UP – – –
Building and landscape materials sales – Indoor – P – P P – Building and landscape materials sales – Outdoor – UP – MUP – – 17.42.130 Construction and heavy equipment sales and
rental
– – – MUP MUP – 17.42.130
Convenience store UP UP – UP – –
Drive-through retail – UP – UP – – 17.42.070
Extended hour retail UP MUP MUP MUP – –
Farm supply and feed store – P – P – –
Farmers market(8) MUP MUP MUP MUP UP UP
Formula-based fast food restaurant S S S – – – 17.42.071 Fuel dealer (propane for home and farm use, etc.) – – – UP UP – Furniture, furnishings and appliance store P P UP P UP – General retail – Less than 5,000 sq. ft. P P P P – –
General retail – 5,000 sq. ft. to 20,000 sq. ft. P P P P – – General retail – More than 20,000 sq. ft. UP P UP P – – 261 of 791
P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Groceries, specialty foods – 10,000 sq. ft. or less P P P P – – Groceries, specialty foods – More than 10,000 sq.
ft.

UP MUP UP MUP – –
Mobilehome, boat, or RV sales – – – MUP – –
Night club UP UP UP – – –
Outdoor display and sales MUP MUP MUP MUP – – 17.42.130 Plant nursery – MUP – MUP MUP –
Restaurant – Outdoor dining(6) P/
MUP
P/
MUP
P/
MUP
P/
MUP
– – 17.42.130(E)
Restaurant, cafe, coffee shop P P P P UP –
Retail complex UP P UP P – –
Retail display gallery – P P – – – 17.90.020
Second hand store UP UP UP – – –
Service station (nonfossil fuels sales) UP UP UP – – – 17.42.180 Tasting room UP P P P – –
Warehouse retail – MUP – UP – –
Services – Business, Financial, Professional
ATM P P P P – –
Bank, financial services P P UP P – –
Business support service P P P
(2) UP – –
Medical services – Doctor office UP P
(2) P(2) – – –
Medical services – Clinic, urgent care UP – – – – –
Office – Accessory P P P P P P
Office – Business/service UP UP(2) P
(2) P – –
Office – Government MUP MUP MUP MUP MUP MUP
Office – Processing UP(2) MUP UP(2) MUP – –
Office – Professional/administrative P P P
(2) P – –
Services – General
Accessory retail or services P P P P P P 17.42.015
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P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Adult day care UP – – – – UP
Catering service – – – P P –
Child day care center MUP P MUP MUP – UP
Drive-through service – UP – – – – 17.42.070
Equipment rental – – – MUP UP – 17.42.140
Kennel, animal boarding – MUP – MUP UP –
Lodging – Bed and breakfast inn (B&B) P P MUP – – –
Lodging – Boutique hotel or motel UP UP UP – – –
Lodging – Hotel or motel UP UP UP – – –
Maintenance service – Client site services – – – P P –
Mortuary, funeral home UP – – – – –
Personal services P P P P – –
Personal services – Restricted UP(2) – – – – –
Public safety facility UP UP UP UP UP P
Repair service – Equipment, large appliances, etc. – – – P P – Social service organization MUP(2) MUP(2) – MUP – UP
Vehicle services – Major repair/body work – – – MUPUP MUP – Vehicle services – Minor maintenance/repair – – – MUPUP UP – Veterinary clinic, animal hospital MUP P – P MUP –
Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure
Ambulance, taxi, or limousine storage – – – UP– UP –
Broadcasting studio – UP(2) UP(2) MUP – –
Electric vehicle charging station(7) P P P P P P 14.38
Parking facility, public or commercial UP UP UP – – P
Telecommunications facility S S S S S S 17.44
Transit station or terminal UP UP UP UP – UP
Utility facility – – – UP UP UP
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P Permitted use, zoning clearance required
MUP Minor use permit
UP Use permit required
S Permit requirement set by specific use regulations
– Use not allowed
Permit Required by District
Land Use(1)

CE CG CD CI IG PF
Specific Use
Regulations
Vehicle storage – – – UP– UP –
Key to Zoning District Symbols
CE East Cotati Avenue Corridor CI Commercial/Industrial District CG Gravenstein Highway Corridor IG General Industrial District CD Downtown Commercial PF Public Facility District
Notes:
(1) See Article 9 for land use definitions.
(2) Use allowed only on second or upper floors, in compliance with Section 17.24.050(C), Limitation on the Location of Allowable Land Uses, or behind an allowed ground floor street frontage use. (3) See Section 17.42.165, Retail use maximum floor area. (4) When the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control allows customers under twenty-one years of age on the premises. (5) Artisan/craft product manufacturing uses proposed in the CE, CG, CD, HC, LP, NG, and CA districts must be located within buildings and suites designed and oriented to engage and encourage pedestrian activity and interaction with the surrounding uses. Uses in these districts must also include retail storefront presence and design characteristics, with production and manufacturing design elements (such as loading doors, material storage, etc.) oriented away from the primary entrances and street frontages of developments where they are located. (6) MUP required for outdoor dining on private property in the CD district when the dining use abuts a residential land use. (7) Permitted as an accessory use.
(8) Fees for farmers market planning permit applications shall be calculated at fifty percent of the fees set forth in the fee schedule as described in Section 17.60.060, Application fees. Use permit approval shall require that the review authority first find that the proposed use will be compatible with any nearby residential uses. Notices of public hearings shall be mailed to property owners within a radius from the subject site of six hundred feet, or greater at the director’s discretion.

Section 17.24.020, Zoning district subdivision and density standards is amended as follows:

Each subdivision and residential development project shall comply with the minimum parcel size and density requirements shown in Table 2-4 for the applicable zoning district.

Table 2-4
Parcel Size and Density Standards
Minimum Parcel Size(1) Residential Density
Zoning District
Area(2) Width(1) Minimum Density Maximum Density
OSC Determined through subdivision review 1 caretaker unit; no other residential allowed OSR Determined through subdivision review No residential units allowed RR-1.5 1.5 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 1.5 acres
RR-1.0 1 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per acre
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Minimum Parcel Size(1) Residential Density
Zoning District
Area(2) Width(1) Minimum Density Maximum Density
RVL-0.66 0.66 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 0.66 acres
RVL-0.5 0.5 acre 100 ft. N.A. 1 unit per 0.5 acres
NL 6,000 sq. ft.(4) 60 ft. 4 units per acre(3) 6 units per acre NM 4,000 sq. ft.(4) 50 ft. 8 units per acre(3) 10 units per acre NU 2,500 sq. ft.(4) 40 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CE 2,500 sq. ft.(4) 40 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CG 2,500 sq. ft.(4) 40 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CD 2,000 sq. ft.(4) 20 ft. 12 units per acre(3) 15 units per acre CI 10,000 sq. ft.(4) 100 ft. N.A. 15 units per acre
IG 10,000 sq. ft.(4) 100 ft. N.A. N.A.

PF Determined through subdivision review N.A. N.A.

SP Determined by applicable specific plan
Notes:
(1) Parcel depth shall be no less than the parcel width; and no more than three times the parcel width. (2) Net area. In residential subdivisions, corner lots and reversed corner lots shall have an area of at least ten percent greater than that of the minimum lot area required.
(3) No residential subdivision, or residential development project with multiple units on a single parcel (including the residential component of a mixed use project) will be approved at less than the minimum density; except that in the CE, CG, and CD zoning districts, the review authority may reduce the minimum density for a mixed use project where it determines that the minimum density is not feasible due to constraints on the parcel, including topography, easements, and access. (4) Where allowed by the applicable zone, a commercial condominium, or a residential condominium, townhouse, or other common interest project may be subdivided with smaller parcels for ownership purposes, with the minimum lot area determined through subdivision review, provided that the overall development site complies with the minimum parcel size, and the total number of any dwellings is in compliance with the maximum density for the applicable zone.

Section 17.24.030, Zoning district site planning and building standards, Table 2-16 and Figures 2-23 and 2-24 are repealed, as follows:

Table 2-16
IG Zone Standards
Development Standard IG Zone Requirement
Setbacks – Minimum setbacks required, as shown in Figure 2-23. See Section 17.30.020 for exceptions.

Front 20 ft.

Side – Interior (each) 0 ft.

Side – Street side 20 ft.

Rear 30 ft.

Building frontage – Building frontage types allowed, design requirements, and allowed encroachments into setbacks. Frontage types are defined in Section 17.24.040.
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Development Standard IG Zone Requirement
Allowed frontage types Shopfront, gallery
Allowed encroachments See Section 17.30.020(F), Table 3-1 Site coverage – Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered by structures and pavement.

Maximum coverage 80%
Height limit – Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 17.30.040 for height measurement, and height limit exceptions. See Figure 2-24.

Maximum height 20 ft. if located within 50 ft. of a residential zone, 40 ft. elsewhere
Additional standards for the zone – Standards for buildings, site planning, and/or on-site activities in addition to the above.

All manufacturing, assembly, and processing activities shall occur entirely within a building.

Figure 2-23. Building Placement
266 of 791
Figure 2-24. Building Height and Profile
Section 17.38.060(B), Zoning district sign standards is amended as follows:

B. Mixed Use Corridors and Districts. Each sign in the CG, CE, SPD, CD, and CI, and IG zoning districts shall comply with the requirements in Table 3-12.

Sections 17.40.030(A) and (B), Prohibited areas and minimum proximity requirements, are amended as follows:

A. Commercial Industrial (CI) IG (General Industrial) Zoning District. Subject to the limitations set forth in this chapter, adult-oriented businesses may be established in the CIIG (Commercial/Industrialgeneral industrial) zoning district of the city.

1. On a parcel within the CIIG zoning district abutting Redwood Ddrive or Helman Lane;

4. Within five hundred feet from any existing park, playground, religious facility, or school use or property zoned open space (OSC or OSR) or public facilities (PF). The distance between a proposed adult-oriented 267 of 791
business use and park, playground, church or school uses or property zoned open space (OSC or OSR) or public facilities (PF), shall be measured from the nearest exterior wall of the facility housing the adult-oriented business use or proposed adult-oriented business use to the nearest property line where the park, playground, church or school use is located, or property zoned open space (OSC or OSR) or public facilities (PF) along a straight line extended between the two points.

Section 17.42.071(A)(1), Formula-based fast food restaurant is amended as follows:

A. Limitations on Use.

1. Formula-Based Fast Food Restaurants Prohibited. Formula-based fast food restaurants are prohibited within the public facilities (PF) zoning district, commercial industrial (CI) zoning district, general industrial (IG) zoning district and within the downtown specific plan areas depicted in Figure 1. 268 of 791
City Council
Public Hearing
Industrial Zoning District Code
Amendment
Community Development
Department
June 10, 2025 269 of 791
Background
 General Plan has a single industrial land use designation:

Commercial/Industrial (CI)
 Land Use Code currently has two industrial zoning districts to implement that GP land use designation:
 Commercial/Industrial (CI)
 General Industrial (IG)
 However, GP calls for either:

1. Combining them into one zoning district, or

2. Amending the districts’ allowable uses
 With the goal of meeting the full range of industrialrelated activities contemplated in the GP 270 of 791
Background: General Plan Land Use Designation
The General Plan industrial land use
designation “Commercial/Industrial”
(CI) allows:
Industrial parks
R&D
Food processing/prep
Manufacturing
Laboratories
Compatible commercial uses 271 of 791
Background: Zoning Districts
The CI land use designation is implemented by
two zoning districts in the Land Use Code:
 Commercial/Industrial (CI): “Appropriate for a
mixture of retail, service, large-scale office,
light industry uses, warehousing, and
live/work.”
 General Industrial (IG): “Appropriate for a wider
variety of land uses . . . including
manufacturing, warehousing, assembly, and
live/work.” 272 of 791
273 of 791
Benefits of Combining CI and IG Districts
Staff proposes combining CI and IG into a
single zone, “CI”
Current land uses in CI and IG reflect full
range of uses in the GP; no need to add
uses
Reduces the overall number of zoning
districts = streamlining the Land Use code
and simplifying its interpretation
274 of 791
Benefits of Combining CI and IG Districts
 Demand for heavier industrial and
manufacturing land is low, unlikely to increase
 Combined CI district allows flexibility and
more opportunity to accommodate uses that
thrive in semi-industrial and freeway-adjacent
areas
Indoor sports facilities
Breweries, wineries with tasting rooms
Artist studios
Business incubators 275 of 791
Implementing a Single CI Zoning District
Permit requirement for certain uses to be
adjusted: brew pub (not allowed to MUP), and
brewery & minor vehicle services (UP to MUP)
Use Permit with Conditions of Approval
required for certain uses: Heavy
manufacturing and processing, construction
contractors, laundry/dry cleaning, mediumsize recycling facilities Existing businesses not impacted by zoning
change
276 of 791
Planning Commission Recommendation
Public hearing May 27, 2025
Recommended that Council adopt ordinance
combining industrial zones
277 of 791
Recommendation
The Planning Commission and
Community Development Department
recommend that the City Council hold a
public hearing and introduce an
ordinance amending Title 17 (Land Use)
of the CMC to combine the
Commercial/Industrial and General
Industrial Zoning Districts into a single
zoning district.
278 of 791
Questions?
279 of 791
Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: APPROVAL OF 2025 RUNNING FENCE RUNNING EVENT

AND FESTIVAL IN LA PLAZA PARK
Date: June 10, 2025
Written by: Ashley Wilson, Recreation Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution: 1. Approving a 5k and 10k race through downtown Cotati and a festival in La Plaza Park on September 13, 2025; and 2.

Authorizing the temporary closure of certain streets on the race path and near the festival; 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; and 6. approval of fee waivers associated with producing the event.

Background
The Empire Runners Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit community service organization that fosters a running community in Sonoma County, inclusive of all ages and abilities. They were formed in the 70s and host several running events and races annually for all ages. Christo and JeanneClaude’s “Running Fence” art project that spanned over 24 miles of landscape through Marin and Sonoma Counties will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. To commemorate the anniversary of the art installation, The Empire Runners are proposing to host a new 5k and 10k race, starting and finishing at La Plaza Park on September 13, 2025. Separately, they will propose a marathon throughout Sonoma County in 2026. A full description of the event and map of activities are attached to the resolution at Exhibit B.

Analysis/Discussion
The Empire Runners Club is proposing a 5k and 10k race, and art festival in La Plaza Park (“Event”) on September 13, 2025, between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm (park use hours include set up and take down, 5:00am-7:00pm). They also plan to offer a shorter, one-mile race for children under 5. The Empire Runners Club will have exclusive use of La Plaza Park and La 280 of 791
Plaza Streets surrounding the park between Old Redwood Highway and West Sierra Avenue and West Sierra Avenue to Old Redwood Highway, near the demonstration garden. In addition to food sales by food trucks and vendors, there will be sales of 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 street closures if they do take place.

The Empire Runners Club has reviewed the City’s insurance requirements and has indicated that they have adequate insurance. A Condition of Approval has been included which requires proof of insurance before the event.

A Condition of Approval has been included which requires a California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control approved temporary permit to allow for the sale of alcohol to be supplied to the City before the event.

The Empire Runners Club has requested fee waivers for the event, as indicated in the attached letter. Per the Park Use Policy, rental fees may be waived for the first year of a large multi-year event.

Required fees and deposits for use of La Plaza Park and Old Redwood Highway through downtown Cotati for non-residents are an application fee of $53, a park use fee of $534 for events with 250+ attendees, an approved permit fee of $133, a restroom cleaning fee of $100, a street closure fee of $1,873, and a refundable deposit of $500, which is refundable if the park and downtown space if left clean and undamaged. The total estimated fee would be $2,693 with a $500 deposit. This event has the potential to increase the number of visitors to the City at the event and local businesses. It would provide increased opportunities to promote economic development and increase sales tax revenue. Given the opportunity to bring a new large community event to Cotati, City staff recommends 100% fee coverage for this event. If the event were to come back for a second year, the applicant would be eligible for a 50% fee reduction, per the City’s Park Use Policy.

If approved by the City Council, the Running Fence Run will be designated as a City sponsored event, which will also allow them to use garbage/recycling/compost bins at no cost. The Event will be included as one of the 10 annual “free” service events in the Recology Franchise Agreement.

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
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If approved, the fees for this event totaling $2,693 would be paid for with Council contributions account 101-10-801150-00000 for fiscal year 2026/27. The City would still collect the $500 refundable deposit from the Empire Runners Club, subject to reimbursement at the completion of the event.

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)

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI APPROVING THE EMPIRE RUNNERS CLUB 2025 RUNNING FENCE RUN EVENT SUBJECT TO

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
WHEREAS, The Empire Runners Club submitted an application to the City for the Running Fence Run on April 23, 2025; 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, 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 other who may need ingress, egress, or the ability to traverse the affected area and will reasonably provide for their needs; and WHEREAS, it will be necessary to conform to certain conditions as described in Exhibit A attached hereto, to facilitate these events; 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 will increase visitation to the City, promote the Cotati community, and result in increased sales tax revenues; and WHEREAS, the City Council further 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 and downtown area to its prior condition of cleanliness and repair as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, staff time to facilitate the event is included within the adopted budget so no additional encumbrances of funds are required; and
WHEREAS, the application for this event is attached to Exhibit B; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the adopted Park Use policy, applicants hosting large, multi-year events may request a waiver of all permit fees in the first year of the event; and WHEREAS, the action of approving a Running Fence Run and Festival event does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no further environmental review is required. 283 of 791
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that
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 2025 Running Fence Run and Festival 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 streets is necessary for the safety and protection of persons 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 closures and traffic rerouting of fire, ambulance, and other emergency providers, including a plan for accessibility; and Section 5. Approval of fee waiver for The Empire Runners Club. The estimated cost of waived fees (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. The City Council of the City of Cotati hereby declares that it would have adopted this resolution and each section, subsection, clause, sentence, phrase, and other portion thereof, irrespective of the face that one or more section, subsection, clause, sentence, phrase, or other portion may be held invalid or unconstitutional.

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 June 10, 2025, 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

1. The applicant is granted exclusive use of La Plaza Park including closing La Plaza Street adjacent to the park, La Plaza St. between West Sierra Avenue and Old Redwood Highway, and Old Redwood Highway from East Cotati Avenue to the southern Cotati City Limit for the event on September 13th, 2025 from 5:00am to 7:00pm for the event scheduled from 9:00am to 5:00pm, as more specifically described below. This approval includes live amplified entertainment from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

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

3. The applicant shall obtain a Daily License from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for the event. The City authorizes the sale and consumption of alcohol.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. The applicant shall ensure the public facilities (park, parking spaces, restrooms, and streets) are cleaned completely and returned to pre-event condition prior to re-opening the streets. This includes the removal of any chalk or tape used to mark vendor spaces.

Spray paint and drilling of holes in any concrete or asphalt roadway or sidewalk area is strictly prohibited.

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

9. The applicant shall be responsible for ensuring trash, recycling, and compost bins, portable toilets, and handwashing stations are delivered and collected.

10. The Police Department shall notify the appropriate agencies of street closures per California Vehicle Code Section 21101 (e). This Section 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.

11. Applicant shall notify all neighboring businesses and residents of the event as directed by the City, no later than 14 days prior to the event.

12.The organizer shall prominently feature the City of Cotati as an event sponsor on all advertising and marketing materials.

13. The organizer shall get City approval of a traffic control plan no later than 30 days prior to the event.

14. Public Works shall be responsible for street closures, as listed below. The applicant shall be responsible for providing the barricades, signage, and delineators. 286 of 791
a. The following streets will be closed on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 5:00am-7:00pm:
La Plaza – from West Sierra Avenue to Old Redwood Highway La Plaza – from Old Redwood Highway to West Cotati Avenue La Plaza – from West Cotati Avenue to West Sierra Avenue b. The following street will be closed on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 6:00am-12:00pm:
Old Redwood Highway from East Cotati Avenue to the southern Cotati City limit
c. The following street will be designated for ADA accessible parking:
West Cotati Avenue (midblock) to La Plaza (North side of the roadway) 287 of 791
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Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 BUDGETS
Date: June 10, 2025
Written by: Angela Courter, Director of Administrative Services Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt a Resolution Approving the City of Cotati Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter requesting acceptance into the PG& Fleet EV program.

Background
The City Council held a Strategic Planning Study Session on February 20, 2025, where the City Council, the public, and staff reviewed and updated the goals and objectives, as well as the project priorities for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27.

Subsequently, the City Council held two Budget Study Sessions, on April 1st and April 15th, to review the draft proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget, take public comment, and provide direction to staff.

City Staff have been continuing work to improve the City’s fourth online budget book that is available to the public at: https://city-cotati-ca-cleardoc.cleargov.com/11305/351805/d Analysis/Discussion
Budget Summary
Following the review of the Draft Budget presented to the City Council, there were only minor corrections and updates made to the projections.

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Council Goals and Objectives:

During the strategic planning sessions, the City Council provided feedback on the goals and objectives for the City, as well as the Vision and Mission. Key Goals were also then summarized for linking departmental goals and objectives. The final version of the Vision, Mission and goals are incorporated within the final budget documents presented and attached herein for approval.

Highlights of the overall FY Budget are:
• Conservative budget outlook for both years
• Balanced budgets strive to maintain prudent fund balances. • Continue to prioritize council goals of economic development, infrastructure, and community, while integrating equity and climate resilience in our daily operations and planning.

General Fund Highlights:

Balanced Operating Budget for the 16th straight year.
• The General Fund maintained a reserve of 25% of operating expenses, per Resolution No. 2009-50.
• The General Fund has additional reserve funds in excess of the required 25% totaling $1.3M for FY 25/26 and $711K for FY 26/27.
• General Fund Ending Fund Balance of $3.9M and $3.4M for FY 25/26 and FY 26/27 respectively.

General Fund Risks:
• Annual net operating surplus must be $1.5M or more per fiscal year to support basic maintenance/grant matching capital programs as well as continued significant street and park rehabilitation in the near future. The surplus is currently estimated at $0.3M in the FY 25/26 budget and estimated at $0.4M for FY 26/27.
• Continued planned mid-year discussion on CalPERS actuarial results and associated UAL strategies that require prefunding to minimize interest costs Capital Projects Highlights:

The proposed City budget includes the full 5-year CIP for the City, for planning purposes. For Fiscal Year 25/26, General Fund funding for the CIP is $4.4M, for a total of $7.4M in capital projects (All funds) to improve the community. Projects are were split into A projects and B projects, with the A projects funded in this proposed budget and B projects on hold pending other revenue. The proposed “A” and “B” projects, include:
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- A - Projects with Priority Funding
Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fiscal Year 2026/27
Sunflower Park Improvements Cator Basketball Ct. Resurfacing Hwy 116/ W. Cotati Ave Intersection Safety
Improvements - Split Year
Hwy 116/ W. Cotati Ave Intersection
Safety Improvements - Split Year
Reroof Police Building Annual Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Trash Implementation Plan - Phase 1 Annual Landscaping Improvements Projects
2026 Street Preservation Project
– Construction
2027 Street Preservation Project
– Construction
2027 Street Preservation Project – Design
Class 1 Pathway Maintenance Project
Annual Landscaping Improvements Projects
Annual Bicycle Pedestrian Safety
Veronda-Faletti Ranch Barns (Design)

- B - Projects Pending Funding Availability
ADA Transition Plan & Redwood Drive Veronda-Faletti Ranch Barns (Const) Microgrid City Hall Complex (Const)* Traffic Signal at William George Putnam Park Improvements Phase 2
*The Microgrid project is underway but will not proceed into construction unless construction funding is identified and the project is approved by the City Council.

Internal Service Funds Highlights:

Vehicle Maintenance and Replacement
• $527,000 in funding across City Funds based on fleet usage. • Purchase of replacement police vehicles and various public works equipment and vehicles as needed.
• Evaluation of all-electric vehicles for replacements going forward, as applicable. 296 of 791
Note that attached to this item is a draft letter for the Mayor to enroll the City in the PG&E Fleet EV program, which would allow the City to participate in a CPUC program to upgrade the electrical service free of charge at locations that host medium or heavy duty fleet vehicles. The program is nearly fully subscribed, so enrollment in June should ensure participation. This work is part of the larger Microgrid Project, but will improve our infrastructure to allow the continued deployment of electric vehicles in the City fleet.

Compensated Absences Fund
• $119,480 funding provided by Citywide allocation costing.

Enterprise Fund Highlights:

The Enterprise Funds budget includes a combined $1.3 Million in various water and sewer capital projects including:

Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fiscal Year 2026/27
Water Fund
Well 2 Renewal/Remediation P-3, 4: Cypress Tank New Water Main Water Renewal and Replacement Master
Plan T-1: New Cypress Storage Tank
Distribution System Monitoring BP-1: Cypress Tank Booster Pumps Well 1A/Well 3 Treatment Renewal and
Replacement
P-3, 4: Cypress Tank New Water Main
Sewer Fund
Sewer Renewal and Replacement Master
Plan Sewer Lift Station Renewal and Replacement

The sewer operating fund has been operating with a negative operating balance and is projected to have fund balance less than the 33% requirement for both Fiscal Year 2025/26 and FY 2026/27. This was accounted for in the most recent rate studies approved by the City Council, with a “soft landing“ approach to turn around the annual operating deficit through short term use of reserves. This approach is intended to avoid customer rate shock with sudden rate adjustments. However, unanticipated cost pressures, most significantly the cost of wastewater treatment, has created an on-going challenge for this fund. With the newly adopted rates, staff are optimistic the fund should start recovering and provide more stable funding into the future. 297 of 791
The Budget document attached to the resolution contains narrative summaries for each department, the City Managers message, and some of the graphics from the budget presentations Debt Management
The City has the following types of debt:
• Direct Debt
o Streets Improvements Tax Exempt Lease Obligation Bonds 2022A represents a tax-exempt bond issuance of an amount up to $7,000,000 used to fund critical city street improvement projects at a low interest rate of 2.45% per annum and matures in 2041.
o Pension Taxable Lease Obligation Bonds 2022B represent a $4,000,000 unfunded pension obligation refunding debt whereby the City paid down the CalPERS obligations with a locked 3.33% interest per annum, maturing in 2036. • Pass-through Debt
o Assessment District Debt with No City Commitment totaling $5.7M and maturing in 2034
o Successor Agency Debt Service for Recognized Obligation Payment Schedules ▪ Cotati-RP Unified School District payments total debt of $663K maturing in 2033.
▪ Tax allocation refunding bond, Series 2020 with total Debt Service of $6.3M maturing in 2036
• Inter-Government Loans
o In-Lieu Housing Loan to Sewer total debt service $693K maturing in 2039 o General Fund Loans to Water and Sewer for their portion of the Unfunded Pension Liability Additional Discretionary Payment. The total outstanding debt as of June 30, 2025, for the Water and Sewer operations funds is approximately $820K and $786K respectively. Annual combined payments are approximately $156K back to the General Fund.
• Pension Obligations
o Unfunded Liability Pension Obligations with an estimated net pension liability of $5.8M as of June 30, 2024. These estimates will be finalized once CalPERS publishes the 06/30/2024 actuarial reports in August 2025. With this remaining balance, the City is at a funded level of 85.3% for the combined CalPers Pension Plans.

Financial Considerations
The City has continued strategic projects and has not significantly reduced the reserve funds. The recommended budget includes a General Fund that is balanced with the estimated annual operating revenues exceeding the budget operating expenditures. However, as previously mentioned under General Fund Risks, the City must work to increase its’ net surplus operating revenue to perform future infrastructure maintenance, grant matching and re-build reserves. Due to the expense associated with reconstruction work currently underway, infrastructure in the general fund is supported by reserves. The overall fund total reserve is estimated to be $3.9M, or

37.3% of operating expenditures at the end of FY 25-26. This is a slight decrease over prior years adopted budget which was estimated to end at $4.1M or 42% of operating expenses, but 298 of 791
still higher than the required reserve of 25%.

The Sewer Operating Fund continues to run in a deficit and is anticipated to run below the required 33% reserves in Fiscal Year 2025/26 and continue into FY 2026/27. Based on City staff projections, and in line with the independent rate study for the utility, this period is expected to be the trough, and it should continue to climb and recover to be able to provide sufficient funding for necessary capital projects planned in the future. Staff will continue to monitor this fund and report to the council any notable variance from the anticipated plan.

Environmental Issues
The creation of an Annual Budget is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), per the definition of a project identified in Section 15378 of CEQA in that there will be no direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment 299 of 791
RESOLUTION NO. (XX)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEARS 2025/26 AND 2026/27 BUDGET, INCLUSIVE OF THE 5 YEAR

CIP AND AUTHRORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER TO PG&E

REQUESTING ENROLLMENT INTO THE FLEET ELECTRIC VEHICLE

PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City Council had previously held duly noticed study sessions on February 20, April 1, and April 15, 2025, and provided the opportunity for and received public comments on the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Proposed Budget; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed and found the 5-year CIP in conformance with the City’s General Plan at the March 17, 2025, Planning Commission meeting; and
WHEREAS, adoption of a budget prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year is required to ensure the uninterrupted operation necessary for City services; and WHEREAS, the City of Cotati, as part of its overall Greenhouse Gas reduction strategy, as well as our strategy to reduce operating costs and supplement on-site stored energy for resilience and emergency operations over the long term, has committed to fully transitioning our vehicle fleet to battery electric vehicles (EV); and
WHEREAS, PG&E runs a program to upgrade electrical facilities in front of the meter, free of charge, to accommodate the addition of medium or heavy-duty fleet EVs, which is expected to close at the end of June 2025; and
WHEREAS, to enroll in the PG&E Fleet EV program, PG&E requires either a purchase order or a letter from the City committing to the future purchase of medium or heavy duty EVs; and
WHEREAS, the action of adopting an annual budget does not constitute a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; therefore, no environmental review is required.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Cotati:

1. Adopts the proposed budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 as the effective budget as of July 1, 2025, and 2026/27 as of July 1, 2026.

2. Authorizes the City Manager to make expenditures and enter into agreements conforming to this Budget and to adjust between various accounts within each budget department and fund, limited to the total amount budgeted for said department and/or fund.

3. Authorizes unexpended appropriations from the Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget to be carried forward to the next fiscal year, provided the funds have been previously encumbered for a specific purpose, or apply to authorized but uncompleted capital projects. 300 of 791

4. Amends the current year budget, Fiscal Year 2024/25, to equal the estimated actuals for the current year.

5. Authorize the use of fund balance in the Sewer Operations Fund drawing the fund balance below the required 33% for fiscal years 2025/26 and 2026/27.

6. Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to make minor typographical (nonfinancial) edits as may be required for budget award application.

7. Authorize the Mayor to sign the draft letter attached to this resolution, on behalf of the City, requesting enrollment into PG&E’s Fleet EV program.

8. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

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 June 10, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

Approved:___________________________
Mayor
Attest:______________________________
Kevin Patterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to form:______________________________
City Attorney
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City Letterhead
June 10, 2025
Tim O'Neill
Pacific Gas and Electric
Via email
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PG&E EV FLEET PROGRAM
Dear Tim,
The City of Cotati, as part of its overall Greenhouse Gas reduction strategy, as well as our strategy to reduce operating costs and supplement on-site stored energy for resilience and emergency operations over the long term, has committed to fully transitioning our vehicle fleet to battery electric vehicles (BEV). This includes all of our medium and heavy-duty vehicles, which are scheduled to be replaced with BEV alternatives as the existing internal combustion powered vehicles age out and viable BEV options are available.

Specifically, in our adopted 2-year budget (FYE 26/27), the City has committed to age out and replace at least 2 medium or heavy-duty vehicles at 203 West Sierra Avenue and at least 2 medium or heavy-duty vehicles at 1 Trebino Court. The first year of the 2-year budget year will begin July 2025, but we are unable to provide purchase orders until the new budget is in effect. However, it's our understanding that the PG&E EV Fleet program is almost fully subscribed and will likely close to new applications shortly. For this reason, we are requesting acceptance into the PG&E EV Fleet program prior to July 1, with the commitment to purchase from the City Council. If accepted, we will provide the full committed deployment schedule for our medium and heavy-duty vehicles with design.

Sincerely,
Ben Ford
Mayor
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.0 Reader’s Guide5

3.0 Introduction7

3.1 History of the City9

3.2 Elected Officials 16

3.3 Demographics 20

3.4 Organizational Structure 25

3.5 Fund Structure 26

3.6 Budgeting Process 31

3.7 Basis of Budgeting 38

3.8 Financial Policies 39

3.9 Glossary 41

3.10 GFOA/CSMFO Budget Awards 49

4.0 Budget Overview 51

4.1 Strategic Plan 59

4.2 Short-term Factors 66

4.3 Priorities and Issues 68

4.4 Long Range Financial Plans 69

4.5 Personnel Changes 72

4.6 Appropriations Limit 75

5.0 Funding Sources 79

5.1 Property Taxes 80

5.2 Sales Tax 82

5.3 Other Taxes Including Cannabis Business Taxes 84

5.4 Licenses, Permits, Rents and Other Agency Fees 85

6.0 Departments Summary 88

6.1 City Council 90

6.2 City Manager's Office 95

6.3 Administrative Services Department 100

6.4 Community Development Dept 104

6.5 Public Works and Engineering Department 109

6.6 Police Department 115

6.7 Recreation Department 120

7.0 Fund Summaries 124

7.1 All Funds 127

7.2 General Fund 140

7.3 Enterprise Fund (Water/Sewer) 153

7.3.1 Water Operating 160

7.3.2 Water Capital 167

7.3.3 Sewer Operating 174

7.3.4 Sewer Capital 184

7.4 Special Revenue Funds 191

7.4.1 Grants Fund 199

7.4.2 Gas Tax 204
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7.4.3 MTC Street - Go Sonoma 210

7.4.4 Traffic Mitigation 216

7.4.5 Park In-Lieu 220

7.4.6 PEG Fees 225

7.4.7 Public Safety 231

7.4.8 K-9 Program 237

7.4.9 In-Lieu Inclusionary Housing 243

7.4.10 Community Facilities District 249

7.4.11 Road Maintenance Rehabilitation Administration 254

7.4.12 Bed Tax 259

7.4.13 Linkage Affordable Housing 264

7.4.14 Parks Measure M 268

7.4.15 Disability Access & Education Revolving Fund 272

7.4.16 Veterans Building Management 277

7.4.17 In-Lieu Tree Fund 281

7.5 South Sonoma Business Park Assessment District 286

7.6 Successor Agency to The Cotati Community Redevelopment Agency 292

7.7 Internal Service Funds 297

7.7.1 Vehicle Maintenance and Replacement 300

7.7.2 Compensated Absences 305

7.8 Capital Projects Funds 310

7.8.1 Capital Outlay 315

7.8.2 Capital Projects Fund 319

8.0 Capital Improvement Plan 322

8.1 One Year Plan 324

8.2 Multi-Year Plan 326

8.3 Project Types 329

9.0 Capital Projects 331

9.1 Public Works - Govt. Buildings 333

9.1.1 A. Reroof Police Building 334

9.1.2 B. Microgrid City Hall Complex & Corp Yard, EV Charging Evaluation 337

9.1.3 Civic Center Parking Lot Improvements 339

9.2 Public Works - Parks 341

9.2.1 A. Cator Basketball Court Resurfacing 342

9.2.2 A. Sunflower Park Improvements 344

9.2.3 B. Putnam Park Imp'ts - Phase 2 346

9.2.4 B. Veronda-Falletti Ranch Barns 348

9.2.5 Civic Center Park Improvements 352

9.2.6 La Plaza Reunification 354

9.3 Public Works - Storm Water Mgnt. 356

9.3.1 A. Trash Implementation Plan - Phase 1 357

9.4 Public Works - Streets 359

9.4.1 2029 Street Preservation Project (PMP 29) 361

9.4.2 2030 Street Improvements Project (PMP 30) 363

9.4.3 2031 Street Preservation Project (PMP 31) 365

9.4.4 A. 2026 Street Preservation Project (PMP 26) 367

9.4.5 A. 2027 Streets Preservation Project (PMP 28) 369

9.4.6 A. 2028 Streets Improvements Project (PMP 27) 371

9.4.7 A. Annual Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Improvements 374 305 of 791

9.4.8 A. Annual Landscaping Improvements Projects 376

9.4.9 A. Class 1 Pathway Maintenance Project 378

9.4.10 A. Highway 116/West Cotati Avenue Intersection Safety Improvements 380

9.4.11 B. ADA Transition Plan & Redwood Drive Class IV Bike Lane 382

9.4.12 B. Traffic Signal At E. Cotati Ave and La Salle 384

9.4.13 B. Traffic Signal At William/George and Old Redwood Highway 386

9.4.14 B. Valparaiso Avenue and Helman Lane Pavement Rehabilitation 388

9.4.15 Gateway Signage 391

9.4.16 Gateway Signage - Commerce Monument 393

9.4.17 Sidewalk Gap Closures Phase 2 395

9.5 Sewer 397

9.5.1 A. Sewer Lift Station Renewal and Replacement 398

9.5.2 A. Sewer Renewal and Replacement Master Plan 400

9.5.3 A. Wastewater System Emergency Generator 402

9.5.4 B. Sewer Collection System Renewal and Replacement 404

9.6 Water 406

9.6.1 A. BP-1: Cypress Tank Booster Pumps 407

9.6.2 A. Distribution System Monitoring 409

9.6.3 A. P-3, 4: Cypress Tank New Water Main 411

9.6.4 A. T-1: New Cypress Storage Tank 413

9.6.5 A. Water Renewal and Replacement Master Plan 415

9.6.6 A. Well 1A/Well 3 Treatment Renewal and Replacement 417

9.6.7 A. Well 2 Renewal/Remediation 419

9.6.8 P-1: Portal Street, Mercantile, Aaron Main Replacement 421

9.6.9 P-5: Sycamore Lane Water Main Replacement 423

9.6.10 Well No. 4 425

9.6.11 West Sierra Tank Recoating 427

10.0 Government-wide Debt Overview 429

10.1 Debt By Type 431

10.2 Debt by Fund 435

11.0 Appendix 438

11.1 Supplemental Statistical Information 439

11.1.1 Sales Tax Statistics 440

11.1.2 Property Tax Statistics 444

11.1.3 Demographic and Economic Statistics 452
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Reader’s Guide
Reader’s Guide to the City’s Digital Budget Book
Welcome to the City of Cotati's First Ever Biennial Digital Budget Book—an online, interactive resource designed to provide the community with accessible, transparent, and comprehensive information about how the City allocates its financial resources to serve residents. This guide will help you understand the structure and content of the budget document and assist you in navigating its various sections.

Our budget book follows best practices and is prepared in accordance with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards for the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. It is structured to communicate not only financial data but also the City’s policies, priorities, and strategic vision.

How the Budget Book is Organized
The budget is divided into several major sections, each serving a unique purpose:

Introduction
This section sets the stage for the budget and provides foundational information to help readers understand the City's context and structure. It includes:

City Manager’s Message: A welcoming letter and narrative that shares the City’s history, key accomplishments, and fiscal priorities.

Elected Officials: A list and brief bios of your City Council members.

City Demographics: Population, economic data, and community characteristics.

Organizational & Fund Structure: A breakdown of how the City is structured and how its operations are funded.

Basis of Budgeting: An explanation of the accounting methods used (e.g., modified accrual vs. accrual basis).

Glossary of Terms: Definitions of commonly used budget terms and acronyms.

Financial Policies: Descriptions and links to the City’s adopted financial policies covering areas such as reserves, capital improvements, debt, and revenue management.

Budget Overview
This section summarizes key elements of the annual budget and provides context for the financial decisions made. It includes:

Strategic Plan & Objectives: The City’s long-term vision and strategic priorities that guide the budget.

Short-Term Budget Drivers: Key factors that influenced this year’s budget, such as economic conditions or regulatory changes.

Long-Range Financial Plans: Projections and planning tools used to ensure future sustainability.

Personnel Summary: Changes in staffing levels and organizational adjustments.

Appropriations Limit (GANN Limit): Required information on the constitutional spending cap and how it applies to the City.

Funding Sources
This section details the revenues that support City operations. Each source is explained, with historical trends and future estimates provided for context. Highlighted City’s major revenue streams include:

Property Taxes
Sales Taxes
Other Taxes and Revenues
Department Summaries
Here you’ll find a breakdown of the operating budget by department. Each department includes:

Mission and Core Services
Table of Contents 2.0 Reader’s Guide
Biennial Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 | Cotati Page 5 307 of 791
Staffing Levels as Shown through a Department Organization Chart Both Summary and Detail Historical and Budgeted Expenditures Departments within the General Fund include:

City Council
City Manager’s Office
Administrative Services
Community Development
Police
Public Works
Recreation
Fund Summaries
Provides high-level financial data across the City’s major funds—General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Enterprise Funds, and more.

This section gives a holistic view of the City’s financial structure and fund balances.

Capital Projects
One of the most highly accessed sections, this outlines the City’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). It includes:

Project Listings and Descriptions: From facility improvements to park upgrades and road maintenance.

Funding Sources: Including a strong focus on local voter-approved Measure S and its vital role in making these investments possible.

Maps and Proposed Timelines: Helping readers visualize project impact and scheduling.

Supplemental Information & Appendix
The final section includes supporting materials and useful references:

Statistical Data: Economic, demographic, and operational statistics.

Appendix: Detailed schedules, legal references, and additional documentation.

How to Navigate the Digital Budget
The online format allows users to:

Click through intuitive menus and tabs
Jump directly to sections via hyperlinks
View interactive charts and data visualizations
Download selected content to a pdf for offline use
Whether you are a resident, business owner, elected official, or researcher, this guide aims to make the budget more approachable and understandable.

Table of Contents 2.0 Reader’s Guide

Page 6 ends

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CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE
Transmittal Letter
Damien O'Bid - City Manager
June 10, 2025
Mayor, Councilmembers, Residents, Community Organizations and Business Owners, Attached is the first biennial budget for the City of Cotati, spanning Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27. The City decided to move to a twoyear budget to provide additional short-term projections of operating costs and revenues to better plan around anticipated revenue restrictions and capital program needs. The budget is the primary policy document adopted by the City Council each year, setting out funding to achieve the community's priorities. This budget is developed in accordance with the City’s financial management policies and guidelines and reflects the City Council’s goals and objectives and how resources are allocated to achieve these goals. In addition, the budget serves as the financial plan, an operational guide, and a communication tool.

The Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 General Fund budget was prepared using a conservative approach for operational expenditures, such as assuming no staff vacancies, as well as also using the best available information to set conservative assumptions of revenue.

This budget focuses on providing excellent core City services and continuing the aggressive push to reduce medium and long-term costs through pension funding strategies and infrastructure repair. In Fiscal Year 2024/25, the City Council continued heavy investment in the road system to reduce future maintenance costs and continued design work for major renovations of City Parks. Long-term risk continues to be operating costs outpacing revenue growth and displacing the capacity for infrastructure repair and maintenance. Therefore, in this budget, the City continues to strategically fund projects that lower future costs (roads), improve the quality of life (parks), reduce future pension costs and promote economic development that will provide residents with jobs and services and the City with future revenue growth to stay ahead of continuing cost pressures. This is intended to provide the excellent services and infrastructure expected by the community over the long term.

In preparing departmental budgets for the new fiscal year, department heads were provided a "zero budget" and were required to provide supporting justification for every dollar spent. Each department went through a detailed budget review focusing on the Council’s goals and priorities and evaluating departmental needs assessments. In general, the second year of expenses were escalated by 2.8%, the assumed rate of inflation. However, certain expenses, such as insurance costs and utility costs, were escalated at much higher rates given the market reality the City has been experiencing and is expected to continue to experience. Outside these external expenses, department heads are instructed to analyze their department expenditures for potential savings with the goal of reducing or keeping operational expenses flat. We need to stay cognizant of those trends, remain fiscally prudent, and make selective and pragmatic decisions through these budget years.

Finally, this budget continues to move forward on City Council initiatives and priorities. The City Council has clearly communicated the need for many years to maintain core City services and invest heavily in repairing and maintaining our infrastructure. With the housing affordability crisis in the State, the City Council has been focused on housing development across income levels, as well as implementing equity in hiring, greater transparency in policing, and polices to mitigate and adapt to the continuing effects of climate change.

Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 budgets include:

Strategic focus on economic development to ensure the long-term vitality of the City.

Improving core services with increased efficiencies.

Meeting or exceeding the General Fund reserve policy target of 25%.

Meeting or exceeding the Enterprise Fund (Water & Sewer) reserve policy target of 33%. In particular, the sewer operations fund will be carefully evaluated for additional actions that may be necessary to stabilize this fund.

Significant investments in improving our streets and parks.

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Continued development of policy for new housing development across a range of income levels.

Continuing to look for opportunities to promote equity, transparency in policing and measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

We have presented a balanced budget in conformance with California State legislation (California Constitution Section 18 of Article XVI) that requires anticipated revenues plus any use of fund balance to not exceed appropriations for expenditures. The goals, objectives, longterm planning, and departmental needs have guided the City staff in their recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 budgets.

Sincerely,
Damien O’Bid
City Manager
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Dr. Thomas
Stokes Page
Page Ranch - Hexagonal
Barn

A HISTORY OF COTATI
Dedication - most of the photos and information provided within this Historical Perspective were made possible by contributions by Lloyd and Prue Draper. Lloyd and Prue worked to create a comprehensive archive to preserve the history of Cotati for future generations. Thank you to the Cotati Historical Society for providing this perspective. 19th CENTURY
Long before the Europeans came to California, the fertile valley had been the home of the Coastal Miwoks, a clan of Native Americans who lived well on the nuts, grains and tubers, berries, fish and game that abounded in this temperate climate. Near the present day City of Cotati was a native village named Kota'ti, which eventually became the settlement of Cotati with the arrival of settlers.

In 1837, the Mexican government established a system of land grants, including the 17,234-acre Rancho Cotate, which encompassed what is now Cotati, Rohnert Park and Penngrove. At that time, the Sonoma County region marked the northernmost frontier of Mexican territory. The Mexican government was anxious to establish its hold on the area, since it was being eyed for takeover by several nations. In 1846, the Bear Flag Rebellion, which led to the takeover of the Sonoma Fort, succeeded in displacing the Mexican domination of the region and the loss of the original papers deeding the Rancho Cotate.

Dr. Thomas Page purchased the Rancho in 1849, receiving a clear title seven years later, since the original deed had been lost. Dr. Page and his family continued to occupy the lands from 1849-1929, and left an indelible imprint on the very shape of the town. Dr. Page and most of the family members actually spent very little time living on the ranch. Two of the seven Page sons developed the land into a cattle and sheep concern, and until the early 1890's it remained largely unchanged.

By 1895, the county road was built between Santa Rosa and Petaluma, passing directly through the hexagonally laid-out heart of the new town. In 1909, this road would be incorporated into what was then called California Route One, running from San Francisco to Crescent City. It was this road, along with the train station, which opened up the new town of Cotati as a convenient place to stop for travelers. The construction of the center of the town in the hexagonal motif allowed the Page family to name each of the six peripheral streets after one of the seven Page sons. Wilfred, who supervised the project, named a train station and another street to the north after himself.

The exact source of the design for the city center remains a mystery, but there are at least two very good possibilities. First is that it was patterned after the hexagonal barn at the Page ranch, which in turn may have been built along lines that were in fashion at the time of its construction. Another possibility is that it was fashioned after the radiating star plan which is prevalent in the layout of many European cities, as well as Washington, D.C. and Detroit, Michigan. Whatever the reason for its design, it was deemed unique enough to gain State Historical Landmark status in 1973.

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Cotati Hotel
Cotati Volunteer Fire Dept.

EARLY 20th CENTURY
By the turn of the century, many parcels of Cotati land had been sold as small farms. The freight transportation offered by the railroad through town, the development of the new county road, and the sudden need for businesses serving a growing agricultural community, all combined to make Cotati something of a boom town. During the first decade of the century, churches, schools, meeting halls and homes by the score were built. By 1911, the town could boast that a thousand people had celebrated the Fourth of July there. Around the Plaza, businesses sprang up, including the Cotati Hotel. The November 1911 edition of The Northern Crown, a Petaluma journal, extolled the virtues of Cotati and its public-spirited inhabitants. The citizens of Cotati built and maintained their own public parks, built churches, schools and meeting halls. The trees they planted still stand.

During the 20's, Cotatians had banded together to fight their own fires or else relied on the Santa Rosa department. The combination of high winds and tinder-dry summertime grasses helped to make parts of Cotati subject to frequent grass-fires. In an area where everyone knew, or knew of everyone else, it was natural to join together in saving one another's property and, in some cases, lives. By 1927, the number of structures and the size of the area needing fire protection necessitated the organization of the Cotati Volunteer Fire Department.

During the 30's and 40's, agriculture continued as the most important influence in the Cotati Valley, and the town changed more slowly. In the 40's and 50's, small family farms were having a hard time surviving, and some of Cotati's agricultural lands began to develop as residential and commercial areas. The earlier construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by the opening of the 101 freeway in the mid-1950's, made it feasible for people working in San Francisco to commute to homes in Cotati.

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The Cotatian Newspaper –
Thursday July 4 1963

BIRTH OF A CITY
"Incorporation will preserve the unity and pride of Cotati as well as its individuality." That was the heading on handbills urging voters to turn out at the polls on July 2, 1963.

The town had developed by fits and starts since the turn of the century, and by the end of the 50's had become a close-knit community that clung fiercely to its claim of being "the Hub of Sonoma County." The Cotati Chamber of Commerce was well known throughout the NorthBay Area for its vigor and enthusiasm. It led to a successful fight to get state approval of a local site for the new state college.

The little town was proud to have its own water and sewer system and its top-rated fire department. It seemed destined to continue its pattern of gradual growth, well insulated by green pastures from its metropolitan neighbors.

By the fall of 1961, citizens of semi-rural Cotati and infant Rohnert Park, discontented with the level of services provided by the county, were exploring the possibility of merging their interests and incorporating as one city. A joint citizens' committee was formed, and a municipal expert, William Zion, was hired to conduct a feasibility study. By January 1962, however, a contingent in Rohnert Park had decided that a combined city wasn't to their liking, and filed notice of their intention to incorporate independently.

The election was held on August 21, 1962, and incorporation was approved. Rohnert Park was the name favored by 398 voters, while 128 diehards, still hoping that the neighboring communities might someday merge, voted to name the city "Cotati Park." Cotatians, having studied incorporation, realized that incorporated cities had jurisdiction over development adjacent to their boundaries. It seemed inevitable that the new City of Rohnert Park would seek to extend its boundaries to take in the parts of Cotati that it found most desirable, gradually eradicating the close-knit pride-filled "Hub of Sonoma County." Facing the fact that one week after Rohnert Park's election for the new city would become official, Cotati citizens swung into high gear. A citizens' committee spearheaded by Lloyd Draper, publisher of the Cotatian weekly newspaper, Dr. Bill Kortum, president of the Chamber of Commerce, real estate broker Joe Dorfman and county tax appraiser Sam Houser began gathering signatures on a petition stating Cotati's intention to form its own city.

On August 27, one day before Rohnert Park was to be officially declared a city, the Cotati committee filed its notice of intention to circulate incorporation petitions. The boundaries of the proposed city were roughly the same as the Cotati Public Utility District. Thirty-seven citizens signed the petition which Draper presented to the Board of Supervisors, stating that incorporation "seemed necessary to retain the character of the town, preserve its name and guide its future growth." The citizens agreed, and on July 2, 1963, 83.9% of the registered voters, a total of 331, went to the polls and approved incorporation by an 84% majority - 284 yes to 49 no.

Candidates for the first City Council were Oliver Chadwick, Al Falletti, Harold Groom, Bernhard Grutgen, Sam Houser, Bud Howard, Tom Murphy, Stanley Olsson, Lyle Short, Russ Williams and Herb Winter. The top vote-getter was Houser, who was subsequently chosen as Cotati's first mayor. Also winning seats on the first council were Olsson, Chadwick, Groom and Falletti, the latter two also continuing as directors of the Cotati Public Utility District.

A week after the election, Cotati was certified as Sonoma County's newest city. The City Council began conducting its business in the anteroom of Ed Lewitter's accounting office while hosting public meetings at the fire station.

One of the Council's first actions, on August 1, was to refuse salaries, stating that Cotati had been planned as a low-budget city with volunteer workers, and the members of council were sticking by their plans. "None of us wanted public office," Mayor Houser told a newspaper reporter. "We just wanted to keep Cotati the way it was." Table of Contents 3.1 History of the City
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The Inn of the Beginning
The Free Store

THE SIXTIES
The year 1968 saw the birth of the counterculture influence on Cotati. The Inn of the Beginning came alive and brought nationally and internationally recognized musicians to Sonoma County. The major forms of music played were rhythm and blues, rock and roll, country and western, and folk.

Hotbeds of Dissent
Coffeehouses have played a significant role as gathering places for the "Cotati counterculture" since the 70's. The Last Great Hiding Place was popular in the mid-70's, with couches and armchairs in front and a theater in back. Many significant dramatic events and much political planning took place here.

When the Hiding Place closed, coffeehouse habitats found a new, if somewhat isolated, home at the Cotati Donut Shop in the Rancho Cotate Shopping Center.

Soon after the Cotati Donut Shop closed, Lindy's New and Delicious opened, and the caffeine faithful flocked in, glad to be back in the central part of town and grateful for the couch, the art on the walls - and especially the typewriter.

The Freestore
The Freestore was a large shed from which many Cotati citizens outfitted themselves without charge. Vito Paulekas and others constantly organized the steady flow of cast-off clothes, shoes and accessories that were left there, creating a treasure trove of "finds" for indigent browsers. The "store" burned down and was rebuilt, vandalized and cleaned up again, surviving until 1983 when it was crushed flat by a semi-truck. Its influence was great on that peculiar style of dress known as the "Cotati look." Cotati Company No. 2
In 1969, Irving and Irene Lipton closed their downtown variety store, and Brad and Liza Loop leased the building, delving into local history for its name: Cotati Company No. 2. They rented space as small as 12 square feet for as little as $10 a month to youthful entrepreneurs.

People built booths, clothes racks, or whatever they wanted, and went into business selling everything from comic books and rolling papers to candles, jewelry and clothing. The enterprise bustled along with ten or more merchants under one roof for almost two years until a fire closed it down.

The Bandstand and the Rebirth of La Plaza Park
Vito Paulekas and Karl Franzoni were threatened with arrest while building the bandstand in the Plaza - an "illegal structure" not sanctioned by the City - but they prevailed, and the bandstand, born to controversy, began its stormy life.

It immediately became the center for new energy in town. Large crowds began to gather on weekends, lured by free electrified rock 'n' roll.

City Council meetings played host to two disparate factions: one wanted more music, facilities, sandboxes for the kids, the other demanded user fees, permits, and an end to amplified music.

Picnic tables, benches and swings were built and installed by concerned citizens - often for free - and gradually La Plaza Park became the comfortable gathering place it is today.

The George and Arthur Streets Barricade
Residents of George and Arthur Streets by 1978 had enough of the 3,000-plus cars per day which were using their residential neighborhood as a high-speed shortcut. They organized and descended upon the City Council, convincing them to block Arthur Street at East Cotati Avenue, stopping through traffic.

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Many people who didn't live in the neighborhood took strong exception to the street closure, and a long, fierce battle began. The barricade became a major political issue, and source of battles before the Council, Planning Commission and in the courts. Finally, in June 1983, the City Council took the final legal step to declare the barricade permanent.

The George-Arthur Streets neighborhood has changed dramatically since the barricade was installed. Children now abound, and the streets, with their open ditches, free-form parking and sparse, slow-moving traffic, are reminiscent of a quieter Cotati of years ago.

Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University, located just outside Cotati's city limits, has played a significant role in the City's history since it moved onto its 220-acre East Cotati Avenue campus in 1966. Originally a state college, Sonoma State was granted university status in 1978. Having a major university nearby is certainly a cultural asset, but there has never been a shortage of culture in Cotati.

COTATI TODAY
For the past two decades, Sonoma County has been growing at a rapid pace, welcoming vast numbers of new residents to the area.

Many of these transplants have moved to the area in an effort to escape the crowded city life of the larger Bay Area cities to the south, such as San Francisco and San Jose. In 1990, the citizens of Cotati overwhelmingly voted to curtail the growth of the city by forbidding any annexation of land beyond a fixed urban boundary line. This highly popular self-imposed limit on annexation, and subsequent renewal of the urban growth boundary, turned the focus on development inwards.

This rapid growth has provided a significant challenge to the City and to the preservation of its unique charm as a modern residentialfocused community with strong historical roots in agriculture and music. Managing this growth has become one of the prominent issues facing the City. While many feared that too much growth would spoil the city's small-town character, others felt that too little growth would cause more and more city residents to leave Cotati to shop at neighboring City shopping centers in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Petaluma. They feared that this would cause the city's share of the sales tax revenue to wither, leaving the city unable to provide adequate city services. However, with the growth of a few key businesses that draw customers from those same neighboring cities, plus the growth of online sales and the voter-approved 1% sales tax and cannabis business tax, this concern has flipped to stabilizing and growing revenues to improve services and infrastructure with more revenue diversification through economic development.

The City continues to work to enhance the downtown area, such as the new information kiosks for both locals and tourists, and to encourage business development. Redwood Bikeshare has recently added a number of e-Bike stations around the City. This provides a fun new way to get around Cotati from the train station to downtown, and across Sonoma and Marin counties. The City has also worked to support significant developments outside of the downtown area, including a successful industrial section and the creation of priority development areas to encourage housing and commercial uses on the west side of Cotati along State Route 116 and in the Cotati SMART train station area. The City has also recently added Wayfinding Signage to enhance pedestrian and cycling routes, and is continuing expansion of bicycle and pedestrian routes throughout the City with connections to the regional systems to facilitate safe and efficient travel without using a car.

The City is home to the Cotati Music Festival each June, the annual Kid's Day Parade and the internationally renowned Cotati Accordion Festival in late August.

If you would like to learn more about the City and its historical importance, please visit the Cotati Historical Society online at http://cotatihistoricalsociety.org/ or at the Historical Society Museum located in City Hall and open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and also on the second Tuesday of each month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Historical Society Video Walking Tour of Cotati
Visit the Digital Cotati Historical Museum Walking Tour online here.

City of Cotati Map
City of Cotati Maps
San Francisco Bay Area Image with Cotati and Detailed Map of Cotati. For a detailed map, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2p8tzej3
Cotati in US
Location of Cotati when looking at the continental US.

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Explore Cotati
Watch our video here.

Cotati has long been considered the "Hub" of
Sonoma County, by virtue of its central location, and
its distinct and historic hexagonal plaza. Surrounded
by beautiful vistas of hills, vineyards, majestic oaks
and redwoods, Cotati offers all the benefits of living in a small city, with the cultural advantages of being
located near major urban centers and a highly
acclaimed state university. Cotati's roots are steeped
in agriculture and music, and our citizens are proud of the diverse and charming community that has been
shaped by over 100 years' history. Enjoy our video
showing some of our community highlights!
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Your Elected Officials
Mayor Ben Ford
Email: [email protected] Phone: (707) 792-4600 Ext. 196 Ben Ford was elected to City Council in 2020, and re-elected in 2024. He earlier served on Cotati’s Planning Commission (2011-19) and Design Review Committee (2009-10). Some of his favorite organizations to volunteer with over the years have been Cotati Creek Critters, Transition Cotati, Daily Acts, and the North Bay Organizing Project.

Mayor Ford represents Cotati on the Boards of the Russian River Watershed Association and the Sonoma Clean Power Authority.

Mayor Ford moved to Cotati in 2003 with his wife and their two kids. He teaches mathematics at Sonoma State University, where he has served as Chair of the Mathematics and Statistics Department and on two occasions as Chair of the University Faculty. He serves on professional bodies that help shape math education guidelines for the State of California. He tries to get outdoors on his bike or in his hiking boots whenever possible.

Vice Mayor Sylvia Lemus
Email: [email protected] Phone: (707) 792-4600 ex. 201 Vice Mayor Sylvia Lemus was appointed to the City Council in 2022 for a full four-year term, ending in December 2026. Prior to her appointment to City Council, Lemus served as a Cotati Planning Commissioner starting in February 2020 and was the Chair of the Planning Commission in 2022.

Sylvia Lemus has been a resident of Cotati since 2008 and has been a lifelong resident of Sonoma County. Vice Mayor Lemus has been a founding member of community organizations, including Los Cien Sonoma County and Santa Rosa Cinco de Mayo organizations. She has also served on several boards and task forces and volunteered for numerous organizations, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, LandPaths, Community and Law Enforcement Task Force, Latino Alliance of Rohnert Park/Cotati, and the Sonoma Speedway Children’s Charity.

Vice Mayor Lemus has been in local county government for over 33 years, specializing in human resources and communications, and retired at the end of 2022. Her long career gave her a diverse and in-depth experience into how government works at all levels. Vice Mayor Lemus was also instrumental in the county’s racial equity efforts and was involved on related committees and provided input to the development of ongoing policies at the county level. Sylvia Lemus has also embarked on a new wine business startup in partnership with family. Through her appointment, Lemus became the first Latina Council member in Cotati’s history, a source of great pride to Lemus, her family, and her entire community.

Vice Mayor Lemus’ primary goals include engaging our diverse community, anti-racist policies, climate issues, housing affordability, community safety, small business support, interjurisdictional collaboration, and keeping Cotati as a place where all residents can live and thrive.

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Council Member Susan Harvey
Email: [email protected] Phone: (707) 792-4600 Ext. 193 Susan Harvey was elected to the City Council in November 2009 and re-elected in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024.

She was appointed as Vice Mayor in 2011, 2016 and 2022 and served as Mayor in 2012, 2017 and 2023. She served on the Planning Commission from November 2008 to November 2009.

Council Member Harvey currently serves as Cotati's representative to the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency (SCWMA), Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency, Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Agency, Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Marin/Sonoma Mosquito Vector Control District. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Northbay Division of the League of California Cities and Sonoma Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) representing Sonoma County. She serves as an alternative representative for REMIF/CIRA Board of Directors and Cotati Chamber of Commerce liaison.

A long-time volunteer, Susan has worked on behalf of community activities such as the Cotati Accordion Festival, the Jazz Festival, Oktoberfest and Cotati Historical Society. In 2011, Susan was selected as Cotati’s “Citizen of the Year”.

Susan and her husband have resided in Cotati since 1978, where they have raised their three children. She enjoys sharing our community and its events with her grandchildren. Having lived 45 years in Cotati, Susan brings a deep knowledge and familiarity of the uniqueness of our community. Susan brings over 30 years of management experience from a major local employer. Difficult budgets, painful decisions and working through differences of opinion are all common occurrences when working in such an environment. She brings skills in team work and consensus building for the betterment of the community and its long-term sustainability.

Council Member Harvey is devoting her energy to preserving community police, maintaining essential city services, recreational opportunities for our youth and seniors, fiscal responsibility, working to increase volunteerism, supporting policies that enhance existing business and attract new business. Additionally, Council Member Harvey has seized the opportunity for our community to be well represented in Sonoma County efforts for sustainability of water, waste management, education for all and improving health outcomes.

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Council Member Laura Sparks
Email: [email protected] Phone: (707) 792-4600 Ext. 194 Council Member Laura Sparks was elected to City Council in November 2020 for a four-year term, and was reelected in 2024.

Laura Sparks has lived in Cotati since 2016. After earning a B.S. in physics from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Physics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she relocated to Livermore, California in 2006 to pursue a career teaching at the community college level. She had been able to attend state schools thanks to publicly-funded financial aid programs, and she wanted to work giving students the same opportunity to get an education and excel regardless of economic background. She was drawn to the California Community College system because its low tuition and support programs make it truly accessible to all. In 2009, she moved to Sonoma County to teach astronomy full-time at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), where she continues to teach today. During her time at SRJC, Council member Sparks has taken on a variety of leadership roles, including Academic Senate parliamentarian and department chair of Earth and Space Sciences.

Council Member Sparks has been a frequent volunteer at science outreach events throughout Sonoma County, and served as a board member of the Sonoma County Astronomical Society. She is an educational affiliate member of the American Astronomical Society and a member of Astronomers for Planet Earth, an organization of professional astronomers, educators, and students who advocate for climate action.

Her priorities include transparent, inclusive, and participatory local government, working to combat and mitigate the effects of climate change, promoting affordable and attainable housing, anti-racism, and helping local residents and businesses to survive and thrive in a time of unprecedented challenges.

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Council Member John T. Savage
Email: [email protected] Phone: (707) 792-4600 ex. 202 Council Member John Savage was appointed to the City Council in 2025 to fill a vacancy through 2026. Prior to his appointment, John served as a Cotati Planning Commissioner for 3 years, including one year as Chair.

While on the Planning Commission, the City developed our Active Transportation Plan and Housing Element. He believes these plans are thoughtful and are key indicators of Cotati’s vitality. John wants to work to help bring these plans to fruition as he supports the city’s vision. The safety and cleanliness of Cotati, the quality of our parks and streets, the consistency of key services and the people who live here are what make Cotati a great livable city.

Council Member Savage enjoyed a 40-year career in Hotel Management with regional responsibilities across the Western and Central US and Canada. He and his husband purchased a home in Cotati in 2005 and have been full-time residents since 2020.

John enjoys all the natural beauty of Sonoma County, especially the agricultural aspects. Growing up on a working farm in Indiana, he immediately felt a sense of familiarity and home being in Cotati. He received his B.S. from Ball State University.

John is Cotati’s representative for the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District and serves on the Advisory Board for the Rohnert Park-Cotati Library.

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Demographics
Population Overview

TOTAL POPULATION
7,533
-0.16%
vs. 2022

GROWTH RANK
197 out of 503 Municipalities in California
* Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year Data and the 2020, 2010, 2000, and 1990 Decennial Censuses

DAYTIME POPULATION
6,375
Daytime population represents the effect of persons coming into or leaving a community for work, entertainment, shopping, etc. during the typical workday. An increased daytime population puts greater demand on host community services which directly impacts operational costs.
* Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 5000
5500
6000
6500
7000
7500
8000
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POPULATION BY AGE GROUP
Aging affects the needs and lifestyle choices of residents. Municipalities must adjust and plan services accordingly. * Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates Household Analysis

TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS
3,261
Municipalities must consider the dynamics of household types to plan for and provide services effectively. Household type also has a general correlation to income levels which affect the municipal tax base.
* Data Source: Cotati, CA 2025
402 438
340 320
426
1K
1K
797
319
661
590
421
111
<5
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-59
60-64
65-74
75-84
>85
0 500
1K
2K
2K
Family Households
35%
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Economic Analysis
Household income is a key data point in evaluating a community’s wealth and spending power. Pay levels and earnings typically vary by geographic regions and should be looked at in context of the overall cost of living.

HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Above $200,000
18%
-8.00%
lower than state average
Median income
$112,841

17.14%
higher than state average
Below $25,000
11%
-12.02%
lower than state average
* Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates Over $200,000
$150,000 to $200,000
$125,000 to $150,000
$100,000 to $125,000
$75,000 to $100,000
$50,000 to $75,000
$25,000 to $50,000
Below $25,000
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Housing Overview
2025 MEDIAN HOME VALUE
$650,000
* Data Source: Cotati, CA 2025

HOME VALUE DISTRIBUTION
* Data Source: 2023 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Home value data includes all types of owner-occupied housing.

HOME OWNERS VS

RENTERS
Cotati State Avg.
42%
Rent
58%
Own
44%
Rent
56%
Own
* Data Source: 2023 US Census
Bureau, American Community
Survey. Home value data includes
all types of owner-occupied
housing.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
300K
400K
500K
600K
700K
800K
233
545
703
201
80 13
13 26
29 6
11 > $1,000,000
$750,000 to $999,999
$500,000 to $749,999
$400,000 to $499,999
$300,000 to $399,999
$250,000 to $299,999
$200,000 to $249,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$50,000 to $99,999
< $49,999
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
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Cotati Provided Demographic Data
City staff have provided updated data points for the following graphic data provided herein:
- Household Analysis - using the 2020 US Census data recalculated the percentage of each household type. - Housing Overview - staff obtained the April 2024 and April 2025 median home values for the City from Redfin https://www.redfin.com/city/4316/CA/Cotati/housing-market Table of Contents 3.3 Demographics

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Organizational Chart
Serving the citizens of our community are the reason for the existence of our City government. Citizens elect and have the power to recall the City Council. The City Council independently hires both the City Attorney and City Manager. The City Attorney, John Bakker, works for an outside third-party legal firm that focuses on municipal law. The City Manager, Damien O'Bid, manages the operations of the City, including all city staff, represented by four bargaining units; (1) Non-Rep, (2) CEA, (3) CPOA, and (4) CPMA.

The individuals highlighted in green in the organizational chart below are outside consultants and not employed by the City.

Staffing for each department, including the positions and names, is included within the detailed department pages within the budget.

Cotati Organizational Chart
Cotati Citizens
City Council
City Manager
City Manager's
Department
Recreation Department
Administrative Services
Department
Community Development Public Works and
Engineering
Police Department
City Attorney
Table of Contents 3.4 Organizational Structure
Biennial Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 | Cotati Page 25 327 of 791
Fund Descriptions and Structure
The operating budget document includes City-wide information as well as information specific to each fund and each department. The City receives revenue from numerous sources, many of which have restrictions on how they can be used. Separate funds are established to account for the different types of revenues and the allowable uses of those revenues. The annual budget information is available after the publication of the Adopted Budget.

Fund Structure for City of Cotati
This graphic depicts the funds for the City of Cotati based on their classification under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Table of Contents 3.5 Fund Structure

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Cotati City CouncilJune 10, 2025

Cotati City Council
June 10, 2025