Cotati City Council, January 13, 2026: Item 8A: 8150 La Plaza, request for variances Dear Mayor Lemus, Vice Mayor Harvey, and Council members Ford, Savage, and Sparks, First of all, I would thank the Planning Commission for their thorough and in depth review of this project and whole heartly request that you approve the conditions of approval they added on Nov. 17, 2025. (Agenda packet page 148 of 387).
I also appreciate the revising of the site plan by the applicant to include the aforementioned conditions of approval.
I would ask that you deny the applicant’s request for a 10foot rear setback for this project so that he can maintain a total of 14 parking spaces for his project. I'm opposed to this for the following reasons:
1) The 20-rear setback that was approved by the Planning Commission will help mitigate the looming 37'4" three story building that will overshadow my neighborhood and dwarf the peaceful enjoyment of my home of 39 years.
2) If the council agrees with the Planning Commission to reduce the number of required spaces for this project, I would welcome it. According to the concept of "shared parking" and the principle of "park once" (both laid out in the DSP) I don't believe there is a need for more than 12. Currently there are number of spaces on the street adjacent to 8150 La Plaza. There are spaces across the road next to the Fire Station, spaces in the parking lot next to the Scout Hut, spaces on the street near Ner Shalom and across the street from Ner Shalom on La Plaza, and spaces on the south side of East Cotati Avenue. Surely there would be 2 spaces if needed with all of those possibilities. Please see attached photos. 3) If the developer wants to meet the parking requirements there is another way to do it, he could make 2 of the 2-bedroom/3bath units into 1-bedroom/2bath units with a home office and extra storage. Thereby eliminating the need for those 2 parking spaces. 4) The 20' set back is a laid out in the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) with good reason and I see no compelling rationale to waive it so this project can be at the proposed size. 5) In the unlikely event that the council decides a 10' rear setback is enough, I would request that the required 30' setback for the 3rd story be honored to mitigate this massive structure that will forever change the village charm of Arthur Street.
The DSP emphasis on marrying the old with the new in a way that does not overburden the old but integrates into it is a concept that is worth keeping in mind as the old town village charm is what draws people to Cotati.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Linell Hardy