CHAPTER 11: IMPLEMENTATION—2025 UPDATE
Cotati General Plan
11-1
For the General Plan to serve as an effective guide to achieving the City’s vision for its future, it must be implemented and administered. The General Plan includes a number of "Action” items that provide direction for how the City will implement the goals, objectives, and policies within the body of the General Plan. In general, actions are spread throughout each of the elements, appearing immediately after the corresponding objective and policies.
Government Code Section 65400(a)(1) requires the City’s planning agency (City of Cotati Community Development Department) to make recommendations to the City Council that identify reasonable and practical means for implementation of the General Plan. The Community Development Department is also required to provide an annual report to the City Council, the State Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse), and the State Department of Housing and Community Development that includes the status of the General Plan, the City’s progress in the implementation of the General Plan, and the County’s progress in meeting its allocation of regional housing needs and removing governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing.
Table 11-1: General Plan Implementation is intended to serve as a tool for tracking implementation of the General Plan and preparing the annual report, as Table 1 identifies the general timing for the implementation of each action, the Department responsible for the action’s implementation, and the status of the action. The Departments that are responsible for the various actions include: – the City Manager’s office is responsible for administrative actions and economic development actions, Community Development Department – this department is responsible for actions related to planning and building, and Public Works/Engineering – this department is responsible for actions related to infrastructure, utilities, capital improvements, and other public works and engineering items.
For each of the actions listed below, the letters “A” or “B” refer to a relative priority for implementation. More specifically, the letter A implies that the action will be implemented in the relatively short-term (most likely, 1 to 5 years). The letter B similarly implies a somewhat longerterm implementation, approximately 5 to 10 years. In other cases, the reader may notice the use of the term "ongoing" which refers to actions already being undertaken by the City or those that are expected to continue on either a periodic or perpetual basis. The party or parties that are primarily responsible for implementing each action are also indicated where applicable.
The reader should keep some caveats in mind regarding the implementation schedule. One is that many of these actions will require both staff and financial resources to implement, thus making them difficult to definitively schedule, given the annual nature of the budgetary process and changing priorities over the years. A second caveat to keep in mind is that it is often difficult to clearly state the duration of tasks; therefore, estimated starting dates (priority levels) are presented for actions rather than completion dates. A third caveat is that, in some instances, the selection of priority level (A or B) reflects the level of complexity and the level of effort required to implement an action rather than the importance of the Action itself.
1. Introduction
2. Circulation
3. Community Health &
Wellness
4. Community Services &
Facilities
5. Conservation
6. Economic Vitality
7. Land Use
8. Noise
9. Open Space
10. Safety
11. Implementation
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-2 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CI 1a: Continually seek opportunities to fund maintenance of and improvements to the circulation network, including through active pursuit of a wide range of grant sources.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
The City completed
significant road
preservation and
rehabilitation projects
which included
enhancements to
bike/ped features in
2024 and 2025,
including completion
of the Sidewalk Gap
Closure Project. The
City is actively seeking
funding with the CMA
for future
maintenance and
safety enhancements
to the circulation
Action CI 1b: Ensure that future development provides roadway improvements consistent with the Circulation Diagram and implement the roadway improvements identified in the Traffic Impact Fee Study to improve the safety and efficiency of the current circulation system, and to support buildout of the General Plan.
• Install a traffic signal on Madrone Avenue at the intersection of Gravenstein Highway, establishing the north leg as the primary roadway connection to Derby Lane and Locust Avenue.
• Eliminate the current skewed intersection at Gravenstein Highway/Derby Lane. • Realign the eastern portion of Derby Lane so that it extends as an east-west collector street to Alder Avenue.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of General Plan
(GP) Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-3
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
• Construct a new north-south collector street in the western portion of the City, intersecting Gravenstein Highway approximately midway between Locust Avenue and Alder Avenue.
Extend the street northward to Helman Lane and southward to intersect with an extension of Isabel Drive as warranted by future development.
• Install a traffic signal on the new north-south collector street at the intersection of Gravenstein Highway.
• Eliminate the intersection at Gravenstein Highway/Alder Avenue once a connection between Alder Avenue and the new north-south collector street is established. • Construct a minor realignment of West Cotati Avenue to intersect Gravenstein Highway at an improved angle, and install a traffic signal at the intersection. • Restrict direct access between private parcels and Gravenstein Highway once alternative access is established (i.e., parallel roadways and new intersections as described above). • Add a southbound right turn pocket on Redwood Drive at the Gravenstein Highway intersection (improvement is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence). • Widen Helman Avenue to include a center turn lane in areas with abutting Commercial and/or Industrial uses.
• Eliminate the northbound left turn pocket at Old Redwood Highway/Commerce Avenue/US 101 North Onramp and convert to a through lane.
• Eliminate the southbound left turn movement at Gravenstein Highway/Old Redwood Highway (modification is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence). • Install a traffic signal at Old Redwood Highway/William Street-George Street. • Reassign lanes at the Old Redwood Highway/East Cotati Avenue-West Sierra Avenue intersection to better serve traffic demands. One possible modification includes restriping the southbound approach to include dual left turn lanes and a combined through-right turn lane; restriping the westbound approach to include separate through and right turn lanes; The City has prepared
35% of the design for
the Highway 116
Corridor Safety
Project, consisting of a
new roundabout at W
Cotati Ave, providing a
bike/ped crossing on
Hwy 116, and a Class 1
Pathway along Hwy
116. The city is
pursuing State,
Federal, and developer
funding as well.
The City is working
with neighboring
Rohnert Park to
identify how traffic
mitigation funds that
are collected from
new development in
Rohnert Park is to be
spent.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-4 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
restriping East Cotati Avenue to include dual eastbound through lanes through the La Plaza intersection before merging to a single lane, and eliminating the westbound left turn lane and movements (except buses).
• Install a traffic signal at East Cotati Avenue/Charles Street. • Install a traffic signal at East Cotati Avenue/Lasalle Avenue. • Install a traffic signal at East Cotati Avenue/Santero Way and add a northbound right turn pocket.
• Install all-way stop-controls at the intersection of West Sierra Avenue/US 101 South OnrampWest School Street.
Action CI 1c: Work collaboratively with Caltrans and the County of Sonoma to identify funding sources and complete the following improvements, or improvements of comparable effectiveness, on roadways owned by these agencies within and near the City of Cotati. • Reconstruct Gravenstein Highway between Madrone Avenue and Redwood Drive to include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, two vehicle travel lanes in each direction, and left turn pockets. • Widen Gravenstein Highway to include two travel lanes in each direction between Madrone Avenue and a point approximately 500 feet to the west of Madrone Avenue (improvement is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence).
• Widen Gravenstein Highway to include three eastbound lanes between a point just west of Redwood Drive and the US 101 South Ramps intersection.
• Add a right turn lane on the US 101 Southbound off-ramp at Gravenstein Highway (improvement is only needed with buildout to Sphere of Influence). • Implement coordinated signal timing along the Gravenstein Highway corridor between Old Redwood Highway and Madrone Avenue.
• Upgrade the U.S. 101 freeway interchange at Railroad Avenue to a full diamond interchange. • Complete capacity improvements on Railroad Avenue between Petaluma Hill Road and U.S. 101.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Current development
projects are required
to implement their
fair share of GP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.
Completed 35%
design for Hwy 116
Corridor Safety Project
and seeking State,
Federal, and
Developer funding.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-5
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CI 1d: Coordinate with Caltrans to determine the feasibility of constructing new freeway ramps to and from U.S. 101 at existing interchanges in the City of Cotati. • Add new freeway on- and off-ramps between West Sierra Avenue and U.S. 101. • Relocate the U.S. 101 North on-ramp at the Gravenstein Highway interchange, creating a standard diamond interchange configuration.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Not yet started
Action CI 1e: As part of the development review and planning process, review general plan amendments, zone change requests, specific plans, and development projects to ensure that adequate circulation improvements are included, that the project addresses its proportional-share of impacts to the City’s circulation network, and that the project provides for complete streets to the extent feasible.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of GP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.
The City’s LRSP
includes complete
street elements.
Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022
and new projects are
subject to Woonerf
standards starting in
2023.
Action CI 1f: Update the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include, as appropriate, the roadway improvements necessary to support buildout of the General Plan.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-6 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing. The City
prepares annual and
multi-year CIPs as part
of its annual budget
process.
Action CI 1g: Routinely monitor the performance of the circulation network, optimizing traffic signals and utilizing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) measures where beneficial to maximize efficiency of the existing network on a regular basis.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City has
an annual traffic signal
maintenance contract.
In 2023, City installed
new traffic controllers
along the Old
Redwood Hwy and E
Cotati Ave. The
controllers
communicate with
one another to
improve traffic flow. A
project has been
scoped to centralize
control/operation of
traffic signals at City
Hall for installation in
Summer/Fall of 2025.
Action CI 1h: Monitor ongoing efforts to establish multimodal level of service methodologies and assess whether a multimodal level of service is appropriate for application in Cotati. One set of methodologies for analyzing multimodal level of service is contained in the 2010 Highway Capacity Manual (Transportation Research Board).
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City
prepared and adopted
an Active
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-7
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Transportation Plan in
2025 and includes
bicycle and pedestrian
improvements to be
stand alone and
included in City street
paving projects. The
City works with
SMART to ensure
customer safety to
and from the station
and is working on first
and last mile
solutions.
Action CI 1i: Once the City deems a multimodal LOS methodology to be suitable for application in Cotati, the LOS standards described in Policy 1.3 shall be amended to include quantitative evaluation of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit modes where deemed applicable.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City
participates in the
SCTA TAC meetings
where LOS and VMT
analysis tools are
being developed.
The adopted ATP
includes multiple
multi-modal projects
to increase
walkability, bikeability and evaluate all
forms of multi-modal
transportation, both
locally and regionally.
Action CI 1j: Monitor collision reports on an annual basis. Prioritize locations with high collision rates for safety improvements. Through the use of available City funds or grants, apply techniques such as Public Works/
Engineering,
Ongoing Complete
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-8 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
installation of traffic control or warning devices, implementation of traffic calming, geometric modifications, increased enforcement, etc., to improve safety.
Police
Department
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. LRSP
includes a list of
recommended
projects. The Police
Department sends
collision reports to
Engineering. These
reports, citizen
complaints, and the
recommendations of
the LRSP are used to
identify and install
safety improvements
City-wide. In 2024-
2025, high visibility XWalks were installed
across W Sierra Ave at
La Plaza and across
Benson Lane at the
Laguna trail and speed
cushions were
installed on Benson
Lane. The Police
Department continues
to liaison with Public
Works, Community
Development, and
associated
stakeholders and
agencies in the
continuous
monitoring and
evaluation of collision
reports and high-risk
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-9
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
traffic areas
throughout the city.
The Police
Department
has sought and been
awarded grants with
the Department of
Transportation and
California Highway
Patrol for the
education, prevention,
and enforcement of
laws related to traffic
safety. The
Department was
awarded a recent
Cannabis Tax Grant to
help with impaired
driving enforcement,
training, and
equipment. Every
officer is a traffic
officer and conducts
routine and targeted
traffic enforcement
projects, saturation
education, and
enforcement activities
in problem areas.
Action CI 1k: Monitor residential streets as needed to ensure that traffic volumes do not exceed a maximum of 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles per day on improved streets (those with curb, gutter, sidewalk, and well-conditioned pavement), and a maximum of 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles per day on streets which are more rural in nature (typified by poorly-conditioned pavement and the absence of pedestrian walkways). If traffic volumes exceed these criteria, the City shall consider implementing traffic calming measures to reduce through traffic volumes.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Ongoing. The City
periodically completes
engineering speed
surveys to set radar
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-10 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
enforced speed limits.
With passage of SB43,
the City has expanded
tools to regulate
speed limits.
Action CI 1l: Require developers to design local roadways (i.e., streets other than arterials and collectors) for speeds of 25 miles per hour or less.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Fire Dept. access and
emergency circulation,
plus laws about how
speeds are set, impact
feasibility of this
action. Pedestrian
features and traffic
calming measures are
identified in the Vision
Zero Plan (VZ) and
LRSP. Woonerf
standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022.
Action CI 1m: Review plans for new or modified intersections to ensure that lane configurations are limited where possible to provide for moderate speeds and pedestrian and cyclist safety, and that curb extensions are installed where appropriate to reduce driving speeds and shorten pedestrian crossing distances.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. City street
paving projects
incorporate
recommendations
from the ATP and
LRSP.
Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-11
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
completed in 2022.
The City completed
35% of the design for
the Hwy 116/W Cotati
Ave intersection which
includes bike/ped
safety features in
2025. Curb Extensions
installed at W School
and Maple Ave for
improving safety for
school children and
neighborhood
walkers.
Action CI 1n: Prepare an Impact Fee Study to support an updated development impact fee that requires new development to pay its proportional share of circulation improvements, including but not limited to the improvements shown on Figure CI 1, identified as actions in this section, and/or identified in the General Plan Environmental Impact Report or the Traffic Impact Fee Study, as well as pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as those included in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and those described in this Circulation Element.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Traffic Impact fee in
place and payments
being made. The cost
estimates include Bike
and Ped safety
enhancement
features. Fees were
updated to meet
square footage basis
requirement in 2025.
Action CI 1o: Continue to maintain and routinely update a development impact fee program to fund Citywide transportation improvements.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. CPI increases
are made to fees
annually per direction
in their implementing
ordinances. Fees
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-12 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
were updated to meet
square footage basis
requirement in 2025.
Comments regarding
regional impact
mitigation made on
Rohnert Park General
Plan Update EIR in
early 2026.
Action CI 1p: In coordination with Caltrans, establish an impact fee that allows future development along the State-owned portion of Gravenstein Highway to contribute a proportional-share of the funding for future circulation improvements within Cotati on this corridor.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Current Traffic Impact
Fee anticipates
improvements on
Gravenstein Highway.
City coordinating Hwy
116 safety
improvement project
and designs with
CalTrans to benefit
adjacent development
throughout 2025.
Action CI 1q: As part of the development review process, require new development to mitigate circulation impacts by making improvements to the motorized and non-motorized circulation networks as necessary, and in a fair manner with an established nexus between the level of impact and required improvements and/or contributions.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of GP and ATP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-13
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022
and new projects
include review of
Woonerf standards in
2023.
Action CI 1r: As part of the development review process, ensure that new development facilitates walking, biking, and transit modes; incorporates streets that are designed to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow; constructs or (if deemed appropriate by the City Engineer) contributes funds toward construction of off-site improvements necessary to mitigate traffic impacts; provides adequate emergency vehicle access; and pays development impact fees that contribute to cumulative circulation improvements.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Current
development projects
are required to
implement their fair
share of GP
Circulation
improvements
through construction
or in-lieu payments.
VZ, ATP, and LRSP
include measures to
address this action.
Post-2017 Fire
projects over 50 units
must have designated
evacuation routes and
CD and Fire District
collaborate on
implementation.
Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022
and new projects
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-14 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
include review for
applicability of
Woonerf standards in
2023.
Action CI 1s: Study mechanisms to require new development to privately fund maintenance of local roads (not including collector or arterial streets) through special assessment districts or similar mechanisms to determine whether such an approach would be appropriate for Cotati. The study should evaluate issues including (but not limited to):
• voter support;
• mechanisms for adjusting assessment fees over time;
• risks associated with future default of fee payments; • responsibilities associated with the maintenance of public utilities; • equity concerning drivers that use these streets but are not subject to the fee; and • ability to enforce the California Vehicle Code on affected streets.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Community
Facilities District (CFD)
was established in
2017 and Santero
Way, Kessing Ranch,
and Jamie Lane
developments have
been annexed into it.
New developments
join CFD as they are
built and thus
contribute to
maintenance of roads.
Kessing Ranch added
an assessment for
bond payments to its
property tax
assessment. In 2025
the City updated the
impact fees to meet
the requirements of
AB 602 ensuring
adaquate nexus and
proportionality of fees
charged.
Action CI 1t: Maintain, and update as necessary, a list of designated truck routes in the Municipal Code.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-15
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Comments:
Truck routes were
established in 2015
and enforcement is
ongoing. The
Ordinance to keep
trucks out of
Downtown allows
Police to issue
citations associated
with fines and
warnings to trucks
using Downtown
streets. New signage
has been added
designating truck
routes.
Action CI 2a: As part of the development process, review development applications to ensure compliance with the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. New
developments are
conditioned to include
Capital projects
identified in the Active
Transportation Plan.
Woonerf standards for
multifamily
development
completed in 2022,
and projects subject
to review for
applicability of
Woonerf standards
starting in 2023, which
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-16 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
will provide bicycle
and pedestrian
facilities in applicable
new developments. In
2024 the City updated
the Active
Transportation Plan
(ATP) to ensure all
elements of the
planned multi-modal
transportation
network are up to
date and provide both
local and regional
connections.
Action CI 2b: Review traffic signal timing plans to ensure adequate crossing times for all users at signalized intersections.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Ensuring
adequate crossing
times and upgrading
controllers are an
ongoing Public Works
function. In 2026, City
has scoped a project
to centralize traffic
signal controls to City
Hall. Updated traffic
controllers, installed
in 2023, can also
communicate with
one another to
improve traffic flow
and safety.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-17
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CI 2c: Review all transportation improvements to ensure installation in accordance with current accessibility standards.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. ADA ramp
upgrades are
included in the
street paving
projects and the
annual Citywide
bike and
pedestrian
safety Capital
Project.
Sidewalk repair
program has an
annual sidewalk
shaving to
maintain
accessibility of
sidewalks. City
was awarded a
SS4A grant in
2024 to prepare
a SelfEvaluation and
ADA Transition
Plan.
Consultants
selection and
award expected
in early 2026.
Plan
preparation in
2026 and 2027.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-18 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Policy CI 2d: Regularly review transportation corridors to identify barriers encountered by persons with disabilities, including locations where there are not ADA-compliant curb cuts and ramps, and address such obstacles in the Capital Improvement Program, to the extent that funding for such activities is available.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. ADA SelfEvaluation and ADA
Transition Plan to be
completed in 2026
and 2027 with a SS4A
grant. ADA ramp
upgrades are
completed with street
paving projects. 12
upgraded curb ramps
were installed during
2022 as part of street
preservation project.
Action CI 2e: Review all plans for sidewalk construction to ensure that the sidewalk circumvents existing trees of a size subject to Municipal Code Chapter 17.54, Tree Preservation and Protection, where appropriate and feasible.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. 8150 La
Plaza sidewalk
circumvention of oak
tree completed in
2022 and Cotati
Village 2 multi-family
development project
approved in 2023
preserves oak trees in
property frontage.
Action CI 2f: Develop a rural roads standard to ensure that rural roads provide accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists in a manner consistent with the goals of the Land Use Code.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
On-Going. A bike-ped
pathway was installed
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-19
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
along West School
Street and completed
an uninterrupted
school route pathway
from the School Street
tunnel to the end of
Richardson Lane. The
ATP was adopted in
2024, and identifies
bike-ped projects on
rural roads
Action CI 2g: Public Works shall include construction of bicycle and pathway facilities in the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Bike/Ped,
CIP, ATP, and LRSP
recommendations are
incorporated with
street pavement
projects. 2024 and
2025 paving projects
included adding class
2 and 3 bike lanes and
upgrades to curb
ramps. Class 2 bike
lanes and ped
crossings were
refreshed following
paving on Old
Redwood Hwy north
of William Street and
E. Cotati Avenue from
ORH to Baytree Ct.
with green bike lane
paint refreshed at the
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-20 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
ORH intersection. The
pathway along Water
Road was repaved and
striped.
Action CI 2h: Public Works shall ensure that bicycle loop detectors at traffic signals are clearly identified with stencils, if in-ground loops are used for detection.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Stencils are
in place for most
intersections. The City
is moving away from
in-ground equipment;
video detectors also
work with stencils.
Action CI 2i: As funding becomes available, the City should encourage Sonoma County Transit to provide more frequent headways, extend service hours, and serve a greater portion of the City. The City would review and renew the contract as necessary.
• Bus headways of 30 minutes or less are desirable on routes serving Old Redwood Highway and East Cotati Avenue.
• Local bus service operating until 10 PM would be desirable. • New or modified routes that serve the southern and western portions of Cotati should be prioritized.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
On hold until bus
service reaches preCovid levels.
Action CI 2j: Compile a list of bus stops with inadequate lighting, and through the Capital Improvement Program, install street lights at those stops as funding is available.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Older bus
stops need evaluation.
Action CI 2k: Study the feasibility of establishing a public or private shuttle system to serve the SMART commuter rail station, strengthening ties to the Hub as well as major employers and schools in and surrounding Cotati.
Public Works/
Engineering, City
Manager
B Complete
In progress
Comments:
The city continues to
work with SCTCA to
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-21
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
install and maintain a
regional bike sharing
program called
Redwood Bikeshare
with Cotati locations
at La Plaza, SMART
station, and E Cotati
Ave & Lasalle Ave. The
city is not currently in
discussion with
SMART to explore a
potential shuttle
program. Currently, a
shuttle service isn't
financially feasible
Action CI 2l: Identify potential bicycle and pedestrian connections from East Cotati Avenue and School Street locations east of US 101 to Thomas Page Elementary School. Along rural streets, determine the feasibility of developing a bicycle/pedestrian path along one side of the road.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Sidewalk
Gap Closure Project,
completed in 2025,
installed the
remaining sections of
a continuous pathway
from the School Street
tunnel to Thomas
Page School. These
improvements
complement
improvements
completed in 2024
(Downtown Safety
and Connectivity
Project), and the
street preservation
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-22 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
projects, which
collectively have
added a buffered bike
lane and crosswalks
on W. Sierra Ave and
Class II Bike lanes on
E. Cotati Ave
Action CI 2m: As part of the development review process, ensure that new development projects, particularly those along potential Safe Routes to School shown on Figure CI-2, provide bicycle and pedestrian improvements to facilitate the implementation of a Safe Routes to School plan for Thomas Page Elementary School.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The W School Street
pathway was included
in the City’s Sidewalk
Gap Closure project,
creating a pedestrian
route Thomas Page
Academy from the
School St tunnel. The
project was
completed in 2024-25
completing the
pathway from the
tunnel to the end of
Richardson Lane.
Action CI 2n: Coordinate with the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, City of Rohnert Park, Sonoma County Transportation Authority, Sonoma County Department of Public Health, and the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition to fund and initiate development of a Safe Routes to School Program.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City will support
Sonoma County
Bicycle Coalition if an
effort is started to
develop a safe routes
to school program
(SR2S) and the City
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-23
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
will continue to look
for SR2S funding
opportunities. SoCo
Bike Coalition is
regularly consulted for
any significant active
transportation
planning effort in
Cotati.
Action CI 2o: Once adopted, routinely review and update the Safe Routes to School plan, to reflect the current circulation infrastructure, student travel patterns, identified hazards, and school characteristics.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
SR2S Plan has not
been developed.
Action CI 3a: Supply transportation data to the RCPA as requested to assist in the assessment of GHG reduction efforts.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City
provides
transportation data to
RCPA as available and
regularly coordinates
with SCTCA staff
regarding regional
traffic modeling and
GHG impact analysis.
Action CI 3b: Establish specific TDM requirements for projects and consider making requirements sectorbased (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial). Public Works/ Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
VMT standards
adopted in 2020. SCTA
has developed a VMT
calculator for
satisfying CEQA
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-24 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
impact analysis
requirements.
Action CI 4a: Work with the SCTA, County of Sonoma, and City of Rohnert Park to develop a system that allows for the collection of regional transportation impact fees and/or a mechanism to collect and fund transportation mitigations between jurisdictions.
Public Works/
Engineering
B Complete
In progress
Comments:
RTIF in place through
SCTA. City has
coordinated with RP
for use of
development TIPs
from their University
District and SoMo
Village projects. A fee
agreement is being
drafted for
consideration by both
agencies. CD staff
provided comments
on this issue to RP
planning staff
managing the RP
General Plan Update
to ensure on-going
regional impacts are
adequately analyzed
and mitigated.
Action CI 5a: Continue to work with downtown property owners to facilitate the creation of parking assessment districts.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Not started. However,
a requirement for
Parking Management
Plans for multifamily
and mixed-use
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-25
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
development was
instituted with the
TOC ordinance
adopted by the City
Council on Jan. 13,
2026.
Action CI 5b: Require either the development of an assessment district or the preservation of the site for the future formation of an assessment district when reviewing all Hub-related development proposals.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
On-going. There is an
assessment on
Downtown Specific
Plan (DTSP) properties
to recover the costs of
preparing and
updating the DTSP. In
addition, new
development projects
are conditioned to join
the Landscape and
Lighting Assessment
District and/or the
Community Facilities
Assessment District as
they develop or redevelop.
Action CI 5c: Review parking best practices employed in other jurisdictions, as well as parking utilization within Cotati itself, and if appropriate, incorporate revised parking requirements into the Municipal Code.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Various state
laws including density
bonus, SB 35, and SB
330 have preempted
local parking
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-26 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
requirements,
especially for housing.
Santero Way has COA
to develop a parking
management plan. In
2023, the City
adopted an ordinance
to update the DTSP
which incorporates
State-mandated
parking requirements.
In 2024, the City
adopted an ordinance
to reduce multifamily
parking requirements
to the level of the
State Density Bonus
standards and remove
the requirement for
covered parking
spaces for all types of
development. Also
during 2024 the City
developed an update
to the Santero Way
Plan, which
establishes a zero
parking minimum for
new development
within the SWSP, and
parking maximums for
both residential and
commercial
development. Lastly, a
requirement for
Parking Management
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-27
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Plans for multifamily
and mixed-use
development was
instituted with the
TOC ordinance
adopted by the City
Council on Jan. 13,
2026.
Action CI 5d: Study the potential for a parking permit system and reduced parking requirements to be implemented in transit-oriented areas surrounding the Hub and Cotati SMART station.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
B Complete
In progress
Comments:
Study completed. In
2013 the City
supported a parking
management system
for Santero Way, and
in 2016 the Cotati
Station Apts was
conditioned to lead
the implementation of
that system. The 2019
extension of Cotati
Station entitlements
carried that through.
State laws regarding
parking near transit
impact this action. In
2024 the City
developed an update
to the Santero Way
Plan, which
implements TOD
policy in requiring no
parking minimums
and establishing
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-28 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
parking maximums.
These changes were
formalized into CMC
zoning standards with
the adoption of the
TOC Rezoning
Ordinance on Jan. 13,
2026.
Action CI 5e: During the development review process, require commercial, multi-family residential, mixeduse, and other projects that may result in parking impacts to submit parking studies to ensure that adequate parking is provided.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments
Ongoing
Action CI 5f: If deemed necessary by the City, use parking management techniques (such as residential parking permits) to limit spillover parking impacts in residential neighborhoods.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CHW-1a: Develop and implement a plan to re-establish the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. City Manager, City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Completed.
Action CHW-1b: Develop and connect with existing programs to foster collaboration between local health agencies/officials and City staff and elected officials.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Community
Development staff
regularly engages with
County Health
Department staff on
development and
housing projects, as
well as restaurants,
tobacco and cannabis
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-29
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
businesses. The city
also has been
engaging with the
Health Department
throughout 2025 on
potential tobacco
retail licensing and
impacts associated
with other “vice”
related products (such
as NOx and Kratom).
Action CHW-1c: Develop or obtain a list of best practices related to promoting healthy communities. Community Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The city staff
developed resources
for the community
related sustainability
including a “climate
and sustainability
webpage”, bi-monthly
newsletter and
planning for the
second annual Climate
Ready Cotati Fair to be
held in Spring of 2026.
Further, the staff has
created a free
sustainability
workshop series in
collaboration with the
City of Rohnert Park to
inspire sustainability
practices in
community. This is
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-30 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
held every month
from February to
October of 2026. The
City also has been
engaging with the
Health Department
throughout 2025 on
potential tobacco
retail licensing and
impacts associated
with other “vice”
related products (such
as NOx and Kratom).
Action CHW-1d: Collaborate with the Sonoma County Departments of Health Services and Human Services to track community health information systematically and in ways appropriate for use in decisions about the built environment.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. City staff
regularly engages with
County Health Dept
staff.
Action CHW-1e: Collaborate with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, experts and nonprofits to develop and implement training programs for elected officials, commissions, and City staff to build capacity for implementing the Community Health and Wellness Element. Training programs may also be developed for community leaders and organizations to advocate for healthy communities over the life of this General Plan and beyond.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Not started. The City
collaborated with the
City of Rohnert Park
and the regional
library to co-host a
Housing Fair to
connect residents with
nonprofit housing
resources in
September 2025. New
programs initiated in
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-31
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
2024 that promote
healthy communities
include adoption of
the Active
Transportation Plan;
development of the
resources for the
community related to
sustainability and
climate change,
including a webpage,
bi-monthly
newsletter, and
planning for the City’s
first Climate Ready
Cotati Fair to be held
in Spring 2025; and
the launch of the
Redwood Bikeshare
program.
Action CHW-1f: Work with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services and community stakeholders to identify creative ways to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Explore strategies that effectively target special needs of underserved communities such as youths, seniors and low-income households. Outreach materials may include newsletters, a website, postcards and radio or television announcements.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City
continues to support
and seek
opportunities to
expand the programs
of the licensees at
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch that facilitate
community access to
food- and farmingrelated programs. The
City works with REFB
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-32 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
to provide free
lunches for youth
during summer break,
as well as food for
seniors. DHS and
other service agencies
table at community
events. The Farmer’s
Market offers Market
Match program
through CalFresh, in
coordination with the
City. The City offers
free or reduced cost
recreation enrollment
for low income
residents. City website
includes many
resources and links to
service providers. As
part of the potential
tobacco retail
licensing discussion,
the City is also
discussing strategies
to minimize access of
these products and
other potentially
harmful lifestyle
replated products (for
example NOx and
Kratom) to minors.
Action CHW-1g: Consider adoption of a Second-Hand Smoke Ordinance and/or other regulations that would reduce exposure to tobacco smoke. These regulations may addresslimitations on smoking in public places (e.g., entryways to buildings and outdoor dining areas); at public events; and in multi-unit housing, including common areas and residential units. The ordinance may also include provisions to provide City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-33
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
greater oversight regarding tobacco sales and availability to minors, including a tobacco retail licensing fee that would allow more stringent oversight and enforcement of tobacco sales to minors, and limitations on tobacco sales near sensitive areas such as schools and parks.
Smoking ordinance
adopted Fall 2015.
Action CHW-1h: Continue to require that all new or transferred Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensees and their employees participate in Responsible Beverage Service training, to promote public health and safety by reducing incidence of sales/service to minors and sales/service to obviously intoxicated persons.
Community
Development,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Police
Department educates
and enforces
applicable criminal
laws related to alcohol
consumption at
businesses. As was the
case in 2024, the
Police
Department continue
d to place a special
emphasis on DUI
prevention and
enforcement
throughout the year,
culminating again in
some of the
highest DUI and
substance/impaired
driving investigation
and arrest rates in the
department’s history.
The Community
Development
Department
coordinates with ABC
on all alcohol related
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-34 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
businesses and
licenses.
Action CHW-2a: Consider the feasibility of developing a medical services providers attraction and retention program to increase the number of medical and health services providers within the City.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
DTSP update
ordinance was
updated in 2023 and
included land use
streamlining elements
for medical and health
services providers to
allow doctors’ offices
in all areas of the DSP
and clinic, urgent care
land uses in the
Commerce Avenue
District. Additional
flexibility under
consideration would
allow clinic/urgent
care land use in the
Northern Gateway
and Commercial, East
Cotati Corridor zoning
districts. The 2026
Economic
Development effort
will seek opportunities
to expand land use
allowances for
medical related
businesses to operate
in Cotati.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-35
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CHW-2b: Provide resources at City Hall and on the City website regarding the location and contact information of health care providers serving the City, including mental health and substance abuse programs, oral health services, mobile services, access to such providers, and available free and low-cost health care programs. Information on the website may include a community health or similar page that provides links to Sonoma County 211, Healthy Sonoma, Health Action, and other community health resources.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Links on City
website for services,
resources, and partner
agencies and flyers on
display in City Hall.
Community
Development
conducted overhaul of
the housing and social
services pages of the
City’s website,
improving the
accessibility of
resources for the
public SAFE Program
links people in need
directly with
resources. City
promotes the new
24/7 helpline for
mental health
services. Additionally,
the city has flyers at
City Hall and a
webpage for the
Keeping People
Housed Program led
by the Commission on
the Shelter less.
Action CHW-2c: Collaborate with transit service providers to adequately serve people who are transitdependent by improving connections to regional medical facilities that serve Cotati residents and businesses.
Community
Development,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-36 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Public Works/
Engineering
Not started.
Action CHW-2d: Support efforts by local community health agencies and organizations to provide annual training to Cotati residents and City staff for basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills.
City Manager,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Police
Officers receive
mandated routine
CPR/first aid training,
as well as Narcan
training for
opioid/fentanyl
overdoses.
Action CHW-3a: Encourage the Sonoma County Human Services Department to continue its efforts working with stores to increase acceptance of food assistance programs such as CalFresh EBT cards and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) in order to increase food security for all Cotati residents.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Olivers and
Farmers Market
accept CalFresh.
Action CHW-3b: Encourage the Sonoma County Departments of Human Services and Health Services, the Sonoma County Food System Alliance, and community-based organizations to provide information and educational outreach to Cotati residents about healthy food choices, including the Sonoma County CalFresh program and other food programs, to ensure that all City residents have information and access to resources on healthier eating and access to nutritious foods.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City’s
licensees promote
healthy eating and
garden education at
Veronda Falletti
Ranch. The City is
working with
community partners
to promote the rules
regarding Urban
Agriculture that were
adopted in late 2022.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-37
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
CalFresh flyers are
given out at events
and resources are
available on City
webpage. The city has
also recently started a
farm box CSA program
to provide fresh farm
products to
community members.
Action CHW-3c: In collaboration with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services and community organizations, develop and implement a program to encourage new and existing convenience stores, supermarkets, liquor stores and neighborhood and ethnic markets to stock a variety of good quality healthy food (including fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables), market and promote healthy food options, follow responsible alcohol and tobacco marketing and sale practices, participate in food assistance program, help create a safe and inviting environment around their stores, and, when possible, secure and promote “local” food produced in Sonoma County.
City Manager,
Community
Development
B Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Use Permit
for ABC 707 Highway
Convenience Store in
2023 included
requirement for food
sales, this is still in
place for 2025 and the
store has opened as
the “Cozy Market”.
Action CHW-3d: Work with the Sonoma County Food System Alliance, Health Action, and non-profits, community groups and regulatory agencies to explore the potential for creating, expanding and sustaining local urban agriculture, including community gardens, and orchards. The work effort should explore the feasibility of implementing the following strategies:
• Promoting urban agriculture as a desirable civic activity that improves the quality of urban life, food security, neighborhood safety and environmental stewardship; • Supporting the development of appropriate agriculture in residential, industrial, business, and open space zones;
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Urban Agriculture
Ordinance passed in
2022 to promote local
food production. The
City continues to
support its licensees
for community and
youth agricultural and
education programs,
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-38 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
• Support farm to institution (such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers) and businesses (such as restaurants and food outlets), while creating economic opportunities for urban growers and related industries;
• Support efforts of local gardening organizations to promote the development and expansion of family and community gardens as well as edible landscaping; • Encourage and promote local garden food exchanges and local food cooperatives; and • Work with representatives of local farming organizations to meet needs unique to urban farm enterprises.
and a demonstration
farm at VerondaFalletti Ranch. A
community garden is a
future potential use at
Veronda-Falletti. A
Food Based Business
Ordinance was
initiated in 2025 and
will proceed to
adoption in 2026.
Expansion of Urban
Agriculture elements
are planned for
inclusion in this
ordinance.
Action CHW-3e: Encourage schools that serve the City to develop school gardens and to develop protocols to facilitate the streamlined development of school gardens from year to year.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
School gardens are
allowed by Code. The
City engages with preschools and youth for
garden education
programs through
Sandy Loam at
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch.
Action CHW-3f: Coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce to increase public awareness that the local farmer’s market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) payments for qualified food purchases.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CSF 1a: Periodically review and update the various Master Plans for the provision and/or extension of public services. These plans can include the Water Master Plan, the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, and Public Works/
Engineering,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-39
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. Cost estimates for improvements identified within each respective plan will be used as a basis for establishing and periodically updating development fees. As part of the next update for each of these plans, the update shall include a more streamlined process to facilitate smaller development projects. This process may involve an equivalent dwelling unit (EDU)-type fee and accompanying study to determine EDU allocations.
Community
Development
Comments:
Current practice.
Master plans are in
place and are the
basis for the impact
fees. Addendums to
Master Plans are
prepared as part of
capacity studies
required of new
subdivisions.
Action CSF 1b: As part of the development review process, evaluate the degree of impact a development will have on the City's infrastructure. The City Council shall ensure that appropriate impact fees and assessments are levied accordingly.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Impact fees
are reviewed and
updated on a regular
basis to reflect
inflation and
applicability. Off-site
utility impact studies
are conditioned on
development to
identify the nexus to
master planned offsite infrastructure. In
2024, the City Council
expressed support for
a study to update
impact fees to a SF
basis. The City Council
adopted the updated
impact fees in
conformance with AB
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-40 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
602 on October 13,
2025.
Action CSF 1c: As part of the development review process, ensure that utilities associated with development and infrastructure projects will be constructed underground consistent with the requirements of Chapter 13.60.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Projects are
conditioned to
underground utilities
as required by the
Municipal Code (MC).
Action CSF 1d: Provide assistance and support, when feasible, to residents, businesses, and new development areas to secure high-speed communications technologies in areas of the City not currently served by such infrastructure.
Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
New technology and
State laws are
providing private
communications
companies with more
opportunities for cost
effective solutions for
providing high-speed
communications
within the City. The
City is looking at
revision on its MC and
engineering standards
to facilitate this
transition in the FY
2026-27 work plan.
Action CSF 2a: As part of the development review process, determine the potential impacts of development and infrastructure projects on the water system and ensure that new development Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-41
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
contributes its fair share toward necessary water infrastructure and supply. The City Engineer and Community Development Department shall be responsible for ensuring that the assessments are made.
Ongoing. The City
master plans and
impact fees ensure
future developments
pay their fair share.
New developments
are conditioned to
prepare water and
sewer capacity impact
studies.
Action CSF 2b: Achieve water use reductions through implementation of the Demand Management Measures (DMM) contained in the water supply assessment, Urban Water Management Plan, or other appropriate measures as applicable.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City has
a water conservation
program and is a
member of the
Sonoma Marin Saving
Water Partnership.
The Program offers
water use surveys and
rebates for high
efficiency toilets and
washing machines,
and for replacing grass
with low water use
landscaping. All
landscaping installed
as part of new
development is
required to be WELO
compliant.
Action CSF 2c: Develop mechanisms and infrastructure to deliver recycled water to City water users from the Santa Rosa Subregional Treatment and Reclamation System.
Public Works/
Engineering
A/B Complete
In progress
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-42 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Comments:
On hold. Reduction in
potable use,
legislative
disincentives, and high
costs to extend the
Santa Rosa recycled
pipeline make this
infeasible. City is
monitoring changes in
these factors that
would make it
feasible. Additionally,
the City pays over 80%
of its sewer revenue
for wastewater
treatment and is
emphasizing
infrastructure renewal
and replacement
projects.
Action CSF 2d: Coordinate with the Sonoma County Water Agency, and continue to participate in planning efforts for the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Management Plan to ensure more reliable conjunctive groundwater use.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City is a
member agency and
has a Board seat on
the Santa Rosa Plain
Groundwater
Sustainability Agency
and conjunctive use is
identified in the GSA’s
Plan as one of the
tools for sustainable
groundwater. The City
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-43
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
also participates on
the Sonoma Water
WAC, TAC, and
Operations
Subcommittees.
Contractors discuss
coordinating their
groundwater pumping
to make use of the
surface water while it
is plentiful. However,
significant continued
reduction in demands
are the main cause of
double digit rate
increases by Sonoma
Water which
complicates the
conjunctive use
efforts.
Action CSF 2e: Develop a public outreach and incentive program to expand and promote the use of recycled water once delivery infrastructure becomes available (this action may be in conjunction with the Conservation Guide discussed in the Conservation Element).
Public Works/
Engineering
A/B Complete
In progress
Comments:
Not started. Recycled
water is not feasible
for the foreseeable
future.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-44 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CSF 2f: Through the planning process and the Conservation Guide discussed in the Conservation Element, the City shall implement its water waste and water conservation requirements established in Chapter 13.30 of the Municipal Code.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City has
a water conservation
program and water
and sewer rates that
incentivize
conservation. The
City’s Climate and
Sustainability
webpage and bimonthly e-newsletter
include resources for
water conservation by
residents.
Action CSF 2g: Update the City’s water waste and conservation strategy established in Chapter 13.30 of the Municipal Code to be consistent with current BMPs for water conservation, including measures identified by the Sonoma County Water Agency, Sonoma-Marin Water Saving Partnership, and California Urban Water Conservation Council. Ensure that the Conservation Guide (see Conservation Element) includes the mandatory and voluntary measures identified in Chapter 13.30.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Chapter 13.30 is
effective for a small
community and is
being used for both
long-term
conservation and the
current drought with a
Stage 2, 20%
reduction. The
strategy
accommodates
further reductions if
called upon. Revisions
are needed to be
more consistent with
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-45
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
the larger retailers,
however. For
example, the City’s
drought water states
only go to 30% and
larger agencies are
required to have
contingency plans
accounting for
reductions up to 50%.
As is required by
Senate Bill 552 (2021)
the City is submitting
quarterly drought
reports to the State
Board.
Action CSF 2h: Coordinate Cotati's sewage system with other affected municipalities (Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, and Sonoma County) to bring about more efficient and effective solutions for the affected region.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. As a
customer relying on
Santa Rosa for
wastewater
treatment, the City is
a member of and
participates in the
Subregional meetings.
At these meetings,
Santa Rosa shares its
operational and
maintenance and
capital planning and
the member agencies
have opportunity to
comment and
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-46 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
annually make
recommendations on
the Subregional
Budget.
Action CSF 2i: Develop a program to reduce sewer usage. Continue to implement the low flow toilet retrofit program.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City’s rates
incentivize low water
use resulting in low
sewer usage. The City
has rebate programs
for high efficiency
toilets and washing
machines. Daily Acts
has installed
greywater systems
and provided
workshops.
Action CSF 2j: Continue to participate in the Santa Rosa Subregional Sewage System efforts to expand capacity and locate appropriate uses for the treated wastewater.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. As a
customer of the
Subregional System,
the City participates in
the Regional Technical
Advisory Committee.
With significant
reductions in water
use, system capacity is
no longer an issue and
efforts are focused on
R&M of aging
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-47
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
infrastructure. Santa
Rosa has begun
charging its recycled
agricultural users for
the water, which
recognizes its value as
a resource rather than
a waste to dispose of.
Action CSF 2k: The City Engineer shall monitor sewer capacity. The remaining sewer capacity shall be offered to serve the existing homes in newly annexed areas prior to the issuance of any new building permits.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Due to significant
reductions in indoor
water use, sewer
treatment capacity is
no longer a current
issue. The City’s
Wastewater Master
Plan does not
contemplate serving
areas outside the
current City limits. The
Master Plan update
could establish a
Study Area consistent
with the GP’s Urban
Growth Boundary and
evaluate sewer flows
generated by existing
and future
development in those
areas. Such a study is
ikely to coincide with
the next General Plan
Update.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-48 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CSF 2l: Continue to monitor wastewater flow generation rates within the City’s service area and apply to the subregional partners for an incremental increase in wastewater flow allocation to meet projected demand prior to any exceedance of the City’s wastewater flow allocation under the Subregional Partnership.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Because of significant
and lasting water use
reductions over the
past two decades, the
City’s current regional
wastewater allocation
is sufficient for the
foreseeable future.
Staff will continue to
monitor flows against
its regional allocation.
Action CSF 2m: Coordinate with the Laguna Wastewater Treatment Plant to increase the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit capacity of the plant to meet projected 2035 demand for all sources of wastewater treated at the plant.
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Due to significant
water use reductions
over the past 20 years,
the plant’s capacity is
adequate for the
foreseeable future.
Action CSF 2n: Perform regular cleaning and inspection to help eliminate sanitary sewer overflows. Public Works/ Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City has
a map of Fats, Oil, and
Grease (FOG) Hot
Spots and routinely
cleans these sections.
In 2024, the City
continued
implementation of an
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-49
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Asset Management
System, including
tracking maintenance
of these problem
areas. In 2025,
abandoned sewer
laterals in Charles
Street were
discovered to be the
likely cause of flow
constraints there and
a poorly installed
sewer lateral at 902 E
Cotati was replaced
which likely caused
flow problems at that
location.
Action CSF 2o: Continue to enforce the California Building Code and the California Fire Code to ensure that all construction implements fire-safe techniques, including fire resistant materials, where required.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. New
California Standard
Building Code was
adopted in Dec 2025
in keeping with the triannual update
schedule.
Action CSF 2p: As part of the development review process for new projects, the city will continue to refer applications to the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District for determination of the project’s potential impacts on fire protection services. Requirements will be added as Conditions of Approval to project’s approving resolutions.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The city
refers to the Rancho
Adobe Fire Protection
District for
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-50 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
determination of the
project potential
impacts on the fire
protection services
and requirements are
added as Condition of
Approval to project’s
approving resolutions.
Action CSF 2q: As part of the development review process, consult with the Police Department in order to ensure that the project design facilitates adequate police response time and public safety and that the project addresses its impacts on police services.
Community
Development,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Police
Department liaisons
with Public Works and
Community
Development,
reviewing city projects
and addressing any
concerns about, and
impacts on, police and
public safety.
Action CSF 2r: Perform a periodic assessment to ascertain means of assuring that the Police staff and equipment are adequate to meet the needs of the community.
City Manager,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Equipment is
audited on a routine
basis for proper
functionality, safety,
and operational
efficiency. Equipment
is procured as needed,
with adherence to
police safety
standards, best
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-51
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
practices for lesslethal deployment, deescalation, and innovative equipment
proposals. All
equipment
is acquired and mainta
ined within POST and
state and federal
guidelines and
industry standards.
Action CSF 2s: Develop information on Neighborhood Watch Programs and actively promote such programs.
City Manager,
Police
Department
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
Neighborhood
Watch continues to be
an important outreach
effort in the form
of “Beat Officers,”
whereby the
community is
welcomed to meet
their officers assigned
to their neighborhood
area. In 2025, the
Police Department
continued its practice
of holding Area Officer
(Beat) meetings twice
per year. This has
now evolved into a
more consolidated “T
own Hall” format,
which was the format
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-52 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
in
2025, increasing atten
dance this year.
Action CSF 3a: Work with the refuse collection contractor and the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency to continue and expand an effective recycling and composting program of glass, paper, aluminum, plastic, and other recyclable materials, as well as compostable materials including yard debris and vegetative food scraps.
City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. In 2024 per
State law all residents
are required to divert
compostable waste to
on-site composting or
to green bins for
removal by Recology
for composting offsite.
Action CSF 3b: Require the City's refuse collection contractor to be responsible for periodic press releases which remind residents about the recycling and composting program.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Recology
sends out quarterly
newsletters to all of its
customers about
programs and for
education.
Action CSF 3c: Work with the City’s refuse collection contractor and Sonoma County Waste Management Agency to provide a higher level of recycling and composting services for multiple family projects.
City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
In 2024 per State law
all residents are
required to divert
compostable waste to
on-site composting or
to green bins for
removal by Recology
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-53
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
for composting offsite.
Action CSF 3d: Undertake a solid waste disposal and reduction education program in collaboration with the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency. The outreach program shall include information related to the proper disposal and resources for the disposal of household hazardous wastes, including, but not limited to:
• Motor oil
• Electronics
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Batteries
• Paint
• Syringes/needles
• Treated Wood
• Fluorescent lamps/CFLs
City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Police holds drug
takeback events and
on-going collection in
the lobby. City and
Franchise waste
hauler (Recology)
newsletters
periodically pushes
out information on
waste services. The
joint powers agency
(Zero Waste Sonoma)
has developed a
robust website and
materials on how to
dispose of all items,
which is leveraged by
Recology in its direct
mail newsletters. A
polystyrene ban and
single use take out
container ban was
passed in 2021.
Recology collects
batteries with regular
solid waste collection.
Batteries are also
collected at Police
Station lobby.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-54 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CSF 3e: Amend or revise the City’s procurement process to favor the purchase of recycled products and/or materials that contain recycled materials.
City Manager,
City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City requires
paper with recycled
content in its
operations. City
updated the
requirements in 2024
to fully comply with
SB 1383.
Action CSF 4a: Through the development review process, ensure that the Cotati/Rohnert Park School District is provided an opportunity to evaluate the impact of new development to public schools that serve the City of Cotati.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
Development project
proposing new
residential units are
referred to the
CRPUSD.
Action CSF 4b: Encourage SSU to undertake projects in the City and to undertake assignments on realworld projects in Cotati. Examples of such projects may include, but are certainly not limited to:
• Programs that provide care and assistance to seniors, • Programs that promote youth activity and community participation, • Joint use of recreational facilities,
• Programs that encourage internships in Cotati;
• Programs that expand public access to the arts and cultural resources, and • Programs that support the City’s conservation and sustainability goals.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Through the end of
June, Farmster
continued to engage
with Sonoma State
University (SSU) and
the Santa Rosa Junior
College, facilitating
internships,
apprenticeships, and
special studies at the
Veronda-Falletti
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-55
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ranch. These
opportunities allowed
full/part-time
students to earn
credits towards
general education
(GE) classes or specific
graduate track
programs. The
collaboration
extended to student
sustainability clubs,
upper division
business classes, and
the SSU Alumni
Association, fostering
a holistic approach to
involving SSU alumni
in the exploration and
support of the
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch and Farmster as
a vital Cotati-based
organization. Sandy
Loam has also been
working with the
Sustainability Club at
SRJC and is currently
working with
Becoming
Independent to offer
volunteer
opportunities and job
skills for adults with
disabilities. The
Recreation
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-56 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Department continues
to collaborate with
Rancho Cotate High
School to offer
internships and
classes in
Management and
Events. Sandy Loam
worked with the SSU
Student Consulting
Group, who advised
on how to engage
with youth at the
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. They were also
instrumental in
connecting Sandy
Loam with the
California Department
of Rehabilitation, in
which teen
apprentices with
neurodivergence have
been onboarded to
work at the ranch.
Sandy Loam also
worked attended a
conference held by
SSU faculty. There was
one SSU intern
throughout 2025 at
the Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. In 2025, the
City also signed a
three party agreement
with Sonoma State
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-57
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
University and
Rohnert Park to
collaborate and
coordinate to a much
higher degree for the
mutual benefit of our
communities.
Action CSF 4c: Designate a City staff person or member of the City Council to act as a liaison between the City and SSU to encourage collaboration on projects, activities, and service opportunities.
City Manager,
City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City Manager is
the liaison. There is a
"2x2x2" committee
that meets regularly
to update and
coordinate between
Cotati, RP, SSU, and
Rancho Cotati School
District. For Cotati,
Councilmember
Sparks and Savage
have been designated
for this committee.
Additionally, the City
has entered into a
three-party MOU with
SSU and Rohnert Park
to improve
collaboration in areas
of mutual interest.
Action CSF 4d: Identify partnership opportunities between municipalities, other agencies and library support organizations to expand library facilities, resources and services.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-58 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
A City Council member
sits on the Library
Advisory Board.
Recreation regularly
partners with the
Library or Library
Foundation for mobile
book buses at La Plaza
Park events and at
Veronda Falletti
Ranch. The library
tables at community
events and the City
promotes Library
news on its website
and through the utility
newsletter. The City is
actively working with
the library to bring
additional services to
the City, potentially
including hosting
programs as well as
book vending
machines at City
facilities. The City’s
annual Housing Fair
was held at the
Rohnert Park-Cotati
Library branch in 2024
and 2025.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-59
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CSF 4e: Pursue joint-use agreements with schools, social service agencies, cultural institutions, and other community organizations to extend library and other public services to populations that may otherwise not be served.
City Manager,
City Council
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Bryce Nahas with
AGRI-Culture, entered
into an agreement for
agricultural and
educational
programming at the
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. Sandy Loam
has renewed their
agreement and
continues to offer art,
farm, garden, and
educational
programming for
youth and adults at
the Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. The City has
partnered with Zero
Waste Sonoma to
offer free compost to
the community at the
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch monthly. Sandy
Loam and AGRICulture partner with
Becoming
Independent, to offer
garden and farm work
experience to adults
with disabilities. They
also partner with
Point Blue, Master
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-60 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Gardeners, and other
environmental
educators through the
Sonoma
Environmental
Education
Collaborative. The
partnership with SRJC
has continued, which
allows the City to offer
recreation programs
for seniors at no cost.
The City continues to
operate the Cotati
Veterans Building and
has expanded rental
space availability and
the ability to provide
community services.
On open ranch days at
the Veronda Falletti
Ranch, the City also
coordinates to bring
the Bibliobus onto the
Veronda-Falletti
Ranch. The Bibliobus
also comes to various
events in La Plaza
Park, such as the
annual Kids Day
Parade.
Action CSF 4f: Identify partnership opportunities between the City and local volunteers to undertake projects that educate and inform the public about the City’s historical and cultural background.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-61
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
The City provides free
space to the Historical
Society and consults
with them regularly
on historical
information for
interpretive signage,
etc.
Action CSF 5a: Regularly update information on the City’s website to provide current information regarding City services, City programs, and resources for residents, visitors and businesses.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Regular
social media updates
also occur.
Action CSF 5b: Prior to City meetings, hearings, and public workshops, provide adequate notice to the public through a range of methods, including but not limited to, the City’s website, advertisements in the local newspaper, postings on community bulletin boards, outreach to local schools, and outreach at community events.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City
routinely goes beyond
legal requirements for
noticing and on-site
signage.
Action CSF 5c: Implement programs aimed at improving and enhancing City government services to the public. Programs may include, but are not limited to, public feedback questionnaires, online resources for development review procedures and requirements, the identification of permit streamlining incentives and tools, and periodic updates to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding new staff procedures and protocols to improve government service levels.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing improvement
of the City’s website
has occurred during
2024. The City has
undertaken major
updates of its
Housing, Social
Services, and Climate
and Sustainability
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-62 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
webpages.
Community
development
Department
overhauled all
planning application
forms in 2023 and was
completed in 2024.
Resources, application
forms, and surveys are
now regularly offered
through the City
webpage, and Zoom is
used for live virtual
participation in City
meetings.
Action CON 1a: Require development project proposals, infrastructure projects, long-range planning projects, and other projects that may potentially impact special-status species and sensitive resources to submit a biological resources evaluation which determines whether significant adverse impacts will occur.
Evaluations shall be carried out under the direction of the Community Development Department and consistent with applicable state and federal guidelines. Projects shall be designed to avoid or reduce impacts to the maximum extent feasible. Where adverse impacts cannot be feasibly reduced or avoided through project design, projects shall include the implementation of site-specific or project-specific effective mitigation strategies developed by a qualified professional in consultation with state or federal resource agencies with jurisdiction (if applicable) that may include, but are not limited to, the following strategies:
a. Preservation of habitat and connectivity of adequate size, quality, and configuration to support the special-status species. Connectivity shall be determined based on the specifics of the species' needs.
b. Project design measures, such as clustering of structures or locating project features to avoid known locations of special-status species and/or sensitive habitats. c. Provision of supplemental planting and maintenance of grasses, shrubs, and trees of similar quality and quantity to provide adequate vegetation cover to enhance water quality, Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. CD Staff
engaged with the
County on a multi-year
effort to explore
implementation of a
Habitat Conservation
Plan to manage all
special status species
in the area. These
efforts have continued
through 2025 and are
expected to progress
through 2026 to
identify the feasibility
of such an effort.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-63
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
minimize sedimentation and soil transport, and provide adequate shelter and food for wildlife.
d. Protection for habitat and the known locations of special-status species through adequate buffering or other means.
e. Provision of replacement habitat of like quantity and quality on- or off-site for special-status species. Preference shall be given to the preservation of habitat as close to the area of impact as feasible, so long as that habitat is of comparable quality. f. Enhancement of existing special-status species habitat values through restoration and replanting of native plant species.
g. Provision of temporary or permanent buffers of adequate size (based on the specifics of the special-status species) to avoid nest abandonment by nesting migratory birds and raptors associated with construction and site development activities. h. Incorporation of the provisions or demonstration of compliance with applicable recovery plans for federally listed species.
i. Monitoring of construction activities by a qualified biologist to avoid impacts to on-site special status species.
Action CON 1b: Where sensitive biological habitats have been identified on or immediately adjacent to a project site, the project shall include appropriate mitigation measures identified by a qualified biologist, which may include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Pre-construction surveys for species listed under the State or Federal Endangered Species Acts, or species identified as special-status by the resource agencies, shall be conducted by a qualified biologist;
b. Construction barrier fencing shall be installed around sensitive resources and areas identified for avoidance or protection; and
c. Employees shall be trained by a qualified biologist to identify and avoid protected species and habitat
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CON 1c: Develop CEQA Thresholds of Significance to assist staff, project applicants, and decisionmakers in determining whether a project may have a significant effect on the environment under Section 21082.2 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-64 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Complete. SB 743 set
VMT and GHG
thresholds and the MC
was updated
accordingly in 2020.
Action CON 1d: Through coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and Sonoma County develop and maintain a map of sensitive biological communities and habitat within the Cotati Urban Growth Boundary. Ensure that this map and associated information is readily available to potential developers and the public.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City’s GIS
webpage provides this
information to the
public. CD Staff
engaged with the
County and both
resource agencies on
a multi-year effort to
explore
implementation of a
Habitat Conservation
Plan to manage all
special status species
in the area. These
efforts have continued
through 2025 and are
expected to progress
through 2026 to
identify the feasibility
of such an effort.
Action CON 1e: Revise the Zoning Map to add the coordinated planning overlay zone to the Commercial/Industrial and General Commercial areas south of Helman Lane that are located within the critical habitat designation for the California tiger salamander.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City’s GIS
webpage provides
parcel-level CTS
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-65
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
habitat area
identification.
Action CON 1f: Utilize existing regulations and procedures, including but not limited to the Land Use Code, Design Review, and the environmental review process (CEQA) to conserve wetlands and riparian habitat within the City and the Urban Growth Boundary. Comply with the federal and state requirements, including no net loss of wetlands using mitigation strategies such as:
a. Avoidance of wetlands and riparian habitat through site design; b. Clustered development;
c. Transfer of development rights; and/or
d. Compensatory mitigation, such as habitat restoration or habitat creation.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Cottage
Housing ordinance
encourages and
rewards clustering of
housing and rewards
avoidance of
wetlands. New “plex”
housing standards
adopted in 2024 will
facilitate clustered
development.
Established mitigation
measures continue to
ensure no net loss of
wetlands occurs with
project development.
Action CON 1g: Coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Game and Sonoma County to identify potentially impacted aquatic habitat within the City and the Urban Growth Boundary and to develop riparian management guidelines to be implemented by development, recreation, and other projects adjacent to creeks, streams and other waterways.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. No
annexations have
occurred since current
GP adoption, but the
City pre-zoned three
properties in 2019.
The City engages in
project-specific
management with the
Water Board and
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-66 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Sonoma Water. CD
Staff engaged with the
County, state and
federal resource
management agencies
on a multi-year effort
to explore
implementation of a
Habitat Conservation
Plan to manage all
special status species
in the area. These
efforts have continued
through 2025 and are
expected to progress
through 2026 to
identify the feasibility
of such an effort.
Action CON 1h: Periodically review, and update if necessary, Chapter 17.56 of the Cotati Municipal Code to ensure that the most appropriate requirements and best management practices are implemented to protect and restore wetland resources in the Planning Area.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The most
appropriate best
management
practices are in place
and new projects are
evaluated individually
to ensure all
mitigation and BMP
are current and up to
date.
Action CON 1i: Provide a Conservation Page (or similar page) on the City’s website provides links to resource agencies (CDFG, USFWS, USACE, etc.) and provides information regarding local and regional conservation and environmental programs, to the extent the City has readily available information.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-67
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
In progress. CD staff
developed resources
for the community
related sustainability
including a “climate
and sustainability
webpage”, bi-monthly
newsletter and
planning for the
second annual Climate
Ready Cotati Fair to be
held in Spring of 2026.
Further, the staff has
created a free
sustainability
workshop series in
collaboration with the
City of Rohnert Park to
inspire sustainability
practices in
community. This is
held every month
from February to
October of 2026.
Action CON 1j: Coordinate with interested public and private entities to create new and expanded public access trails along creeks and streams that connect to parks and open space areas within the Urban Growth Boundary.
Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Active
Transportation Plan,
adopted in 2024,
identifies new
opportunities for
expanded public
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-68 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
access trails. The Hwy
116 Corridor Safety
Project includes a new
Class 1 pathway along
Hwy 116. The City is
pursuing
implementation
options with grant and
developer funding.
The Sidewalk Gap
Closure project
includes 4 segments
throughout the City
currently under
construction, and will
connect trails to parks,
downtown, the
Thomas Page School
and other destinations
around town. The
Class 1 pathways
maintenance project
will preserve Class 1
connections
throughout the City.
Action CON 1k: Continue to identify which stormwater and drainage facilities are in need of repair and address these needs through the CIP process.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Addressed as part of
City’s O&M. Public
Works repaired the
Henry Street drainage
system and
Engineering is
designing repairs to
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-69
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
correct deficiencies in
the W School Street
area.
Action CON 1l: Require assessment of public views and ridgelines as part of the project review process to assure that projects protect natural resources through proper site planning, building design, and landscaping.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
Action CON 2a: Review all new industrial and commercial development projects for potential air quality impacts to residences and other sensitive receptors. Staff shall ensure that mitigation measures and best management practices are implemented to reduce significant emissions of criteria pollutants.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Project-byproject through CEQA
process and referrals
to BAAQMD and all
identified impacts are
mitigated.
Construction projects
are required to obtain
a “J Number” prior to
demolition or
significant grading
activity.
Action CON 2b: Refer development, infrastructure, and planning projects to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) for review. Require project applicants to prepare air quality analyses to address BAAQMD and General Plan requirements, which include analysis and identification of:
a. Air pollutant emissions associated with the project during construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.
b. Potential exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants. c. Significant air quality impacts associated with the project for construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing, see CON 2a
above.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-70 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
d. Mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts to less than significant or the maximum extent feasible where impacts cannot be mitigated to less than significant.
Action CON 2c: Adequate buffers between new industrial uses and sensitive receptors shall be required to avoid potential air quality and nuisance impacts.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
Action CON 2d: Provide a Conservation Page (or Environmental Page) on the City’s website provides links to resource agencies (ARB, BAAWMD, EPA, etc.) and provides information, regarding local and regional conservation and environmental programs, to the extent the City has readily available information, including methods for pollution prevention, including reduced air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions through use of alternative forms of transportation (bicycling, pedestrian, transit), through reducing woodburning activities using EPA-certified wood-burning devices, etc.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City maintains its
Climate and
Sustainability
webpage and a bimonthly e-newsletter
to provide information
and resources
regarding local and
regional sustainability
programs.
Action CON 2e: Continue to review new development, significant remodels, and infrastructure projects for consistency with the county-wide Climate Action Plan 2020.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing in
coordination with
RCPA. A Reach Code
for additional EV
Charging in new
construction was
adopted in 2023 for
greenhouse gas
reduction. The 2023-
2031 Housing Element
Update, updated in
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-71
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
2023 includes
Program 1-8
Residential Building
Decarbonization
which includes
numerous City GHG
reduction goals, and in
2025, the City posted
resources for
residential
decarbonization on its
climate and
sustainability
webpage.
Action CON 2f: Regularly monitor and track the City’s progress towards meeting the municipal GHG reduction goals contained in the 2008 Cotati Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing, see CON 2e
above.
Action CON 2g: Update the City’s 2008 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan every five years, or more frequently if the City Council deems appropriate, to make progress towards the City’s GHG reduction goals.
Community
Development,
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Not done. See CON 2e
above. The City
routinely coordinated
with RCPA and SCTCA
staff on GHG and VMT
reduction strategies,
modeling, studies and
grant funding
opportunities to
reduce GHGs in Cotati
and the County.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-72 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CON 3a: Continue to review development projects to ensure that all new public and privately development complies with CALGreen Tier 1 standards as well as the energy efficiency standards established by the General Plan and Land Use Code.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The New
California Building
Standards Code was
adopted by City in
December 2025. A
Reach Code for
additional EV Charging
in new construction
was adopted in 2023
for greenhouse gas
reduction.
Action CON 3b: Amend the Land Use Code to include a requirement that all new swimming pools be solar heated.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Not done
Action CON 3c: Connect residents and businesses with programs that provide free or low-cost energy efficiency audits and retrofits to existing buildings.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing through
social media posts,
website information,
referrals to RCPA,
BayREN, and the
County of Sonoma.
The City’s Climate and
Sustainability
webpage and bimonthly e-newsletter
increases access to
and knowledge of
resources.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-73
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action CON 3d: Amend the Municipal Code to incentive the use of small-scale renewable energy facilities and, where appropriate, to remove impediments to such uses.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Solar permitting has
been streamlined
since 2019, with
reduced fees,
automated approvals
and minimal
processing times. In
2024, the City issued
RFPs for a solar
microgrid and energy
improvements at City
Hall with the goal of
selecting a contractor
and initiating the
project in 2025. This is
still ongoing.
Action CON 3e: Amend the Land Use Code to include provisions for alternatives to traditional paved surfaces, e.g. turf block, where appropriate.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing; prioritized
through discussions
with Planning
Commission and the
review of indivudal
development projects.
In 2024, the City
adopted the Active
Transportation Plan,
which includes
provisions for
alternatives to
traditionally paved
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-74 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
surfaces for various
trails and bike paths
within the City.
Action CON 3f: Review development applications consistency with the solar access, building orientation, shade tree, and other climate-related provisions in the General plan, Land Use Code, and Design Review Standards.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. 2023 HE
standards and 2025
reach codes and
CalGreen address this.
Action CON 3g: Establish an annual tree planting day, making every effort to collaborate with and engage civic and community groups and local nurseries to assist with providing trees, outreach, and coordination.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City has
fromalized a tree
mitigation fund that
gets regular
contributions for tree
planting. The City uses
the mitigation fund for
the Plant-A-Tree
Program, providing
free trees and planting
costs for residents to
plant trees on their
properties. In 2025,
the city added an
update to its
Mandated Tree
Species list changing
the name to
“Suggested Tree
Species list” with a
note that alternatives
to the listed tree must
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-75
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
be approved by the
staff before allowing
the applicant to plant.
Action CON 3h: Update the Design Guidelines to encourage the use of trees for windbreaks and wind channeling in new development and to ensure that deciduous trees do not interfere with solar access.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments: Complete
The City has updated
the Residential Design
Standards, including
landscaping
requirements twice
within the last 5 years.
Action CON 3i: Provide a Conservation Page (or Environmental Page) on the City’s website providing links to resource agencies and information regarding local and regional conservation and environmental programs, to the extent the City has readily available information, including recycling guidance for single family residences, businesses, and apartments, opportunities for reuse of materials, a description of how to compost, and a description of methods to reduce water use, such as appropriate re-use and recycling of water, water conservation measures, and xeriscaping.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments: Complete
Water conservation
resources and a link to
Zero Waste Sonoma
are included on City
webpage. The Climate
and Sustainability
webpage and bimonthly e-newsletter
provide resources and
information to the
community. In 2025,
the city added an
update to its
Mandated Tree
Species list changing
the name to
“Suggested Tree
Species list” with a
note that alternatives
11. IMPLEMENTATION
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
to the listed tree must
be approved by the
staff before allowing
the applicant to plant.
Action CON 3j: Develop a list of drought tolerant and native plants appropriate for use in Cotati and review development projects for adherence to this list.-tolerant and native plants appropriate for use in Cotati and review development projects for adherence to this list.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments: In progress
All projects are
reviewed for
landscaping
compliance with the
State Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance.
In 2025, the city
added an update to its
Mandated Tree
Species list changing
the name to
“Suggested Tree
Species list” with a
note that alternatives
to the listed tree must
be approved by the
staff before allowing
the applicant to plant.
Action CON 3k: Continue implementing the City Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (Chapter
17.54 of the Municipal Code). .
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. In 2025, the
city added an update
to its Mandated Tree
Species list changing
the name to
“Suggested Tree
Species list” with a
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-77
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
note that alternatives
to the listed tree must
be approved by the
staff bellowing
allowing the applicant
to plant.
Action CON 3l: Periodically undertake a citywide notification program to notify the citizens and arborists doing business within the City limits of the tree preservation requirements.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
Action CON 3m: Through the use of public funds, where available, provide for the screening of public parking areas through the use of trees, shrubs, berms, and evergreen plants Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CON 3n: Through the development review process, the City shall encourage the use of deciduous trees to promote energy conservation.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CON 3o: During the development review process, discourage the loss of native trees in accordance with the Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (Chapter 17.54 of the Municipal Code).
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CON 3p: The City shall continue to implement the landscape and tree ordinance to give preference to native and drought tolerant species. The Planning Division shall review and revise as necessary.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. In 2024, the
City finalized an
update to its
Mandated Tree
Replacement list to
include more CA
Natives and drought
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-78 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
tolerant tree species.
In 2025, the city
added an update to its
Mandated Tree
Species list changing
the name to
“Suggested Tree
Species list” with a
flexibility of choosing
an alternative to the
listed tree which must
be approved by the
staff before allowing
the applicant to plant.
Action CON 3q: Design Review criteria shall be prepared to require that creeks, trees, views and features unique to the site be preserved and incorporated into design proposals. The Design Review Committee shall insure that new development meets the criteria.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CON 3r: Through the use of public funds, where available, provide educational plant and tree labeling in City parks and City-maintained plant demonstration areas to educate and inform residents of native plant and tree species planted and maintained in Cotati.
Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
A/B Complete
In progress
Comments:
Plants are identified in
the City’s
Demonstration
Garden. The
Demonstration
Garden was renovated
in 2024 with
replacement plants,
soil amendments,
replaced irrigation
system, and repairs to
the DG pathway. The
Sonoma Marin Saving
Water Partnership
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-79
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
developed Landscape
Design Templates free
to the public.
Action CON 4a: Work with the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria to prepare a narrative description of the Native American background of the Cotati area and request the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria provide pictorial examples of the types of Native American resources present in the vicinity. Place this description on the City’s website as a link under the History of Cotati section.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. In 2024 the
City added
interpretive signage
kiosks around the
community including
references to local
tribes and their
cultural practices. The
content of these signs
was reviewed and
edited with input from
local tribal
representatives. In
2024, the City added a
land
acknowledgement for
Planning Commission
and City Council
meetings to
acknowledge that
Cotati is the ancestral
land of the Coastal
Miwok.
Action CON 4b: Require a cultural and archaeological survey prior to approval of any development project where a potential or known historical, archaeological, or other cultural resource is located or which would require excavation in an area that is sensitive for cultural or archaeological resources. If significant cultural or archaeological resources, including historic and prehistoric resources, are identified, the project shall Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-80 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
be required to implement appropriate measures, such as avoidance, capping of the resource site, or documentation and conservation, to reduce adverse impacts to the resource to a less than significant level.
Action CON 4c: Require all development, infrastructure, and other ground-disturbing projects to comply with the following conditions in the event of an inadvertent discovery of cultural resources or human remains:
a. If construction or grading activities result in the discovery of significant historic or prehistoric archaeological artifacts or unique paleontological resources, all work within 100 feet of the discovery shall cease, the Community Development Department shall be notified, the resources shall be examined by a qualified archaeologist, paleontologist, or historian for appropriate protection and preservation measures; and work may only resume when appropriate protections are in place and have been approved by the Community Development Department.
b. If human remains are discovered during any ground disturbing activity, work shall stop until the Community Development Department and the County Coroner have been contacted; if the human remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and the most likely descendants have been consulted; and work may only resume when appropriate measures have been taken and approved by the Community Development Department.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action CON 4d: Continue to invite the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria, as well as other recognized tribes that express interest, to comment on City projects as part of the environmental review process.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing through the
tribal consultation
process in CEQA.
Action CON 4e: Develop a Historic Cotati program to identify historic resources, encourage landowners to voluntarily preserve and rehabilitate historical structures, and to provide a coordinated approach to draw visitors and tourists to these areas. The program may include:
a. Coordinated signage and identifying placards of historic areas, including downtown, specific buildings, and businesses.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Interpretive sign
panels in kiosks were
installed in 2022, with
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-81
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
b. Maps available on-line, at the Chamber of Commerce, and key locations of the City that direct visitors and history aficionados to key historic and cultural resources in the City. c. Establishment of local historic districts (potentially the Old Redwood Highway Corridor) with standards to conserve historical resources and promote the highest and best use of such resources.
d. Property owner incentives such as reduced building permit fees for historic renovations, streamlined application processing, a brochure that identifies resources to purchase materials and fixtures that are historically accurate in appearance but offer modern benefits (e.g., energy-efficient lighting, windows, building materials that correlate to specific architectural or historic periods that are often seen in the City). interpretive panels
installed in 2024. Rezoning of VerondaFalletti Ranch to Open Space, Recreation
completed in Nov
2022, which aids
preservation of this
historic resource. The
City partners with the
Historical Society on
informational and
signage efforts.
Action CON 4f: Develop guidelines for remodels of potentially historic residential structures to ensure that the character and individuality of such residences is maintained. The guidelines should address:
1. Design styles, age of home, and other criteria to determine applicability of the guidelines;
2. Exterior features that are important and covered by the guidelines (e.g., siding and exterior finishes, windows, doors, roofs, porches, garages, outbuildings, streetscapes);
3. Standards for modifications and renovation, including the extent of changes that can occur;
4. Activities that are exempt from the guidelines, such as interior improvements and routine maintenance and repair.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
In progress. The City
utilizes Secretary of
the Interior standards
for the treatment of
historic properties and
refer projects to the
SHPO. Residential
Design Standards
were created in 2021
and updated in 2024
which provide design
and architectural
detail direction for the
design of residential
units in Cotati.
Action CON 4g: Collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce and other interested community groups to support and promote community festivals and events, such as the Cotati Accordion Festival, Music Festival, and Oktoberfest.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-82 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Comments:
Ongoing. The City
supports the Chamber
with $15,000 annually
through a license
agreement. Eventrelated fees waived in
2022 for Covid and a
variety of permit fees
are waived or lowered
in the City’s adopted
event policy for the
first and second years
of multi-year events.
The City Council also
began the small
cultural event grant
program in 2025,
awarding up to
$10,000 per year for
new events that bring
visitors to Cotati.
Action EV 1a: Develop, adopt and implement an Economic Sustainability Strategy. City Manager, Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
In 2025 the CD
Department created
an Economic
Development
webpage, bringing
together information
on multiple resources
and programs avilable
to support local
businesses. The City
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-83
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
engages in ongoing
economic
development efforts
and a 2026 Business
Engagement plan is
being implemented as
part of the CD
Workplan.
Action EV 1b: Consider the establishment of a Business Improvement District in the downtown area. City Manager, Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The DTSP update
ordinance was
adopted in 2023 and
incorporates
economic
development
elements to support
DT businesses.
Additional
consideration will be
made in future
amendments and
updates to the DSP.
Action EV 1c: Identify potential funding sources and methods to replace Redevelopment Agency funds that had been planned to provide support for business growth.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Mostly
subject to state law.
Action EV 1d: Establish an incentive program, including permit streamlining incentives and assistance in the identification of vacant or underdeveloped parcels, to attract visitor serving uses, including but not limited to, hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and green businesses.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Hotel project
received grading and
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-84 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
underground
plumbing permits in
2023. DTSP ordinance
includes streamlining
elements and
increased land uses
allowed by the zoning
code. Flexible
implementation of
mixed-use and public
space requirements is
on-going to support
development and re-
development of
downtown parcels. In
2024 the City updated
its parking standards,
including more flexible
standards associated
with shared parking
between uses and
parking for mixed-use
projects. Further, in
2024 the city worked
on an update to the
SWSP to update
development
standards and allow
more flexibility on
land uses within the
plan area.
In 2025, the City
Council adopted an ordinance, which
reduced and even
eliminated impact
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-85
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
fees for hotel
development within
the City of Cotati with
the goal to incentivize
and support economic
development within
the downtown. On
January 13, 2026, the
City Council adopted
an ordinance to
implement TOC land
use policies, including
significant increases to
residential and
commercial density on
parcels within a half
mile of the SMART
station.
Action EV 1e: As part of an overall branding effort, develop an updated signage program including:
• “Welcome to Cotati”/”You are now leaving Cotati” signs maintained at all principal entry/exit points of the City;
• Signage that directs visitors to key attractions, public parking, recreational areas, and focal points in Cotati; and
• Signage that identifies areas of historical or cultural significance.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
In progress. The City
has installed signs at
principal entry and
exit points of the City,
on E. Cotati/W. Sierra
and Old Redwood
Highway. Pedestrian
kiosks and wayfinding
signs have been
installed around La
Plaza Park and along
ORH in the downtown.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-86 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action EV 1f: As part of an overall branding effort, develop distinctive palette of native plants and trees to be used in landscaped public areas.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Not done.
Action EV 1g: As part of an overall branding effort, coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce to develop marketing and tourism materials that highlight the City’s proximity to SSU’s Green Music Center, local cultural events, art events, local music events, and rich musical history.
City Manager,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City has general
branding in place,
including banner signs
and promotional a
video about Cotati.
The City’s logo design
has been updated,
and new website
design echoes
branding. Update of
the City seal
completed in 2023.
MOU collaboration
with SSU will likely
include streetlight
banners and branding
available for local
businesses that offer
discounts to SSU
students.
Action EV 1h: Partner with local businesses to establish an “adopt a landscape” program. The program should provide opportunities for local businesses to maintain and clean public rights of way and public areas within the City to assist with beautification and aesthetic appeal. A corresponding signage program should be included to highlight and acknowledge work done in the City by local businesses.
City Manager,
Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City has a draft
program. The 101/116
interchange has been
adopted by the City’s
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-87
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
landscape contractor,
PJM. The City is
receptive to public
requests for volunteer
clean-up events,
including an annual
Creek Week event,
and residents along
Water Street
removing French
Broom from the creek.
Downtown businesses
are routinely
encouraged to keep
the areas in front of
their businesses clean.
Action EV 1i: Continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma County BEST, GO LOCAL Sonoma County, and other organizations to attract additional businesses.
City Manager,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
EV 1j: Continue Community Development Department technical assistance for new economic development projects requiring development and/or use permit applications. In conjunction with Action LU 4a, work with the local business community to ensure that the City effectively meets the needs of the business community.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The City
continues to
implement the 2019
ED zoning code
ordinance, and the
DTSP ordinance which
included new ED
provisions (as
referenced above). In
2023 the City created
new parklets and
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-88 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
outdoor dining
standards for
restaurants, and the
first parklet was
installed in late 2023.
The Chamber of
Commerce has
committed to
updating the
businesses lists on the
interpretive sign
kiosks and continues
to help businesses
that approach them
with interest in
locating here in Cotati.
In 2025 the CD
Department created
an Economic
Development
webpage, bringing
together information
on multiple resources
and programs
available to support
local businesses. One
element of this effort
was the creation of an
Small Business Liaison
to assign individual
staff members to
assist local business
owners with their
government
engagement efforts.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-89
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action EV 2a: Pursue funding sources, as they become available, to implement the public improvements and infrastructure in the Downtown Specific Plan.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. La Plaza
reunification project is
one of the 5 Cotati
projects in the 2021
SCTA priority project
list. 8150 La Plaza was
privately developed,
and the frontage was
constructed in
accordance with DTSP
specifications. The
City continues to
pursue infrastructure
funding at every
opportunity.
Action EV 2b: Continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to devise plans to promote various festivals and community events that are unique to Cotati. The La Plaza Park or the inner Hub area shall be the focal point of these festivals.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Local events
in 2025 included the
Cotati Accordion
Festival, Cotati Music
Festival, a Dia De Los
Muertos event, Cotati
Kids Day Parade and
Festival, National
Night Out, Movies in
the Park, Grub in the
Hub Food Festival,
Cotati Fall Festival,
Cotati Candyland
Halloween Trick or
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-90 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Treat event, Holiday
Tree Lighting,
Downtown Shop and
Stroll, the Farmer’s
Market, Breakfast with
Santa, Bunny Brunch,
and a Community Yard
Sale.
Action LU 1a: Update the Zoning Map to be consistent with the land use designations shown on Figure 7-1.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Done. In 2024, the
City completed a
minor update to bring
zoning regulations and
the zoning map into
compliance with the
General Plan.
Action LU 1b: Review the standards provided in the Land Use Code and amend as necessary for consistency with General Plan policies and allowed uses, including:
• Create the Agricultural-5 (5-acre minimum parcel size) and Agricultural-10 (10-acre minimum parcel size) to implement the Agricultural land use designation; • Preclude residential uses in the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial districts; • Increase maximum building height in the Neighborhood, Urban zone to 35 feet, without the requirement for a use permit;
• Increase the maximum site coverage to 55% in the Neighborhood, Medium Density zone and to 75% in the Neighborhood, Urban zone; and
• Either combine the Commercial/Industrial and General Industrial districts into a single district that accommodates the range of industrial and commercial uses allowed in the Commercial Industrial land use designation, or amend the Commercial/Industrial and Community
Development
A Complete
X In progress
Comments:
All residential-related
updates have been
made through
multifamily
streamlining
ordinance in Nov
2022. New state law
has addressed the
placement of
residential uses in
industrial zones.
Combination of
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-91
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
General Industrial designations to accommodate the range of uses allowed in the Commercial Industrial land use designation.
industrial zones took
place in 2025.
Action LU 1c: Prioritize the processing of development applications for infill, underutilized, or vacant parcels designated for urban uses over those projects requiring annexation.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action LU 1d: Annexation proposals shall be evaluated in the development review process and acted upon in accordance with the criteria set forth in this General Plan.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
In 2025, the TOC
ordinance was drafted
which formalized and
codified the process
for annexation,
prezoning and
rezoning into the CMC.
Action LU 2a: Through the development review and permit process, screen development proposals for land use compatibility, including conformance with existing development or neighborhoods.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action LU 2b: Update the Land Use Code to allow for the clustering of housing to protect scenic and natural resources and provide permanent open space, so long as there is no increase in density. Revisions should be consistent with standards developed as a result of Action OS 1h.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Complete—Cottage
Housing Ordinance
passed in 2021. “Plex”
housing standards
adopted in 2024 to
facilitate clustered
housing development.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-92 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action LU 2c: Update the Design Review Criteria for residential uses to address the following:
1. Outdoor lighting, trash receptacles, fencing and seating space should be carefully considered as integral elements of the landscape and should be included in, and shown on, all landscape plans.
2. Landscaping should utilize plant materials in a logical and orderly manner to define spatial organization, relate buildings and other structures, incorporate various site elements, promote consistency throughout the development, be scaled to site structures, and to provide screening of unaesthetic features. All landscaping shall be adequately maintained.
3. Rooftop and ground level mechanical equipment (e.g. Satellite TV dishes, telephone and electrical boxes, heating, cooling and ventilating systems, and trash sites, etc.) should be screened from public view, unless prohibited by the utility provider.
4. Opportunities for community interaction, such as parks, recreation facilities, gathering areas such as gazebos, plazas, etc.
5. Minimize vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian conflicts.
6. Maximize access to commercial uses, recreational uses, employment, public services and other destinations using a minimum of pavement.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. Woonerf
design standards for
multifamily were
adopted in late 2022.
Objective Design
Standards for
multifamily housing
that address these
criteria, as allowed
under State housing
law, were adopted in
2021 and updated in
2024 and expanded to
include “plex” housing
and single-family
homes. The TOC
ordiannce adopted on
Jan. 13, 2026,
included significant
expansions in multimodal transportation
requirements and
support.
Action LU 2d: Implement the Downtown Specific Plan and Santero Way Specific Plan, ensuring that a mix of land uses occurs in those locations identified for such uses.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The DTSP
update was adopted
in 2023 and the
Santero Way Specific
Plan Update was
approved by the City
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-93
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Council in 2025. Cotati
Station was re-entitled
in 2022 to increase
allowable density and
incentivize project
development using
fee subsidies and
deferrals. Santero
Way Specific Plan
updated initiated in
2024 to update the
specific plan to update
development
standards and allow
more flexibility in land
uses to better reflect
changing economic
conditions.
Action LU 3a: Review the land uses allowed in the Commercial/Industrial and Industrial zoning districts and consider expanding the uses allowed in the districts in order to increase the development potential of parcels with industrial and industrial-oriented commercial uses in each district, while ensuring that appropriate uses continue to be allowed in each district.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Addressed in ED
ordinance in 2019 and
has been continuously
reevaluated through
ongoing ordinance
work including the
TOC Ordinance.
Action LU 3b: Update the Land Use Code or Design Review Criteria for non-residential uses to include standards that promote attractive and sustainable development for commercial, industrial, office, institutional, and non-residential uses and that address the following provisions:
1. Site planning sensitive to the natural environment and that addresses creating functional and attractive places.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The 2021 multifamily
objective standards,
updated in 2024,
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-94 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
2. Architectural standards for retail, commercial, and visitor-serving uses shall be similar to the Main Street Commercial or Mission Revival styles described in the Downtown Specific Plan, other distinctive historic styles exemplified in Cotati or in a juxtaposition of those styles with either other historic styles represented in the region or with modern features. Architectural features shall include distinctive stylistic hallmarks.
3. Criteria to ensure outdoor lighting, trash receptacles, fencing, and seating space are carefully considered as integral elements of the landscape.
4. Landscaping should utilize plant materials in a logical and orderly manner to define spatial organization, relate buildings and other structures, incorporate various site elements, promote consistency throughout the development, and be scaled to site structures.
5. Require separate vehicle access, pedestrian pathways, and secured bicycle parking within the internal site plan of new commercial, office, mixed use, and public facility developments.
6. Criteria for screening rooftop and ground level mechanical equipment (e.g. Satellite TV dishes, telephone and electrical boxes, heating, cooling and ventilating systems, and trash sites, etc.) from public view, unless prohibited by the utility provider.
7. Standards for building design, architecture, and placement that incorporates a pedestrian scale with frontages oriented toward the street front or public gathering areas, varied articulated facades, windows and building features, reduced or zero setbacks where appropriate; and community design features, such as landscaping, entry features, fountains, plazas, pedestrian furniture, and similar features.
8. Requirements for larger projects to include community design and gathering features, such as entry features, outdoor benches, art, plazas, seating areas, fountains, etc.
9. Minimize vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian conflicts.
10. Maximize access to commercial uses, recreational uses, employment, public services and other destinations using a minimum of pavement.
included elements to
ensure high quality
commercial design is
incorporated into
mixed use
developments in the
DTSP. Further, the
DTSP amendments
adopted in 2022,
support nonresidential uses and
discretionary process
improvements have
included elements of
improved design
criteria. Finally, the
2025 Santero Way
Specific Plan Update
also included design
criteria for both
ministerial and
discretionary
development projects.
Action LU 3c: As part of the City’s development review process, continue to ensure that commercial projects are designed to minimize conflicts between commercial and residential uses. Review of Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-95
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
commercial projects should ensure that the following design concepts are avoided in projects that abut residential areas:
1. Corporate design/”signature” buildings and signage, rather than projects specifically designed to fit into the neighborhood
2. Inappropriate building scale and/or siting on the lot
3. Excessive noise due to long hours of operation or inappropriate location of accessory structures
4. Excessive glare or excessive impacts from light sources onto adjacent properties
5. Unnecessary loss of community and environmental resources (archaeological, historical, ecological, recreational, etc.)
Ongoing
Action LU 4a: Review and update the City’s development permitting process to provide a streamlined and straightforward process. At a minimum, the review may consider:
• Methods to streamline and simplify the process, including the process for review by City staff as well as various committees and commissions.
• Opportunities to reduce redundancies and delays.
• Methods to prioritize and fast-track in-fill development projects and re-use projects that are consistent with the General Plan and Land Use Code.
• Updating the City’s website to provide additional information to the public regarding development application requirements, and the building permit and land use approval process.
Community
Development
A/B Complete
In progress
Comments:
All updates have
occurred, and review
for further
improvements is
ongoing. In 2023 and
2024 the City
implemented an
overhaul of the
planning applications,
which have been
completed and are all
available on the City’s
website. In 2025, the
city did the final
implementation of the
new permitting
software.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-96 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action N 1a: Update the Land Use Code to ensure that the noise standards are consistent with this Noise Element, including Tables N-1 and N2, and to require new residential, mixed-use with a residential component, and other noise-sensitive development to be designed to minimize noise exposure to noise sensitive users through incorporation of site planning and architectural techniques such as:
• Locating dwellings as far from noise generators as possible. • Locating noise sensitive interior spaces, such as bedrooms, away from noise generators. • Orienting buildings to shield noise sensitive outdoor spaces from noise generators. • Use of sound walls should be avoided or minimized, through alternative measures such as berms, setbacks, or other measures, to the maximum extent feasible and appropriate.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Individual projects are
analyzed for noise
impacts through CEQA
and most of these
points are usually
incorporated as COAs
on project approvals.
Action N 1b: Review land use and development proposals, including use permits, for compliance with the noise requirements established in this element, including the standards established in Tables N-1 and N2.
For uses along the SMART corridor, the Federal Transit Administration vibration impact criteria shall be used to evaluate the compatibility of sensitive uses using the best available information (e.g., 2005 SMART DEIR) or site-specific measurements and analyses (assuming active operations).
Where necessary, require mitigation measures to achieve the noise standards identified in Tables N-1 and N-2 and, where applicable to minimize exposure of sensitive uses to existing or potential vibration levels to the maximum feasible extent.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. See N1a.
Action N 1c: Require an acoustical study for all new discretionary projects, including development and transportation, with potential noise impacts. The study shall include mitigation measures necessary to ensure compliance with this Noise Element and relevant noise standards in the Land Use Code.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
Action N 1d: The Police Department shall continue to implement the truck ordinance which limits truck traffic routes and weights, thereby effectively reducing noise pollution.
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Police enforces the
truck ordinance,
including writing both
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-97
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
warning and regular
citations, as well as
verbal warnings.
Action N 1e: Work with the California Highway Patrol to actively enforce the California Vehicle Code as it relates to adequate vehicle mufflers, modified exhaust systems, and car stereos.
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Police
Department routinely
works with CHP and
other allied agencies
in the training of
officers and the
enforcement of the
California Vehicle
Code in all aspects of
traffic safety,
including violations
related to vehicle
mufflers, modified
exhaust system
violations, car stereos,
and sideshows.
Action N 1f: Develop a consistent method to enforce Vehicle Code provisions contained in the California Vehicle Code, Division 12, Chapter 5, Article 2.5, Sections 27159 - 27207 related to vehicle noise and, to the extent allowed by State law, develop additional standards to regulate vehicle noise.
City Manager,
Police
Department,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Police
Department routinely
trains its officers and
enforces California
Vehicle Code in all
aspects of traffic
safety, including
vehicle noise
violations related to
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-98 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
those provisions
contained in the
California Vehicle
Code, Division 12,
Chapter 5, Article 2.5,
Sections 27159 –
27207. The City’s
Truck ordinance helps
address vehicle noise
concerns in the
downtown area.
Action N 1g: Coordinate with Caltrans, the City of Rohnert Park, and Sonoma County, when necessary, to ensure that these outside agencies obtain City concurrence prior to initiating any noise mitigation or other project in, or affecting, Cotati.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action N 1h: During the environmental review process, determine if proposed construction will constitute a significant impact on nearby residents and require mitigation measures in addition to the standard “best practice” controls. Suggested “best practices” for control of construction noise:
• Construction period shall be less than twelve months. • Noise-generating construction activities, including truck traffic coming to and from the construction site for any purpose, shall be limited to between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on Saturdays (if allowed through specific project conditions of approval). No construction shall occur on Sundays or holidays. • All equipment driven by internal combustion engines shall be equipped with mufflers, which are in good condition and appropriate for the equipment. • The construction contractor shall utilize “quiet” models of air compressors and other stationary noise sources where technology exists.
• At all times during project grading and construction, stationary noise-generating equipment shall be located as far as practicable from sensitive receptors and placed so that emitted noise is directed away from residences.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-99
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
• Unnecessary idling of internal combustion engines shall be prohibited. • Construction staging areas shall be established at locations that will create the greatest distance between the construction-related noise sources and noise-sensitive receptors nearest the project site during all project construction. • The required construction-related noise mitigation plan shall also specify that haul truck deliveries are subject to the same hours specified for construction equipment. • Neighbors located adjacent to the construction site shall be notified of the construction schedule in writing.
• The construction contractor shall designate a “noise disturbance coordinator” who will be responsible for responding to any local complaints about construction noise. The disturbance coordinator would determine the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., starting too early, bad muffler, etc.) and institute reasonable measures as warranted to correct the problem. A telephone number for the disturbance coordinator shall be conspicuously posted at the construction site.
Action OS 1a: Work with the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department to ensure that Open Space/Parks, Agricultural, and Rural Residential lands within the Sphere of Influence and Urban Growth Boundary are zoned appropriately as rural residential, agricultural, parks, and other limited development or recreational uses in order to limit growth-inducement and development.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Unincorporated
properties to the
south, west, and
northwest of the city
are primarily zoned
rural residential
and/or agricultural by
the County. The City
has pre-zoned
properties in the
Sphere of Influence as
agricultural.
Additional evaluation
of these designations
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-100 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
is underway through
the 2025 HCP
coordination with the
County.
Action OS 1b: Review all proposals involving County land, within or adjacent to the Sphere of Influence or Urban Growth Boundary, to ensure adequate preservation of community separators and resources.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. See OS 1a.
Action OS 1c: Work with property owners willing to set up land trusts within the City limits. Community Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing as needed.
Action OS 1d: Update the Land Use Code to require new development to provide for active and passive open space, whether directly or through in-lieu contribution.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Woonerf standards for
multifamily were
adopted late 2022.
Objective Design
Standards for
multifamily and “plex”
housing and Cottage
Housing Standards
also include open
space standards. The
new development on
116 corridor will be
required to dedicate
additional park land
and to pay an in-lieu
park development fee.
In 2025, the SWSP
update included new
open space standards
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-101
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
for high density
development within
the plan area.
Action OS 1e: Work in cooperation with County Permit and Resource Management Department staff to ensure land use compatibility and discourage subdivision within the areas designated as open space or community separators (see Figure 9.1).
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action OS 1f: Review all development proposals, planning projects, and infrastructure projects to ensure that open space and scenic resource impacts are reduced by maximizing design features that preserve a sense of open space and by minimizing off-site and night sky impacts of outdoor lighting consistent, with the requirements of the Land Use Code.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action OS 1g: Revise the Design Review Guidelines to require clustering or other measures to preserve a sense of openness in new developments that are adjacent to open space or scenic resource areas.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. State law
limits local ability to
regulate in some
instances.
Action OS-2a: Update the Municipal Code to establish minimum parks and open space standards for new development. At a minimum, the standards shall seek to maintain one acre of park land per 200 residents.
Additional measures may include requirements to establish assessment or tax districts to fund park maintenance, open space requirements, and provisions for in-lieu fees in instances where it is not feasible or appropriate for new development to provide park land on-site.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
In 2025, the
park/recreation
Impact Fee Update
was based on a
combination of the
General Plan
threshold, the Quimby
Act and the Impact
Fee Act, seeking to
ensure adequate
parkland is provided in
keeping with the
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-102 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
allowances of state
law. All Objective
Design Standards
require a minimum of
150 square feet of
open space per
multifamily dwelling
unit. New
developments on
Highway 116 plan to
both dedicate park
lane and utilize the
parks in-lieu fee.
Action OS-2b: Use the Capital Improvement Program to maintain parks and recreation facilities and as the basis for determining supplemental funds collected for parks and open space development. The City’s population and acreage of parks/recreation facilities shall be tabulated periodically to ensure that parkland is developed consistent with the ratio of one acre of park land per 200 residents.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The city prepares and
adopts an annual
Capital Improvement
Program. The CIP
identifies funding
sources and earmarks
funds for
improvements to City
parks. Impact Fees will
support the
development of new
park facilities.
Action OS-2c: Continue to work with the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District to maintain a joint use agreement to allow Cotati residents and organizations to utilize school facilities for a range of recreation- and education-oriented activities.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Initial conversations,
but no formal
agreement on joint
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-103
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
facility use has been
developed at this
time. There are annual
field trips with
Thomas Page
Academy to City Hall,
Police Department
and in 2025 the 4th
grade class visit to the
historic VerondaFalletti Ranch began.
Students get history
lessons of the ranch
and a demonstration
on animal and ranch
care. The city partners
with Santa Rosa Junior
College for a variety of
recreation classes held
at City facilities.
Action SA 1a: Prepare and adopt a coordinated Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency Response Plan should be developed collaboratively with City departments and outside agencies that provide services for police protection, fire, public works, flood control, and other emergency services. The Emergency Response Plan should include information regarding emergency access routes for major flood or fire events, measures to ensure adequate access for emergency vehicles on designated emergency routes, and the location of emergency shelters and evacuation areas. The Plan should also include protocols for the dissemination of information following a disaster, establish roles and responsibilities for City staff and public safety officials during and after an emergency, and identify resources available to the public during and after an emergency or natural disaster.
City Manager,
Police
Department,
Public Work/
Engineering,
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. An
Emergency Response
Plan has
been adopted, and we
continue to work with
allied
partners and City
leadership to train in
emergency response.
We participated in an
EOC and
interoperability drill at
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-104 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
the Cotati Police
Department’s
EOC/training room in
2025. The training
consisted
of navigating through
a compounding
disaster
scenario, testing
and utilizing equipme
nt, and updating
information
materials. The Police
Department
also participated in
EOC training with the
Cotati-Rohnert Park
school district, most
specifically at Thomas
Page Academy. Hi-Lo
siren information,
emergency alert
system sign-up
information,
evacuation
routes, and a video
showing the audible
Hi-Lo siren on a Cotati
Police car are
advertised and posted
on social media, the
city website, and
other media platforms
so the community can
have on-going access
to information related
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-105
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
to disaster
preparedness, with a
focus specifically on
wildfire safety.
Action SA 1b: Support regional earthquake preparedness activities such as strapping water heaters, organizing periodic city-wide earthquake drills, providing first aid training and disaster preparedness classes to neighborhood groups, and encouraging residents and businesses to stockpile emergency food, water, and medical supplies.
City Manager,
Police
Department,
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. The Police
Department works in
conjunction with
County Emergency
Services.
The City shares this
information via its
website and social
media for education
and emergency signup access. The City’s
Building Department c
onducts safety
inspections of
properties.
The City utilizes Civic
Ready for emergency
notifications to the
community, to which
citizens are
encouraged to sign
up. Hi-Lo siren
information,
emergency alert
system sign-up
information,
evacuation routes and
a video showing the
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-106 Cotati General Plan
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Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
audible Hi-Lo siren on
a Cotati Police car are
advertised and posted
on social media, the
city website, and
other media platforms
so the community can
have on-going access
to information related
to disaster
preparedness,
including earthquake
preparedness. We par
ticipated in an EOC
and interoperability
drill at the Cotati
Police Department’s
EOC/training room in
2025. The training
consisted
of navigating through
a compounding
disaster
scenario, testing
and utilizing equipme
nt, and updating
information
materials. The Police
Department
also participated in an
EOC training with the
Cotati-Rohnert Park
school district, most
specifically at Thomas
Page Academy, for
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-107
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
“The Great Shakeout”
exercise/training.
Action SA 1c: Encourage schools, neighborhood associations, mobile home park associations and other interested groups to teach first aid and disaster preparedness, including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs, Map Your Neighborhood programs, and other tools available to neighborhood and community groups to improve disaster preparedness.
City Manager,
Police
Department,
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments: Ongoing
The City works with
County Emergency
Services for these
programs, with
the City promoting
them on its website.
The City utilizes Civic
Ready for emergency
notifications to the
community, to which
citizens are
encouraged to sign
up. Hi-Lo siren
information,
emergency alert
system sign-up
information,
evacuation routes and
a video showing the
audible Hi-Lo siren on
a Cotati Police car are
advertised and posted
on social media, the
city website, and
other media platforms
so the community can
have on-going access
to information related
to disaster
preparedness. In
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-108 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
2025, the Police
Department
continued its practice
of holding Area Officer
(Beat) meetings.
Action SA 1d: Periodically review, maintain and repair City roadways and emergency access routes and provide signage, where necessary, to clearly identify emergency access routes.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. City
coordinates with
Police and Fire on all
City street
improvements
projects and private
development roadway
improvements.
Action SA 1e: Seek funding from State, Federal, and other sources to assist in emergency management planning, including community education and outreach describing public procedures and evacuation routes in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
City Manager,
Police
Department,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City received
FEMA grant funding to
create its first Local
Hazard Mitigation
Plan, which is
complete and
adopted. Evacuation
zones are on the City
website and the City
runs annual Hi-Lo
siren evacuation drills
demonstration on
social media. The City
has applied to FEMA
for replacement
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-109
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
generator for the City
Hall/Police Complex.
The city is actively
working with the
County Department of
Emergency
Management on the
countywide plan.
The Police
Department conducts
constant outreach
regarding public safety
and emergency
management. The City
is divided/mapped
into 6 beats, each with
an assigned area
officer who is
available to answer
citizen and business
questions and hold
area community
meetings at least
twice per year in each
beat. The City
continues to seek
alternative funding
streams to enhance
these endeavors. The
City utilizes Civic
Ready for emergency
notifications to the
community, to which
citizens are
encouraged to sign
up. Hi-Lo siren
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-110 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
information,
emergency alert
system sign-up
information,
evacuation routes and
a video showing the
audible Hi-Lo siren on
a Cotati Police car are
advertised and posted
on social media, the
city website, and
other media platforms
so the community can
have on-going access
to information related
to disaster
preparedness.
Action SA 1f: Develop and annually update an emergency contact list and emergency response information on the City’s website. The information should include emergency access routes, available emergency resources, and contact information for emergency responders.
City Manager,
Police
Department
A/
Ongoing
Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City maintains an
internal emergency
contact list that is
updated routinely
with the emergency
response plan. The
City publishes the
evacuation zones,
which are available on
the City website.
Action SA 1g: Develop a public information program which will provide all citizens with access to needed information concerning disaster preparedness and safety.
City Manager,
Police
Department
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-111
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
The City website has
an Emergency
Preparedness list of
Fire and Medical
Services, Making your
Home Safe, and
County Wide Hazard
Mitigation Plan. Civic
Ready alerts are in
place.
Action SA 1h: Conduct annual emergency response drills with key members of the City, local leaders, and emergency response personnel. The training should include the dissemination of information to the public regarding emergency response procedures, resources, and City responsibilities.
City Manager,
Police
Department
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Working with allied
partners, the
City’s leadership partic
ipated in an EOC and
interoperability drill at
the Cotati Police
Department’s
EOC/training room in
2025, as well as a
separate EOC drill
with Cotati-Rohnert
Park public school
district during “The
Great Shakeout”
exercise.
The training consisted
of navigating through
a compounding
disaster scenario,
testing
and utilizing equipme
nt, and updating
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-112 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
information materials.
Hi-Lo siren
information,
emergency alert
system sign-up
information,
evacuation routes,
and a video showing
the audible Hi-Lo siren
on a Cotati Police car
are advertised and
posted on social
media, the city
website, and other
media platforms so
the community can
have on-going access
to information related
to disaster
preparedness.
Action SA 1i: Establish procedures to allow local citizen and community groups to utilize City-owned facilities to conduct disaster training and preparation programs.
City Manager A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Trainings at City
facilities have included
search and rescue,
and regular ham radio
testing in the City
Emergency Operations
Center.
Action SA 1j: Require strict adherence to the requirements of the California Building Standards in all areas of the City and, during the development review process, ensure that public and critical use buildings shall not be located in areas susceptible to potential natural hazards.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-113
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action SA 1k: Any critical use building shall meet earthquake codes and standards. Community Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing.
Action SA 1l: Coordinate with Sonoma County to implement portions of the Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan that are applicable and appropriate within the City of Cotati.
City Manager,
Police
Department,
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The Hazard mitigation
plan is complete and
coordinated with
Countywide plan.
Action SA 2a: Require a geotechnical analysis for construction in areas with potential geological hazards and require that recommendations from the geotechnical analysis are incorporated into the project’s design and engineering.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2b: All building code requirements shall be adhered to so as to provide for maximum safety requirements. Inspections for compliance shall be made by the Building Division prior to approval for occupancy.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2c: Maintain and enforce standards in the Cotati Municipal Code which specify maximum permissible vegetation removal, soil compaction, and site coverage. Inspections by the Building Division and Engineering Department will ensure compliance.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2d: As part of the development review process, ensure development applications incorporate drainage and erosion standards identified in the Cotati Municipal Code. Inspections by the Building Division and Engineering Department will ensure compliance.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2e: Require the submission of geologic and soils reports for all new developments. The geologic risk areas that are determined from these studies shall have standards established and recommendations shall be incorporated into development.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-114 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Ongoing
Action SA 2f: When a change in natural grade or removal of existing vegetation is necessary, appropriate vegetative cover to stabilize slopes and reduce erosion will be required. This shall be accomplished through the development and design review process.
Community
Development,
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2g: Review, and amend if necessary, the Land Use Code to allow only those uses compatible with site specific geologic conditions in areas of liquefaction or slope instability. The Planning Division shall develop appropriate development standards and review and amend as necessary.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2h: Enforce the Municipal Code to ensure the implementation of measures and standards that will insure compatibility with site specific geologic conditions. The Community Development and Public Works/Engineering Departments will evaluate and amend the criteria as necessary.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2i: Annually review revisions to the California Building Standards Code (CBSC) and consider adoption of updates to the CBSC that include new or revised measures to avoid or reduce the potential for damage to structures and facilities caused by ground shaking and other geologic hazards.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2j: As applications for building permits are received, identify and inspect seismically unsafe buildings and structures, including unreinforced masonry buildings.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing
Action SA 2k: Explore programs and funding sources that would encourage, assist, or provide incentives to property owners to retrofit their buildings for seismic safety, such as the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) program.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing Multiple
Social Media and
website posts have
advertised the State
Earthquake Brace and
Bolt Grant program in
2025.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-115
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action SA 3a: Periodically review, and update as needed, the Cotati Storm Drain Master Plan, and continue to require new development projects to construct and implement all applicable standards and improvements contained in the Santa Rosa LID Manual, or equivalent document that implements the City’s stormwater permit.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
City requires new
development and
redevelopment to
follow the Santa Rosa
LID Manual. The City’s
2002 Storm Water
Master Plan has not
been updated.
However, the LID
requirements are met
by following the SR
LID Manual which is
regularly updated and
the MS4 Committee
holds annual
workshops for
contractors and
municipal staff.
Additionally, in 2022
the City submitted to
the State Water Board
its Trash
Implementation Plan
(TIP) and met with the
board in 2024. In late
2025, the Regional
Board provided
comments on the
City’s TIP and City
Staff are currently
incorporating these
comments and
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-116 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
anticipate an
approved TIP in early
2026.
Action SA 3b: During preparation of the Capital Improvement Program, review the conditions of bridges, culverts, and other flood control and storm water conveyance infrastructure and include necessary improvements on the CIP to ensure safety of persons in the City and adequate conveyance of flood waters.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City repairs storm
water facilities as part
of its O&M. Sonoma
Water owns and
maintains the major
storm water
conveyance facilities
through the City.
Action SA 3c: Seek State and Federal funding for improvements to existing flood control and drainage infrastructure.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The Cotati Creek
Bypass Project did not
get constructed
because of steep cost
increases. However,
the City terminated
the agreement with
Sonoma Water, and
Sonoma Water
retaining ownership
and maintenance
responsibilities for
Zone 1a facilities
through the City.
Action SA 3d: Review the Cotati Municipal Code, including Chapter 15.04, Floodplain Management, and revise as necessary to ensure that development standards are consistent with the requirements of Public Works/
Engineering
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-117
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
state law, including Government Code Section 65007. Development and building standards shall require the following:
1. New structures proposed for location within the 100-year floodplain shall be elevated one (1) foot or more above the 100-year flood elevation.
2. New construction in the 100-year floodplain shall be designed and constructed so that they do not contribute to cumulative flooding problems that could pose a hazard to surrounding landowners or the public.
3. Discourage extensive areas of impermeable surfaces and promote the use of permeable materials for surfaces such as driveways and parking lots.
4. Ensure new development within areas prone to flooding include all-weather access roads or other measures to ensure access during a flood event.
Complete. The City’s
MS4 permit requires
new development to
maintain the site
runoff intensities of
the undeveloped site.
This is achieved by
measures to slow,
store, and treat the
runoff post
construction.
Action SA 3e: Work with the Sonoma County Water Agency to maintain adequate and appropriate flood channels.
Public Works/
Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
City routinely
communicates with
Sonoma Water for
creek and Laguna
maintenance and for
long-range capital
projects as part of
Zone 1 proceedings.
Action SA 3f: Maintain unimproved drainage channels on a periodic basis. Public Works/ Engineering
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. This is part of
routine City O&M.
Action SA 3g: As part of the development review process, require developers to prepare hydrological studies for all new developments as required by the City Engineer. Studies shall encompass the project site as well as the entire drainage area.
Public Works/
Engineering,
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-118 Cotati General Plan
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Community
Development
Ongoing. Incorporated
in standard
development review
and conditioning
procedures.
Action SA 3h: Review the Safety Element concurrently with the periodically updated Housing Element to update any new information regarding floodplain mapping and/or regulations to ensure consistency with Federal and State requirements.
Community
Development
Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
FEMA has not notified
the City of any
updated flood
mapping or federal
regulations impacting
HA in 2025.
Action SA 3i: Through participation as a member of the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency, work to educate the community about alternative products.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
Ongoing. A recent
example is the takeout container
ordinance that
allowed restaurants to
impose a fee for
disposable utensils
and containers. In
2024 the City began
planning for the
Climate Ready Cotati
Fair which will include
presentations by Zero
Waste Sonoma and
Recology, and utilize
reusable dishes and
utensils.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
Cotati General Plan 22-119
TABLE 11-1: General Plan Implementation
Action Responsible
Department
Priority/
Timing Status
Action SA 3j: Continue to support the creation of a permanent hazardous waste storage facility by the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency.
City Manager Ongoing Complete
In progress
Comments:
The Waste Agency
(Zero Waste Sonoma)
has hazardous
materials drop off at
Central Landfill and
has purchased the
property and is in
design for a new drop
off facility in North
County (Town of
Windsor).
Action SA 3k: Prepare and maintain an inventory of environmentally contaminated sites to educate future landowners about contamination from previous uses. The City shall work directly with landowners in the cleanup of these sites, particularly in areas with redevelopment potential.
Community
Development
A Complete
In progress
Comments:
The City’s public GIS
website identifies
properties that are
listed as contaminated
by the Water Quality
Control Board.
11. IMPLEMENTATION
11-120 Cotati General Plan
7. LAND USE
Cotati General Plan