July 27, 2026
TO: Cotati City Council
RE: Item 7B, Freeway Oriented Development Zoning Overlay Dear City Council members,
I recently learned of a proposal that will be considered at tomorrow’s City Council meeting, and wanted to express some of my concerns regarding the proposed changes.
First of all, since some of the proposed changes, including especially the Expanded Land Use Opportunities, could potentially have a significant impact on the local community, I would like to suggest that residents in those areas should be given an opportunity to understand more fully and to provide input on these proposed changes. As a resident along the 116 corridor, I am particularly concerned about the implication that these changes could be extended further south to include the stretch of land from Hwy 116 to Helman Lane, and potentially along Hwy 116. I hope that the Council will take the time to consider these changes more carefully and not rush the approval.
I am referring specifically to the language in Part One of the opening paragraph: “with an initial focus on the industrial district west of the freeway.” This comes across to me as an opening to challenge many of the historical priorities of the Cotati community.
Given that much of the land on either side of Hwy 116 is zoned for residential uses, there is considerable potential for conflicting interpretations of the proposed zoning overlay. It is important to consider the possible impacts of these proposed changes on the residential community in that area.
I understand the expressed desire for increased visibility on the part of the existing businesses, and also the desire on the part of the City to promote business retention and attraction. Those are reasonable goals. I believe these desires could be met with a somewhat more circumscribed proposal. My concern is that the proposed zoning overlay opens the door to far more significant changes. Language that supports my concerns can be found in the Analysis and Discussion section on the purpose of the proposed overlay, i.e. to “Provide regulatory flexibility appropriate for freeway-oriented commercial development.” This would include “broadening the range of commercial uses permitted within designated freeway oriented areas,” as detailed under the section on “Expanded Land Use Opportunities.” Thank you for considering my concerns and for all of the work you do to care for our City.
Sincerely,
Debora Hammond
7701 Isabel Dr.