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Planning commission forwards code‑cleanup resolution to City Council
Summary
The Cotati Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a staff-drafted code-cleanup ordinance — correcting zoning cross-references, updating CPI fee-indexing dates, and codifying telecom reporting — to the City Council for consideration.
The Cotati Planning Commission on July 20 voted unanimously to forward a staff-recommended resolution asking the City Council to adopt a code‑cleanup ordinance that corrects drafting errors, updates fee-indexing dates and clarifies several zoning standards.
Director Hausch, the city’s community development director, told commissioners the amendments would fix incorrect references in the land‑use tables, add missing lot‑size and density standards for the recently created Transit‑Oriented Communities (TOC) district, clarify a fence‑height relief process, set a numeric limit and design standards for compact parking stalls, and add screening rules for individual trash cans at multifamily sites. He also proposed moving the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reference used to update fees from April to February to give staff time to implement changes before the new fiscal year.
Staff additionally proposed requiring applicants who file for new telecommunication facilities to submit the Federal Communications Commission’s radio‑frequency exposure report with their application so reviewers have that information earlier in the process.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the 30‑foot driveway setback would be applied to existing properties. Director Hausch said legally built properties would not be retroactively required to meet the new setback unless owners made changes that triggered review.
After public comment and several clarifications from staff, a commissioner moved to approve the planning commission resolution recommending that the City Council adopt amendments to the city code on fees and zoning. The motion was seconded and the commission — Commissioners Sparks, Berman, Moffett, Vice Chair Gilardi and Chair Long — voted aye.
The resolution now goes to the Cotati City Council as a recommended ordinance; staff said the ordinance is expected to return for public hearings and that the Council would consider first and second readings in the fall if the Council moves forward.
