Local zoning · Cotati

Cotati — Parking

Parking under the Cotati local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Cotati's off‑street parking and loading rules live in the Land Use Code, Chapter 17.36 — Parking and Loading (the local "Zoning" parking chapter). The chapter sets minimum counts by land use (Table 3‑7), bicycle/motorcycle parking rules, lot layout and surfacing standards, and procedures for reductions, shared or off‑site parking and loading areas. The chapter's purpose and applicability, timing of installation, and permanence requirements are in § 17.36.010 and § 17.36.020.

Note: this page interprets Cotati's parking rules only (Chapter 17.36 and closely related sections of the Land Use Code). For related site standards and setbacks see the city's development standards and land‑use chapters linked below. First mention links: Cotati Zoning, Cotati Land Use, Cotati Development Standards, Cotati Design Review, Cotati Overlay Districts, Cotati ADUs, California Building Standards Code.

  • Cotati Zoning: /us/california/cotati/zoning (first "parking" related link above)
  • Cotati Land Use: /us/california/cotati/land-use
  • Cotati Development Standards: /us/california/cotati/development-standards
  • Cotati Design Review: /us/california/cotati/design-review
  • Cotati Overlay Districts: /us/california/cotati/overlay-districts
  • Cotati ADUs: /us/california/cotati/adu
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24): /us/california/building-codes

Chapter & Key Rules (where to look)

  • Chapter title: Chapter 17.36 — Parking and Loading (purpose and applicability in § 17.36.010 and § 17.36.020) — establishes the controlling rules for off‑street automobile parking, bicycle/motorcycle parking, loading areas, and technical design standards.
  • Minimum counts by use: Table 3‑7 (implemented through § 17.36.050) — each land use must meet the table unless reduced/modified under § 17.36.080.
  • Bicycle and motorcycle parking: § 17.36.070 (numbers and device/design standards).
  • Parking design, surfacing, aisle widths and screening: § 17.36.090 (including Table 3‑9 for aisle widths).
  • Loading: § 17.36.110 and Table 3‑10 (required loading spaces by type/size and loading area standards).
  • Off‑site parking agreements and recordation: § 17.36.120 (covenant/easement requirements; certificate of occupancy blocked until recorded).

District‑by‑district (what the parking chapter says for specific zoning districts)

Below are districts and special zone names that are referenced explicitly in the parking/loading chapter or in immediately related development standards. Each subsection summarizes what the ordinance itself ties to parking for that district; where full district purpose/dimensional standards are not in the retrieved parking chapter, the entry notes that fact and points to where to verify.

DSP (Downtown Specific Plan / DSP zoning)

  • What the chapter says for parking: Alternative parking arrangements (pay in‑lieu, parking assessment district waiver, or other fair‑share agreement) are available for projects in the DSP district; agreements must be recorded before building permits (§ 17.36.080(F)).
  • Purpose / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials for DSP purpose text in Chapter 17.36; verify with the city's specific plan or Article 2 district tables. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Key dimensional/parking standards that matter here: Table 3‑7 parking minimums still apply unless an approved in‑lieu/alternative agreement is recorded.

TOC (Transit‑Oriented/Transit Overlay / TOC)

  • Parking notes: The code allows alternative parking arrangements in the TOC and makes special bicycle parking requirements for multifamily and mixed‑use projects in the TOC (see § 17.36.070: secured bicycle parking rates for TOC/SWSP).
  • Purpose / typical uses: Not found in Chapter 17.36 text; see the applicable overlay/specific plan for land‑use detail. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Where it applies: downtown / transit‑adjacent areas where TOC overlay applies; parking minimums can be adjusted by agreement and by proximity to transit (see transit distance rule below).

CD (Commercial / Community Design or Civic District)

  • Parking notes: Alternative parking arrangements allowed in CD district with recorded agreement (§ 17.36.080(F)) for qualifying projects.
  • Special exceptions/cases: The parking chapter permits some nonresidential uses to place parking between building and street in limited situations in certain commercial/industrial districts (see CI, IG, CG below) — CD is not listed for that exception.
  • Purpose / typical uses and dimensional standards: Not found in Chapter 17.36; verify in Article 2 and the CD district text.

CI and IG (Industrial / Commercial‑Industrial)

  • What the chapter says: For specifically listed high‑display uses (auto & vehicle sales/rental, building/landscape materials sales, construction/heavy equipment sales, mobilehome/boat/RV sales), parking is allowed in front of buildings when the site is in the CI and IG districts (and one listed use in CG) — see § 17.36.090(A)(3)(b).
  • Why it matters: those uses have display/service operations that the code explicitly accommodates; check the use table in Table 3‑7 for counts.

CG (General Commercial)

  • What the chapter says: The CG district is singled out for one permitted front‑parking exception for "building and landscape materials sales" (§ 17.36.090(A)(3)(b)).
  • Dimensional/parking standards: Standard counts from Table 3‑7 and design standards of § 17.36.090 apply unless a special agreement or reduction is approved.

RR and RVL (Rural Residential / Rural Village Low)

  • What the chapter says: The general surfacing/paving rule requires all parking and maneuvering areas to be paved with two inches of asphaltic concrete, except a waiver is available for a single parcel in the RR or RVL zoning district with at least 75 ft frontage (director may allow dust‑free surfaces due to rural character) (§ 17.36.090(I)(1)–(2)).
  • Garage setbacks / driveway placement rules are elsewhere (garage setback rules referenced; see § 17.36.090(A)(1) and Section 17.42.160 for garage setback specifics).

NL and NM (Neighborhood Low / Neighborhood Medium)

  • What the chapter says: When a parking area edge with four or more spaces is less than 10 ft from an RVL, NL, or NM zoning district, the review authority may require substantial screening (berm + landscaping to 8 ft or masonry wall) (§ 17.36.090(G)).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional: Not detailed in the parking chapter; verify in Article 2 district standards.

OSC (Open Space Conservation)

  • What the chapter says: OSC is one of the Article 2 zone tables (excerpts like Table 2‑5 appear in the code) but Chapter 17.36 parking minimums still govern; no parking exceptions specific to OSC are in Chapter 17.36. See § 17.24.030 referencing parking chapter (§ 17.24.030(D)).

Notes about other named project standards

  • Cottage housing: special parking and EV requirements apply within the cottage housing standards (§ 17.42.125) — e.g., 1.75 parking spaces for units ≤700 sq ft, 2 spaces for larger units, 15% extra guest parking, EV conduit/charging minimums for guest/assigned spaces and garage design limits; garage doors near streets and other placement rules are spelled out in that section. These are project‑type (not a zoning district) rules but important where cottage housing is proposed.

(If you need full district purpose/allowed uses/dimensional tables for any district above, those live in Article 2 district tables and specific plans — not all of which are repeated in Chapter 17.36. See "Information Gaps" below.)

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant numeric standards

Requirement Standard / Trigger Code Reference
Governing chapter for parking & loading Chapter 17.36 — Parking and Loading § 17.36.010 – § 17.36.130
Off‑street parking counts Use‑based minimums in Table 3‑7; all projects >½ mile from transit must meet requirements unless specific 30‑day findings are made (Gov Code 65853.2) § 17.36.050(A) (Table 3‑7)
Bicycle parking (multifamily) Minimum 1 bicycle space per 4 units (min 2); TOC/SWSP: 1 secured bicycle space per unit § 17.36.070(A)(1)(a)–(b)
Motorcycle parking 1 motorcycle space per 25 automobile spaces (min 1); dimension 4' x 7' § 17.36.070(B)
Parking aisle widths 15'–24' depending on angle (see Table 3‑9) § 17.36.090(E) (Table 3‑9)
Loading bay minimum dim. 12' wide × 40' long × 14' vertical clearance (standard); number by building size in Table 3‑10 § 17.36.110(B)(2) and Table 3‑10
Disabled parking Provide in compliance with Title 24 / UBC / federal ADA; counts follow state/federal rules and count toward minimums § 17.36.060
Surfacing All required spaces and maneuvering areas paved with 2" asphaltic concrete (exceptions for RR/RVL parcel waiver) § 17.36.090(I)(1)–(2)
Off‑site parking Allowed if approved; requires a recorded covenant/easement; CO withheld until recorded § 17.36.120
Reductions / shared parking Reductions allowed with parking management plan and recorded covenant; mixed‑use shared parking encouraged per § 17.36.080 § 17.36.080

Checklist (what applicants must provide)

  • Show required number of automobile parking spaces per Table 3‑7 and identify the controlling use; reference § 17.36.050.
  • Provide bicycle and motorcycle parking to the ratios and design details in § 17.36.070 (long‑ vs short‑term locations, rack type, clearances).
  • Dimensioned parking plan showing stall sizes, aisle widths (Table 3‑9), turning movements so vehicles exit forward per § 17.36.090(B).
  • Surfacing and drainage specs (2" AC or approved permeable surface) or waiver request for RR/RVL parcels per § 17.36.090(I).
  • Accessible (disabled) stalls to Title 24 / ADA standards and documentation showing those spaces count toward required total (§ 17.36.060 and Title 24).
  • Loading plan meeting Table 3‑10 counts and the dimensional/surfacing/screening standards in § 17.36.110.
  • If seeking a parking reduction or shared/off‑site parking, supply a parking management plan and recordable covenant; see § 17.36.080 and § 17.36.120.
  • If the project is in DSP, TOC or CD, either meet Table 3‑7 or propose an in‑lieu / alternative parking agreement recorded before building permit (§ 17.36.080(F)).
  • For projects proposing ≤1.5 parking spaces/unit in multifamily, include a parking management plan describing mitigation (required by § 17.36.050(A)(1)).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Transit proximity and Gov Code 65853.2 Projects within ½ mile of transit have special limits on enforcing minimum parking; incorrectly applying minimums may be appealed or require findings (§ 17.36.050(A)(1)). Confirm precise transit stop location and measure the ½‑mile radius; ask planning staff to confirm whether 30‑day findings were made. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Uses not listed in Table 3‑7 The review authority determines parking for unlisted uses; this introduces discretion (§ 17.36.050(A)(2)). If your use is borderline, request a pre‑application meeting and get written guidance on the expected parking ratio.
Off‑site parking reliance Off‑site parking requires a recorded covenant and CO is withheld until recorded; loss of the off‑site parcel can force reductions or changes (§ 17.36.120). Ensure the owner of the off‑site parcel will sign and record the covenant; confirm contingency timelines and substitute parking options.
EV and bike infrastructure expectations Cottage housing and some project types require EV conduit/chargers and bicycle parking percentages; missing this will trigger changes in review (§ 17.42.125, § 17.36.070). Confirm which project standards apply (cottage, TOC, etc.) and document EV/bike provision in the application.
Driveway/garage setbacks vs parking location Garage setback rules and parking‑between‑building restrictions may prevent desired driveway or counted parking in setback areas (§ 17.36.090(A)(1–4)). Check applicable district garage setback rules in Article 2 and Section 17.42.160(F)(2) before finalizing layout. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Interpretations of "reasonable access" for off‑parcel parking Nonresidential parking may be located up to 300 ft from the parcel if review authority finds "reasonable access" (§ 17.36.090(A)(2)). Confirm pedestrian/drive access, easements, striping, ADA path, and security; get the review authority's written finding when possible.

Plain‑English Summary

Cotati requires most projects to provide off‑street parking sized to the use (Table 3‑7) and laid out to technical standards (aisle widths, surfacing, disabled stalls, bike parking). Where you are near transit or within special districts like TOC, DSP or CD, the city allows alternative arrangements (in‑lieu fees or recorded agreements) and different bicycle/EV expectations. Always submit a dimensioned parking plan, bicycle and disabled stall details, and a parking management plan if asking for shared or reduced parking. Relevant requirements are in Chapter 17.36 (see § 17.36.050, § 17.36.070, § 17.36.090, § 17.36.110, § 17.36.120).

Source References

  • Cotati Land Use Code — Chapter 17.36, "Parking and Loading" (purpose, applicability) — § 17.36.010, § 17.36.020.
  • Cotati Land Use Code — Number of Parking Spaces / Table 3‑7 — § 17.36.050 (Table 3‑7).
  • Cotati Land Use Code — Parking design & development standards (location, aisles, surfacing, screening) — § 17.36.090 (Table 3‑9 aisle widths).
  • Cotati Land Use Code — Bicycle & Motorcycle parking — § 17.36.070.
  • Cotati Land Use Code — Reduction of parking; shared/alternative parking; special DSP/TOC/CD provisions — § 17.36.080(F).
  • Cotati Land Use Code — Loading spaces and standards; Table 3‑10 — § 17.36.110.
  • Cotati Land Use Code — Off‑site parking covenants and CO requirements — § 17.36.120.
  • Cottage housing parking & EV infrastructure (project‑type rules): § 17.42.125.

(Full code text downloaded from the city's eCode site; see the specific § citations above for the controlling language.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Cotati Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.36) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (Section 65913.6.) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (Section 17.36.080.) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (§ 17.36.080) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (Section 17.42.170) High relevance
  • CBC § 2 (section for) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (§ 17.36.110) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (Section 17.36.080) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (Chapter 17.32) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (§ 17.26.030) High relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (§ 17.36.120) Medium relevance
  • Cotati Zoning Code (§ 17.32.120.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary Cotati ordinance for off‑street parking?

The Cotati Land Use Code, Chapter 17.36 — Parking and Loading, is the controlling ordinance for off‑street parking, bicycle/motorcycle parking and loading area standards; see § 17.36.010 – § 17.36.130 for purpose, applicability, counts and design rules.

How many car spaces do I need for a new retail store in Cotati?

Use the land‑use table (Table 3‑7) implemented through § 17.36.050 — retail counts are itemized there (e.g., general guidance such as restaurants and retail are defined in Table 3‑7). If your specific retail subtype is not listed, the review authority sets the number using Table 3‑7 as a guide.

Are bicycle parking requirements different in transit or TOC areas?

Yes. Standard multifamily/nonresidential bicycle parking rules are in § 17.36.070 (e.g., 1 bike space per 4 units minimum for multifamily). TOC and SWSP overlay areas require higher secure bicycle parking rates (for example, 1 secured bike space per dwelling unit for TOC/SWSP scenarios).

Can the city approve fewer parking spaces than Table 3‑7 requires?

Yes. The review authority may approve reductions (shared parking, reductions based on data, senior housing adjustments) but this usually requires a parking management plan and often a recorded covenant ensuring continued availability of the parking (§ 17.36.080, § 17.36.120).

Can required parking be off‑site or on public street parking?

Off‑site parking can satisfy requirements only with city approval and a recorded covenant/easement; a certificate of occupancy will not be issued until the recorded agreement is filed (§ 17.36.120). A portion of residential parking can be located on a public street or public lot with a use permit (§ 17.36.080(E)).

What are the surfacing and paving requirements for parking lots in Cotati?

All required parking spaces and maneuvering areas must be paved with two inches of asphaltic concrete or other all‑weather surfacing approved by the city engineer; limited exceptions for rural parcels in RR or RVL exist where a dust‑free waiver may be granted (§ 17.36.090(I)).

Does Cotati require disabled (accessible) parking spaces?

Yes. Accessible parking stalls must meet the standards of the Uniform Building Code / Title 24 / federal accessibility guidelines; required accessible stalls count toward the total required by § 17.36.050 (see § 17.36.060). For technical plate sizes and number, follow Title 24.

Are there special rules for loading docks and delivery areas?

Yes. Nonresidential uses must provide loading spaces per Table 3‑10 and meet dimensional standards (minimum 12' × 40' with 14' clearance) and surfacing/screening/lighting requirements in § 17.36.110.

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