Property, Zoning, and Permit Information

At any point in your research you are welcome to contact City staff in the Community Development Department at 707-665-3636 or permits@cotaticity.gov for more information or with questions. We strongly recommend that you contact us prior to submitting any permit applications, starting a project, or opening a business to ensure that you have the correct information.

PROPERTY RESEARCH

Information about individual properties, including address, size, assessor’s data, zoning, parcel maps, public infrastructure, environmental data, and aerial maps can be found on our GIS page (hosted by the City of Santa Rosa).

Steps to looking up a property and accessing information in GIS:

1. Go to https://maps.srcity.org/Html5Viewer/Index.html?viewer=cotati
   
   
2. Find the property you’re looking for by 
   • Scanning with your mouse and using the zoom/in tool (or the scroll wheel/touchpad on your mouse/laptop), OR
   • Type in the address number and street name in the search box in the upper right corner (this works best WITHOUT using “st,” “street,” “lane,” etc. For example “201 W Sierra”).
3. Select the parcel by clicking on it. The parcel will be highlighted blue.
4. View the options for assessor’s parcel information in the pop-up box.
   • “Create Parcel Detail Report” will bring up a link on the left side of the screen for a report you can download. This shows general information about the property, such as acreage, characteristics of any existing buildings on the parcel, and which jurisdiction the property falls under (i.e., Cotati).
   • “View AP Map” will open a the assessor’s parcel map in a new tab. This will show the subdivision the property is in, if applicable, and lengths of property lines.
5. For more information, expand the Layers menu on the left side of the screen and check the boxes for data layers to display. Be sure to click on the “+” next to a layer category to see more sublayers nested below it.

Note that you can also display data layers without selecting a specific property, if you wish to see information for a broader area.

ZONING, LAND USE, AND PLANNING PERMITS

Determine whether the City’s zoning code allows a certain business type, activity, or land use at a specific property using the following steps:

1. Determine the zoning for the property in GIS using the steps above. In the Layers menu, select the boxes for “Cotati Layers” > “Planning” > “Zoning.” See the example below - properties within the same zoning district will be grouped together under the same color, and zoning district names will be abbreviated with a two-letter identifier (i.e. "PF). Zoning district full names and descriptions can be found in Section 17.20.20 of the code.

2. Once you know the zoning, refer to the City’s zoning code to find out if a specific business type, activity, or land use is allowed in that zoning district.
   1. Go to the land use tables in Section 17.22.020 of the Cotati municipal code. 
      
      
   2. Find the table with the column heading that corresponds to the property’s zoning district. 
      
      
   3. Scroll down the rows of land uses/activities.
      • “P” means the land use is permitted in that zone.
      • “UP” means the land use may be permitted, with a Use Permit.
      • “MUP” means the land use may be permitted, with a Minor Use Permit.
      • “—” means the land use is not permitted in that zoning district.
      • If you can’t find a specific business type, activity, or land use in the land use tables, it typically mean that it is not permitted, or it may mean that you should talk to City staff for help interpreting the code.

• It is best to consult with City staff to confirm this information.
  
  
• Even if a business type is permitted by the Code, a Zoning Clearance is required and is part of the Business License application process. All businesses in Cotati require a Business License. There is no fee for a Zoning Clearance, however an annual fee is required for a business license.
  
  
• If a UP or MUP is required, you can find the application form and checklist on the City’s Planning Forms and Applications page and look up the associated fees in the City’s Master Fee Schedule. The permit must be approved and issued before you can apply for a building permit (if you need one) and begin your project or open your business.
  
  
• Any construction project or development that requires a building permit and/or a planning permit such as a UP or MUP also requires Design Review. For a significant project, submittal of the Design Review application and payment of the Design Review fee will be required. City staff can help you determine what will be necessary for your project.

PARKING

Parking for autos, motorcycles, and bicycles is generally required for all businesses and development in Cotati. Refer to Chapter 17.36 of the municipal code for information on parking and loading standards. 

BUILDING PERMITS

All construction activity and physical changes, upgrades, renovations, and repairs to any property require a Building Permit, with some exceptions. Find the Building Permit information and application forms on our Building Division webpage and refer to the Master Fee Schedule for fees.

Contact the Community Development Department at 707-665-3636 or permits@cotaticity.gov with any questions or for more information. We’ll be happy to assist you.