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Title 17

Chapter 17.12 — INTERPRETATION OF THE LAND USE CODE

Cotati Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · Cotati

§ 17.12.010. Purpose.

This chapter provides rules for resolving questions about the meaning or applicability of any part of this land use code. The provisions of this chapter are intended to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of the requirements of this land use code and the general plan. (A (part), 2004; Ord. 766 § 2 Exh)

§ 17.12.020. Authority.

The director has the authority to interpret any provision of this land use code. Whenever the director determines that the meaning or applicability of any land use code requirement is subject to interpretation, the director may issue an official interpretation. The director may also refer any issue of interpretation to the commission for their determination. (A (part), 2004; Ord. 766 § 2 Exh)

§ 17.12.030. Rules of interpretation.

  • A. Language. When used in this land use code, the words "shall," "must," "will," "is to," and "are to" are always mandatory. "Should" is not mandatory but is strongly recommended; and "may" is permissive. The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future tense includes the present. The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural the singular, unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise. The words "includes" and "including" shall mean "including but not limited to..."

  • B. Time Limits. Whenever a number of days is specified in this land use code, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice provided in compliance with this land use code, the number of days shall be construed as consecutive calendar days. A time limit shall extend to five p.m. on the following working day where the last of the specified number of days falls on a weekend or holiday.

  • C. Zoning Map Boundaries. See Section 17.20.020 (Zoning map and zoning districts) of this title.

  • D. Allowable Uses of Land. See Section 17.22.020 (Allowable land uses and planning permit requirements) of this title.

  • E. State Law Requirements. Where this land use code references applicable provisions of state law (for example, the California Government Code, Subdivision Map Act, or Public Resources Code), the reference shall be construed to be to the applicable state law provisions as they may be amended from time to time.

  • F. Conflicting Requirements. See Section 17.10.040(D) of this title. (A (part), 2004; Ord. 766 § 2 Exh)

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City of Cotati, CA

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▸ Contents — Cotati Zoning Code
Cotati Zoning Code
  1. ▸ Title 17
    Overview
    1. Chapter 17.28 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONE AND OVERLAY ZONE STANDARDS
    2. Chapter 17.31 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
    3. Chapter 17.30 — STANDARDS FOR ALL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USES
    4. Chapter 17.34 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
    5. Chapter 17.44 — TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
    6. Chapter 17.10
    7. Chapter 17.12 — INTERPRETATION OF THE LAND USE CODE
    8. Chapter 17.14 — CITY APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT AND NEW LAND USES
    9. Chapter 17.20 — ZONING MAP
    10. Chapter 17.22 — ALLOWABLE LAND USES
    11. Chapter 17.24 — ZONING DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    12. Chapter 17.26 — STREET AND STREETSCAPE STANDARDS
    13. Chapter 17.28 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONE AND OVERLAY ZONE STANDARDS
    14. Chapter 17.30
    15. Chapter 17.31 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
    16. Chapter 17.32 — DENSITY BONUSES
    17. Chapter 17.34 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
    18. Chapter 17.36 — PARKING AND LOADING
    19. Chapter 17.38 — SIGNS
    20. Chapter 17.39 — OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS[4 ]
    21. Chapter 17.40 — ADULT-ORIENTED BUSINESS REGULATIONS
    22. Chapter 17.42 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
    23. Chapter 17.44 — TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
    24. Chapter 17.46 — CONVERSION OF MOBILEHOME PARK TO OTHER USES
    25. Chapter 17.50
    26. Chapter 17.51 — RESOURCE CONSERVATION
    27. Chapter 17.52 — GROWTH MANAGEMENT
    28. Chapter 17.53 — HILLSIDE AND RIDGELINE DEVELOPMENT
    29. Chapter 17.54 — TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION
    30. Chapter 17.56 — WETLAND PROTECTION AND RESTORATION
    31. Chapter 17.60
    32. Chapter 17.62 — PERMIT REVIEW AND DECISIONS
    33. Chapter 17.64 — PERMIT IMPLEMENTATION, TIME LIMITS, AND EXTENS…
    34. Chapter 17.66 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
    35. Chapter 17.68 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISA…
    36. Chapter 17.70
    37. Chapter 17.71 — TENTATIVE MAP FILING AND PROCESSING
    38. Chapter 17.72 — PARCEL MAPS AND FINAL MAPS
    39. Chapter 17.74 — ADDITIONAL SUBDIVISION PROCEDURES
    40. Chapter 17.76 — DEDICATIONS AND EXACTIONS
    41. Chapter 17.78 — SUBDIVISION DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
    42. Chapter 17.79 — MOBILEHOME PARK SUBDIVISIONS
    43. Chapter 17.80 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
    44. Chapter 17.82 — NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES, AND PARCELS
    45. Chapter 17.84 — APPEALS
    46. Chapter 17.88 — PUBLIC HEARINGS
    47. Chapter 17.89 — ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
    48. Chapter 17.90 — DEFINITIONS

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