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Planning FAQ |
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The following are a number of frequently asked
questions and answers related to planning. For further information,
please refer to the City of Rohnert Park Zoning Ordinance (link to
right), contact the Planning Department at (707) 588-2236, or use the
"Email the Planning Department" link to the right.
Do I Need A Permit for A Shed in My Back Yard?
A building permit is required if the shed will be more than 128 square feet in area or will be attached to the house. A planning permit may also be required depending on the location, size (area), and height of your shed. Generally in a residential area, the rear yard and side yard setbacks for a shed are 3 feet, the shed must be at least 5 feet away from the residence, and the height limit is 12 feet. For more information, refer to Section 17.10.060 of the Zoning Ordinance, Accessory Structures.
What Do I Need in Order To Do an Addition to My House?
Any residential addition requires a building permit and must comply with the minimum setback and maximum height requirements listed in Chapter 17.10 of the Zoning Ordinance. For more information regarding building permits, please contact the Building Department at (707) 588-2239. For more information regarding setbacks and height requirements, refer to Section 17.10.020 of the Zoning Ordinance, Development Standards Table
Can I Convert My Garage into A Living Area?
If you would like to convert an existing garage into living area, you will be required to provide a replacement parking space on your property and obtain approval from the Planning Department. A building permit is also required. For more information, refer to Section 17.16.040 C. of the Zoning Ordinance.
Can I Put a Second Residential Unit (a.k.a. in-law or granny unit) Behind My House?
A second residential unit may be allowed with a Certificate of Zoning Compliance on any residential lot, which contains a single family residence. The certificate ensures that the second unit complies with the following:
(1) The second unit shall be architecturally compatible with the main unit, maintain the appearance of a single-family residence, and comply with the City’s design guidelines, (2) only one second unit is allowed per lot, (3) the total floor area may not exceed 700 square feet or one-half the size of the main unit, whichever is smaller, and may not have more than one bedroom, (4) the property owner must reside in the primary unit, (5) there shall be no subdivision of the lot nor may the units be sold separately, (6) one additional standard size off-street parking space shall be provided, (7) detached second units shall meet the height and setback requirements for accessory structures.; second units that are part of the main dwelling structure shall meet the height and setback requirements for main dwellings.
For further information on detached units, see Section 17.10.060.C of the Zoning Ordinance, Accessory Building as a Second Unit. For more information on second units attached to the main structure, see Section 17.10.020, Development Standards Table. For additional standards for seconds units, see Section 17.07.020, Land Use Footnotes. In addition to a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, a building permit is also required for a second residential unit
Do I Need A Sign Permit To Put Up A Sign on My Property?
Most signs require a Sign Permit. Informational signs such as address, political election, directory, government, or real estate signs do not need permits; however, they must meet certain requirements. Planning Department staff can review your proposed sign to determine if it requires a Sign Permit. For commercial properties with two or more businesses, there may be a Master Sign Program in place and your sign will need to conform to the design requirements of the Master Sign Program for that property. Either the property manager or Planning Department staff can show you a copy of the requirements of the Master Sign Program for the property where your business is located, if available. For more details on signage standards, see Chapter 17.27 of the Zoning Ordinance, Signage Standards.
How Tall Can A Fence Be?
Tall, solid fences built next to sidewalks cause neighborhoods to look walled-in, and this detracts from the appearance and quality of the community. Fences built too high can also create safety concerns. They may increase the chances for a fire to spread by making it more difficult for fire personnel to access a property in order to fight fires. Although a fence greater than 6 feet might add more privacy, it also provides criminals with more cover and can create an unsafe environment.
Fences, walls and hedges are generally limited to a height of six feet around back yards and a height of three feet in front yards. Exceptions may be made by the Planning Department and require the notification of adjoining property owners. For more information, refer to Chapter 17.14 of the Zoning Ordinance, Fence, Wall and Landscape Standards.
What Is the Zoning of My Property?
In order to determine the zoning on your property, you will need to contact the Planning Department at (707) 588-2236 or by using the "Email the Planning Department" link above. A complete street address or an Assessor's Parcel Number of the property in question is needed for Planning staff to assist you. There is also an electronic zoning map available on this website that may be accessed by clicking the link above.
What Are the Setback Requirements for My Property?
The zoning district of your property determines the setback requirements. The building setback line is the distance from the public right of way line along a street, alley, sidewalk, etc. or the distance from the rear or side property line. If you know the zoning district of your property, you can find setback requirements in Section 17.10.020 of the Zoning Ordinance, Development Standards Table.
What Is the Status of A Particular Project?
As the list of projects being reviewed in the Planning Department changes often, it is difficult at this time to provide information on the Web site on a particular project. However, feel free to contact the Planning Department at (707) 588-2236 or by using the "Email the Planning Department" link above to obtain this information.
What Are the Development Standards for A Non-Residential Development?
Non-residential zoning requirements vary according to land use type and zoning district. For basic requirements, please refer to Chapter 17.10 of the Zoning Ordinance, Development Standards.
What Are the Parking Standards for A Non-Residential Development?
Parking standards for non-residential developments vary according to land use type. For these requirements, please refer to Chapter 17.16 of the Zoning Ordinance, Off-Street Parking Requirements
Where Can I Find a Copy of the Zoning Ordinance?
The Zoning Ordinance is available on this website. It is Title 17 of the Municipal Code. See links above. Zoning Ordinance books are also available for review or purchase at the Planning Department in City Hall.
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