Planning Division
The Planning Division is responsible for Zoning in unincorporated Sonoma County. It works to develop and implement the Sonoma County General Plan, Local Coastal Program and other adopted Area Plans or Specific Plans. It reviews new development proposals for conformance with the County's General Plan and Zoning Codes.
Planning is divided into two sections, with Natural Resources its own division.
On this page:
Planning & Zoning Information
To identify the zoning on your property and find an explanation of the zoning, start here with our online zoning lookup tools
| Email: | Planner@sonoma-county.org |
| Phone: | (707) 565-1900, option 5 |
| Phone Hours: | Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Apply for Permits: |  |
Please note that the best way to reach staff is via email. More Information
Planning Division Sections
Comprehensive Planning
The Comprehensive Planning Division of Permit Sonoma guides the future growth, development and conservation of the unincorporated County. The division focuses on creating and updating plans and policies - such as the General Plan - that set the long-term vision for land use, housing, transportation, conservation, and other community priorities. The planning team engages with the public, analyzes data, and coordinates with other agencies to ensure that development is sustainable, equitable, and aligned with state law.
In addition to supporting customer service inquiries through phone, email and in-person services, key responsibilities of the Division include implementing the General Plan and monitoring and updating codes and ordinances such as the Zoning Ordinance to be responsive to ongoing regulatory change and direction from the Board of Supervisors.
Project Review
The Project Review section reviews new development proposals for conformance with the County's General Plan and Zoning Code Regulations. They also evaluate environmental impacts of private development proposals and coordinate with other Permit Sonoma divisions, such as building and engineering, to ensure that standards for building safety and water resources are incorporated into new development.
Upcoming Events
Permit Sonoma updates permit time limits to align with state law
Permit Sonoma is updating its time limits for permits to comply with recent changes in California state law. Under the new policy, issued permits may now expire if work does not begin within 12 months or if there is a 12-month lapse in progress. Permit Sonoma previously had a three-year permit term to complete the project. Recent state legislation now mandates a 12-month timeframe statewide.
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