Press Release Index
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. Read full story
Sonoma County announces burn suspension on June 23
The Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division will suspend burning within the unincorporated county in response to Cal Fire’s burn suspension that is set to begin at 8 a.m. June 23. The order bans all outdoor burning. Read full story
Public invited to comment on Conservation Sonoma proposed planning agreement
A proposed planning agreement between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the County of Sonoma and the cities of Santa Rosa, Cotati, Petaluma and the Town of Windsor to streamline federal and state endangered species permitting is now available for public comment. Read full story
EPIC Campaign aims to raise awareness about Russian River pollution
Beginning June 6, visitors to the Guerneville area will encounter some interesting images of creek and river creatures clutching litter and other recyclable items. The images will be displayed on storefronts and walkways along Main Street. These installations, part of Sonoma County’s EPIC Campaign, follow similar public art projects in Santa Rosa’s Sebastopol Avenue, Shiloh Shopping Center in Windsor, and the downtown districts of Healdsburg, Cloverdale and Ukiah. Read full story
Sonoma County to host June 12 public meeting on Airport Area Specific Plan update
Permit Sonoma will host a scoping meeting for the Airport Area Specific Plan update environmental impact report on June 12 to solicit public feedback on the scope of the proposed environmental review. The Airport Area Specific Plan addresses land use, circulation, design standards and infrastructure planning to guide the growth within the area around the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. Read full story
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approves Russian River floodplain restoration project
On Earth Day, April 22, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors adopted a use permit and associated General Plan and zoning amendments to launch a 358-acre Russian River floodplain restoration project along the east bank of the Russian River near Windsor. The project will restore and regrade four former gravel mining pits, known locally as the “Hanson Pits.” This restoration will create functional floodplain habitat for federally listed salmonids, improve water quality, and provide low-impact public amenities including day-use parking, a multi-use trail, and a small boat-in/walk-in campground. Read full story
Sonoma County launches Green Halo construction waste management plan and recycling tool
Permit Sonoma has launched a new construction and demolition recycling platform for tracking construction and demolition waste. This platform will help reduce waste and increase compliance with state environmental goals. Effective May 5, all building and demolition projects in unincorporated Sonoma County are required to use the Green Halo web-based platform to track recycling activities and meet recycling thresholds. Read full story
Permit Sonoma to provide informational update on Cannabis Program to Board of Supervisors on April 15
Permit Sonoma will provide an update on the Cannabis Program and Environmental Impact Report Project to the Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting on April 15. The item, which is scheduled to be addressed at or around 1:30 p.m., will be informational only. Read full story
Sonoma County opens Chipper program early to reduce wildfire risk
Sonoma County’s free Residential Curbside Chipper Program has launched early again this year in an effort to reduce residential wait times, expand service, and mitigate the risk of wildfires in unincorporated Sonoma County. Read full story
Sonoma County seeks input on draft General Plan Safety and Environmental Justice elements
Sonoma County is seeking comments from the public on the General Plan Safety Element update and a draft of a new Environmental Justice Element. Read full story
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