Regulations and Initiatives
This page contains information on select regulations and initiatives related to Permit Sonoma that have significant public interest. This is not an exhaustive list of all regulations and initiatives that have been approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Accessory Dwelling Units & Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are an inexpensive way to create smaller, more affordable rental housing units that may provide revenue streams for property owners, while increasing the availability of rental housing in the county.
Agricultural Uses
Agriculture is a key industry in Sonoma County that produces and processes food, fiber, plant materials, and which includes the raising and maintaining of farm animals including horses, donkeys, mules, and similar livestock.Agricultural Zoning Ordinance
In 2012, the County updated the zoning code to implement the General Plan policies related to agricultural uses to provide more flexibility and streamline procedures.
Cannabis Program
Information on the legal cultivation, permitting requirements, etc. for the various phases of the legal cannabis industry.
Community Separators
Community Separator policies, approved by voters in 2016, help manage unincorporated lands between cities and towns to provide green buffers, contain urban development and provide city and community identity by providing visual relief from continuous urbanization.
County Code for Permit Sonoma
The portion of the County Code administered and/or enforced by Permit Sonoma, including Chapter 26 - the Zoning Code, plus the Building Division's Technical Bulletins for Sonoma County.
Housing Policies, Programs, and Initiatives
The County of Sonoma makes policy and operates programs to facilitate the building of housing for everyone in the community. All housing programs are consistent with the Housing Element of the General Plan, updated on a regular basis.
Housing Types
The County of Sonoma recognizes that a variety of development types are needed to meet our local housing needs. The County offers guidance and permitting resources for different types of housing developments.
Housing Urgency Ordinances
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors adopted Urgency Ordinances to address the immediate need for housing for persons displaced by wildfire.
Renewable Energy
The County's Zoning Code supports the construction and use of renewable energy facilities throughout (e.g. geothermal, solar and wind facilities) throughout the county, while protecting sensitive resources and ensuring neighborhood compatibility.
Riparian Corridor (RC) Combining Zone
In November 2014, the Board of Supervisors adopted zoning code changes to implement stream protection policies and also rezoned properties to add the Riparian Corridor (RC) Combining Zone to all designated streams shown on the General Plan Open Space maps.
Septic Regulations – Onsite Waste Treatment System Manual
The Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (OWTS) Manual provides regulations and procedural and technical details governing individual onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems). State law mandates the State Water Resources Control Board adopt standards for the regulation of onsite waste treatment systems (State Water Board OWTS Policy).
Tree Permit Requirements
The Sonoma County General Plan calls for the protection and enhancement of Sonoma County’s natural habitats and diverse plant and animal communities. In 2024, the County updated the Zoning Code to provide greater protections for native trees, including new permit and environmental review requirements for proposed disturbance of oak woodlands.
Universal Design
Universally designed housing is designed and built to be fully functional for all persons in all stages of life, regardless of ability or mobility.
Vacation Rentals & Hosted Rentals
The County regulates the rental of private residences for periods of 30 days or less including Vacation Rentals and Hosted Rentals.
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires a landscape plan check for certain projects, as described in the ordinance. It includes requirements for landscape water budgets, landscape and irrigation design, and irrigation scheduling.
Winery Events
On March 14, 2023 the Board of Supervisors adopted regulations addressing agricultural promotional events at wineries and vineyards (e.g. weddings, concerts).
Z (Accessory Dwelling Unit Exclusion) Combining District Removal
The Z (Accessory Dwelling Unit Exclusion) Combining District Removal prohibits Accessory Dwelling Units in the Areas where they are ainsage, feasible, or inconsistent with local policy. On September 17, 2019 the Board of Supervisors adopted zoning text amendments to remove this prohibition on over 1,900 properties to implement General Plan policy while continuing to protect and support agricultural and environmental resources.
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