Sonoma County seeks input on draft General Plan Safety and Environmental Justice elements

En español »

Sonoma County is seeking comments from the public on the General Plan Safety Element update and a draft of a new Environmental Justice Element. 

The purpose of these updates to the General Plan, the County’s central policy document that provides the framework for all zoning and land use decisions, are to modernize policies to reduce risks to environmental hazards like wildfire and flooding, incorporate climate adaptation strategies, and promote health equity in environmentally burdened and under-resourced areas.

In response to direction from the Board of Supervisors and community input obtained through the planning process, Permit Sonoma has developed drafts of the Safety and Environmental Justice Elements. These drafts are now available for public review and feedback through April 30.

Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on the draft elements through one of the following three options during the public review period:

1. Review the draft elements and complete the online surveys
   1. Complete the Environmental Justice Element online survey
   2. Complete the Safety Element online survey 
2. Attend a virtual community workshop
   1. Environmental Justice Element Workshop
      Date: Tuesday, April 22
      Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
   2. Safety Element Workshop
      Date: Wednesday, April 23
      Time: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
      Check the Project Website for details on how to register.
3. Submit Written Public Comments
   1. Submit comments via email to GeneralPlan@sonoma-county.org.
   2. Written feedback will become part of the project record and will be shared with decisionmakers in future public hearings.

 Permit Sonoma staff will consider all feedback received during the review period to refine the draft elements before presenting them to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors for consideration for adoption in late spring and early summer this year.

More information about the ongoing element updates can be found on the Project Website.

Sonoma County’s current General Plan was adopted in 2008, and the Safety Element was last updated in 2014. The Safety and Environmental Justice Element updates are moving forward in advance of the comprehensive update to the General Plan to comply with state law. For more information about the comprehensive General Plan update process, please visit the General Plan Update website. 

Sonoma County is committed to ensuring an inclusive and transparent planning process. Permit Sonoma looks forward to hearing community input and shaping a safer, healthier future together.

### 

Media Contact:
Dr. Genevieve Bertone, Outreach Manager
genevieve.bertone@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-1231