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Violations – Responsible Party / Property Owners

If a violation is identified, the responsible party and/or property owner will be contacted and required to correct the violation by obtaining required permits or discontinuing the unlawful use of the property. Generally, property owners or responsible party have thirty (30) days from Code Enforcement notification to correct the violation. A determination of violation may be appealed in writing within the time specified in the violation notice.

Definitions

"Responsible party" means any of the following:

  1. A person that causes, maintains, allows, or is otherwise responsible for a violation;
  2. A person with an ownership interest in real property upon which a violation is found; or
  3. A person who exercises possession or control of real property upon which a violation is found, including a tenant, agent, employee, contractor, subcontractor, or other occupant.

"Violation" means:

  1. An act, omission, or condition contrary to a provision of this code, or an ordinance, resolution, rule, proclamation, order, or regulation of the county.
  2. An act, omission, or condition contrary to a term or condition of a license, permit, or approval, including associated plans, specifications, reports, and studies, granted or issued by the county.

Correct a Violation

Unpermitted Construction – Legalize or Remove

A property owner may determine that work completed without required permits cannot be legalized or it is not cost effective to do so. In those cases, the property owner may decide to remove the unpermitted improvements entirely and restore the structure to its original lawful condition. Alternatively, a property owner may decide to remove a portion of the unpermitted work and keep the rest of the work already completed. Partial or complete removal of additions or other improvements completed without permit will require a building permit.

Removal of an entire structure constructed without permits requires a demolition permit.

Unpermitted ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Enforcement Extension Request

In response to a Code Enforcement violation for an unpermitted ADU, the property owner may request an enforcement extension for up to five years.

Have an unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) and need an enforcement violation extension? Learn more on how you may qualify for an extension and apply. (Also known as ADU Rescue program.)

Vacation Rental Violation

Information for property owners who have received a violation notice for Operating a Vacation Rental without the required zoning permit or Operating a Hosted Rental without a required zoning permit.


Violation Appeal Rights

If you received a determination from the Code Enforcement Division that a violation of code exists on your property, you may appeal the determination. Your appeal rights are included in each notice sent and specifies how long you have to submit an appeal (typically ten (10) days).

An appeal will result in the violation being scheduled for the next available abatement hearing before a Hearing Officer.

Sonoma County Code Chapter 1 Section 1-7.3 (b)