Building & Construction Permits

From new construction to alterations and repairs, most projects a building permit.

Rebuilding Together

• The official information and resource site for rebuilding efforts related to major wildfires within the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.

Residential

Are you remodeling your home or ready to build your dream home? Putting in a pool? Adding a solar system? You’re going to need a Building Permit!

Back-up Generator

Solar Permits

Simpler Projects

Replacing your roof, furnace, or water heater? Doing minor repairs or alterations? You still need a permit, however, most of these projects fall under our Over-the-Counter Permitscategory and can be issued online or over the counter at our Permit Center.

No Building Permit Needed

Building a fence, replacing cabinets in your kitchen? Find out about the work you can do without a building permit.

Pre-Application Meetings

Some residential projects that are more complicated, like multi-unit buildings or developments with multiple structures, may benefit from pre-application meetings that provide you the opportunity to meet with staff from all divisions and agencies that may be involved before you start the permitting process.

Commercial / Industrial

Commercial projects are intended for businesses that serve customers whereas industrial projects are used for businesses that manufacture goods. These projects may range from new construction to a tenant improvement for within an existing building. Commercial and industrial projects have their own unique requirements in order to obtain a building permit.

Temporary Structures

Temporary installation of a prefabricated structure such as a construction office or classroom will require a permit for temporary structures.

Notice to Applicants for Commercial Building Permits

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public.

• Disability Access Requirements and Resources (PDF: 115 kB)

Agricultural Construction

Certain zoning districts allow buildings that are constructed to house farm machinery, animals, supplies, or products that are harvested from or used on a parcel of land.

Agricultural Exemption

Permit Sonoma may provide building permit exemption provisions for buildings designed and constructed for use in housing farm machinery.

All Building & Construction Projects

Demolition Permit

If all or part of your project requires you to tear down and remove a building or structure you’re going to need a demolition permit in addition to any other permit requirements that apply.

Asbestos Notification

Renovation or demolition of structures that contain asbestos requires advance notification to the Air Districts and handling by EPA-certified contractors.

Sonoma County has two Air Districts: The Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District (NOSOCOAIR) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

Both Districts implement the federal asbestos rules (NESHAP), but the BAAQMD has additional, regulatory requirements of it's own and uses a "J" (Job) number to approve asbestos notification; the NOSOCOAIR does not.

You must provide the required notification to the Air Distric where your project resides. Verify your Air District here.

You can contact each District at the following websites:

• Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
• Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District (NOSOCOAIR)

There are several things you’ll want to consider, and depending on the work you’d like to complete, you may need more than one type of permit. Visit our Permit Center where a Permit Technician can answer general questions for you and point you in the right direction.