TranslateWell Ordinance
October 4, 2022 – Well Ordinance AmendmentThe public is encouraged to comment on the proposed amendment to the county’s well ordinance by emailing Permit Sonoma at PermitSonoma-Wells-PublicInput@sonoma-county.org If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the amended ordinance would create a new framework for Permit Sonoma to evaluate environmental impact while reviewing applications for permits to drill new or replacement groundwater wells. |
The county is updating its well ordinance in response to the evolving California case law that requires local governments to protect the health of rivers and other public trust resources. To comply with a 2018 decision by the state Court of Appeal, the county will evaluate and require mitigation of impacts of well permits on public trust resources in navigable waterways, such as the Russian River, along with the habitat and wildlife they support, including the endangered Coho salmon.
Under the proposed ordinance, which was first announced on July 11, 2022, Permit Sonoma would be required to evaluate potential adverse impacts to public trust resources in navigable waterways before approving a permit for a new well.
Meetings and Documents
- October 4 – Board of Supervisors Hearing
Please direct public comments to: PermitSonoma-Wells-PublicInput@sonoma-county.org
- September 22, 2022 – Well Ordinance Update Informational Town Hall
Permit Sonoma staff present information and answer questions on the proposed changes to Sonoma County's Well Ordinance slated to go before the Board of Supervisors on October 4, 2022.
- Video recording of the Informational Town Hall is available on YouTube.
- Informational Town Hall PowerPoint (PDF 441 kB)