Planning Division
The Planning Division is responsible for Zoning in unincorporated Sonoma County. It works to develop and implement the Sonoma County General Plan, Local Coastal Program and other adopted Area Plans or Specific Plans. It evaluates the environmental impacts of private development proposals and public projects, such as bridges, roads, and airport projects. It reviews new development proposals for conformance with the County's General Plan and Zoning Codes.
Planning is divided into two sections, with Natural Resources its own division. On this page:
Planning & Zoning Information
To identify the zoning on your property and find an explanation of the zoning, start here with our online zoning lookup tools
Phone: | (707) 565-1900, option 5 |
Business Hours: | Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Email: | Planner@sonoma-county.org |
Apply for Permits: | ![]() |
- Please note that the best way to reach staff is via email. More Information
Planning Division Sections
The Comprehensive Planning team leads the County of Sonoma’s long-range land use planning and policy efforts. Also known as advance planning, the work is primarily focused on creating a long term vision for the people of Sonoma County, which is directed by the county’s General Plan.
All land in unincorporated Sonoma County is guided by its General Plan, which was last comprehensively updated in 2008. Under the leadership of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the team delivers a work plan that includes working directly with Permit Sonoma customers and leading a number of County initiatives through an inclusive community engagement strategy.
Natural Resources
Natural Resources, which is now its own division, evaluates the environmental impact of public projects, such as bridges, roads, and airport projects, to comply with the CEQA and other laws and regulations that protect water quality, biotic and cultural resources. Natural Resources staff also prepares EIRs for private projects.
Project Review
The Project Review section reviews new development proposals for conformance with the County's General Plan and Zoning Code Regulations. They also evaluate environmental impacts of private development proposals and coordinate with other Permit Sonoma divisions, such as building and engineering, to ensure that standards for building safety and water resources are incorporated into new development.
Upcoming Events
May 11, 2022
Board of Supervisors approves temporary moratorium on new vacation rental permits
The Board of Supervisors voted today to establish a 45-day temporary moratorium on new vacation rental permits. The urgency ordinance addresses a spike in vacation rental applications while Permit Sonoma works to bring a comprehensive vacation rental ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on August 2.
May 4, 2022
Board of Supervisors to consider temporary moratorium on new vacation rental permits
April 19, 2022
Sonoma County outlines timeline for updating land-use policies through General Plan
March 15, 2022
Permit Sonoma announces public meetings seeking input on Sonoma Development Center Specific Plan
- Project Review
- Comprehensive Planning
- Zoning
- Environmental Notices
- Planning Document Library
- Housing
- Vacation Rentals
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Historic Resources
- Designation of Historic Landmarks & Districts
- Design Review for Historic Resources
- Criteria for Designation of Historic Landmarks
- Standards and Criteria
- Historic Landmarks
- Inventory Surveys and Evaluations
- Sonoma County History
- 40+ Years of Historic Preservation
- Today’s General Plan Program
- Maintaining Historic Structures
- Historic Preservation Grants
- Resources
- Instructions and Forms
- Policies & Procedures
- Project Review Fees
- Electronic Planning Applications
- News
- Calendar
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Back to Divisions
Vacation Rentals
- Permits: Obtain a Vacation Rental or Hosted Rental permit.
- Apply Electronically: Procedure for applying electronically for a vacation rental or hosted rental permit.
- Complaints: Submit a complaint about a Vacation Rental.
- Property Manager Certification: Become certified as a Property Manager for a Vacation Rental property.
Resources
An inexpensive way to create smaller, more affordable rental housing units to Sonoma County residents.