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
| Email: | Planner@sonoma-county.org |
| Phone: | (707) 565-1900, option 5 |
| Phone Hours: | Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| 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
Permit Sonoma releases draft Environmental Impact Report for Sonoma Developmental Center
Permit Sonoma today released the draft Environmental Impact Report and a draft specific plan concerning the future development of the Sonoma Developmental Center site. The report evaluated 16 key areas of the proposed specific plan, a lower density alternative, a historic preservation alternative, and two alternatives where the County does not adopt a plan and the State leads development of the site.
