A General Plan is the County’s main planning document for land use, including long-term growth, conservation, housing, and public services. It guides land-use decisions in unincorporated Sonoma County and helps balance development with the protection of agricultural lands, natural resources, community character, and public safety.

In everyday terms, the General Plan helps answer questions like:

Where should housing and jobs be located?
How can we reduce risks from wildfire, flooding, and climate change?
How do we protect farms, open space, water, and natural resources?
How should people move around the county safely?
What kind of future do residents want for Sonoma County?

The foundation of the plan is laid out in the goals, policies, objectives, and programs, which are organized by topic into chapters called “elements.” State law requires every General Plan to cover certain topics. Sonoma County’s current General Plan – General Plan 2020 – includes optional chapters dedicated to Water and Agricultural Resources.

We recently updated the Safety Element of the General Plan 2020 and created a new Environmental Justice Element. Both of these topics will continue to be refined during the General Plan Sonoma project.

Building the Future, Step by Step

General Plan Sonoma is a multi-year effort shaped by the people who live and work here. The process began by listening—through workshops, surveys, and community conversations across the county.

Recently Completed: Community Visioning 
We heard from residents about what matters most—from housing and safety to protecting open space and preparing for the future. That input helped define a shared vision and guiding principles.

Happening Now: Existing Conditions & Policy Development
We’re turning those ideas into action. Community input will be used to develop goals, policies, and strategies to guide the future of the project.

What’s Next: Draft Plan
A draft plan, including recommended policies, will be released for public review; this draft will also undergo environmental review.

Final Step: Adoption & Implementation
Following extensive public input at each step of the process, we expect to have final adoption by the Board of Supervisors in 2028. Then, implementation of any new policies will begin.

General Plan Sonoma is led by Permit Sonoma in partnership with multiple County departments, community members, and local organizations. For more information on our county and community partners, visit our Get Involved page.

Working Together to Shape the Future

The Community Vision effort resulted in thoughtful dialog and meaningful progress towards the completed General Plan Update. Through workshops, surveys, focus groups, community events, and outreach across the county, thousands of residents shared their ideas, concerns, and priorities to help shape Sonoma County’s future. The outreach process focused on making participation accessible, inclusive, and community-centered while helping inform the vision and guiding principles that will shape the next phase of the General Plan update.