Sonoma County suspends issuing well permits after court order
Permit Sonoma has suspended issuing non-emergency well permits in compliance with a Sonoma County Superior Court order. The order, which was served to the County on Dec. 17, stems from the lawsuit Russian Riverkeeper and California Coastkeeper vs. County of Sonoma. It requires the County to “suspend all non-emergency water well permitting” based on concerns that the County has not complied with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Latest News
Elementos de Seguridad y Justicia Medioambiental del Plan General del Condado de Sonoma | 23 de julio sobre los
El Condado actualiza los Elementos de Seguridad y Justicia Medioambiental del Plan General del Condado de Sonoma 2020, y desarrolla un nuevo elemento de justicia ambiental para cumplir con la ley estatal, modernizar las políticas de seguridad y mejorar la salud en las áreas con cargas medioambientales y escasos recursos.
Cannabis Program Update & Environmental Impact Report
Permit Sonoma has released a final draft Cannabis Land Use Ordinance, General Plan Amendment, and other documents. Revisions were made to certain documents published on April 2, 2024 in response to public input received during the public comment period. Comments may continue to be submitted at any time throughout this process, both before and after publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
2024 Season - Wet Weather Groundwater Determinations & Percolation Testing: Closed for the Season
Groundwater determinations and percolation testing are necessary for onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Groundwater determinations and percolation testing have closed for the season in all testing areas.
Press Releases
Sonoma County suspends issuing well permits after court order
Permit Sonoma has suspended issuing non-emergency well permits in compliance with a Sonoma County Superior Court order. The order, which was served to the County on Dec. 17, stems from the lawsuit Russian Riverkeeper and California Coastkeeper vs. County of Sonoma. It requires the County to “suspend all non-emergency water well permitting” based on concerns that the County has not complied with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Sonoma County Local Coastal Plan approved
The California Coastal Commission has certified Sonoma County’s Local Coastal Plan, a foundational planning document that regulates land use and protects resources along the 55-mile shoreline. The unanimous approval on November 14 ensures the County’s permitting authority for development within the Coastal Zone, which extends from between a half mile and five miles from the coast in Sonoma County.
Burn permits required in Sonoma County
The burn permit suspension in Sonoma County will be lifted on Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. by CalFire, and permits will be required to burn. Anyone possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits can resume burning on permissible burn days. Burn piles or broadcast burns must be inspected by CalFire, when located in the State Responsibility Area, or your local Fire District in the Local Responsibility, and/or Air Quality District prior to burning until the end of the peak fire season per the Sonoma County Fire Safety Ordinance.