Latest News
CAL FIRE to Release 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Maps
CAL FIRE has notified local government fire and planning departments about the potential release of the 2025 Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Maps. While the exact release date is yet to be determined, CAL FIRE issued written notice to agencies in December 2024.
Septic Permitting Process Update
Vesting Certificates requests may now be made directly with assigned Well and Septic staff during the plan review process under an OWTS Construction Application. Customers will no longer be required to submit separate Vesting Certificate applications. Customer requests to convert unexpired Vesting Certificates to an OWTS Construction Permit should be submitted to PermitSonoma-Well-Septic@sonoma-county.org. Customers will no longer be required to submit separate OWTS Construction Applications to convert a Vesting Certificate to an OWTS Construction Permit.
Press Releases
Revised Todd Creek flood appraisal and insurance study moves forward
Sonoma County has submitted a final application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to revise the flood insurance study and floodplain maps for the Todd Creek watershed, which is near the Highway 101 corridor between Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park.
Permit Sonoma updates permit time limits to align with state law
Permit Sonoma is updating its time limits for permits to comply with recent changes in California state law. Under the new policy, issued permits may now expire if work does not begin within 12 months or if there is a 12-month lapse in progress. Permit Sonoma previously had a three-year permit term to complete the project. Recent state legislation now mandates a 12-month timeframe statewide.
Sonoma County announces burn suspension on June 23
The Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division will suspend burning within the unincorporated county in response to Cal Fire’s burn suspension that is set to begin at 8 a.m. June 23. The order bans all outdoor burning.