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Press Release Index


October 31, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

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. Read full story


October 09, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

Sonoma County General Plan update ramps up with new website, Board of Supervisors discussion

Permit Sonoma has launched General Plan Sonoma, the comprehensive update to Sonoma County’s General Plan. The project launch includes an updated website and email newsletter, which will provide project information, event and meeting dates, opportunities for input and online engagement, and milestones reached. The General Plan is a foundational document that outlines community goals and creates a vision for the future by establishing policies that guide land use and development over the next 20-30 years. Robust public input is essential in the General Plan update, and community engagement will kick off in January 2025. Read full story


October 08, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

New study reveals widespread use of septic systems in Sonoma County, identifies opportunities and challenges

The County of Sonoma today unveiled a new study and interactive map of more than 36,000 local parcels with septic systems, highlighting opportunities and challenges relating to wastewater treatment in vast areas of the county that are not currently served by a sewer system. Read full story


October 04, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

County hosting workshop on Conservation Sonoma to improve endangered species protection, streamline permitting

Permit Sonoma is hosting a public workshop to discuss an endangered species habitat conservation plan known as Conservation Sonoma, a multijurisdictional effort to improve endangered species protection and recovery and streamline permitting. Read full story


September 25, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

Technical Advisory Board Announced for OWTS Manual Update

Permit Sonoma is seeking septic design professionals and septic contractors/operators/maintenance providers to participate in future updates to Sonoma County’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Regulations and Technical Standards (OWTS Manual). Permit Sonoma will be forming a OWTS Manual Technical Advisory Committee (OWTS Manual TAC). Read full story


September 16, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

New submittal updates for building permits | Effective Oct. 1, 2024

Permit Sonoma is implementing new submittal requirements for building permits that will go into effect on October 1, 2024. The new process will no longer allow deferred submittals for trusses, photovoltaic systems, and fire sprinklers. These items must be submitted along with the customer's building permit application or prior to the issuance of the building permit. Read full story


August 28, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

County halts enforcement of all-electric building code after U.S. District Court ruling

Sonoma County has suspended enforcement of a building code that prohibits natural gas or propane appliances in most new residential construction after a federal court ruled that local ordinances preventing the use of gas appliances are overridden by federal law. Read full story


July 19, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

Public invited to share input on Environmental Justice and Public Safety elements of Sonoma County General Plan

The public is invited to take part in a workshop to be held at the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday concerning two key elements of the General Plan, a foundational planning document that shapes future growth, fosters healthy and resilient communities, guides the protection and management of natural resources, and promotes social and economic equity. Read full story


June 18, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

Permit Sonoma announces new septic system rules, educational webinars

Following guidance from the Regional Water Board, Permit Sonoma recently updated the rules for septic systems, also known as Onsite Waste Treatment Systems. To help stakeholders better understand these changes, County staff will host three educational webinars via Zoom on June 26, 27 and 28. Read full story


June 18, 2024 | Permit Sonoma

Sonoma County announces immediate burn suspension

The Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division has suspended burning within the unincorporated county in response to Cal Fire’s burn suspension that began 12:01 a.m. June 17. The order bans all outdoor burning. Read full story