Press Release Index
Sonoma County opens Chipper program early to reduce wildfire risk
Sonoma County’s free Residential Curbside Chipper Program is launching early this year in an effort to reduce residential wait times, expand service, and mitigate the risk of wildfires. Read full story
Center for Climate Action and Innovation at Sonoma Developmental Center business plan released
The creation of a Center for Climate Action that could serve as a hub for climate leaders, innovators and the public to collaborate in addressing the climate crisis, is the focus of a business plan released by the County of Sonoma today for the Sonoma Developmental Center site. Read full story
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors extend temporary ban on tree removals
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today extended a temporary moratorium on removing protected trees for another four months. The urgency ordinance is needed while Permit Sonoma continues work on an updated Tree Protection Ordinance. The board on December 12 directed staff to make changes to the Tree Ordinance and adopted the 45-day moratorium as a placeholder. Today’s vote extends the moratorium until May 31. Read full story
Sonoma County kicks off General Plan update
Sonoma County today kicked off its General Plan update, a yearslong process to update the foundational planning document that shapes future growth, encourages housing and job development, fosters healthy and resilient communities, guides the protection and management of natural resources, and promotes social and economic equity. Read full story
Permit Sonoma to host cannabis ordinance update information meetings December 13
Permit Sonoma will host two Comprehensive Cannabis Program Update meetings on December 13 to update the public on key program elements and the mapping of residential enclaves in an effort to improve compatibility between cannabis land uses and the neighborhoods they are located within or near. Read full story
Sonoma County Housing Element certified by California Department of Housing and Urban Development
The County of Sonoma’s Housing Element has been certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, signifying the County’s compliance with State Housing Element law. Certification makes the County eligible for considerable grants and state funding opportunities to support affordable housing. Sonoma County and its nine cities are the first subregion in the Bay Area to be fully certified. Read full story
Sonoma County Supervisors approve Housing Element
The Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved an update to Sonoma County’s Housing Element, a component of the General Plan that, among other things, identifies pipeline projects and developable areas to ensure the county meets its obligation to create 3,824 additional housing units by 2031. Read full story
Board of Supervisors to review 2023 Sonoma County Housing Element update at Tuesday meeting
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will consider adopting the 2023 Sonoma County Housing Element update at its Aug. 22, meeting. The Housing Element update includes policies and programs to encourage an adequate supply of housing for residents of all income levels and to further fair housing. Read full story
State Designates Sonoma County a ‘Prohousing Jurisdiction’
The state Department of Housing and Community Development today issued a “Prohousing Designation” to the County of Sonoma, opening up greater opportunities for local affordable housing projects. To be eligible for the designation, the county needed to confirm that it will not adopt laws or policies that inhibit or constrain housing production, such as restrictive zoning or development standards, and commit to affirmatively encouraging fair housing. Read full story
County suspends outdoor burning in all unincorporated areas of Sonoma County
Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division today announced a suspension of burning in outdoor areas of unincorporated Sonoma County. The ban aligns with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which suspended burning beginning July 3, and prohibits all outdoor burning in state responsibility areas. Read full story