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Sonoma County proposes rule changes for well permits to protect health of local waterways
In response to evolving California case law that requires local governments to protect the health of rivers and other “public trust resources,” the Board of Supervisors on August 9 will consider new standards for permit applications to drill wells in Sonoma County. The meeting will include a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the county’s well ordinance. Read full story
Permit Sonoma announces housing plan Environmental Report Scoping Workshop
Permit Sonoma will host a virtual Housing Element Environmental Scoping Workshop on June 28 to solicit feedback on the scope of the proposed environmental review for the County of Sonoma’s new housing plan. Read full story
Permit Sonoma announces fee increases for building and other permits
Permit Sonoma announced today it will be raising permit and other service fees by approximately 9 percent starting July 1, 2022. Permit Sonoma has not raised fees since 2019, and the new fees were determined by an outside consultant. Fees are Permit Sonoma’s primary source of revenue. All complete applications received before July 1 will still be considered under the current fee structure. Read full story
Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention announces open burning suspension for unincorporated Sonoma County
Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division announced today a ban on the burning of residential landscape debris in unincorporated Sonoma County. The ban aligns with a burn suspension announced by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), which began on June 13 for all outdoor burning in state responsibility areas of Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Solano, Yolo and Colusa counties. Read full story
Permit Sonoma to hold meeting seeking public comment on Springs Specific Plan draft environmental report
Permit Sonoma, Sonoma County’s planning agency, announced that it will seek public comments on a draft Environmental Impact Report for the Springs Specific Plan at a virtual public hearing Thursday, June 16 at 1 PM Read full story
Permit Sonoma seeking public comment on Springs Specific Plan draft environmental report
Permit Sonoma, Sonoma County’s planning agency, is seeking public comments on a draft Environmental Impact Report for the Springs Specific Plan through July 19. Read full story
Planning Commission to review draft Winery Events Ordinance on May 19
The Sonoma County Planning Commission will continue its consideration of a draft Winery Events Ordinance during a virtual public hearing on May 19 at 1:05 PM. The draft ordinance would apply to new and modified use permit applications for winery visitor-serving uses in agricultural zoning districts outside of the Coastal Zone. Read full story
Board of Supervisors approves temporary moratorium on new vacation rental permits
The Board of Supervisors voted today to establish a 45-day temporary moratorium on new vacation rental permits. The urgency ordinance addresses a spike in vacation rental applications while Permit Sonoma works to bring a comprehensive vacation rental ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on August 2. Read full story
Board of Supervisors to consider temporary moratorium on new vacation rental permits
On Tuesday, May 10, the Board of Supervisors will consider establishing a 45-day temporary moratorium on new vacation rental permits. The urgency ordinance would address a sudden spike in vacation rental applications while Permit Sonoma works to bring a comprehensive vacation rental ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration on August 2. Read full story
Applications for Curbside Chipper Program open to unincorporated residents
Sonoma County announced today that Permit Sonoma has begun accepting residential applications for the Curbside Chipper Program. The service supports residents of unincorporated Sonoma County in creating defensible space around their homes, neighboring roadsides, and reduces vegetation along access routes. Read full story