TranslatePress Release Index
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
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
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
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
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
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
Board of Supervisors strengthens penalties for illegal cannabis, establishes grace period for zoning violations by permitted operators
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted today to align civil penalties for unpermitted cannabis operations in unincorporated Sonoma County with state law, including a penalty of $1,000 per violation, separate violations for each plant above the personal cultivation limit, and escalated penalties for violations on multiple properties. The Board also approved a correction period of three calendar days to provide licensed and license-exempt cultivators, such as patients and caregivers, an opportunity to remedy zoning violations before civil penalties are imposed. Read full story
Sonoma County officials urge residents to prepare for wildfire season
As spring rain showers wind down, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is reminding residents that it’s not too early to start getting ready for the threat of wildfires. The supervisors today declared the month of May as Wildfire Awareness Month and stressed that fire prevention measures would be the focus of public education during the month. Read full story
Sonoma County Supervisors approve updated tree ordinance
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved an expanded version of the county’s tree protection ordinance, which will preserve more of the county’s trees and help to combat climate change given that woodlands pull carbon from the atmosphere. Read full story
Sonoma County seeks public input on proposed update to Cannabis Ordinance
A 30-day public review and comment period on a proposed update to Sonoma County’s cannabis ordinance begins today. County officials are seeking feedback on proposed policy changes that emphasize neighborhood compatibility and environmental stewardship before the project moves forward to the environmental impact report process. Read full story