Use Permits
A Use Permit application is required for development projects that are typically more intensive than Permitted Uses. Use Permit applications often require a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustments. When processed with a Zone Change and/or a General Plan Amendment, the public hearing will be before the Planning Commission.
Examples of uses requiring a Use Permit are:
- Contractor storage yards
- Fences within setback areas
- Kennels
- Mixed-use projects
- Planned developments
- Wineries
Use Permits are discretionary in nature, and, if approved, will include conditions of approval. A Use Permit can only be approved if found to be consistent with each of the following:
- Sonoma County General Plan
- Sonoma County Zoning Code
- Applicable Area or Specific Plan
- If found to be compatible with the health, safety, and welfare of the neighborhood
Submit Planning Applications Electronically
Customers must submit planning applications electronically. Please follow the process to submit a planning application online:
Do Not Print Out Construction Plans or Other Documents
Construction plans and documents are to be submitted electronically. Paper documents are not accepted when applying for a permit.
The instructions and forms listed below are undergoing review. Some may still contain outdated instructions to print out several copies of construction plans and documents. Please ignore that instruction and submit electronically. Some documents do not have fillable fields and may need to be printed and then filled out, but must then be scanned and submitted electronically.
Instructions and Forms
General
All listed forms and instructions must be completed and submitted.
Instructions
- PJR-010 - Use Permit Application Requirements
- PJR-129 - Site Plan Requirements for Planning Applications
Forms
- PJR-001 - Planning Application (PDF: 40 kB)
- PJR-126 - Supplemental Application Information (PDF: 168 kB)
- PJR-011 - Indemnification Agreement (PDF: 72 kB)
- PJR-095 - At-Cost Project Reimbursement (PDF: 80 kB)
Cannabis Permits
On December 9, 2025, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors certified the Environmental Impact Report for the Cannabis Program and approved changes to the Zoning Code, which updated permit requirements and regulations pertaining to cannabis related uses. For additional information please see the Permit Sonoma Cannabis Permit webpage, linked above. Cannabis-related use permits are required in the unincorporated Sonoma County for the categories listed below:
- Cultivation in specific zones
- Centralized Processing
- Cannabis Visitor Serving Activities
- Consumption lounges with amplified live music associated with a storefront retail operation (i.e., Dispensaries)
- Testing laboratories in specific zones
Minor – Live Work
All listed forms and instructions must be completed and submitted.
Instructions
Forms
- PJR-001 - Planning Application (PDF: 40 kB)
- PJR-011 - Indemnification Agreement (PDF: 72 kB)
Tree Removal Permit and Oak Woodland Permit
Many tree removal activities now require a Use permit or a Zoning permit. Find out what trees and what habitats are subject to tree removal permits, how to apply for permits, and what activities are exempt.
More Information: Tree & Oak Woodland Ordinances
Wineries and Winery Events
A use permit is required for wineries and winery events.
Winery Use Permit Applications Process
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