Permit Sonoma Latest News | July 31, 2025

Permit Sonoma | July 31, 2025

Permit Sonoma is working hard on initiatives that will help create a safer, more resilient, and sustainable Sonoma County for everyone. This month, we’re sharing important updates on watershed studies, permit policies, building code changes, and the General Plan update now heading to the Board of Supervisors. We appreciate the community’s continued involvement in shaping these efforts. Read on for the latest news, ways to stay connected, and upcoming public meetings where your input can make a real difference.

Cannabis Program Updates

The Sonoma County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review the Comprehensive Cannabis Program Update on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM (or after) in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room 102-A at the County Administration Building in Santa Rosa. The update proposes changes to how cannabis is regulated in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, including updates to the County’s General Plan, zoning standards, and business licensing requirements. It would also reclassify cannabis as “controlled agriculture” and refine land-use policies for cultivation and related activities such as retail, manufacturing, and events.

Written comments can be submitted in advance by mail, email, or hand delivery. In-person live public comment will also be accepted during the hearing. No final action will be taken at this Planning Commission meeting, but recommendations will help inform the version of the program considered by the Board of Supervisors at a later date.
To learn more, view project materials, or submit comments, visit the Cannabis Program Update project website or email cannabis@sonomacounty.gov.

FEMA Flood Maps: Santa Rosa Creek

FEMA has released preliminary flood risk maps for the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed, and the City of Santa Rosa has created a user-friendly online map viewer for residents and property owners to see if they may be impacted. The interactive map is available at srcity.org/FEMAFloodMapping. This study has a limited impact on County properties and affected parcels will be notified via postcard.

To support impacted community members, the City of Santa Rosa will host an upcoming virtual community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, at 6 p.m. on Zoom.  
Subscribe for project updates, view FAQs and track the project timeline at srcity.org/FEMAFloodMapping.

For questions about parcels in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, contact: 
Nathan Quarles Deputy Director, Engineering Construction
nathan.quarles@sonomacounty.gov
 
Steve Snow Supervising Engineer, Engineering Construction
steve.snow@sonomacounty.gov

General Plan Updates Head to the Board of Supervisors | Aug. 12

On Tuesday, August 12, the Board of Supervisors will hear two presentations from Permit Sonoma staff about updates to the General Plan, including the final step in the planning process to complete state-mandated updates to the Sonoma County General Plan 2020 at a public hearing with the Board of Supervisors. After more than two years of community engagement, analysis, and policy development, the Board will consider adoption of an update to the Safety Element and a new Environmental Justice (EJ) Element.

Environmental Justice & Safety Elements
The Safety Element update focuses on reducing risks to people and property from natural hazards such as wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, and climate change impacts. It carries forward the core goals and policies of the existing element while incorporating lessons from recent disasters and best practices for resilience. The new EJ Element will establish goals and strategies to improve health and environmental conditions in communities disproportionately affected by pollution and other burdens. Topics addressed include pollution exposure, access to parks and other public facilities, community health systems, healthy food, safe housing, and civic participation in decision-making. These updates are required ahead of the comprehensive General Plan Sonoma process to meet state timelines. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide in-person comments during the hearing. To review the draft elements, read the staff report, and access meeting details, visit the Board of Supervisors website.

General Plan Sonoma | 2025 Update
Phase one of the more comprehensive General Plan update also wrapped up recently.
Through an extensive engagement effort that included 49 events and engaged nearly 4,000 residents, more than 5,000 public comments were collected. This engagement was inclusive of historically underrepresented voices through collaboration with County partners and community-based organizations. The result is a Draft Vision and set of Guiding Principles that will guide the upcoming Policy Development Phase. This next phase will continue to include robust community engagement and build on the framework established during visioning.

Meeting materials will be available prior to the meeting on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda and the General Plan Sonoma project website. Public comment is welcome at the meeting or in advance via email at GeneralPlan@SonomaCounty.gov.

Meeting Details

Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Location: County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors Chambers 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Meeting materials: https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Project website: www.permitsonoma.org/generalplan

From Risk to Resilience: Free Wildfire Risk Reduction Workshops

Wildfire season is a reality in Sonoma County—but together, we can make our communities safer. Join your neighbors and local fire districts at a Wildfire Risk Reduction Workshop to learn how to reduce wildfire risk around your home and neighborhood.

These engaging sessions will empower you with the tools and resources to reduce wildfire risk around your home and neighborhood. You’ll also learn about our free Wildfire Risk Assessments, understand new building and insurance requirements, and about simple, effective steps to harden your home, improve defensible space, and protect what matters most.

Upcoming Dates:
Larkfield-Wikiup: Wednesday, August 20 | 6–7 p.m.
Lower Russian River / Guerneville: Thursday, August 28 | 6–7 p.m.
Penngrove / Sonoma Mountain: Wednesday, September 10 | 6–7 p.m.
Visit our website to register and learn more about our free wildfire risk reduction assessments and the Wildfire Resilient Communities Grant. 

Reminder: Permit Expiration Times Are Changing 

Effective August 1st, 2025, all issued permits must show progress within 12 months or risk expiration. Previously, projects were given up to three years to complete. This change brings Sonoma County’s practices in line with new statewide requirements that standardize permit timelines across jurisdictions. Permit holders are encouraged to begin work promptly and maintain momentum to avoid setbacks. Once effective, the updated policy will be reflected in Permit Sonoma’s online system, and staff are available to assist with questions during the transition.
For questions, contact the Permit Sonoma Building Division at (707) 565-1679 or via PermitSonoma-BuildingInspection@sonoma-county.org

Looking Ahead: California Building Code Update

Permit Sonoma is preparing for the next round of updates to California’s Building Standards Code (Title 24), which will take effect on January 1, 2026. These updates, released every three years, set statewide standards for building safety, energy efficiency, and resiliency. Over the coming months, our team will review the changes, update local amendments, and prepare guidance for applicants. We’ll continue to provide resources and information so homeowners, builders, and design professionals are ready for the changes ahead.

Stay tuned for additional details on this and other initiatives later this summer, including timelines and opportunities to stay involved with Permit Sonoma.