Permit Sonoma Latest News | Summer 2025

Summer Updates | Permit Sonoma | July 2025

Summer is in full swing, and so is our work at Permit Sonoma! With major updates to the General Plan underway and a variety of public engagement opportunities on the horizon, there’s a lot happening—and we’re excited to share it with you. Our Latest News updates support our goal to work collaboratively with our community to shape a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for Sonoma County. Read on for important updates, ways to get involved, and upcoming meetings where your voice can make a difference.

Seeking Your Input on Environmental Impact of Proposed Cannabis Regulations

Sonoma County is inviting residents to weigh in on a draft Environmental Impact Report that will shape how land is used by the cannabis industry in unincorporated areas of the County.

The report examines the environmental impacts of proposed changes to the County’s cannabis program. The update would treat cannabis cultivation like other agricultural activities, while cannabis manufacturing, distribution, and retail activity would be treated like other permitted uses in industrial and commercial areas.

Written comments must be received by Permit Sonoma by 5 p.m. on July 15 to be considered. Comments can be emailed to cannabis@sonoma-county.org or sent to County Cannabis Program, Permit Sonoma, 2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.  “Public sentiment around cannabis land uses and cannabis itself is complicated and evolving,” said McCall Miller, the County’s cannabis program coordinator. “The County aims to increase compatibility between cannabis uses and nearby neighborhoods. We look forward to receiving public comments and will continue to evaluate changing state regulations and actions by other California counties throughout the process.”

Todd Creek Revised Flood Study Moves Ahead

Permit Sonoma has submitted a request to FEMA to revise the flood maps for the Todd Creek watershed (near the 101 corridor, south of Santa Rosa, north of Rohnert Park). The updated study may affect the development requirements and flood insurance needs of many properties in the Todd Creek area. Approximately 291 parcels are proposed to change flood zone status, including over 160 that may no longer fall within the floodplain.

 The public will have a chance to review and comment on the study during FEMA’s 90-day comment period, expected to begin sometime late summer. Permit Sonoma will inform the public once the FEMA revisions are released and plans to host a public workshop during the comment period. 

To stay informed, sign up for project updates. An interactive map viewer and additional resources are available on the project website.

Permit Expiration Times Now Aligned with State 

Permit Sonoma is updating its permit expiration policies to comply with recent changes to California state law. Effective August 1, 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

Public Meetings: General Plan Elements & Comprehensive Update

The Sonoma County General Plan update continues to make progress, with two important milestones underway. First, the draft Environmental Justice (EJ) Element will be presented to the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 10 at 1:05 PM at Permit Sonoma. This new element—developed alongside updates to the Safety Element—aims to advance health equity and environmental protections in under-resourced communities. The Safety Element was already reviewed on June 5 and recommended for adoption. Both are expected to go before the Board of Supervisors in August 2025.

 In addition, the County recently wrapped up Phase 1 of community outreach for the comprehensive General Plan Update, hearing from more than 3,000 residents through surveys, events, and conversations. A summary of this input—including what people value, the issues they care about, and their vision for the future—will be shared with the Board in August, tentatively on the 12th.

 To review draft documents, track upcoming meetings, or stay engaged, visit Permit Sonoma’s Planning Commission page or the General Plan project website.

Questions: Email GeneralPlan@sonoma-county.org.

Building Wildfire Resilient Infrastructure & Communities

Make the most of this mild summer weather by working outside to keep your landscape healthy, clean, and green for wildfire risk reduction. Peak wildfire season will be here before you know it!

Free Chipping Services 
Residents in unincorporated Sonoma County can request free chipping. Read and follow the chipper program guidelines and learn more at: www.permitsonoma.org/ChipperProgram  

Wildfire Resilient Communities Project Launch!
Following up on the Wildfire Adapted and Haz Fuels Reduction project's success, the Wildfire Resilient Communities project will soon be offering free wildfire risk assessments in select project areas: 

• Larkfield-Wikiup-Mark West (~June)
• Lower Russian River-Guerneville (~July)
• Penngrove-Rancho Adobe-Sonoma Mountain (~August)

To learn more visit the SoCoAdapts.org/wrc website. 
More resources can be found on our Fire Prevention Division Wildfire Resources and Preparedness website and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. 

Coming Soon! 2026 California Building Code Update

More changes are coming in 2026! Permit Sonoma is preparing for the next round of updates to California’s Building Standards Code, also known as Title 24, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. These updates happen every three years and reflect the latest statewide requirements for building safety, energy efficiency, and resilience. The biggest change is a freeze on city and county authority to make codes more restrictive. 

Over the coming months, our team will be reviewing the code changes, preparing guidance for applicants, and updating local amendments. We’re committed to keeping the public informed throughout the process—and ensuring that homeowners, builders, and design professionals have the tools they need to navigate the new requirements.

 Stay tuned for more details later this summer, including resources, timelines, and opportunities to learn about what’s changing.

Russian River Flood Plain Restoration Advances

Last month, the Board of Supervisors approved a landmark restoration project at the former Hanson gravel pits near Windsor. Over 358 acres of degraded river terrace will be regraded to reconnect the river to its historic floodplain, improving fish habitat, water quality, and flood safety. Once complete, the site will include a perimeter trail, day-use parking off Eastside Road, and a small boat-in/walk-in campground.

“This project represents a win-win-win for nature and the community,” said Director Tennis Wick. “We’re creating space for nature to thrive while opening up public access to the river’s beautiful middle reach and providing flood control.”

Vacation Rental Hotline Update

Sonoma County’s 24/7 Vacation Rental Complaint Hotline is ready to help with noise, trash or fire-pit nuisances associated with vacation rentals in unincorporated areas, and the number has changed to (707) 565-1212. Before you call the hotline, please reach out to the property manager, required to respond within 30-60 minutes, by using the Vacation Rental Map or the Permit History Lookup to find their contact information. If the issue isn’t resolved, call the hotline at (707) 565-1212 and be prepared to share the date, time, and details of the incident, when you contacted the manager, what their response was, and the full address of the rental. For more information, visit our Vacation Rental Complaints page.