Latest News | October 2026

Department Updates | October 2026

There's a lot happening at Permit Sonoma! In this edition, we're sharing opportunities to help shape the future of Sonoma County, updates on safer walking and biking routes, and new tools to make finding permit information easier. Plus, learn about changes to ADU zoning regulations and how you can weigh in on California's updated water well standards.

Shape the Future - Dinner on Us!

As we update Sonoma County's General Plan, we're looking at where housing, shops, services and community spaces might make sense - and what places should stay the same. Join us for a community workshop in November! Share your ideas, enjoy a free dinner and help shape the future of your community. Drop in anytime during the workshop. All ages are welcome, and no planning experience is needed!

Workshop Schedule

• Sonoma Valley: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6-8 p.m.
  Flowery Elementary School, 17600 Sonoma Highway
• Forestville: Thursday, Nov. 5, 6-8 p.m.
  Laguna High School, 7050 Covey Road
• Penngrove: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m.
  Penngrove Elementary School, 365 Adobe Road
• Geyserville: Thursday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m.
  Geyserville Elementary School, 21485 Geyserville Ave.

Can't attend in person? Join our virtual information session Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 12 p.m.-1 p.m., or participate in an upcoming online activity.

Learn more about General Plan Sonoma.

Sonoma County Adopts Plan for Safer Walking and Biking Routes

Good news for people who walk, bike or roll around Sonoma County! On Oct. 27, the Board of Supervisors adopted an updated Active Transportation Plan to guide future improvements to walking and biking routes throughout unincorporated Sonoma County.

Developed in partnership with the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities, the plan identifies potential projects such as safer crossings, improved bike lanes and better connections between communities. It also helps the County prioritize improvements and pursue funding. The plan reflects three years of community input and is part of a larger effort to connect walking and biking routes across Sonoma County's nine cities and unincorporated areas.

What's next? Projects will move forward as funding and resources become available.

Explore the plan and interactive maps.

County Removes Zoning Restriction on Accessory Dwelling Units

Good news for some property owners interested in building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)! The Board of Supervisors recently adopted an ordinance removing the Z (ADU Exclusion) Combining District from nearly 4,000 inland parcels, eliminating an outdated zoning restriction to comply with state law. The change takes effect Nov. 5, 2026, but eligible property owners can submit ADU applications now.

Important to know: Other ADU requirements still apply. Some properties, including those under Williamson Act agricultural preservation contracts, may not qualify. The restriction also remains in place within the Coastal Zone.

More details about the Zoning change.

California Seeks Input on Updated Water Well Standards

Own a well or work in well drilling? California wants your feedback! The California Department of Water Resources is updating Bulletin 74, the state's standards for constructing, maintaining and destroying water wells. The draft standards will be available for public review beginning Nov. 5, 2026, with written comments accepted through Jan. 7, 2027.

Two virtual public meetings will also be held:

• Wednesday, Dec. 9: Noon-3 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 11: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The draft standards, comment form and meeting links will be posted on the Department of Water Resources' project webpage.

Learn more: California Well Standards - Bulletin 74 Update.

Fire Rebuilding Update: Key Permitting Benefits Will Continue

While some fire rebuilding fee waivers and temporary provisions are ending, Permit Sonoma will continue offering expedited permitting and important rebuilding allowances to help wildfire survivors recover and rebuild.

Since 2018, Permit Sonoma's Resiliency Permit Center (RPC) has supported wildfire survivors through reduced fees, expedited reviews, and flexible rebuilding requirements. As the program evolves, some temporary incentives are being phased out, while key rebuilding benefits will remain in place.

What's Changing? What's Staying?

Reduced fire rebuild permit fees ended July 1, 2026. Additional fee waivers, including traffic mitigation, affordable housing, school, and certain accessory dwelling unit (ADU) fees, will end December 31, 2026. Some temporary land use allowances and design review exemptions will also expire.

The following fire rebuilding benefits will continue beyond December 31, 2026:

• Faster Permit Reviews: Fire-rebuild projects will continue to receive expedited plan reviews.
• Grading: Increased 100-cubic-yard threshold for requiring a grading permit.
• Stormwater and Driveways: Continued exemptions from certain stormwater runoff evaluations and driveway upgrade requirements.
• Septic Systems: Reuse of existing systems with a qualifying modified findings report consistent with County records.
• Water Supply: Well yield testing exemptions for qualifying replacement dwellings and continued use of existing operational or repairable wells.

Permit Sonoma remains committed to supporting wildfire survivors. Expedited permitting and assistance will continue through the main Permit Sonoma Permit Center, with applications submitted electronically.

We are currently updating our Rebuilding Process page, so please check back soon for more info.

Visit the Permit Sonoma Website.