Latest News | February 2026

Latest News | February 2026

Streamlined Permitting: Express & Over-the-Counter Programs

Did you know that many common residential projects don't require a lengthy plan review? Permit Sonoma offers two pathways designed to get you permitted quickly and keep your project moving.

Our Express Permit Program focuses on complete, clearly prepared residential applications that are limited in scope and ready for streamlined review by our Express Team. Projects such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, decks, generators, small accessory structures, and select grading permits may qualify.

The Over-the-Counter (OTC)program allows certain permits - including water heaters, re-roofs, electrical panel upgrades, and similar straightforward improvements - to be issued quickly when eligibility criteria are met. These programs reflect our continued commitment to improving timelines, providing clarity up front, and helping homeowners and contractors keep projects on track. Visit our website to review eligibility criteria and submittal requirements before applying.

These programs reflect our continued commitment to improving timelines, providing clarity up front, and helping homeowners and contractors keep projects on track. Visit our website to review eligibility criteria and submittal requirements before applying.

South Santa Rosa Area Specific Plan

Work continues on long-range planning efforts that help shape growth in key unincorporated areas near the City of Santa Rosa. The Specific Plan process focuses on land use, circulation, infrastructure, and community design to ensure future development aligns with community values and County standards. Community feedback plays a critical role in shaping policies that balance housing, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood character.

Here's how you can get involved:

• Take the Land Use and Circulation Alternatives survey
• Sign Up for the South SR Specific Plan Newsletter
• Attend a Public Workshop:
  • Amarosa Academy - March 4th, 6-7:30pm
  • Taylor Mountain Elementary - March 5th, 6-7:30pm
  • Virtually held on Zoom - March 11th, 5:30-6:30pm
• Read the Draft Preferred Land Use and Circulation Alternatives Report

A public review of Draft Specific Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is expected in the fall of this year. For questions or comments about the SSRSP project, please contact City of Santa Rosa, Project Planner, Conor McKay, at (707) 543-4351 or [email protected].

General Plan Update - Moving from Vision to Policy

Thank you to the many residents, community groups, and stakeholders who participated in shaping the draft Vision and Guiding Principles for Sonoma County's General Plan. Materials from the August 2025 Board of Supervisors meeting remain available for review on our website. Permit Sonoma has once again partnered with PlaceWorks to begin the next phase of work: developing goals, policies, and implementation actions that will guide land use, housing, environmental protection, infrastructure planning, safety, and economic development for the coming decades.

Work is now underway on an Existing Conditions Report, which compiles current data on demographics, housing supply, infrastructure systems, environmental resources, climate risks, and regulatory constraints. This foundational analysis ensures that future policy decisions are grounded in up-to-date facts and measurable trends - not assumptions. At the same time, staff are preparing a comprehensive Community Engagement Plan to guide the next round of public outreach. A draft engagement plan will be released this spring for public review. As with the Visioning process, broad and inclusive participation will remain central to the update, with multiple ways for residents to share input.

The General Plan serves as the County's long-term blueprint. Your continued involvement will help shape policies that support resilience, housing opportunity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Learn more and sign up for updates on our website.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Tracking Update

Permit Sonoma is updating how we track construction and demolition debris to support waste diversion goals in unincorporated Sonoma County. Beginning February 2026, Permit Sonoma will no longer use Green Halo software. Instead, project teams must complete a Construction Waste Management Plan (Form BPC-071).

The updated process requires:

• A preliminary BPC-071 submitted prior to first inspection
• A final BPC-071 update submitted at project completion

The BPC-071 form can be downloaded from our website under Green Building Program Forms & Checklists. Submissions must be made through Permit Sonoma's ACA online portal.
Reminder notices will be sent at permit issuance, and Building Inspection staff will follow up during inspections to ensure compliance. Thank you for partnering with us to build a more sustainable Sonoma County.
Questions?
[email protected]
(707) 565-1679

Free Wildfire Risk Assessments - Coming Soon!

Permit Sonoma is pleased to announce free home wildfire risk assessments for residents of Larkfield-Wikiup and Guerneville, made possible through the Wildfire Resilient Community grant program. These no-cost assessments connect homeowners with trained specialists who evaluate the property for wildfire vulnerabilities and provide personalized recommendations to improve defensible space and home hardening.

Sonoma County communities face real and ongoing wildfire risk, and taking proactive steps to reduce that risk can make a meaningful difference - for your home, your neighbors, and your community as a whole. If you live in Larkfield-Wikiup or Guerneville, we encourage you to take advantage of this free opportunity while it lasts! Visit our website or contact Permit Sonoma for scheduling information and to learn more about the Wildfire Resilient Community program.

Wet Weather Groundwater Determinations & Percolation Testing

The 2026 Wet Weather Groundwater Determination and Percolation Testing season is open in all seven testing areas in unincorporated Sonoma County. Groundwater determinations and percolation testing are necessary for onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) in unincorporated Sonoma County.

• Groundwater determinations and percolation testing are open in all seven testing areas: Cloverdale, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Sonoma.
• Rainfall totals data and/or testing dates are valid as of February 18, 2026.

More Information: Wet Weather Groundwater Determinations & Percolation Testing