Permit Sonoma Latest News | July 31, 2025

Permit Sonoma | September 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of Permit Sonoma's community newsletter. You'll find important updates about projects, policies, and opportunities to get involved. From public workshops and policy milestones to building code updates and wildfire prevention resources, our goal is to keep you informed and connected. Thank you for staying engaged.

Sonoma Development Center Update

The public is invited to the upcoming Scoping Meeting for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) project. Your comments at this early stage help shape the scope and content of the EIR.

The scoping meeting will be held in a hybrid format, offering opportunities for in-person participation and via Zoom. An agenda is presented below. The first hour of the scoping meeting will be structured as an open house, with stations presenting information on the SDC Campus Specific Plan and Eldridge Renewal Project. This will allow in-person attendees the opportunity to learn more about the Proposed Plan and Project and ask questions. At 7:00 p.m., there will be a formal presentation followed by opportunities for public comment on the scope and content of the EIR, both in person and via Zoom. Information presented at the scoping meeting will be posted on the project website. Interested parties and public agencies are also encouraged to submit written comments during the 30-day scoping period, from August 29, 2025, through September 29, 2025. Meeting details and background materials are available at permitsonoma.org/sdcproject. We hope you'll join us and help guide the next steps for the SDC.

SCOPING MEETING DETAILS:

• Thursday, September 25, 2025 I 6:00 PM
• Altimira Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
• 17805 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476, and via Zoom at: https://dyettandbhatia.zoom.us/j/83943750136
• Phone: (669 900 6833) I Meeting ID: 839 4375 0136
• Registration is requested.

AGENDA:

• 6:00pm Open House begins
• 7:00pm Presentation in-person and via Zoom
• 7:20pm Public Comments on scope and content of the EIR

Free Wildfire Risk Reduction Webinar - Sept. 10, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Join local Fire Marshals and Sonoma County Wildfire Prevention Specialists for a free webinar covering:

• Home hardening and Zone 0
• Defensible space regulations
• How to reduce risk for your entire community
• Free wildfire risk assessments and other resources

Details:

• Free and open to all
• Focus area: Penngrove / Sonoma Mountain
• Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Register: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/86367030376?pwd=rNMhVBmg5yPa3k9MCiTmyH74ZbfYhr.1

Conservation Sonoma Public Workshop - Sept. 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Conservation Sonoma invites community members, landowners, organizations, and agency partners to a hybrid public workshop on Monday, Sept. 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The meeting will review:

• Feedback on the draft Planning Agreement
• Results from the community survey
• Updates on the HCP/NCCP process

Participants may offer additional input to ensure the planning process reflects community priorities.
More information: https://permitsonoma.org/conservationsonoma

Register: https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/y2uXU8uVSr2eQQek6LUQBQ

Cannabis Program - Planning Commission Hearings, Sept. 17 & 18

Permit Sonoma's Cannabis Program is preparing updates to permitting processes and environmental review. The Planning Commission will consider updates to the Cannabis EIR later this year. Meeting dates and documents will be posted on the Cannabis Program webpage: https://sonomacounty.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/county-administrators-office/projects/cannabis-program/cannabis-program-update-and-eir

Hearings:

• Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, ~1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, ~1:00 p.m. (tentative)
• Location: Board of Supervisors Meeting Room 102-A, County Administration Building, Santa Rosa.

Public comment: Submit in advance by mail, email, or hand delivery. In-person comment will be accepted during the hearing.
Email: [email protected]

After these meetings the proposed update will be presented at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

California Building Code Update

California will adopt updated building codes effective Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Permit Sonoma is preparing to implement new standards, including changes to energy efficiency, wildfire-resistant construction, and accessibility requirements. The update limits local jurisdictions from extending or expanding codes (reach codes). Additional guidance for builders, designers, and property owners will be available later this fall.

Santa Rosa Creek Flood Map Public Meeting - Sept. 10, 6:00 p.m.

FEMA has initiated a flood mapping project for the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed as part of a nationwide effort to better identify flood risk. As part of the Central Sonoma Watershed Project, a local flood study was conducted by the City of Santa Rosa, Sonoma Water, and the County of Sonoma. The City of Santa Rosa is hosting a public meeting to collect input.
Info: https://www.srcity.org/3653/FEMA-Flood-Risk-Mapping-Project

SepticSmart Week - Sept. 15-19

SepticSmart Week is an annual educational campaign to help residents care for septic systems-protecting family health, saving money on repairs, and keeping waterways clean. During this week, Permit Sonoma will share daily "Quick Tips" on social media:

• Protect & Inspect
• Think at the Sink
• Don't Overload the Commode
• Pump Your Tank
• Don't Strain Your Drain

Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-week