Today, the State Auditor’s Office released a report evaluating our evacuation of residents with Access and Functional Needs during the 2017 fires, along with two other counties who suffered major disasters. 

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

Local Coastal Plan Update Workshops
Fire Rebuild Updates
Tanker Rollover HazMat Response Near Sonoma
Updates Coming to Sonoma County Building & Fire Codes

Effective Wednesday, November 20, 2019, Sonoma County is issuing a cold weather advisory in response to the National Weather Service’s prediction for temperatures in the 30's overnight in parts of the county that might also be without power.  Strong winds may increase the danger from cold temperatures (wind chill). Infants, the elderly, those without shelter or heat, and people using alcohol or other drugs are at higher risk from health problems caused by cold.

On November 5, 2019 The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors received proposed revisions to the Sonoma County Code Chapter 28, Emergency and Pre Hospital Care brought forward by the Sonoma county Department of Health Services.

As part of the County’s winery events work, the County retained a consultant to conduct traffic studies to address capacity and safety issues related to the increased traffic volumes associated with winery events.

Although containment of the Kincade Fire is progressing and the skies appear clearer, changing weather conditions over the next few days will lead to increased air pollution. Air quality levels are currently within the good range due to offshore winds and decreasing smoke. Northerly winds near the Ranch Fire in Tehama County will allow some smoke to move toward the Bay Area.

Permit Sonoma's main Permit Center and Resiliency Permit Center reopened to the public on Monday, November 4, 2019.  This includes the resumption of regular inspections in areas that are not under mandatory evacuation and are not in the Kincade Fire burn area.  Additional News and Information

Most County offices are open for regular operations starting on November 1, 2019, except for those listed at this link.

Residents impacted by the Kincade Fire can access recovery services and resources at the Local Assistance Center (LAC) which will open Monday, November 4, 2019 at the Healdsburg Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Ave. 

Los residentes afectados por el Incendio Kincade pueden acceder a los servicios y recursos de recuperación en el Centro de Asistencia Local (LAC) que abrirá el lunes 4 de noviembre de 2019 en el Centro Comunitario de Healdsburg, 1557 Healdsburg Ave. 

On October 10, 2019, the Board of Supervisors voted to extend the Temporary Emergency Housing Ordinance related to the 2017 Complex Fires. The ordinance was originally scheduled to expire December 31, 2019, but will now be extended until December 31, 2021. With this extension, temporary recreational vehicles and manufactured homes will continue to be permitted for temporary emergency housing through December 31, 2021. Conditions of the permit require that a final inspection be requested prior to that date, confirming that the structure(s) have been removed by December 31, 2021.

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional actualizado alerta roja para las montañas del Norte de la Bahía y los valles internos del Norte de la Bahía, los cuales incluyen todo Santa Rosa y la mayoría del Condado de Sonoma. En efecto, desde el mediodía del miércoles, 23 de octubre, hasta las 4:00 p.m. del dia jueves, 24 de octubre.  

Individuals with Health Conditions Individuals with health conditions should talk to their physicians to develop a personal plan for dealing with smoke…

The County of Sonoma is pleased to invite you to respond to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Delivering Nutrition Education for CalFresh Healthy Living Nutrition Education program.

PG&E implemented the scheduled power shutoff across areas in Sonoma County. This is due to severe weather conditions that carry significant fire risk, specifically high winds and low humidity. Approximately 200,000 Sonoma County residents have been affected.

PG&E implemento primera fase de corte de energía en el Condado de Sonoma. Esto es el resultado de las condiciones del clima severo que ha puesto en alto riesgo de incendios, especialmente vientos fuertes y baja humedad. Aproximadamente 200,000 residentes del Condado de Sonoma han sido afectados.

Due to the power outage, many County offices will be closed, some services will be limited, and some public meetings will be canceled.

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Sonoma County from Wednesday 5 a.m. (10/9) to Thursday 5 p.m. for strong and gusty offshore winds and low humidity. PG&E has issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch for Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 at 4:00 a.m. until Thursday, October 10th, 2019 at noon affecting the County. If fire weather conditions persist, PG&E may potentially shut power off.

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional ha emitido una Vigilancia de Incendios Climáticos y incluye a todo el condado de Sonoma con la excepción de la cordillera de la costa comenzando el miércoles a las 5 a.m. (10/9) hasta el jueves a las 5 p.m., por vientos marinos fuertes y racheados y poca humedad.

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• Temporary Occupancy Procedures for Fire Survivors
• Chapter 40: Sonoma Complex Fire Recovery Code Extension
• Cannabis Ordinance Update
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Changes
• Get Involved in the Local Coastal Plan Update!
• Permit Requirements for Back-up Generators
• Third Party Plan Check - Permit Process Improvement
• Expedited Plan Reviews - Permit Process Improvement

During a power de-energization event, a generator can provide emergency electrical power to your home. If you live in unincorporated Sonoma County and plan to use a generator that connects to your electrical panel, you will need a permit from Permit Sonoma for the electrical work. If the generator will be housed in a structure of its own, the structure may be subject to additional permits.

As part of our continued pursuit of process improvements, Permit Sonoma has revived our expedited plan review process.

As part of our continued pursuit of process improvements, Permit Sonoma has revised the Third Party Plan Check policy (BPC-013). The goal of the revision is to reduce permit processing time by removing some of the obstacles in our previous practice.

What is a Local Coastal Plan? The Local Coastal Plan (LCP) serves as the General Plan for the Sonoma Coast. The LCP provides guidance on issues including for land use, protection of resources, and public access. Help Permit Sonoma assess the best ways to engage residents in the update of the LCP update by taking a short survey!

The County is working to help fire survivors move back into their homes. In some cases, people may be able to obtain a temporary occupancy permit, allowing them to move into their home before the building permit is finaled.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in Sonoma County for today and tomorrow, Friday, September 13, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional emitió un aviso de calor en el condado de Sonoma para hoy y mañana viernes 13 de septiembre de 11 a.m. a 7 p.m. 

The MHSA newsletter is published every two to three months by the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services Behavioral Health Division.

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• Code Enforcement Takes Action on Illegal Cannabis Grows
• Coastal Close-Up Photo Contest
• HazMat Team Keeps Our Roads and Waterways Safe
• Storm Drains Connect Streets to Creeks
• Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) Update
• Performance Dashboards

As of August 15, 2019, the Sonoma County Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual version 7.0 is in effect.  Customers are hereby advised that any septic applications will be required to comply with the provisions of the OWTS Manual version 7.0.  Customers are further advised of the following updates to Permit Sonoma’s permitting procedures...

The Director of Permit Sonoma hereby adopts the County of Sonoma’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Manual, version 7.0, dated August 15, 2019.

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• Environmental Resource Management Summer Academy
• Sonoma County Receives Merit Award for Housing Initiatives
• Local Fire Departments to Fly Flags for Red Flag Warnings
• Code Enforcement Success Story
• Vegetation Management & Defensible Space
• July 2019 Performance Data

Permit Sonoma is part of a public/private partnership to reduce pollution in the Sonoma Creek and Petaluma River watersheds.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services Behavioral Health Division presents a Public Hearing to review the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) DRAFT Program and Expenditure Plan Annual Update for 2019-2020 & Program Report for 2017-2018 on August 21, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

On Tuesday July 9, 2019, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors awarded the Behavioral Health Youth and Family Services (YFS) contracts to the following three entities: Individuals Now, Inc. dba Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), Seneca Family of Agencies and LifeWorks of Sonoma County. 

Working together to expedite and attempt to resolve a pending federal lawsuit, the County of Sonoma, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission, and the City of Santa Rosa have reached an agreement with Homeless Action! and three individuals experiencing homelessness for a preliminary and temporary injunction.

As of July 12, 2019, Permit Sonoma will be changing how fees are assessed for encroachment permit applications and septic permit applications to be more consistent with how we assess fees for other types of similar construction permit applications.

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• June Performance Data
• Onsite Waste Treatment System Manual Updates
• Comprehensive Planning Work Plan
• Customer Interview with Jerry Eddinger
• Public Meeting Recaps
• Abandoned Vehicle Abatement – 2019 Flood Response

On June 4, 2019 the Board of Supervisors approved the work plan for the County’s Comprehensive Planning efforts for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Permit Sonoma’s Comprehensive Planning team is responsible for the development and implementation of the General Plan and Area Plans, Local Coastal Plan, Specific Plans, Zoning Code, and other policy documents and initiatives as directed by the Board of Supervisors. 

In this issue of our e-newsletter we have:

• Fire Prevention – Chipper Program Video
• Sonoma Developmental Center
• Local Coastal Plan Photo Contest
• Code Enforcement Success Story
• Housing Initiatives
• Earthquake Preparedness