TranslateDesign Review Instructions and Forms
Submit Planning Applications Electronically
Customers must submit planning applications electronically. Please follow the process to submit a planning application online:
Do Not Print Out Construction Plans or Other Documents
Construction plans and documents are to be submitted electronically. Paper documents are not accepted when applying for a permit.
The instructions and forms listed below are undergoing review. Some may still contain outdated instructions to print out copies of construction plans and documents. Please ignore that instruction and submit electronically. Only print items if directly instructed by Permit Sonoma for your situation.
Design Review for Commercial and Industrial Development
Administrative Design Review
The Sonoma County Zoning Ordinance allows Administrative Design Review in the following cases:
- New commercial or industrial uses previously approved by use permit or design review.
- Minor facade changes or minor building additions for commercial or industrial uses.
Additionally, new structures up to 10,000 square feet in urban areas may be eligible for Administrative Design Review.
Administrative Design Review applications are evaluated in accordance with the provisions and development standards found in the Design Review section of the Sonoma County Zoning Code (Article 82). Design Review applications must also be consistent with applicable policies of the General Plan, Specific/Area Plans, and the Zoning Ordinance.
Application Requirements and Instructions:
PJR-059 - Administrative Design Review Commercial Industrial
Design Review Committee
Projects that involve new development or significant changes or additions to existing buildings and/or uses do not qualify for Administrative Design Review as described above, and are reviewed by the Sonoma County Design Review Committee.
Application Requirements and Instructions:
PJR-058 - Design Review Commercial Industrial
Design Review for Single-Family Residential Projects
Many areas of Sonoma County have significant scenic resources. In an attempt to allow for development while preserving these resources, scenic areas have been designated as Scenic Resource (SR) or Scenic Design (SD). Administrative Design Review is conducted by a staff person in consultation with applicants. Agricultural structures (barns, stables, etc.) are exempt from design review except for properties subject to the Bennett Valley Area Plan and the Local Coastal Plan.
Application Requirements and Instructions:
PJR-056 - Administrative Design Review Residential
Design Review for Housing Developments
All multi-family residential development is subject to design review. Applications are evaluated in accordance with the provisions and development standards found in the multi-family development standards for the R3 High Density Residential District, the Design Review section of the Sonoma County Zoning Code (Article 82). Design review applications must also be consistent with applicable policies of the General Plan, Specific/Area Plans, and the Zoning Ordinance.
Application Requirements and Instructions:
PJR-128 - Housing Development Application Requirements
Design Review for Historic Resources
The Board of Supervisors adopted the design review process for historic resources process to preserve the County’s unique and irreplaceable structures and sites that have significant historic, architectural, or aesthetic interest. This process is intended to ensure that exterior alterations, additions, new construction, and relocation of structures involving historic resources or sites are conducted in a way that preserves the significance of the resource and the character of any historic district in which it is located.
Application Requirements and Instructions:
PJR-114 - Design Review for Historic Resources
Design Review for Fences
For properties with Scenic Resources (SR) zoning, the construction of a fence may require administrative design review.
More Information: PJR-133 - Fence Guidelines
Signs
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
- PJR-001 - Planning Application (PDF: 40 kB)
- PJR-011 - Indemnification Agreement (PDF: 72 kB)