Translate
Code Enforcement Division
Code Enforcement is the Section that deals with violations of the County's building, zoning, and health regulations. Code Enforcement also administers the County's Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program.
The Permit Sonoma Code Enforcement Division (Code Enforcement) works with individuals, neighborhoods, and other agencies to resolve enforcement complaints. Code Enforcement pursues complaints and violations based on a priority system and staff resources availability. With the exception of high priority complaints regarding immediately hazardous fire, life safety, or health violations, Code Enforcement's general purpose is to maintain conformance with the County's applicable codes and adopted ordinances.
Jurisdiction
Code Enforcement Investigates
Staff investigates and resolves instances of the following within unincorporated Sonoma County:
- Accessibility complaints
- Abandoned vehicles on private property
- Cannabis violations
- Construction without permits
- Failing septic systems
- Garbage (over 100 square feet)
- Grading and drainage violations
- Health and safety issues (except issues like smoking listed below)
- Housing code violations
- Zoning violations/Illegal uses of land (examples: commercial use in a residential area or vacation rental without permit)
If you want to report an issue that meets one of the above criteria:
Code Enforcement Does Not Investigate
Staff does not investigate instances of the following issues. Please report such issues to the appropriate agency.
| Issue | Contact |
|---|---|
| Complaints within city jurisdictions | Appropriate city code enforcement department |
| Noise/Disturbing the peace | Sonoma County Sheriff |
| Non-operative vehicles parked on highways | California Highway Patrol (CHP) |
| Property line disputes | Civil matter |
| Shared easement access | Civil matter |
| Cigarette/Vaping/Cannabis Smoking | Sonoma County Health Services |
| Rodent/Insect infestations | Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District |
| CCRs and HOA regulations | Civil matter, your homeowners association |
| Parking regulations | Sonoma County Sheriff or California Highway Patrol (CHP) |
| Number of occupants in a residence | Not a code violation |
Code Enforcement Philosophy
Vision Statement
To continually examine and improve the way we enforce codes and regulations in a fashion consistent with the general policy direction of the Board of Supervisors that protects the public health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors to Sonoma County.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to enforce codes and regulations under the general policy direction of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors by investigating complaints in a prompt, fair and professional manner and taking other appropriate steps as necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of code compliance.
Our Goal
The goal of the Permit and Resource Management Code Enforcement Division is to fulfill our mission with a human touch, consistent with Permit Sonoma’s Philosophy. Our priority will be to investigate complaints in a timely manner, work collaboratively with property owners to obtain voluntary compliance whenever possible and manage our unresolved cases to our professions highest standards, consistent with priorities established by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.