A Zone Change can be proposed in order to do one of the following:

• Change from one zoning district to another
• Change the zoning density on a property
• Remove a combining district
• Amend the text of the Sonoma County Zoning Code

Zone Change applications can also be required as a condition of a subdivision or a lot line adjustment approval.

As all proposed changes must be consistent with adopted Area Plans and the General Plan, applicants should verify with Planning staff if an Area Plan Amendment or General Plan Amendment must be filed in conjunction with the Zone Change.

All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:

• PJR-001 - Planning Application (PDF: 82 kB)
• PJR-011 - Indemnification Agreement (PDF: 72 kB)
• PJR-034 - Zone Change Application
• PJR-095 - At-Cost Project Reimbursement (PDF: 80 kB)

In order to amend a General Plan land use policy, designation or density on a parcel, an application must be made for a General Plan amendment.

General Plan amendment applications are evaluated on the basis of the following:

• Environmental constraints
• Protection of agriculture
• Availability of public services
• Projected population and employment levels
• Planning Area policies
• Other General Plan goals, objectives, and policies

Most amendments also require a concurrent zone change and or an Area Plan amendment to maintain consistency with related plans and codes. Development plans (e.g. subdivision or use permit) are recommended to accompany the application, but are not mandatory.

All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:

• PJR-001 - Planning Application (PDF: 82 kB)
• PJR-011 - Indemnification Agreement (PDF: 72 kB)
• PJR-029 - General Plan Amendment Application
• PJR-095 - At-Cost Project Reimbursement (PDF: 80 kB)

In order to amend a specific plan's land use policy, designation or density on a parcel, an application must be made for a Specific Plan amendment.

All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:

• PJR-001 - Planning Application (PDF: 82 kB)
• PJR-003 - Required Application Materials
• PJR-011 - Indemnification Agreement (PDF: 72 kB)
• PJR-095 - At-Cost Project Reimbursement (PDF: 80 kB)