Zoning Permits Instructions & Forms
Planning permits such as zoning permits may be required prior to the issuance of a building permit. Zoning clearances are required for building permits issued for new buildings, structures, or additions to existing buildings or structures. There may be additional setback requirements for a building depending upon the location near a scenic roadway or waterway. Additional review, such as administrative design review, may be required prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Go Back to Planning Instructions and Forms
How to Submit Planning Applications Electronically
For continuity of operations, customers have the option to submit planning applications electronically. Because our online permitting portal is not yet configured for Planning e-submittals, the submittal process will take place by email.
Electronic permit application process:
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are an inexpensive way to create smaller, more affordable rental housing units that may provide revenue streams for you, while increasing the availability of rental housing in the county.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are backyard cottages up to 1,200 square feet.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are a very small living unit (up to 500 square feet) created out of a bedroom within an existing single family home.
More Information About Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units & Rebuilding After Sonoma Complex Fires
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
The County of Sonoma began to accept applications for Cannabis permits on July 5, 2017. View instructions and forms necessary for obtaining Cannabis Cultivation zoning permits in unincorporated Sonoma County.
Vacation Rentals and Hosted Rentals
See the Vacation Rentals and Hosted Rentals page for detailed information.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are the rental of a private residence for periods of 30 days or less. Vacation Rentals do not include Bed and Breakfast Inns or hosted rentals permitted in accordance with the Sonoma County Code for B&Bs and hosted rentals, or occasional home exchanges that are not otherwise subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Vacation rentals must have a Certified Property Manager and meet Performance Standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses.
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Hosted Rentals
Hosted rentals are the rental of a single room or sleeping area within a single-family dwelling, where the property owner remains in residence. Hosted rentals do not include vacation rentals permitted in accordance with the Sonoma County Code for vacation rentals, or occasional home exchanges that are not otherwise subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Hosted rentals must meet Performance Standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses.
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Agricultural Employee Residence
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Confined Livestock Farming
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Covered Parking Waiver
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Daycare Large Family
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Farm Retail Sales
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Home Occupation
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Horse Boarding
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Minor Timberland Conversion
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Mobile Home
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Small-Scale Agricultural Processing
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Special Events/Cultural Events
All forms and Instructions listed below must be completed:
Contact Information
Contact Planning by Phone
- Monday – Friday
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Address
2550 Ventura Avenue
38.465074, -122.723705
What's My Zoning?
Find your property's zoning and land use by address or parcel number.
Sonoma County Cannabis Program
Permits for cultivation and distribution, taxes, policy, personal use, and more.
Vacation Rentals
Obtain a Vacation Rental or Hosted Rental permit.
Procedure for applying electronically for a vacation rental or hosted rental permit.
Submit a complaint about a Vacation Rental.
Become certified as a Property Manager for a Vacation Rental property.
Accessory Units & Junior Units
An inexpensive way to create smaller, more affordable rental housing units to Sonoma County residents.