Don’t Delay the Permitting Process

First Steps

Before applying for rebuilding permits you will need to:

1. File an Insurance Claim
   Tip: The California Department of Insurance has a Wildfire Resources page where you can find information and obtain assistance with recovery issues related to insurance.
2. Check your property’s Rapid Evaluation Safety Evaluation Status (RESA)
   • Walbridge and Meyers Fires RESA
   • Glass Fire RESA
3. Complete the process for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Removal
4. Mark your Septic System and Water Well Locations
5. Complete the Fire Debris Removal Completion Certification information process
   Note: A Grading Permit is NOT Required for Debris Removal

More information about the above steps:

• Walbridge and Meyers Fires
• Glass Fire

1. Starting the Permit Process

   Be sure to review "Don’t Delay the Permitting Process" above before continuing.
   
   At this stage, you will be making decisions about your rebuilding project and finding out what your project entails. This includes the following topics:
   
   • Where to Go Depending on Project Type/Location
   • Pre Application Screening for Residential Construction
   • Rebuilding with Accessory Dwelling Units in Mind
   • Bridge Repair & Replacement Permitting Process
   • Assistance in Evaluating Rebuilding Construction Proposals
   • Agricultural and Commercial Property Use Permits
   • Well and Septic Permit Exceptions
   • Designing New Buildings
   
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2. Permit Application Submission and Review

   After the design and plan preparation is complete, applicants can bring all of the required residential Permit Application elements in for review. Commercial and agricultural applicants can work with Permit Sonoma staff to identify additional elements needed for a complete application submission.
   
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3. Construction & Inspection

   1. Building Permit Issuance
      Building permits will be issued after all required conditions for your project are approved. Smaller projects may be approved over the counter with larger project responses fast tracked. Permit fees are due at time of issuance. 
   2. Schedule Inspections
      Visit SonomaCounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Inspection-Scheduling or call (707) 565-3551. We offer next-day inspections service.
   3. Occupancy
      A final inspection is required before occupancy. In some cases temporary occupancy may be allowed before the permit is finaled.
   
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4. Welcome Home

   If you are preparing to move into your home after rebuilding in unincorporated Sonoma County, check out the Rebuild Welcome Home Packet for information and resources to assist in the process.
   
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Please view our list of Frequently Asked Questions for more information.