Rebuilding Process

As recovery efforts are underway after the Kincade Fire, the County of Sonoma is committed to instituting a streamlined and expedited approach for permitting so our community can recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.

Below is an overview of the rebuilding process for unincorporated Sonoma County after the 2017 Sonoma Complex Fire and 2019 Kincade Fire.

The Process

Filing an Insurance Claim
The first step in the recovery process is for property owners to file a claim with their insurance company to ensure a timely response relative to the rebuild process.

Be sure to find your property on the RESA map to ensure it is accurately marked. If there is an error please let us know via SoCo Report It, so your structure is tagged correctly.

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Environmental Clearance and Debris Removal
There is a required two-step process for those property owners affected by the Kincade Fire which includes disposal of household hazardous waste and fire debris.
1. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Removal
  A sweep of Household Hazardous Waste will be completed by the County at no cost to property owners. Work is expected to begin on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 and will take up to 3 weeks to complete.
2. Debris Removal and Property Clean-Up
  Fire Debris Removal will be completed by property owners with support from the County. Property owners can begin step two by hiring a licensed and qualified contractor to remove fire debris. Property owners can download a Debris Removal Application form at the SoCoEmergency.org website and can contact Environmental Health for assistance in completing the form at (707) 565-6700 or EHDebrisRemoval@sonoma-county.org. Additional information about Debris Removal Requirements and a Debris Removal Completion Certification information is also posted on this site.
Other considerations:
- Marking of Septic System and Water Well Locations
- Grading Permit not Required for Debris Removal
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Starting the Permit Process
Permit Sonoma has made adjustments to the permitting process for 2017 Sonoma Complex Fire and 2019 Kincade Fire survivors. This includes the following:
- Where to Go Depending on Project Type/Location
- Pre Application Screening for Residential Construction
- Assistance in Evaluating Rebuilding Construction Proposals
- Agricultural and Commercial Property Use Permits
- Well and Septic Permit Exceptions
- Designing New Buildings
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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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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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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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