Frequently asked questions

Find an answer by searching for keywords, or choosing a relevant category or regulation.Email permitsonoma-customerservice@sonoma-county.org if you don't find what you're looking for.
QuestionTags
Why am I being charged for school fees if I don't have any children?
Process
How Do I Request a Refund?
Process
What is the difference between architectural drawings and structural drawings? Why do I need both?
Definitions
What is the definition of density?
ZoningDefinitions
What is the definition of a bathroom?
Residential Accessory UsesDefinitions1-4-11-4-6
What is an "attached" room or structure?
Residential Accessory UsesDefinitions1-4-1
What is the definition of a tiny house?
Temporary HousingDefinitions
What is a bedroom?
Residential Accessory UsesDefinitions1-4-11-4-6
What is a certificate of occupancy?
Definitions
What are impact fees?
Definitions
Can I build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 26.88.060
How do I schedule an inspection?
Process
Can my review be expedited?
Process
Can my project be processed over the counter?
Process
What is the building code?
Process
How do I draw plans?
Process
If I am legalizing existing grading, why do I need a drainage report?
Process
How do I get an additional address for my property?
Process
I applied online for a permit, but was not directed to make a payment. What else do I have to do?
Process
My permit has been approved by all divisions. What are my next steps?
Process
How do I renew an expired permit?
Process
Where can I get the permit card with all the inspections and their results?
Process
I uploaded revised plans to my permit. When will it be re-reviewed?
Process
How long will my permit take to be issued?
Process
How can I get an extension on my permit?
Process
I cannot schedule a final inspection via the website. What should I do?
Process
I don't have the ability to select my contractor number in the application form to submit for a permit. What should I do?
Process
How do I upload documents to respond to comments?
Process
Where can I see my documents online for my permit?
Process
How do I get a refund?
Process
How do I create a revision on a permit?
Process
What is the status of my permit?
Process
Technical Corrections FAQ (PLP24-0013)
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Can I operate a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (aka MEHKO) in a Hosted Rental or Bed & Breakfast?
Residential Accessory UsesZoningMicroenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)§ 26.88.118
My parcel is located within the F1 Floodway or the F2 Floodplain. What does that mean for my parcel? Can I appeal?
Land DevelopmentStreams & WaterwaysZoning8-1-12Article 56Article 58
If my existing vacation rental license status is marked 'expired', will I need to apply for a new license?
Transient RentalsArticle 8
What are setback requirements from public and private roads?
Zoning§ 25.40
What permits are required for commercial cannabis cultivation?
Cannabis§ 26.88.250
Can a new large residential propane (LPG) tank be in the front setbacks?
Residential Accessory Uses
How do endangered species, like the California Tiger Salamander, affect my application?
Animals
Can I designate an ADU as an affordable unit to defer required Affordable Housing fees while constructing my primary home?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)Affordable & Workforce Housing§ 26.89.040
What are "residential accessory" structures?
Residential Accessory Uses1-4-6
Can I build a guest house?
§ 26.24.170
If I use a Hold/Pump and Haul contract to remove waste from my temporary Trailer, RV, Tiny Home Etc., do I need to save service receipts?
UtilitiesTemporary Housing§ 26.88.0108-1-1
If I had an Agricultural Exempt structure that burned down in the fire, do I need a new permit to rebuild it?
Rebuilding
How can I tell if my property is within Permit Sonoma's jurisdiction?
Zoning
Where can I grow cannabis plants for personal use?
Cannabis§ 26.88.258
Does the County allow adult use (recreational) non-medical cannabis uses?
Cannabis
How many cannabis plants can I grow for personal use?
Cannabis§ 26.88.258
Am I required to have a permit for personal cultivation?
Cannabis§ 26.88.258
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