Frequently asked questions

Find an answer by searching for keywords, or choosing a relevant category or regulation.Email planner@sonoma-county.org if you don't find what you're looking for.
QuestionTagsUpdated
What is an "attached" room or structure?
Residential Accessory Uses1-4-1
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
What is the definition of density?
Zoning
How do endangered species, like the California Tiger Salamander, affect my application?
Animals
What is the definition of a tiny house?
Temporary Housing
Can I build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 26.88.060
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 is a bedroom?
Residential Accessory Uses1-4-11-4-6
What are "residential accessory" structures?
Residential Accessory Uses1-4-6
What is the definition of a bathroom?
Residential Accessory Uses1-4-11-4-6
How Do I Request a Refund?
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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
Can I open a cannabis cafe or consumption lounge?
Cannabis
Can I register to cultivate industrial hemp?
CannabisAgricultural Uses
Do I need a permit for tree trimming or removal?
TreesChapter 26DArticle 67§ 26.88.010§ 25.2
For projects on properties located within a designated Scenic Corridor, where is the 30% Setback measured from?
Scenic Resources§ 26.64.030
What can I build on my property?
Zoning