Earlier editions: 2026-09
Municipal code
Sonoma County Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Sonoma County, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-04
- Contents
- 64 chapters · 2,754 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Sonoma County
Contents
- SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA - MUNICIPAL CODE
- SUPPLEMENT HISTORY TABLE
- Chapter 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
▸Chapter 2 — ADMINISTRATION
Overview- Article I — In General.
- Article II — Officers and Employees Generally.
- Article III — Assessment Appeals board and Assessment Hearing Officers.
- Article IV — Grand Jury.
- Article V — Purchases and Sale of Materials, Equipment and Other Personal Property.
- Article VI — Planning Agency.
- Article VII — Working of Prisoners.
- Article VIII — County Landmarks Commission.
- Article IX — The Commission on the Status of Women.
- Article X — Community Redevelopment Agency.
- Article XI — Collection of Presentence Report Fees Pursuant to Penal Code Section 1203.1b
- Article XII — Agency for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency.
- Article XIII — Sheriff-Coroner.
- Article XIV — Advisory Board on Drug Programs.
- Article XV — Sale of Surplus Real Property.
- Article XVI — County Clerk.
- Article XVII — County Procedures for Leasing and Licensing of County Real Property.
- Article XVIII — Picture Arcade Commission Established and Duties Defined.
- Article XIX — Mobilehome Park Space Rent Stabilization.
- Article XX — Campaign Contribution Limits.
- Article XXI — County Recorder.
- Article XXII — Human Rights Commission.
- Article XXIII — Informal Bidding Procedures; Delegations For Emergencies.
- Article XXIV — In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority.
- Article XXV — Procedures for Filing Claims Other than Tort Claims.
- Article XXVI — Living Wage.
- Article XXVII — Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO).
- Article XXVIII — Electronic Filing of Campaign Statements.
▸Chapter 4 — AMUSEMENTS AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS
Overview- Article I — Public Dances and Dance Halls.
- Article II — Card Rooms.
- Article Ill — Circuses, etc.
- Article IV — Outdoor Theaters.
- Article V — Bingo Games.
- Article VI — Picture Arcades.
- Article VII — Disturbing the Peace.
- Article VIII — Vacation Rental Licenses.
- Article IX — Establishing Residential Tenancy Protections.
▸Chapter 5 — SONOMA COUNTY ANIMAL REGULATION ORDINANCE
Overview- Article I — General Provisions.
- Article II — Administration.
- Article III — Public Notice.
- Article IV — Hearings and Appeals.
- Article V — Dogs.
- Article VI — Cats.
- Article VII — Kennels, Pet Fanciers and Pet Shops.
- Article VIII — Protection Dog Operators.
- Article IX — Business Using Protection Dogs.
- Article X — Prohibited Conduct.
- Article XI — Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Animals.
- Article XII — Impoundment.
- Article XIII — Rabies Control.
- Article XIV — Mandatory Spay and Neutering for All Dogs Running At Large and All Pit Bulls.
- Article XV — Violations.
▸Chapter 7 — BUILDING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 7A — REGULATIONS FOR LIMITED DENSITY OWNER-BUILT RURAL DWELLINGS
- Chapter 7B — FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
- Chapter 7C — WOOD-BURNING APPLIANCES
- Chapter 7D3 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
- Chapter 7D4 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REVIEW PROCESS
- Chapter 7D5 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION PERMITTING PROCESS
▸Chapter 8 — CABLE TELEVISION
- Chapter 9 — CEMETERIES
▸Chapter 10 — CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER
▸Chapter 11 — CONSTRUCTION GRADING AND DRAINAGE
Overview- Article 02 — General.
- Article 04 — Construction Grading Permits.
- Article 06 — Construction Drainage Permits.
- Article 08 — Permit Application Filing and Processing.
- Article 10 — Permit Review Procedures.
- Article 12 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extensions.
- Article 14 — Standards.
- Article 16 — Appeals and Direct Review.
- Article 18 — Public Hearings.
- Article 20 — Enforcement.
- Article 22 — Glossary.
- Chapter 11A — STORMWATER QUALITY
▸Chapter 11B — VINEYARD AND ORCHARD FROST PROTECTION
▸Chapter 12 — FINANCE AND TAXATION
Overview- Article I — In General.
- Article II — Sales and Use Tax.
- Article III — Transient Occupancy Tax.
- Article IV — Documentary Transfer Tax.
- Article V — Installment Payment of Secured Taxes in Certain Specified Instances.
- Article VI — Reassessment Subsequent to Misfortune or Calamity; Transfer of Out-of-County Base…
- Article VII — Electricity Generation Tax.
- Article VIII — The Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaste…
▸Chapter 13 — SONOMA COUNTY FIRE SAFETY ORDINANCE
- Chapter 13A — DUTY TO MAINTAIN DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND ABATE HAZARDOUS VEGETATION AND COMBUSTIBLE…
▸Chapter 15 — HIGHWAYS, ROADS AND BRIDGES
- Chapter 16 — JUNK AND JUNK DEALERS
- Chapter 17 — MOBILE YOUTH CAMP
▸Chapter 18 — MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Overview- Article I — In General.
- Article II — Speed Restrictions.
- Article III — Parking Regulations Generally.
- Article IV — Abandoned, Wrecked, Dismantled or Inoperative Vehicles.
- Article V — Off-Road Motor Vehicle Regulations.
- Article VI — Enforcement of Vehicle Code at Veterans Auditoriums and Community Centers.
- Article VII — Trip Reduction.
- Article VIII — Procedure for the Release of Impounded Vehicles.
- Article IX — Taxicab Regulations.
▸Chapter 19 — OFFENSES—MISCELLANEOUS
Overview- Article I — General Provisions.
- Article II — AIDS Discrimination.
- Article III — Noticing of Options in the Rental of Mobilehome Park Spaces and Subsequent Repor…
- Article IV — Prohibition against Civil Harassment of Bicyclists and Pedestrians.
- Article V — Unlawful Operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft.
- Article VI — Polystyrene, Perfluoroalkyl, and Polyflouroalkyl Substances — Prohibited Use and …
- Article VII — Sideshows, Street Races, and Reckless Driving Exhibitions.
▸Chapter 19A — SMALL ARM DEVICE ORDINANCE
▸Chapter 20 — PARKS AND RECREATION
Overview- Article I — In General.
- Article II — Parks Generally.
- Article III — Personal Conduct.
- Article IV — Use of Facilities.
- Article V — Vehicles.
- Article VI — Citations and Violations.
- Article VII — Overnight Camping on Certain County-Controlled Lands.
- Article VIII — Spud Point Marina.
- Article IX — Lake Sonoma.
- Article X — Development Fees for Parks.
- Article XI — County Skate Park Facilities.
▸Chapter 22 — WASTE, RECYCLABLES, AND ORGANICS
▸Chapter 23 — RIVERS AND STREAMS
▸Chapter 23A — ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF 1970 IMPLEMENTATION
▸Chapter 24 — SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
▸Chapter 25 — SUBDIVISIONS
- Chapter 25A — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
▸Chapter 25B — WATER WELL CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Overview- Article I — In General.
- Article II — Procedure and Construction Requirements.
- Article III — Well Abandonment.
- Article IV — Well Water Treatment.
- Article V — Well Reports.
- Article VI — Enforcement and Penalties.
- Article VII — Alternative Materials, Design and Methods.
- Article VIII — Well Monitoring and Water Conservation and Best Management Practices.
- Chapter 25C — SCHOOL FACILITIES FEE/DEDICATION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 25D — ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL FACILITIES FEES DEDICATION ORDINANCE
▸Chapter 26 — SONOMA COUNTY ZONING REGULATIONS
Overview- Article 01 — Applicability of Zoning Districts to General Plan Land Use Categories.
- Article 02 — In General.
- Article 04 — Glossary.
- Article 06 — Agricultural and Resource Zones.
- Article 08 — Residential Zones.
- Article 10 — Commercial Zones.
- Article 12 — Industrial Zones.
- Article 14 — Special Purpose Zones.
- Article 16 — Supplemental Development Standards.
- Article 18 — Agriculture and Resource-Based Use Standards.
- Article 20 — Industrial, Manufacturing, and Processing Use Standards.
- Article 22 — Recreation, Education and Public Assembly Use Standards.
- Article 24 — Residential Use Standards.
- Article 26 — Retail Use Standards.
- Article 28 — Service Use Standards.
- Article 30 — Transportation, Energy and Public Facilities Use Standards.
- Article 54 — S Study District.
- Article 56 — F1 Floodway Combining District.
- Article 58 — F2 Floodplain Combining District.
- Article 59 — AH Affordable Housing Combining District.
- Article 60 — RE Renewable Energy Combining Zone.
- Article 63 — LG Local Guidelines Combining District.
- Article 64 — SR Scenic Resources Combining District.
- Article 65 — RC Riparian Corridor Combining Zone.
- Article 66 — BH Biotic Habitat Combining Zone.
- Article 67 — OAK Oak Woodland Combining District and VOH Valley Oak Habitat Combining District.
- Article 68 — HD Historic Combining District.
- Article 70 — G Geologic Hazard Area Combining District.
- Article 72 — MR Mineral Resource Combining District.
- Article 75 — WH Workforce Housing Combining District.
- Article 76 — Z Accessory Dwelling Unit Exclusion Combining District.
- Article 77 — VR Visitor Residential Combining Zone.
- Article 78 — B Combining Districts.
- Article 79 — X Vacation Rental Exclusion and Cap Combining District.
- Article 80 — TS Traffic Sensitive Combining District.
- Article 82 — Design Review.
- Article 84 — Sign Regulations.
- Article 86 — Parking Regulations.
- Article 88 — General Exceptions and Special Use Standards.
- Article 89 — Affordable Housing Program Requirements and Incentives.
- Article 90 — Local Area Development Guidelines.
- Article 92 — Administrative and Public Hearing Procedures.
- Article 93 — Requests for Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Acts.
- Article 94 — Nonconforming Uses.
- Article 96 — Amendments.
- Article 98 — Development Fees.
- Article 100 — Development Agreements.
- Appendix A. - Zoning Amendments.
▸Chapter 26A — SURFACE MINING
Overview- Article I — Purpose, Scope and Authority.
- Article III — Definitions.
- Article V — Scope and Applicability.
- Article VII — Application Processing Procedures.
- Article IX — Standards for Mining Permits and Operations.
- Article XI — Reclamation Standards.
- Article XIII — Monitoring and Inspection.
- Article XV — Responsibility.
- Article XVII — Public Record.
- Article XIX — Fees and Charges.
▸Chapter 26C — COASTAL ZONING RESOURCE DISTRICTS
Overview- Article I — In General.
- Article II — LIA CC Land Intensive Agriculture Coastal District.
- Article III — LEA CC Land Extensive Agriculture Coastal District.
- Article IV — DA CC Diverse Agriculture Coastal District.
- Article V — RRD CC Resources and Rural Development Coastal Combining District
- Article VII — TP—Timberland Production District.
- Article VIII — AR CC Agriculture and Residential Coastal Combining District.
- Article IX — RR—Rural Residential District.
- Article X — R1—Low Density Residential District.
- Article XI — R2—Medium Density Residential District.
- Article XII — PC—Planned Community District.
- Article XIII — CS—Rural Services District.
- Article XIV — CT—Commercial Tourist District.
- Article XV — C2—Community Commercial District.
- Article XVI — AS—Agricultural Services District.
- Article XVII — CF—Commercial Fishing District.
- Article XVIII — PF—Public Facilities District.
- Article XIX — S—Study District.
- Article XX — F1—Floodway Combining District.
- Article XXI — F2—Floodplain Combining District.
- Article XXII — SR—Scenic Resources Combining District.
- Article XXIII — BR—Biotic Resource Combining District.
- Article XXIV — HD—Historic Combining District.
- Article XXV — G—Geologic Hazard Area Combining District.
- Article XXVI — MR—Mineral Resource Combining District.
- Article XXVII — Z—Second Unit Exclusion Combining District.
- Article XXVIII — B—Combining Districts.
- Article XXIX — Design Review.
- Article XXX — Sign Regulations.
- Article XXXI — Parking Regulations.
- Article XXXII — General Use and Bulk Exceptions; Building Lines.
- Article XXXIII — Administrative and Public Hearing Procedures.
- Article XXXIV — Coastal Permit Regulations.
- Article XXXV — Nonconforming Uses.
- Article XXXVI — Amendments.
- Article XXXVII — Development Fees.
- Article XXXVIII — Site Development and Erosion Control Standards.
- Article XXXIX — Requests for Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Acts.
- Article XL — Local Area Development Guidelines.
- Article XLI — Local Guidelines (LG) Combining Zone.
- Chapter 26D — HERITAGE OR LANDMARK TREES
▸Chapter 28 — EMERGENCY AND PRE-HOSPITAL MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM
- Chapter 30A — TRANSGENIC CONTAMINATION PREVENTION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 31 — ON-SHORE FACILITIES SUPPORTING OFF-SHORE OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT
▸Chapter 32 — ORDINANCE REGULATING SMOKING AND SECONDHAND SMOKE
- Chapter 32A — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
- Chapter 33 — SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA
- Chapter 34 — COUNTY ORGANIZED HEALTH SYSTEM
- Chapter 35 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX ORDINANCE
▸Chapter 36 — NEW VINEYARD AND ORCHARD DEVELOPMENT, VINEYARD AND ORCHARD REPLANTING, AND AGRICU…
Overview- Article 02 — General.
- Article 04 — New Vineyard and Orchard Development Permits.
- Article 06 — Vineyard and Orchard Replanting Permits.
- Article 08 — Low-Impact Vineyard Replanting Registration.
- Article 10 — Agricultural Grading Permits.
- Article 12 — Agricultural Drainage Permits.
- Article 14 — Permit and Registration Application Filing and Processing.
- Article 16 — Permit and Registration Review Procedures.
- Article 18 — Permit and Registration Implementation, Time Limits, and Extensions.
- Article 20 — Standards.
- Article 22 — Prohibited Activities.
- Article 24 — Appeals and Direct Review.
- Article 26 — Public Hearings.
- Article 28 — Enforcement.
- Article 30 — Glossary.
- Chapter 37 — INDUSTRIAL HEMP ORDINANCE
▸Chapter 40 — SONOMA COMPLEX FIRE DISASTER RECOVERY
▸Chapter 40B — COVID-19 RECOVERY
▸Chapter 40C — LNU LIGHTNING COMPLEX FIRES DISASTER RECOVERY
- CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE FOR ZONING CH. 26
- ORDINANCE LIST AND DISPOSITION TABLE