Skip to content

Article 08 — Residential Zones

Sonoma County Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Sonoma County

New Code Existing Code Ordinance Reference

26-8-010 - Purpose of Article -

26-8-020 - Purpose of Residential Zones

A. General -

B. Specific

B1. Agriculture and Sec. 26-16-005. - Purpose (Ord. No. 5964, § VII, 1-31-2012; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.) Residential (AR)

B2. Rural Residential (RR) Sec. 26-18-005. - Purpose (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

B3. Low Density Residential Sec. 26-20-005. - Purpose (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.) (R1)

B4. Medium Density Sec. 26-22-005. - Purpose (Ord. No. 6247, § II (Exh. C), 10-23-2018) Residential (R2)

B5. High Density Residential Sec. 26-24-005. - Purpose (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.) (R3)

26-8-030 - Allowed Land Uses

A. General. Table 8-1 Sec. 26-16-010. - Permitted (Ord. No. 6223, § IX, 5-8-2018; Ord. No. 6191, § V(Exh. D), 1-24-2017; Ord. No. 6189, §§ II(G), uses (I), (K), 12-20-2016; Ord. No. 6145, § V, 3-15-2016; Ord. No. 6089, § I(b), 11-24-2014; Ord. No. 6081, § V, 7-29-2014; Ord. No. 5964, § VII, 1-31-2012; Ord. No. 5908, § II, 11-9-2010; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; Ord. No. 5569, § 7, 2005; Ord. No. 5435, § 2(n), 2003; Ord. No. 5429, § 3(a), 2003; Ord. No. 5361, § 2(g), 2002; Ord. No. 5342, § 4, 2002; Ord. No. 5265, § 1(h), 2001; Ord. No. 5016, § 1(F), 1997; Ord. No. 4985, § 1(b), 1996; Ord. No. 4973, § 5(a), 1996; Ord. No. 4723, § 1(g), 1993; Ord. No. 4653, § 1(h), 1993; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-16-020. - Uses (Ord. No. 6189, § II(L), 12-20-2016; Ord. No. 6145, § V, 3-15-2016; Ord. No. 6081, § VI, 7-29-
permitted with a use permit 2014; Ord. No. 5964, § VII, 1-31-2012; Ord. No. 5908, § II, 11-9-2010; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-
30-2010; Ord. No. 5569, § 7, 2005; Ord. No. 5435, § 2(o), 2003; Ord. No. 5429, § 3, 2003; Ord.
No. 5361, § 2(o), 2002; Ord. No. 5342, § 5, 2002; Ord. No. 5265, 1(i), 2001; Ord. No. 4973, §
5(b), (c), 1996; Ord. No. 4781, § 2(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3376; Ord. No. 3662;
Ord. No. 3403)

Sec. 26-18-010. - Permitted (Ord. No. 6191, § V(Exh. D), 1-24-2017; Ord. No. 6189, §§ II(G), (I), (K), 12-20-2016; Ord. No.
uses 6145, § V, 3-15-2016; Ord. No. 6089, § I(b), 11-24-2014; Ord. No. 5908, § II, 11-9-2010; Ord.
No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; Ord. No. 5569 § 7, 2005; Ord. No. 5435 § 2(p), 2003; Ord. No. 5429
§ 3(a), 2003; Ord. No. 5361 § 2(h), 2002; Ord. No. 5342 § 4, 2002; Ord. No. 5265 § 1(j), 2001;

Ord. No. 5016 § 1(G), 1997; Ord. No. 4985 § (c), 1996; Ord. No. 4973 § 5(a), 1996; Ord. No. 4653 § 1(i), 1993; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-18-020. - Uses (Ord. No. 6145, § V, 3-15-2016; Ord. No. 5908, § II, 11-9-2010; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010;
permitted with a use permit Ord. No. 5569 § 7, 2005; Ord. No. 5435 § 2(q), 2003; Ord. No. 5429 § 3, 2003; Ord. No. 5361 §
2(p), 2002; Ord. No. 5342 § 5, 2002; Ord. No. 5265 § 1(k), 2001; Ord. No. 4973 § 5(b), (c), 1996;
Ord. No. 4781 § 2(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-20-010. - Permitted (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. B), 10-23-2018)

Sec. 26-20-020. - Uses (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. B), 10-23-2018)

Sec. 26-22-010. - Permitted (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

Sec. 26-22-020. - Uses (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

permitted with a use permit

Sec. 26-24-010. - Permitted (Ord. No. 6223, § XVIII, 5-8-2018; Ord. No. 6191, § V(Exh. D), 1-24-2017; Ord. No. 6189, § II(G),
uses 12-20-2016; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; Ord. No. 5569 § 7, 2005; Ord. 5429 § 4(a), 2003;
Ord. 4973 § 6(a), 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3511.)

Sec. 26-24-020. - Uses (Ord. No. 5975, § I, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; Ord. No. 5429 § 4(c), 2003; Ord.
permitted with a use permit No. 4973 § 6(b), (c), 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

B. Additional Planning Permits -

26-8-040 - Development Standards

A. General Sec. 26-16-030. - Permitted (Ord. No. 5964, § VII, 1-31-2012; Ord. No. 5711 § 7 (Exh. H), § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 4973 § B. Local Area Development residential density and 5(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 §§ 1, 6, 11, 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.) Guidelines development criteria

Sec. 26-18-030. - Permitted (Ord. No. 5711, § 7 (Exh. H), § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 4973, § 5(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927, §§ 1,
residential density and 6, 8, 11, 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)
development criteria

Sec. 26-20-030. - Permitted (Ord. No. 5711 § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 5569 § 12, 2005; Ord No. 5429 § 4(d), 2003; Ord.
residential density and No. 5009 § 1(C), 1997; Ord. No. 4973 § 6(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 § 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 1996; Ord.
development criteria No. 4839 § 1(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4837 § 1(A), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 26-22-030. - Permitted (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

residential density and development criteria

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 26-24-030. - Permitted (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

residential density and development criteria.

C. Affordable Housing Sec. 26-20-020(j) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. B), 10-23-2018)

Sec. 26-20-030(a) (Ord. No. 5711 § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 5569 § 12, 2005; Ord No. 5429 § 4(d), 2003; Ord.
No. 5009 § 1(C), 1997; Ord. No. 4973 § 6(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 § 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 1996; Ord.
No. 4839 § 1(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4837 § 1(A), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

26-22-010(k) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

26-24-010(k) (Ord. No. 6223, § XVIII, 5-8-2018; Ord. No. 6191, § V(Exh. D), 1-24-2017; Ord. No. 6189, § II(G),
12-20-2016; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; Ord. No. 5569 § 7, 2005; Ord. 5429 § 4(a), 2003;
Ord. 4973 § 6(a), 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3511.)

26-24-020(k) (Ord. No. 5975, § I, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; Ord. No. 5429 § 4(c), 2003; Ord.
No. 4973 § 6(b), (c), 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

26-24-030(a) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

D. Cottage Housing 26-20-010(l) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. B), 10-23-2018)

26-20-020(l) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. B), 10-23-2018)

26-22-010(u) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

26-22-030 (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

E. R2 Multi-Family 26-22-030 (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

F. Density Standards

F1. Reduced Density in 26-20-030(a) (Ord. No. 5711 § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 5569 § 12, 2005; Ord No. 5429 § 4(d), 2003; Ord. Residential Zones No. 5009 § 1(C), 1997; Ord. No. 4973 § 6(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 § 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 1996; Ord.

No. 4839 § 1(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4837 § 1(A), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

26-22-030(a) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

26-24-030(a) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

F2. R3 Density Equivalents 26-24-030(a) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

G. Lot Size Standards

G1. AR Zone 26-16-030(b) (Ord. No. 5964, § VII, 1-31-2012; Ord. No. 5711 § 7 (Exh. H), § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 4973 § 5(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 §§ 1, 6, 11, 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

G2. RR Zone 26-18-030(b) (Ord. No. 5711, § 7 (Exh. H), § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 4973, § 5(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927, §§ 1, 6, 8, 11, 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

G3. Williamson Act Lands New cross reference -

G4. Clustered Development New cross reference -

H. Height Standards

H1. Increased Building Height New cross reference -

H2. Solar Impacts - R2 Zone 26-22-030(b) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

H3. R3 Increased Height 26-24-030(b)(2) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

H4. R3 Abutting R1 and R2 26-24-030(b)(3) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

I. Lot Coverage

I1. AR Zone 26-16-030(e) (Ord. No. 5964, § VII, 1-31-2012; Ord. No. 5711 § 7 (Exh. H), § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 4973 § 5(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 §§ 1, 6, 11, 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

I2. R3 Zone 26-24-040(e) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

I3. Farm Operations in RR New cross reference - Zone

I4. Greenhouses and New cross reference - Swimming Pools

J. Setbacks

J1. R2 Abutting R1 or R2 26-22-030(b)(1) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

J2. R2 and R3 Setback 26-22-030(f) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018) Adjustments

26-24-030(f) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

J3. R3 Porches 26-24-030(f)(1) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

J4. Other Exceptions and New cross reference - Adjustments

J5. Agricultural Buffers

26-18-030(f) (Ord. No. 5711, § 7 (Exh. H), § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 4973, § 5(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927, §§ 1,
6, 8, 11, 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

26-20-030(f) (Ord. No. 5711 § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 5569 § 12, 2005; Ord No. 5429 § 4(d), 2003; Ord.
No. 5009 § 1(C), 1997; Ord. No. 4973 § 6(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 § 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 1996; Ord.
No. 4839 § 1(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4837 § 1(A), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

26-22-030(f) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

New Code Existing Code Ordinance Reference

26-24-030(f) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018

K. Waived Covered Parking New cross reference - for Single-Family Dwellings

L. Subdivisions for Farm New cross reference - Worker Housing

M. Planned Developments 26-18-020(a) ( Ord. No. 6145, § V, 3-15-2016; Ord. No. 5908, § II, 11-9-2010; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; and Condominiums Ord. No. 5569 § 7, 2005; Ord. No. 5435 § 2(q), 2003; Ord. No. 5429 § 3, 2003; Ord. No. 5361 § 2(p), 2002; Ord. No. 5342 § 5, 2002; Ord. No. 5265 § 1(k), 2001; Ord. No. 4973 § 5(b), (c), 1996; Ord. No. 4781 § 2(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

26-20-020(a) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. B), 10-23-2018)

26-20-030(h) (Ord. No. 5711 § 8 (Exh. I), 2007; Ord. No. 5569 § 12, 2005; Ord No. 5429 § 4(d), 2003; Ord. No. 5009 § 1(C), 1997; Ord. No. 4973 § 6(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4927 § 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 1996; Ord. No. 4839 § 1(B), 1994; Ord. No. 4837 § 1(A), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3932.)

26-22-020(a) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

26-22-030(h) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018)

26-24-020(a) (Ord. No. 5975, § I, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 5883, § III, 3-30-2010; Ord. No. 5429 § 4(c), 2003; Ord.
No. 4973 § 6(b), (c), 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

26-24-030(h) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

26-8-050 - Multifamily 26-22-030 (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. C), 10-23-2018) Development Standards

26-88-040(g) (Ord. No. 6247, § II(Exh. D), 10-23-2018)

Exceptions & meaning →

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — Sonoma County Municipal Code

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.