Chapter 19.02

INTERPRETATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE PROVISIONS

Sections:

• 19.02.010 Purpose of chapter.

• 19.02.020 Rules of interpretation.

• 19.02.030 Procedures for interpretations.

This chapter provides rules for resolving questions about the meaning or applicability of any part of this development code. The provisions of this chapter are intended to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of the provisions of this development code. (Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).

A. Authority. The city planner is assigned the responsibility and authority to interpret the requirements of this development code.

• B. Language.

The Sonoma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025.

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1. Abbreviated Titles and Phrases. For the purpose of brevity, the following phrases, personnel and document titles are shortened hereafter in this development code. The city of Sonoma is referred to hereafter as the “city.” The city of Sonoma development code is referred to hereafter as “this development code.” The city council is referred to as the “council.” “Buildings and structures” are referred to hereafter as “structures.”

2. Terminology. When used in this development code, the words “shall,” “must,” “will,” “is to” and “are to” are always mandatory. “Should” is not mandatory but is strongly recommended; and “may” is permissive. The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future tense includes the present. The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural the singular, unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise. The words “includes” and “including” shall mean “including but not limited to...”

3. Number of Days. Whenever a number of days is specified in this development code, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice issued or given as provided in this development code, the number of days shall be construed as calendar days. Time limits will extend to the next working day where the last of the specified number of days falls on a weekend or holiday.

   4. State Law Requirements. Where this development code references applicable provisions of state law (for example, the California Government Code, Subdivision Map Act, Public Resources Code, etc.), the reference shall be construed to be to the applicable state law provisions as they may be amended from time to time.

• C. Zoning Map Boundaries. If there is uncertainty about the location of any zoning district boundary shown on the official zoning map, the following rules are to be used in resolving the uncertainty:

  1. Where district boundaries approximately follow lot, alley, or street lines, the lot lines and street and alley centerlines shall be construed as the district boundaries;

  2. If a district boundary divides a parcel and the boundary line location is not specified by distances printed on the zoning map, the location of the boundary will be determined by using the scale appearing on the zoning map; and

  3. Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the property that was formerly in the street or alley will be included within the zoning district of the adjoining property on either side of the centerline of the vacated or abandoned street or alley.

D. Allowable Uses of Land. If a proposed use of land is not specifically listed in SMC 19.10.050, Allowable land uses and permit requirements, the use shall not be allowed, except as follows.

1. Similar Uses Allowed. The city planner may determine that a proposed use not listed in Division II is allowable for the purposes of accepting an application for processing, and the review authority may approve an application for an unlisted use, if all of the following findings are made:

• a. The characteristics of, and activities associated with, the proposed use are substantially similar in nature and intensity (particularly in terms of effects on the environment and on adjacent uses) to those

The Sonoma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025.

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of one or more of the uses listed in the zoning district as allowable, and will not involve a higher level of activity or population density than the uses listed in the district;

• b. The proposed use will meet the purpose/intent of the zoning district that is applied to the site; and

• c. The proposed use will be consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the General Plan and any specific plan.

2. Applicable Standards and Permit Requirements. When the city planner determines that a proposed, but unlisted, use is equivalent to a listed use, the proposed use will be treated in the same manner as the listed use in determining where it is allowed, what permits are required and what other standards and requirements of this development code apply.

3. Planning Commission Determination. The city planner may forward questions about equivalent uses directly to the planning commission for a determination at a public meeting (a public hearing is not required).

E. Standards as Minimum Requirements. When interpreting and applying the regulations of this development code, all provisions shall be considered to be minimum requirements, unless stated otherwise (e.g., height limits and site coverage requirements for structures are maximums, not minimums).

F. Calculations – Rounding. Where provisions of this development code require calculations to determine applicable requirements, any fractional/decimal results of the calculations shall be rounded as provided by this subsection.

1. Minimum Lot Area and Number of Lots. The fractional/decimal results of calculations of the number of parcels allowed through subdivision based on a minimum lot area requirement shall be rounded down to the next lowest whole number. For example, the R-L zoning district minimum lot area requirement of 7,500 square feet would allow division of a 21,000-square-foot lot into two lots (21,000/7,500 = 2.66, rounded down to two).

of Lots._ The fractional/decimal results of calculations of the number of parcels allowed through subdivision based on a minimum lot area requirement shall be rounded down to the next lowest whole number. For example, the R-L zoning district minimum lot area requirement of 7,500 square feet would allow division of a 21,000-square-foot lot into two lots (21,000/7,500 = 2.66, rounded down to two).

2. Residential Density. When the number of housing units allowed on a site is calculated based on density limits established by a zoning district, any fraction of a unit of 0.9 or greater shall be counted as a whole unit; any fraction of a unit less than 0.9 shall be rounded down to the next lowest whole number. For example, the mixed use zoning district allows 20 units per acre; a lot of 0.195 acres (8,500 square feet) would be allowed four housing units (20 units per acre X 0.195 acres = 3.9, rounded up to four). A lot of 0.184 acres (8,000 square feet) would be allowed three housing units (20 units per acre X 0.184 acres = 3.7, rounded down to three). For calculating total acreage, calculations shall include fractions of an acre to the thousandth place.

3. Floor Area Ratio (FAR). When calculating the allowable floor area of a structure based on the FAR established by the applicable zoning district, the fractional/decimal results of calculations shall be rounded to the next highest whole number when the fraction/decimal is 0.5 or more, and to the next lowest whole number when the fraction is less than 0.5. For example, a maximum floor area ratio of 0.35 applied to a lot of 7,556 square feet results in a maximum allowable floor area of 2,645 square feet (7,556 X 0.035 = 2,644.6, rounded up to 2,645).

The Sonoma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025.

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4. Affordable Housing. All calculations relating to the provision of affordable housing, inclusionary units, and density bonuses shall be as described in Chapter 19.44 SMC, Affordable Housing and Density Bonuses.

5. All Other Calculations. For all calculations required by this development code other than those described in subsections (F)(1) through (F)(4) of this section, the fractional/decimal results of calculations shall be rounded to the next highest whole number when the fraction/decimal is 0.5 or more, and to the next lowest whole number when the fraction is less than 0.5.

• G. Conflicting Requirements.

1. Development Code and Other Municipal Code Provisions. If conflicts occur between different requirements of this development code, or between this development code and other municipal code provisions, the most restrictive shall apply.

2. Specific Plans. If conflicts occur between the requirements of this development code and standards adopted as part of any specific plan, the requirements of the specific plan shall apply.

3. Private Agreements. The requirements of this development code shall not be interpreted as repealing, abrogating, or annulling any easement, covenant, or deed restriction imposed on private property. However, all land uses and development shall comply with the requirements of this development code, regardless of the provisions of any private covenant, deed restriction (including conditions, covenants, and restrictions). The city shall not enforce any private covenant, restriction, or agreement unless it is a party to the covenant, restriction, or agreement. (Ord. 05-2019 § 1, 2019; Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).

Whenever the city planner determines that the meaning or applicability of any of the requirements of this development code are subject to interpretation generally or as applied to a specific case, the city planner may issue an official interpretation. Interpretations may also be requested in compliance with this section.

A. Request for Interpretation. A request shall be written, specifically state the provision(s) in question, and provide any information to assist in their review.

B. Record of Interpretations. The city planner will maintain a complete record of all official interpretations, available for public review, and indexed by the number of the section that is the subject of the interpretation. Official interpretations shall be:

1. In writing, and shall quote the provisions of this development code being interpreted, and explain their meaning or applicability in the particular or general circumstances that caused the need for interpretation;

2. Distributed to the council, relevant commission, city attorney, city clerk, and department staff; and

3. Maintained in all copies of the development code used by the department.

The Sonoma Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025.

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C. Appeals and Referral. Any interpretations of this development code by the city planner may be appealed to the planning commission as provided by Chapter 19.84 SMC, Appeals. The city planner may also refer any interpretation to the planning commission for a determination. (Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).