Chapter 19.80 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Sections:

• 19.80.010 Purpose of chapter.

• 19.80.020 Planning agency defined.

• 19.80.030 City planner.

• 19.80.040 Project advisory committee.

• 19.80.050 Planning commission.

• 19.80.060 Historic preservation commission.

This chapter describes the authority and responsibilities of city staff and official bodies in the administration of this development code, in addition to the council. (Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).

The functions of a planning agency shall be performed by the Sonoma city council, planning commission, historic preservation commission and department of community development and public works, in compliance with state law (Government Code Section 65100). (Ord. 10-2025 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 06-2013 § 3, 2013; Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).

• A. Appointment. The city planner shall be appointed by the city manager.

• B. Duties and Authority. The city planner shall:

  1. Have the responsibility to perform all of the functions designated by state law (Government Code Section 65103, Planning Agency Functions);

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

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2. Have the responsibility and authority to grant applications for all administrative permits and approvals issued by the planning division;

3. Perform other responsibilities assigned by the city council and the city manager;

4. Perform the duties and functions prescribed in this development code, including the review of development projects, in compliance with state law (Government Code Section 65901 et seq.), SMC 19.52.020 Authority for land use and zoning decisions, Table 5-1, Review Authority for Planning Permits, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).

• A. Establishment. The project advisory committee is hereby established.

B. Composition. The project advisory committee shall be composed of representatives of the department of planning and public works (including the city planner, the building official and the city engineer), the police department, and the fire department; and shall also include a public member, who is not already an appointed city commissioner, representing the community-at-large and appointed by the city council.

C. Duties and Authority. The project advisory committee shall meet with prospective applicants, as requested, to review development proposals prior to the submittal of a formal application, in order to provide comments and suggestions on issues related to site planning, environmental impacts, public services and infrastructure, and potential conditions of approval, subject to the limitations set forth in SMC 19.52.040(A), Preapplication Review. (Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).

A. Establishment. The Sonoma planning commission is established by Chapter 2.44 SMC, Planning Commission, which identifies the membership, terms of office, removal, rules of order, and general responsibilities.

• B. Duties and Authority. The commission shall perform the duties and functions prescribed in this development code, including:

  1. The review of and determination on applications for development projects and subdivisions filed with the planning division as described in Divisions V and VI; and

2. The recommendation, to the council for final determinations, on development agreements, General Plan amendments, specific plans, development code amendments, zoning map amendments, environmental documents, and other applicable policy or ordinance matters related to the city’s planning process.

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

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The above listed duties and functions shall be performed in compliance with SMC 19.52.020, Authority for land use and zoning decisions, Table 5-1, Review Authority for Planning Permits, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).

• A. Establishment. The Sonoma historic preservation commission is established by Chapter 2.60 SMC, Historic Preservation Commission, which identifies the membership, terms of office, removal, rules of order, and general responsibilities.

• B. Duties and Authority. The historic preservation commission shall perform the duties and functions prescribed in this development code, including:

  1. The review of and determination of sign applications in accordance with SMC Title 18;

  2. Initiation, review and designation of a local historic resource or district, in accordance with SMC 19.42.020, Designation of a local historic resource or district.

The above listed duties and functions shall be performed in compliance with SMC 19.52.020, Authority for land use and zoning decisions, Table 5-1, Review Authority for Planning Permits, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (Ord. 10-2025 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 06-2013 § 3, 2013; Ord. 2003-02 § 3, 2003).