Sonoma · Land use · Bed and breakfast
Where is a bed and breakfast allowed in Sonoma?
In Sonoma, a bed and breakfast is needs an use permit in 6 (R-HS, R-R, R-L, C, C-G and 1 more) and not allowed in 5 (Sonoma use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-HS, R-R, R-L, C, C-G and MX
- Not allowed: R-S, R-M, R-H, R-O and R-P
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Sonoma Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a bed and breakfast can go
Sonoma's code calls this use “Bed and Breakfast Inns (B&Bs)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-HS Residential – Hillside | Needs an use permit | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| R-R Residential – Rural | Needs an use permit | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| R-L Residential – Low Density | Needs an use permit | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| C Commercial | Needs an use permit | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| C-G Commercial-Gateway | Needs an use permit | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| MX Mixed Use | Needs an use permit | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: SMC 19.50.030.
- Overlay zones and specific plans can change the answer for a lot.
Other uses in Sonoma
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the R-HS zone in Sonoma?
Only with an use permit. Sonoma's use table lists it that way in R-HS (Residential – Hillside) (Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1).
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the R-S zone in Sonoma?
No. Sonoma's use table does not allow it in R-S (Residential – Sonoma) (Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a bed and breakfast at an address in Sonoma
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