Sonoma · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Sonoma?
In Sonoma, a single-family home is allowed in 4 base zones (R-R, R-L, R-S and A), needs an use permit in 1 (R-HS) and not allowed in 10 (Sonoma use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-R, R-L, R-S and A
- Needs a permit: R-HS
- Not allowed: R-M, R-H, R-O, R-P, C, C-G, MX, Pk and 2 more
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 single-family home can go
Sonoma's code calls this use “Single-Family Dwellings”. 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-R Residential – Rural | Allowed | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| R-L Residential – Low Density | Allowed | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| R-S Residential – Sonoma | Allowed | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| A Agriculture | Allowed | Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1 |
| R-HS Residential – Hillside | 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 19.40.050.
- R-M, R-H and MX: new single-family dwellings are prohibited since July 1, 2023 (19.10.020); existing ones stay legal conforming.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- 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 single-family home 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 single-family home in the R-M zone in Sonoma?
No. Sonoma's use table does not allow it in R-M (Residential – Medium Density) (Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1).
Can I have a single-family home in the R-R zone in Sonoma?
Yes. Sonoma's use table lists it as allowed in R-R (Residential – Rural) (Chapter 19.10 — ZONES AND ALLOWABLE USES 1).
General information, not legal advice.
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