New Location FAQs
Is the location I have chosen zoned for my business?
If you have selected a site within the city limits of Sonoma, be sure to contact the Planning Department before you commit yourself to a location. Not all types of businesses are allowed in every commercial location, and you want to be sure your new business will have proper zoning. In addition, the planning staff will tell you if you are required to apply for a Conditional Use Permit, which is granted by the Planning Commission, a seven-member body appointed by the City Council. They generally set conditions of approval which you will be required to follow, if approval is given. You also must meet parking requirements and you may need Design Review. Even home businesses are regulated. Planning can be reached by calling 707.938.3681 and is located at the downstairs front counter of City Hall, #1 The Plaza, Sonoma.
If your location is in the Springs area or elsewhere in the unincorporated area of Sonoma County, you will need to contact the Permit Resources Management Department (PRMD) to check on zoning, design review, parking and other requirements. In addition, you may have to make a presentation to the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission, which reviews certain types of projects in Sonoma Valley. The general number for PRMD is 707.565.1900, or you may visit them at 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa.
Will I need a building permit for tenant improvements?
Tenant improvements are changes you make to your business space to make it uniquely your own, or to make it comply with current regulations, such as disabled access. Not everything you do will require a building permit, but it is better to find out before you sign a lease. Even if you don’t plan to change any interior electrical, mechanical, or plumbing features, a change of use may trigger new requirements. Building Department staff will be happy to talk with you about your plans, to determine if permits are required. At your discretion, you may want to engage the services of an architect or design-build specialist to advise you on what is likely to be required.
For projects in the city limits, contact the City Building Division at 707.938.3681 or go to the downstairs counter at City Hall, #1 The Plaza. If you are in the County, go to PRMD (Building Division), 707.565.1900, or visit the office at 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa. You may be able to take advantage of the County's on-line permit program.
What if my business is home-based?
In the City of Sonoma, even home-based businesses need a business license, so don’t overlook this important step. If you are operating your business from your home, you will also need a Home Occupation Permit and comply with restrictions on home-based businesses.
In the unincorporated areas of the County, home occupation businesses are permitted in most zoning districts. A Zoning Permit for a home occupation can be issued "over-the-counter" at PRMD. The application requires a statement describing the business, a site plan, a floor plan of the dwelling, and the owner's signature. Home occupation criteria include: no employees; no more than 8 customers or clients in one day; must be conducted entirely within the residence; and cannot occupy more than 25% of the floor area. In the AR zoning district an employee is permitted subject to approval of a Use Permit.
Does selling food or alcohol require special licensing?
Retail food sales, whether in a market, a restaurant, a snack bar, a bakery, or any other venue requires a permit from the County Department of Environmental Health (707.527.1888). Permits from existing businesses are not transferable. If your site has not had food sales before, you will also have to check with City Planning or PRMD Planning Division to determine what modifications you might need to comply with current regulations, and with the County Water Agency (Sonoma Valley Sanitation District) to check on grease trap requirements. If you are in the city limits, the City Building Department can advise you on whom to contact. The County PRMD information line at 565-1900 can also help.
Alcohol sales require special permitting. First check with the Planning Division (if you are locating in the city limits) or PRMD (in the unincorporated area) to determine if the zone your site is in allows alcohol sales. Then, contact the State’s Alcohol Beverage Control Board to obtain an actual license.
What about my sign?
In the city limits, all commercial signs must be approved by the Design Review Commission of the City of Sonoma. An application for a sign permit can be obtained at the downstairs counter at City Hall, #1 The Plaza, or on-line at www.sonomacity.org . There are regulations governing the size and height of commercial signs and the Design Review Board may make suggestions about color and materials. Information about sign requirements can be obtained from the Planning staff at 707.938.3681. Click here for a handout on commonly requested info about business signage requirements within the City.
All commercial signs in the unincorporated area of Sonoma Valley must be approved by the County. Staff at the Permit and Resource Management Department can advise you on size and type of sign you are permitted to have and the approval process.
If your business is located in a redevelopment project area, you may be eligible for financial assistance for your sign or other facade improvements.
