Commercial Building Improvements

From early-stage, no-cost input from our Project Advisory Committee to streamlined plan check through the FAST START program, the City provides resources and helpful information to assist you in building or remodeling your commercial space to meet your business needs.

Commercial buildings must meet requirements established in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state law. See the Disability Access Requirements and Resources notice for more information. View a short video showing Disabled Access Upgrade Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.

Making changes to your signage? Visit our Business Signage page.

Visit our Planning Department and Building Department pages to learn more about commercial building improvements, and give us a call or stop by with your questions.

Do I need a sign permit?

Many types of signs require a permit. You can find links and additional information on our business signage page. Contact the Planning Department for details.

How can I get copies of permits, building/house plans or other permit related documents?

Copies of permits and other related permit documentation on file may be obtained by requesting the documents at Sonoma City Hall and paying the requisite copying fee. A person requesting copies of plans and other documentation prepared by registered professionals may be viewed at City Hall but not copied until after an Affidavit Requesting Copies of Plans is completed, the design professional notified and the requirements of Section 19851 of the California Health & Safety Code are met.

How do I schedule a building inspection?

Building inspections can be scheduled by phone, fax or in person at City Hall. The information needed before an inspection can take place includes the job address, inspection type, time of day for the inspection (i.e. morning or afternoon), your name, your phone number and the permit number. To schedule by phone, call 707-938-3681 during business hours. To schedule by fax, print the “Request for Building Inspection” form and fax to 707-938-8775.

What is SolarAPP+?

SolarAPP+, short for Solar Automated Permit Processing, is an online web portal that automates the plan review process for issuing permits to qualified contractors to install code-compliant residential (1 & 2 family dwellings, ADU’s) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Based on California building, electrical, and fire codes, SolarAPP automatically performs a compliance check based on inputs supplied by the contractor to ensure the proposed system is safe and code compliant. Installation practices, workmanship, and adherence to the approved design are then verified by a City of Sonoma Building Inspector through the normal inspection process. SolarAPP+ lowers permit costs and expedites the issuance of solar PV permits and installations for eligible projects. For more information go to the SolarAPP+ Webpage.

When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required to build, enlarge, alter, remove, demolish, or repair a structure. This includes everything from houses and garages to commercial construction, tenant improvements to signs. Some work does not require a permit. Prior to getting a building permit, you should first check with the Planning Division to make sure what you want to do is allowed.

To apply for a building permit for any structural changes, or to add square footage to an existing structure, you need to:

Complete an application form (for some types of work, you can apply online)
Provide construction drawings
Pay building permit fees

Learn more from our When Do I Need a Building Permit handout.

When is an encroachment permit needed?

Encroachment permits are required if you plan to do any construction work in the sidewalk area, in an easement, on city owned property (median islands, parks, city facilities) or in the street.

Common reasons you would need one:

Utility saw-cuts
Excavation
News stands
Bicycle racks
Sidewalk dining
Debris boxes
Fences/walls
Construction staging