The City of Sonoma Planning Commission will consider updates to the Design Review Ordinance at its meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The proposed changes aim to streamline the entitlement process by clarifying review authority responsibilities, modifying the types of projects subject to design review, and expanding exemptions for certain development activities.
Highlights of the proposed updates include:
- Establishing major and minor tiers of design review, with clear thresholds for each.
- Expanding exemptions for projects such as compliant multifamily housing and modifications to non-historic homes.
- Refining review authority roles, including updated responsibilities for the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Introducing a new administrative noticing process for minor design review.
- Maintaining protections for historic resources while reducing unnecessary reviews for non-historic properties.
The ordinance also includes code amendments to maintain consistency across the Sonoma Municipal Code and aligns with State Law and General Plan policies. If approved by the planning commission, the ordinance will be considered for adoption by City Council in July.
For more information, review the full Staff Report and Draft Ordinance on our CivicWeb Portal.