Gas Station Land Use
Regulations
January 13, 2026
Planning and Economic Development Jessica Jones, Deputy Director-Planning • 1/14/2020: Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and elevating climate issues to the highest priority in its goal setting. • 9/13/2021: RCPA adopted a resolution recommending ceasing all construction of new gas station infrastructure in Sonoma County.
• 9/13/2022: Council adopted an ordinance amending the Zoning Code to prohibit new gas stations and expansion of existing gas stations. • 6/3/2025: Council moved to add a future agenda item to discuss potential changes to the Zoning Code addressing gas station modifications. 1Background
2 Prior Gas Station Regulations
• Gas stations allowed, with a CUP , in all commercial zoning districts (except Core Mixed Use) and Light and Heavy industrial districts.
• Specific regulations for gas stations included:
✓Requiring a minimum lot area and dimensions.
✓Prohibiting new gas stations adjacent to residential zoning districts or uses. ✓Requiring a minimum of 500 feet between gas stations, unless they were within 150 feet of Hwy 101 and Freeway 12 intersections. 3 Current Gas Station Regulations
• New gas stations are prohibited in all zoning districts. • Zoning Code Section 20-61.020(E), Gas Station Modifications:
✓Cannot be enlarged, extended, reconstructed, or moved to a different portion of the lot, except as noted below or as required by law, or approved by CUPA. ✓A Minor Use Permit is required for any modifications to existing stations:
➢To improve air, soil, groundwater, and stormwater quality. ➢To improve traffic safety.
➢To enable battery charging stations.
4 Options
a. No changes to the existing Zoning Code regulations.
b. Revert to prior Zoning Code regulations.
c. Amend existing gas station regulations:
• Allow expansion of existing stations – may include limitations on number of pumps, requirements for mitigation measures, and/or other requirements. • Allow relocation of existing gas stations – may include limitations on locations, requirements for mitigation measures and remediation, and/or other requirements.
Recommendation 5
The Planning and Economic Development Department recommends that the Council hold a study session and provide direction to staff related to the current gas station land use regulations.
Questions?