Jurisdiction Sonoma ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
128-061-001 484 Sanchez Court Hummingbird BP-24-63 5+ O 0 128-061-001 489 Sanchez Court Hummingbird BP-24-65 5+ O 0 128-061-001 485 Sanchez Court Hummingbird BP-24-67 5+ O 0 128-061-001 483 Sanchez Court Hummingbird BP-24-68 5+ O 0 128-061-001 479 Sanchez Court Hummingbird BP-24-70 5+ O 0 018-413-017 853 Second Street East Garage to ADU Conversion BP-24-118 ADU R 0 128-061-001 493 Fortuni Court Hummingbird BP-24-61 5+ O 0 128-162-037 390 Harrington Drive SFD BP-24-12 SFD O 0 128-162-037 392 Harrington Drive ADU BP-24-13 ADU R
0 128-162-042 470 Harrington Drive
New SFD &
Attached
Guestroom/Gara
ge
23694 SFD O
0 018-313-015 676 Second St East Garage to ADU Conversion BP-24-47 ADU R 0 018-051-002 400 Brazil Street Demolition LSBP-24-378 SFD O 0018-051-006 434 Brazil Street Demolition LSBP-24-384 SFD O 0128-061-001 496 Fortuni Court Hummingbird BP-24-59 5+ O 0 128-061-001 486 Sanchez Court Hummingbird BP-24-62 5+ O 0 127-700-033 613 Charles
Van Damme
Way
SFD & Pool
House BP-25-44 SFD O
0 127-700-033 613 Charles Van
Damme Way SFD and ADU BP 25-44 ADU R
00 Agenda Item #9.2:
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
0 1 10/14/2025 10 1 10/14/2025 10 1 10/14/2025 10 1 10/14/2025 10 1 10/16/2025 10 1 10/16/2025 1 0 1 10/28/2025 10 1 11/6/2025 10 1 11/6/2025 10 1 11/6/2025 10 1 11/17/2025 1 0 3/3/2025 00 3/3/2025 0
0 1 4/2/2025 1
0 1 4/2/2025 1
1 9/23/2025 1 0
1 9/23/2025 1 0
0 0
Agenda Item #9.2:
NONE No Y 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No Y 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No Y 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No Y 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No Y 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No Y
ABAG ADU Affordability
Survey published January
2026
NONE No Y 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No YNONE No Y
ABAG ADU Affordability
Survey published January
2026
NONE No YNONE No Y
ABAG ADU Affordability
Survey published January
2026
NONE No 1 Demolished ONONE No 1 Demolished O
NONE No Y DB 1000 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No Y 11.0%
1 Development Standards Modification
Yes
NONE No YNONE No Y
Agenda Item #9.2:
Jurisdiction Sonoma ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
1 Projection
Period 3 4
RHNA Allocation
by Income Level
Projection
Period -
06/30/2022-
01/30/2023
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Total Units
to Date (all
years)
Total Remaining
RHNA by
Income Level
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - 1 - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - 1 1 - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - 1 - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - 2 - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted 7 4 11 1 - - - - - -
Above Moderate 130 3 5 15 5 - - - - - - 28 102
311
10 10 29 8 - - - - - - 57 254
Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected].
Acutely Low - -
*For years prior to 2025, data on deed-restricted vs. non-deed restricted Extremely Low-Income units is approximated from whether the projects reported any deed-restricted Very Low-Income Units. If you wish to edit this historical data for accuracy or have any questions about the data, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected].
Total Units
*For jurisdictions that received RHNA determinations for the current cycle prior to the passage of AB 3093 (September 19, 2024):
- You were not allocated Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income RHNA targets, therefore the allocations in Field 1 are listed as "0" - If you wish to set your own targets in these income categories for informational purposes, contact HCD staff at [email protected]. - All Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income units reported during the cycle are counted towards Very-Low Income RHNA progress 25 Total RHNA
-
45 Low
*For years prior to 2025, Acutely Low-Income units are reported within the Extremely Low-Income category Please Note: Table B does not currently contain data from Table F or Table F2 for prior years. You may login to the APR system to see Table B that contains this data.
Extremely Low -
25 Moderate
83 48
50 3
1 Income Level
Very Low
- -
This table is auto-populated once you enter your jurisdiction name and current year data. Past year information comes from previous APRs.
Please contact HCD if your data is different than the material supplied here 2 Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
82 Agenda Item #9.2:
Jurisdiction Sonoma
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
D_1_Name D_2_Objective D_5_Complete D_6_Cycle D_7_ImpStatus D_4_Status D_8_CatOutcomes D_9_CountOutcomes D_10_Documents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Name of Program Objective
Projected Completion
Date in Housing
Element
Applicable Cycle Status of Program
Implementation Program Implementation Details Quantified Outcomes: Category Quantified Outcomes:
Count Supporting Documents
(1) Inclusionary Housing
Reevaluate the City’s inclusionary housing provisions to ensure that they remain appropriate and do not impede the development of housing and are effective in providing an affordable component to new development.
2023-2024 6th Cycle In Progress
Selected KMA to preform feasibility analysis.
Kicked off November 2024. To be completed Fall
2026 after adoption of new fees.
.
By December 2023, adopt an in-lieu fee that is supported by a study to ensure the fee does not make residential projects economically infeasible.
May 2023 6th Cycle Completed Resolution 35-2023. https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/document/653 26/
.
By July 1, 2024, revise the City’s inclusionary housing provisions to require that inclusionary units remain affordable in perpetuity.
2023 6th Cycle Completed Ordinance 01-2023 https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/document/615 75/
(2) Partnerships with
Affordable Housing
Developers
Provide information annually via email and host a quarterly meeting with affordable housing developers and non-profits to identify housing opportunities and to identify City
programs, including the Housing Trust Fund, and incentives that support affordable housing development, rehabilitation, and conversion of market-rate housing or non-residential development to affordable housing through provision of land write-downs, regulatory incentives, and/or direct assistance.
Annual. Start 2024. 6th Cycle Continuous
Created list of developers.
Conversations have occurred with Burbank
Housing, Habitat for Humanity, Sonoma Housing
Land Trust, Sonoma Valley Collaborative, and
Generation Housing. City staff successfully
utilized affordable housing trust fund to aid in
purchase of 18 affordable units in order to
preserve their affordability.
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ents/283695/?preview=292139
.
Identify developer interest in at least 2 affordable projects (1 project by 2024 and another by 2026), including at least 42 extremely low, 41 low, and 48 low income units.
2024-2026 6th Cycle In Progress Conversations have occurred on 2 potential 100% affordable projects for a total of 80 units +/-
.
Annually meet with County representatives to discuss
farmworker housing needs and to identify opportunities and potential applications for funding. Identify at least one project, locally or regionally, to provide at least 20 units of farmworker housing by 2026.
Annual. Start 2024. 6th Cycle Continuous
City Staff have reached out to County
representatives to discuss farmworker housing. A
affordable housing development with 11
farmworking housing units is currently being
developed at the city's border (in county).
https://www.midpenhousing.org/property/summer-oaks/
(3) Adaptive Reuse
Develop innovative strategies for the adaptive reuse of commercial structures and market-rate housing with potential to convert to affordable housing beyond only officially designated historic structures to provide for a range of housing types and residential uses.
2024-2027 6th Cycle Not Yet Started
Amend the Development Code to broaden the
applicability of adaptive reuse to occur by 2026;
Identification of at least four sites with adaptive
reuse potential, including underutilized
commercial sites or underutilized residential sites
to occur by 2026 and out reach to property
owners of sites informing them of the City’s
methods of promoting adaptive reuse to occur in
2027.
(4) Alternative Housing
Measures
Establish design and development standards and a
streamlined review process that supports a greater variety of housing types, including duplex, triplex, and fourplex units and cottage/courtyard housing. Increase access to census tracts that have low racial or economic diversity and to census tracts in areas of higher opportunity by allowing a greater variety of housing types in order to promote greater racial and economic diversity.
2024-2026 6th Cycle In Progress
Amending development code to include design
and development standards and streamlined
review process for at least dulpex, triplex,
fourplex, and cottage/courtyard housing by 2026.
Coinciding with the General Plan Update to allow
these uses in single-family zoning but want the
same standards to be used regardless of zone.
(5) Accessory Dwelling
Units and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units
Update the ADU/JADU requirements to comply with State
law; pursue funding for ADU construction; 2023 6th Cycle Continuous Updated in 2023 by Ordinance No. 04-2023.
Additional update scheduled for 2026 for
additional/new compliance.
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Housing Programs Progress Report
Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583 Agenda Item #9.2:
. Provide financial assistance to build ADUs; Annual 6th Cycle Continuous City attending workshops and any other resources to identify funding opportunities.
. Provide technical resources; Annual 6th Cycle Continuous Provided pre-approved ADU plans on City's website Other 7 https://www.sonomacity.org/pre-reviewed-aduplans-program/ . Conduct outreach and education on ADU 2025 6th Cycle Continuous . Conduct a mid-cycle review of ADU assumptions; 2027 6th Cycle Not Yet Started To begin FY26-27 . Achieve at least 64 ADUs 2027-2031 6th Cycle Continuous ADU tracking provided in HE Annual Report (6) Second Homes
Develop tools to disincentivize second homes and reduce the number of seasonal, recreational, or occasional use units by 5-10% during the planning period.
2024-2025; 2026 6th Cycle In Progress
2024/2025 Evaluation of programs that
disincentivize second units in progress. Selected
KMA to perform second home research and
applicability to Sonoma. Pursuit of implementation
of approaches to reduce second homes and
capture a portion of the cost of second homes
have on the need for permanent , affordable, and
workforce housing to begin FY26-27.
(7) Affordable Housing
Funding Sources
Actively pursue federal, State, County and private funding sources for affordable housing as a means of leveraging local funds and maximizing assistance. Support developers in securing outside funding sources. Funds will be used to support the City’s housing goals, policies, and programs including providing ADUs, alternative housing types,
integration of housing into commercial areas, adaptive reuse of non-residential structures, rehabilitation and preservation of housing, including subsidized housing and mobile home parks, incentivizing affordable housing, infill housing, and furthering access to housing opportunities throughout
Sonoma.
2025, 2027, 2029 6th Cycle Continuous
To preserve 18 affordable units, City staff
partnered with Burbank Housing to purchase all
18 units through different loans, including a
BAHFA (Bay Area Housing
Finance Authority) Housing Preservation Loan,
totaling $4.9 million and a $200,000 grant to
cover the funding gap from the City's Affordable
Housing Trust Fund.
Units 18 https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ents/283695/?preview=292139
.
In 2023, pursue a Prohousing Designation from HCD in order to reflect the City’s significant housing achievements and to increase the City’s competitiveness for State grant and loan program applications.
2023 6th Cycle In Progress
Actively working with the Napa Sonoma
Collaborative on the Prohousing Designation
application process to submit in 2026.
.
In 2024, request to join the Renewal Enterprise District (a Joint Powers Authority between the County of Sonoma and the City of Santa Rosa) to assist housing providers with access to opportunities to pool and leverage financing tools and funding sources.
2024 6th Cycle Completed Completed. Discussed potential of joining RED and determined to not meet their criteria.
.
Work with developers and housing providers to identify at least 2 affordable new development projects, including at least 42 extremely low, 41 low, and 48 low income units, and 1 rehabilitation or conversion project that would assist at least 10 very low and 10 low income households (1 project identified by 2024 and 1 by 2026).
2024, 2026 6th Cycle In Progress Conversations have occurred on 2 potential 100% affordable projects for a total of 80 units +/-
.
Submit, or support developer submission of, at least 3
affordable housing funding applications, such as
development, preservation, maintenance/rehabilitation,
and/or homebuyer assistance, to assist the above-referenced projects as well as other opportunities identified during the planning period.
2025, 2027, 2029 6th Cycle Continuous
To preserve 18 affordable units, City staff
partnered with Burbank Housing to purchase all
18 units through different loans, including a
BAHFA (Bay Area Housing Finance Authority)
Housing Preservation Loan, totaling $4.9 million
and a $200,000 grant to cover the funding gap
from the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ents/283695/?preview=292139
.
Work with non-profits and philanthropy groups to identify opportunities to purchase larger lots or to purchase
contiguous smaller lots, with an emphasis on opportunities in the east side, that can be made available at low or no cost to non-profit developers to provide affordable, workforce, and special needs housing.
2025, 2027, 2029 6th Cycle Continuous
Discussed interest by local church to partner with
a non-profit developer for affordable housing on
their lot. City is undergoing the process to update
the land use for the lot to incentivize future
housing development as it does not qualify under
SB4.
(8) Affordable Housing
Impact Fees
By December 2023, adopt an impact fee to address the
demand for affordable housing generated by new single
family units and smaller residential projects.
2023 6th Cycle Completed
Completed May 2023 Resolution 35-2023. To be
reviewed in 2025 as part of the inclusionary
housing update.
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/document/653
26/
Agenda Item #9.2:
.
By December 2025, expand the application of the
commercial linkage fee to address the demand for affordable, including extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income, workforce housing generated by non-residential
development.
2024-2025 6th Cycle In Progress Completed non-residential nexus study. To be reviewed in 2026.
(9) Housing Choice
Voucher Rental Assistance
Cooperate with the Sonoma County Housing Authority to
continue to make Housing Choice Vouchers available in
Sonoma.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous
Ongoing implementation with the County Housing
Authority. City staff sit on the City and Towns
Advisory Committee of the Housing Authority.
.
Make information regarding the HCV program available on the City website and in an annual direct mailing to all residents and property owners, identifying available housing resources.
Ongoing 6th Cycle In Progress
Information to be added to website on how to
make your home available to rent through the
HCV program or apply to participate in the HCV
program.
.
Provide referrals to the Sonoma County Housing Authority to households seeking rental assistance. Ongoing 6th Cycle Ongoing .
To increase housing mobility and opportunities in the City’s highest resource areas, provide annual outreach to property owners citywide encouraging owners of rental property to register with the Sonoma County Housing Authority to
increase housing stock accessible to very low and extremely low-income households.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous Work with Sonoma County on outreach of the HCV programs.
.
Perform additional outreach, with a minimum of three (3) presentations per year, to Homeowners’ Associations and Neighborhood Associations in the areas with the highest opportunity scores in the City, to provide education about the benefits of the HCV program and to encourage increased
landlord participation
3 times annually 6th Cycle In Progress City to create HOA list and contact to determine interest.
(10) Housing
Rehabilitation Program
Promote the availability of the Housing Rehabilitation
Program on the City’s website, through social media, and by way of handouts available at the City Hall public counter and Sonoma Community Center as well as through the local real estate community. Continue to work with the SCCDC to
ensure that funding remains available for housing
rehabilitation activities. Seek to assist a total of 20 lower income households during the planning period.Identify
concentrations of housing in need of repair and multifamily developments in need of significant repair and connect
property owners with resources for rehabilitation.
2024-2025 6th Cycle In Progress
Information on availability of funds and the
program to be made available online and in a
handout to provide at City Hall. Staff to contact
County for confirmation of funds.
(11) Tenant and Resident
Projections
Continue to enforce the mobile home park rent stabilization and conversion ordinances to preserve the affordability and long-term use of mobile home parks in Sonoma.
Annual, ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous Ongoing implementation of SMC Chapter 9.80 and 9.82.
https://sonoma.municipal.codes/SMC/9_DivVI
I
.
Update the Chapter 9.82 of the Municipal Code by December 2023 to reflect the requirements of State law, including AB 2782 changes to Civil Code Section 798.17 (rental
agreement requirements), Civil Code Section 798.56
(tenancy termination standards), and Government Code
Sections 65863.7 and 66427.4 provisions regarding
conversion or closure of a mobile home park.
2023-2024 6th Cycle In Progress
City staff is working with City Counsel on
development of ordinance updates per direction
from city council.
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/document/295
243/Study%20Session%20to%20discuss%20
options%20for%20mobilehome.pdf?handle=9
AB1ECBBC5284A32A6762C8759147E38
.
Continue to provide tenant protections through
implementation of the City’s condominium conversion
regulations. Utilize State provisions under SB 510 to ensure that mobile home park residents are afforded all protections specified by law pertaining to park conversions to resident ownership.
Ongoing 6th Cycle In Progress Department is working with ABAG for the tenant protections ordinance update.
.
Review rent stablization and just cause eviction policies including reasonable protections for small-time and good behavior landlords.
2023-2024 6th Cycle Completed
The City only has a local mobile home rent
stabilization (protection) ordinance for
mobilehome parks. No other policies exisitng at
the local level.
.
Adoption of additional tenant protection requirements to reduce displacement 2024 6th Cycle In Progress
Staff is researching tentant protection
requirements in surrounding communities to
inform a new policy.
Agenda Item #9.2:
(12) Preservation of
Assisted Rental Housing
Facilitate long-term preservation of Sonoma’s rentrestricted housing through the following actions:
Rental Units – preserve 100% of at-risk rental units
• Monitor At-Risk Units: Contact property owners at least 18 months and again within one year prior to the affordability expiration date to discuss City’s desire to preserve as affordable housing.
• Work with Potential Priority Purchasers: Solicit
participation of agencies interested in
purchasing and/or managing units at risk. Provide funding assistance, which can be leveraged with outside funding sources from nonprofits to either transfer ownership or provide rent subsidies to maintain affordability.
• Tenant Education: Based on State law, property owners are required to give a nine month notice of their intent to opt out of low-income use restrictions. The City will work with tenants, and as necessary contract with specialists like the California Housing Partnership and other nonprofits, to provide education regarding tenant rights and
conversion procedures.
Ownership Units – preserve all at-risk ownership units where the City has an option to purchase
• Monitor At-Risk Units: Contact property owners at least 18 months and again within one year prior to the affordability expiration date to discuss City’s desire to preserve as affordable housing.
• Exercise Option Agreement: Where the City has
the option to purchase the agreement, the City either
exercise the option agreement or partner with agencies or organizations interested in purchasing and/or managing units at risk in order to maintain the affordability of
Annual 6th Cycle Continuous
All agreements for at-risk properties have been
pulled and the City’s “Option” process has been
reviewed. Staff to complete notices and
education for properties at risk. A list of funding
opportunities and potential partners to purchase
at risk units is being developed.
(13) Housing Element
Monitoring/Annual
Reporting
Review the Housing Element annually and provide
opportunities for public participation, in conjunction with the submission of the City’s Annual Progress Report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development by April 1st of each year.
Annual 6th Cycle Continuous
The APR is presented at a City Council meeting
as a regular agenda item providing an opportunity
for a staff presentation, public comment, and
Council discussion.
.
By 2025, develop a registry of rental units, accessory
dwelling units, and SB 9 units to monitor the affordability of such units, to collect data to inform decisions, and to assist the City in monitoring the efficacy of its programs directed at tenant protections, promoting housing opportunities through ADUs and SB 9 units, and addressing the maintenance and preservation of housing.
2025 6th Cycle In Progress
Create system for registry of rental units and
annual review to begin FY25-26. Staffing levels in
CDD limits ability to develop registry at this time.
Finance started collecting tax on ALL rental
properties in the City in 2025.
(14) Design Guidelines and
Design Review
Update the City’s Development Code and design guidelines to expand the City’s objective multifamily design standards to also address mixed use and multi-unit (two or more units on a single parcel) projects and to provide a streamlined
ministerial review process consistent with relevant provisions of State law as discussed under Program 15. Continue to implement design review in accordance with State law,
focusing on increasing housing opportunities in the City while ensuring maintenance of Sonoma’s architectural character and quality of the built environment as the City continues to grow.
Update City's zoning and
design requirements to
provide objective standard
with state requriements
including SB 330 and SB 9
by December 2023. Ongoing
implementation.
6th Cycle Continuous
Staff has made modifications to multiple sections
of the Development Code to reduce constraints
on development including: Objective Design
Standards for by right projects required by state
law, parking number and space size reductions,
streamline processing for concurrent applications,
and clarify development standards for residential
development (Ordinance No. 02-2023, 04-2023,
05-2023, 06-2023), as well as SB9 update
(Ordinance No. 01-2025).
In FY-25-26 the Multifamily Design Standards
were updated to apply to all multifamily
development and design review permit is only
required if an exception to the standards is
requested by an applicant in an effort to
streamline design review process.
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ents/62630/ ,
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/document/283
703/
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ent/292541/Ordinance%2010-2025.pdf
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ent/292542/Ordinance%2011-2025.pdf
(15) Development Code
Amendments - Housing
Constraints
Ensure that the City’s Development Code is consistent with State law and update the Development Code as needed to
comply with future changes.
Every three years 6th Cycle Continuous In process. Staff to update Development Code as required by changes to state law.
Agenda Item #9.2:
.
Review development standards in all residential districts every three years to identify if standards have constrained potential development and revise standards when necessary to remove constraints to multifamily residential developments, including mixed use development.
Every three years 6th Cycle Continuous To begin FY-26-27 .
Amendments to the Development Code are needed to
address various recent changes to State law and create
consistency with the Housing Element. The amendments
shall address the following: Low barrier navigation centers, transitional and supportive housing, residential care facilities, streamlined/ministerial review for Eligible Affordable Housing Projects, Employee housing, SRO, Emergency shelters,
design standards, affordability in perpetuity, use permit, building heights and setbacks, chapter 19.42.
December 2023 6th Cycle In Progress
In 2025 Staff brought forward most of the code
amendments identified in this Program including
to accommodate low barrier navigation center,
supportive housing, transitional housing,
residential care facilities, qualified employee
housing, single room occupancy, and emergency
shelters consistent with state law. Ordinance
adoption on January 26, 2026 by City Council.
The other items will be done with the
comprehensive code update after adoption of the
General Plan in FY26-27.
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ent/297742/Ordinance%2001-2026.pdf
(16) Monitor Changes in
Federal and State
Housing, Planning, and
Zoning Laws
Monitor federal and state legislation as well as City
development processes and zoning regulations to identify and remove constraints to housing.
December 2023; ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous
Updating of the municipal code and project
application documents for incorporation of
requirements of AB 2011 and SB6 (orginial goal
date of Dec 2023) in process. Annual monitoring
of relevant legislation and ongoing
implementation to address any needed revisions
to the SMC or other City standard(s) based on
annual monitoring of relevant legislation is
ongoing.
(17) Growth Management
Ordinance
Should the GMO be reinstated or reactivated, the City will:
•Review the GMO to ensure that it does not conflict with SB 330 or other provisions of State law, and
•Annually review the Growth Management Ordinance in
conjunction with the monitoring of affordable housing
produced (refer to Program 13) and modify as necessary to ensure adequate incentives are provided for the development of affordable housing and fulfillment of regional housing needs in the current and future housing element cycles.Any modifications shall occur within one year of identification of constraints associated
with accommodating the 6th Cycle RHNA under the GMO.
Continue to track and reallocate unused and forfeited
allocations.
Ongoing implementation 6th Cycle Continuous The City has not reactivated this ordinance. (18)Parking Incentives and
Modified Standards
Continue to provide options for reduced parking as an
incentive for development of affordable, special needs, mixeduse, live-work, and pedestrian-oriented housing.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous
Staff completed and ordinance update to reduce
the size and number of parking spaces
(Ordinance No. 06-2024).
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/document/271
523/
(19) Affordable
Housing/Access to
Opportunities Density
Bonus and Incentives
Continue to implement and grant density bonuses for projects meeting density bonus criteria, consistent with State law. Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous In 2025, Planning Commission approved a housing development with density bonus. https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/document/293
112/Consideration,%20discussion,%20and%2
0possible%20action%20.pdf?handle=66B597
14EB9940C7841425660EB6EFC9
.
Update Chapter 19.44 to reflect the density bonus provisions of State law and to allow up to two additional incentives for special needs housing that is affordable to very low, low, and/or moderate income households in perpetuity and to
establish density bonuses and incentives for housing projects that improve economic, educational, and environmental
opportunities. Promote the use of density bonus incentives and provide technical assistance to developers in utilizing the density bonus to maximize feasibility and meet local housing needs.
December 2023 6th Cycle In Progress In process due to staff capacity but the City continues to implement the state law.
Agenda Item #9.2:
.
Consider applying an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) to sites, including but not limited to Sites 1 and 28, identified for very low and low income development in the Background
Report. The AHO would allow development of the sites at 25 units per acre for projects that provide a minimum of 40% of units affordable to very low and low income households. This shall include consideration of whether the City has received development applications for projects that would assist in meeting the RHNA and whether an AHO is necessary to
further incentivize development of sites to meet the 6th Cycle RHNA.
2024 6th Cycle In Progress
In process through General Plan Update process
an Affodable housing Overlay program is being
developed.
.
Apply an AB 2011 overlay to identify sites eligible for increased density under Government Code Sections
65912.100 through 65912.131
December 2023 6th Cycle In Progress
In process due to staff capacity, however City
continues to implement state law. City website to
be updated with list of applicable sites.
(20) Adequate Sites for
Lower Income Households
on Nonvacant and Vacant
Sites Previously Identified
Rezone to allow developments by right pursuant to
Government Code Section 65583.2(i) when 20 percent or
more of the units are affordable to lower income households on sites identified in Appendix A to accommodate the lower income RHNA that were previously identified in past housing elements. Specifically, the City will rezone Site 11 (APN 127- 221-033), Site 28 (APN 018-241-054), and Site 70 (APNs
128-321-032 and 128-321-034).
Create opportunity for at least 30 units of rental housing for lower income households
December 2023 6th Cycle Completed
Rezoning of the three sites was completed with
the Ordinance adoption on January 26, 2026 by
City Council.
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/docum
ent/297743/Ordinance%2002-2026.pdf
(21) Fair Housing Services
Continue to provide comprehensive fair housing services, including promoting fair housing practices, review and
enforcement assistance with fair housing complaints, and education to housing providers, through FHANC. As a means of furthering fair housing education and outreach in the community, the City will advertise the fair housing program through placement of fair housing services brouchures at the public counter, Sonoma Community Center, and on the City's webiste.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous
Staff has contacted Fair Housing Advocates of
Northern California and Legal Aid Sonoma
County for assistance. Additionally, website
overhaul with more information is currently in
development.
(22) Affirmatively Further
Fair Housing Implement measures to affirmatively further fair housing. Ongoing 2023-2031 6th Cycle Continuous City will continue to complete necessary actions
to meet state AFFH requirements and monitor
AFFH actions on annual basis in conjunction with
the preparation of APR. If any action items are
not being achieved, the City will adjust metrics,
timeframes, and commitments as necessary to
meet its AFFH goals.
(23) Universal Design and
Accessibility
Continue to provide information on universal design and visitability principles to residential development applicants. . 6th Cycle Ongoing .
By December 2024, update the Municipal Code to include
visitability requirements for new residential construction (single family and multifamily) and multifamily remodels. 2024 6th Cycle Not Yet Started To begin FY-26-27
.
By December 2025, update the Circulation Element of the General Plan to ensure that the City’s circulation system, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and transit stops, are designed to promote accessibility for all persons, including persons with a disability
2025 6th Cycle In Progress
The Circulation element is part of the
comprehensive General Plan Update currently
underway.
(24) Reasonable
Accomodation Procedures
Facilitate equal access to housing for persons with
disabilities, including developmental disabilities, through implementation of the City’s reasonable accommodation
procedures.
Ongoing implementation 6th Cycle Ongoing
Agenda Item #9.2:
(25) Homeless Services
and Shelter
Continue to support operation of The Haven and Safe
Ground parking in the City, ensuring that overnight sleeping areas within the City are managed in a manner that respects those experiencing homelessness, are safe, clean, and
sanitary, and include positive engagement of nearby
businesses and neighbors to enhance community
connections and partnerships.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous
Ongoing implementation ad partnership with the
county to operate the emergency overnight winter
shelter when the extreme weather activation
criteria is met. The City adopted a three-year
action plan to end homelessness on May 3, 2023.
The action plan seeks to provide a practical
roadmap for strengthening Sonoma Valley's
current system of care for people experiencing
homelessness.
https://www.sonomacity.org/homelessness
.
Continue to address homelessness at the regional level, including participation in and support of the SCCDC and area homeless service providers in addressing homelessness,
through ensuring adequate shelter space is available to accommodate the unmet need in the County and to ensure
services are coordinated to provide unhoused persons with social, health,financial, and other supportive services necessary for persons to become and remain house and live in a safe, dignified manner.
December 2023, 2024 6th Cycle Continuous
The City is now working with the County and local
service providers to ensure we have the services
here in the valley to get individuals housed. The
creation of a regional By-Names-List manager
position, ensures by-weekly meetings with all the
providers in the valley are coordinating to ensure
each unhoused individual has a plan to be
rehoused. Individuals on the BNL are also
uploaded into HMIS and are including in the
County’s continuum of care strategic plan.The
City currently funds HAS annually $150,000 and
SOS receives $50,000. We currently contract
with HomeFirst for the BNL Coordinator role for
$64,000 annually.
.
Continue to address homelessness at the local level through creating a Homelessness Task Force and coordinating with other agencies and organizations to hire a Sonoma Valley Social Safety Net specialist to oversee homeless services, including identification of service gaps and methods to increase access to services.
July, 2023 6th Cycle Continuous
The City has a dedicated page to homelessness.
https://www.sonomacity.org/homelessness/
This page includes contact information of our
local homeless services providers including the
County services.
(26) Mobile Home Park
Senior-Only Occupancy
and Restrictions
Evaluate regulatory mechanisms, such as a senior-only
zoning overlay, to accommodate mobile home parks wishing to maintain senior-only occupancy restrictions. Conduct outreach to the City’s senior mobilehome parks to identify if there is interest in permanently setting the parks aside for senior housing and implement appropriate regulatory
mechanisms to ensure that the senior housing will be
maintained for any senior parks with resident interest and support.
2023, 2024, 2026 6th Cycle In Progress In progress. Research applicable/potential policies.
(27) Affordable Housing
Resources for Renters and
Owners
Develop an outreach program to connect lower income
residents and the lower income workforce in the City with new rental and ownership opportunities, access to resources for home ownership, including counseling for new buyers and existing homeowners, and housing rehabilitation programs as those become available, and access to housing assistance providers, including Disability Services & Legal Center, Fair Housing of Northern California, F.I.S.H. Sonoma Valley, Legal Aid of Sonoma County, Napa Sonoma ADU, RISE
Housing, Sonoma County Community Development
Commission, Sonoma Housing Authority, Sonoma Overnight
Support, Sonoma Tenants, Sonoma Valley Collaborative,
promoting fair housing choice and access to safe and decent housing within the community.
2024 6th Cycle Continuous
City maintains an affordable housing interested
parties list that is used when properties are
available for rent or own in the City and County.
Website overhaul underway to provide resources
availble from the County and fair housing
resource providers.
https://www.sonomacity.org/affordablehousing-program/
Agenda Item #9.2:
(28) Monitor Residential
Capacity (No Net Loss)
Maintain adequate capacity to accommodate the City’s
RHNA obligations at all income levels throughout the
planning period. Report as required through the HCD annual report process.
To make certain sufficient residential development capacity is maintained, Sonoma will develop and implement a formal
ongoing(project-by-project) evaluation procedure pursuant to Government Code Section 65863 and will make the findings required by that code section if a site is proposed for development with fewer units or at a different income level(s) than shown in the residential sites inventory. Should an approval of development result in a reduction of capacity below that needed to accommodate the remaining RHNA for lower income, moderate-income, or above moderate-income households, the City, and potentially the applicant (in accordance with State law), will identify and, if necessary, rezone sufficient sites within 180 days to accommodate the shortfall and ensure “no net loss” in capacity to
accommodate the RHNA allocation, consistent with State
law. Any rezoned site(s) will satisfy the adequate sites requirements of Government Code Section 65583.2 and will be consistent with the City’s obligation to affirmatively further fair housing.
Annual 6th Cycle Continuous Staff created an ongoing evaluation process for projects listed on the residential sites inventory.
(29) Replacement of Units
on Sites
For all project applications, identify need for replacement of housing units and ensure replacement, if required, occurs. . 6th Cycle Continuous Staff reviews any demolition requests to ensure future development as applicable per state law. (30) Green Building
Program
Continue to provide outreach and education to developers, architects, and residents to provide information on how to incorporate sustainability in project design, as well as in existing structures.
. 6th Cycle Continuous
Provide resources online through sustainability
webpage in collaboration with Sonoma County,
Regional Climate Protection Authority, BayREN
programs. Climate Action Commission's Climate
Action Stratagies include offering energy
efficiency workshops and increase of installation
of PV solar.
https://www.sonomacity.org/sustainabilityprograms-incentives/ (31) Energy Conservation
Initiatives
Continue to advertise available programs to address energyefficient improvements to single and multi-family units and to assist households with reducing energy-related costs on the City’s website and at the Planning Counter.
. 6th Cycle Continuous
Ongoing. Provide resources online through
sustainability webpages collaboration with
Sonoma County, Regional Climate Protection
Authority, BayREN programs. Climate Action
Commission's Climate Action Stratagies include
offering energy efficiency workshops and
promoting energy building energy benchmarking,
encouraging increased electricfication and
increased energy efficiency in residences and
commerical businesses.
https://www.sonomacity.org/want-a-moreenergy-efficient-home-these-programs-canhelp-free-of-charge/ , https://www.sonomacity.org/energy-rebates/
(32) Sonoma Water Action
Plan Conservation
Incentives
Implement the Demand Management Measures called for in
the Urban Water Management Plan (2020). Conduct periodic updates of the Plan and modify as necessary to ensure
adequate water supply to meet Sonoma’s regional housing needs (RHNA). Advertise available water conservation
programs and incentives.
. 6th Cycle Continuous
The 2025 UWMP is currently being updated with
the goal of being completed by the end of 2025.
Additional water conservation efforts are
represented in the Climate Action Commission's
Strategies, such as encouraging the use of rain
water capture systems and installing advanced
water meter infrastructure, for which installation of
AMI began 2024.
Persons 6
https://www.sonomacity.org/question/can-i-geta-rebate-if-i-remove-grassturf/#/city/answers/water-conservation/can-iget-a-rebate-if-i-remove-grass-turf Agenda Item #9.2:
Jurisdiction Sonoma ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Period 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
The description should adequately document
how each unit complies with subsection (c) of
Government Code Section 65583.1+.
For detailed reporting requirements, see the
chcklist here:
Extremely LowIncome+Very LowIncome+ Low-Income+ TOTAL UNITS+Extremely LowIncome+Very LowIncome+ Low-Income+TOTAL UNITS+
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/communitydevelopment/docs/adequate-sites-checklist.pdf Rehabilitation Activity
Preservation of Units At-Risk
18 18 https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/document/292139/R esolution%2048-2025.pdf
Acquisition of Units
Mobilehome Park Preservation
Total Units by Income 18 18
Table F
Please note this table is optional: The jurisdiction can use this table to report units that have been substantially rehabilitated, converted from non-affordable to affordable by acquisition, and preserved, including mobilehome park preservation, consistent with the standards set forth in Government Code section 65583.1, subdivision (c). Please note, motel, hotel, hostel rooms or other structures that are converted from non-residential to residential units pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c)(1)(D) are considered net-new housing units and must be reported in Table A2 and not reported in Table F.
Activity Type
Units that Do Not Count Towards RHNA+
Listed for Informational Purposes Only
Units that Count Towards RHNA +
Note - Because the statutory requirements severely limit what can be counted, please contact HCD at [email protected] and we will unlock the form which enable you to populate these fields.
Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired for Alternative Adequate Sites pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c) Annual Progress Report January 2020
Agenda Item #9.2:
Jurisdiction Sonoma ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Period 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
No
Does the Jurisdiction have a local tenant preference policy? If the jurisdiction has a local tenant preference policy, provide a link to the jurisdiction's webpage containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting materials.
Notes
Table K
Tenant Preference Policy
Local governments are required to inform HCD about any local tenant preference ordinance the local government maintains when the jurisdiction submits their annual progress report on housing approvals and production, per Government Code 7061 (SB 649, 2022, Cortese). Effective January 1, 2023, local governments adopting a tenant preference are required to create a webpage on their internet website containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting materials, no more than 90 days after the ordinance becomes operational.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Jurisdiction Sonoma
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Total Award Amount Total award amount is auto-populated based on amounts entered in rows 15-26.
Task $ Amount Awarded $ Cumulative Reimbursement Requested Other Funding Notes
Inclusionary Housing Analyis $10,933.60 $10,933.60 Local General Fund To be completed in 2026
Affordable Housing In Lieu Fee
Analysis $24,900.00 $24,900.00 Local General Fund
https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/filepro/documents
/62632/?preview=65326
General Plan Update Community
Involvement $29,166.40 $29,166.40 Local General Fund General Plan Updated to be completed in 2026.
Summary of entitlements, building permits, and certificates of occupancy (auto-populated from Table A2)
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Reporting
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
In Progress
Please update the status of the proposed uses listed in the entity’s application for funding and the corresponding impact on housing within the region or jurisdiction, as applicable, categorized based on the eligible uses specified in Section 50515.02 or 50515.03, as applicable. $65,000.00
Task Status
In Progress
Completed
Agenda Item #9.2:
Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 2
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 3
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 8
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 37
0 50
Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 1
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 1
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
5 7
Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 2
Deed Restricted 1
Non-Deed Restricted 2
Deed Restricted 2
Non-Deed Restricted 2
15 24
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Completed Entitlement Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Acutely Low
Extremely Low
Total Units
Certificate of Occupancy Issued by Affordability Summary Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Acutely Low
Extremely Low
Acutely Low
Extremely Low
Agenda Item #9.2:
(titty of énnnma
RESOLUTION # 8 - 2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA RATIFYING THE 2025 CITY COUNCIL GOALS
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2025, the City Council met in a Special Goal Setting Session, received public input and after careful deliberation identified five main goals for 2025; and, WHEREAS, on March 5, 2025, the City Council considered these goals and gave additional input.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby ratifies the 2025 City Council Goals as listed below and expanded in Exhibit A to this resolution:
2025 City Council Goals
Housing
Parks and Recreation & Community Services
Economic Development & Financial Stability
Sonoma Valley Unification &Annexation
Climate Mitigation &Adaptation
PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma, on this 5thday of March 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: GURNEY, WELLANDER, DING, LOWE, FARRAR-RIVAS
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
£4IFETE£LI2¢5 '@1@
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #9.2:
Exhibit A
2025 City of Sonoma Council Goals
Housing - The Council reaffirmed its commitment to addressing housing affordability and availability by identifying the following priorities:
Implement Housing Element
Continue streamlining development processes/policies
Identify incentives for affordable housing
Identify renter protections
Create funding plan and policy for use of the Housing Trust Fund Explore partnership with School District and private landowners for housing options Monitor housing development targets
Prioritize affordable housing, workforce housing and senior transitional housing solutions Participate in local housing policy advocacy with regional & state organizations Conduct Housing Summit to identify housing solutions
Continue providing support for those experiencing homelessness & under—resourced in the Sonoma Valley
Parks, Recreation & Community Services — An emphasis was placed on enhancing Sonoma’s parks, recreational opportunities, and community services, including:
Plan for a dedicated Parks & Recreation Department
Progress in the development of a park on the west side of town Enhance pedestrian Safety and accessibility throughout the city identify ways to increase tree canopy, shade, sidewalk network and benches Consideration of establishment of green links throughout town Develop Plaza Maintenance Plan
Explore ideas to generate funding on the plaza
Continuing efforts to make city cemeteries self—sustaining Strengthen support for non—profitorganizations
Develop arts programs, projects and partnerships
Economic Development & Financial Stability - The Council identified several priorities aimed at fostering a strong and resilient local economy:
Enhanced focus on revenue stewardship and budget management Explore grant opportunities to reduce impact on general fund Strategically implement new sales tax measure
identify ways to support local businesses
Identify ways to diversify business sector
initiate steps for a Comprehensive Plaza Corridor Master Plan (scoping, timeline and cost estimate)
Sonoma Valley Unification & Annexation — The Council discussed the importance of engaging with Sonoma’s unincorporated neighbors and exploring potential opportunities for shared services:
Continue to identify and implement connections to and inclusion of unincorporated neighbors Continue disaster preparedness with a regional approach Evaluate valley wide EIFD Climate Mitigation & Adaptation - The City Council prioritized sustainability and climate resilience efforts, with a focus on: Support Climate Commission to implement the Climate Action Strategies adopted in 2024 and other sustainability initiatives Develop green infrastructure policies and initiatives Enhance Tree policies and plantings Agenda Item #9.2:
Exhibit A . Prioritize needs of vulnerable populations
- Evaluate addition of climate coordinator position or consultant to support climate initiatives . Continue to prioritize fire &flood resiliency measures Agenda Item #9.2:
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK PLAN 2025
Current Goals
NAME COUNCIL
PRIORITY
AMENDS
GENERAL
PLAN OR
ZONING
CODE?
SUMMARY/COMMENTS TIMELINE/
STATUS
FUNDED?
General Plan Update Yes - All Yes Update the General Plan through community engagement process. Community
Development Element (Land Use); Local
Economy Element; Environmental Resources
Element; Circulation Element; Public Safety
Element; Noise Element; Historic and
Archeological Resources; Environmental
Justice and Equity; Sustainability and Climate
Change; Parks, Recreation and Open Space.
2025- Reviewing the Draft Elements and EIR
Begin related Code updates
Early 2026
In Process
AdHoc –
Willers,
Dambach
Yes - Consultant
Housing Element
Implementation
Yes -
Housing
Yes Housing Element tasks identified to be
completed in 2005: Inclusionary housing
update; affordable housing impact fee nexus
study; identified housing constraints code
amendments; implementation of AB 2011, SB
6, SB 330, SB 35 in code and application
materials; update Chapter 19.44 density
bonus provisions; rezone identified sites
2025
In Process
Yes – consultant
hired to complete
the inclusionary
feasibility and
Housing impact
fee nexus analysis.
Affordable Housing Yes -
Housing
Identify potential incentives for affordable
housing including missing middle/workforce
housing; Update and Implement, the
Affordable Housing Fund policy and
implementation program guidelines
2025
AdHoc –
Barnett,
Nugent,
O’Gorman
Staff time
Agenda Item #9.2:
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK PLAN 2025
NAME COUNCIL
PRIORITY
AMENDS
GENERAL
PLAN OR
ZONING
CODE?
SUMMARY/COMMENTS TIMELINE/
STATUS
FUNDED?
Title 18 Signs and Display
Advertising - Currently in
progress
Yes – Econ
Dev
Yes Comprehensive update to the sign ordinance.
Tentative Study Session November 2023
Spring
2025
In Process
50% Funded –
Consultant and
Staff time
Multiple Sections – Permit
Streamlining
Yes -
Housing
Yes Permit Streamlining for specific projects to
reduce time to permit or hearing with
development of clear policies, such as
Window and Roof Replacement Policies, to
guide administrative decisions and update
application requirements.
2025 – Update the Workflows in the Opengov
online permitting process; Historic Inventory;
Design Review process update
2025
DR Ord
Spring
2025
In Process
Staff time
Vacant Structures &
Demolition by Neglect
Yes – Econ
Dev
Yes Research standards and requirements
associated with vacant structures.
Create an ordinance to allow for the
enforcement of structures being neglected.
2025
AdHoc –
Nugent,
O’Neil,
Wirick
Agenda Item #9.2:
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK PLAN 2025
As Time Permits
NAME COUNCIL
PRIORITY
AMENDS
GENERAL
PLAN OR
ZONING
CODE?
SUMMARY/COMMENTS TIMELINE FUNDED?
Chapter 5.3 Telecommunication
Wireless Facilities – Compliance
with Federal Laws
Yes Update the existing wireless facilities section to
be consistent with current FCC regulations.
TBD
Fences and Hedges Yes Update standards and clarify when a permit is required.
TBD
Tree Removal Ordinance and
Policy
Yes Yes Need clear standards for removal and
maintenance; list of significant tree types;
appropriate street trees and replacement
options; clarity on protected trees; and
information guide for homeowners; street tree
irrigation and maintenance.
City to Complete the Tree Inventory and
Canopy Study then development of a Urban
Forestry Management Plan.
2026
Night Sky Ordinance Yes Amend the outdoor lighting requirements to provide requirements that preserve our night
sky.
TBD
Agenda Item #9.2:
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK PLAN 2025
Long-term Goals
NAME COUNCIL
PRIORITY
AMENDS
GENERAL
PLAN OR
ZONING
CODE?
SUMMARY/COMMENTS TIMELINE FUNDED?
Special Use standards Yes Revisit standards for special uses and applicability today.
TBD
Planning Area Standards Yes Evaluation of planning areas and standards to todays development patterns and future land
use and housing needs; evaluate potential for
form based code/objective standards.
TBD
Historic preservation and infill in
overlay zone
Yes Revisit historic preservation standards and infill
standards in the overlay zone.
TBD
Agenda Item #9.2:
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK PLAN 2025
Completed Goals
NAME SUMMARY/COMMENTS
Chapter 19.41 and Chapter 16.14 Two Unit Development
and Urban Lot Split (SB9) - Compliance with State Laws
Update the existing SB9 code sections to be consistent with guidance from HCD.
Processed Ordinance Update. Completed Early 2025
Multiple Sections – Appeal Periods Need consistency between appeal times for permits to reduce confusion for the applicant, public, and City Clerk. Processed Ordinance Update. Completed Late 2024
Parking Standards Continue to improve parking standards including dimensions for stalls and routes, and back-up; landscaping requirements; material standards, and solar and EV standards.
Processed Ordinance Update. Completed Summer 2024
Entitlements Review and update, as allowable, permit time limits and extensions; enforcement of project milestones or timeliness on implementation; ensure consistency of construction with approvals.
Processed an ordinance update on the permit time limits to ensure consistency.
Planning division maintaining a spreadsheet with all approval dates and will develop a process for letters on expiration if not executed. Planning Staff compares approved plans against construction drawings for consistency and is doing inspections. Completed late 2024.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 1 T - Transportation
T-1 Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Starting in Fiscal Year 2024-25, expand and improve opportunities and connections for people-powered transportation.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2023 Added Downtown bicycle parking Medium
2024 Create cool corridor bicycle and pedestrian trails Medium 2025 Master plan for bicycle & pedestrian infrastructure Low 2025 Connect Sonoma City Trail to the Plaza Low - Medium Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium to
Long
Start
Year
2023 Completion Year 2027
COMPONENTS:
T-1.1 Prepare Master Plan for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure T-1.2 Connect the Sonoma City Trail to the Plaza
T-1.3 Increase Downtown Bicycle Parking
T-1.4 Create Cool Corridors for Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails 2024 Actions:
• Installation of bicycle parking in the plaza to completed 2024. 2025 Actions:
• Adopted an updated Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to improve the bicycle and pedestrian network, with the goal of decreasing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). • Work with Public Works to identify ATP implementation projects. Add Spain Streets • Continued to identify grant opportunities for Cool Corridor.
T-2 Electrification of Personal Transportation
Starting in Fiscal Year 2024-25, increase the availability of publicly accessible EV charging.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Fund a cost sharing program to add 25 L2 charger ports Medium/High 2026 Add 20 L2 EV charger ports for multifamily units. Medium 2026 Add 4 L2 EV charger ports for public charging Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term,
then Ongoing
Start
Year
2024 Completion Year 2026, then ongoing
COMPONENTS:
T-2.1 Increase EV Charging at Multi-unit Dwellings
T-2.2 Expand Publicly Accessible EV Charging
2025 Actions:
• Obtained Charging Smart Silver designation for electric vehicle readiness. • How do we track number of chargers we have permitted on private property? Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 2 T-3 Improve Public Transportation
Starting in Fiscal Year 2024-25, increase availability of public transportation.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Expand operational times for the free #32 Sonoma Valley Shuttle. Low 2025 Establish a downtown circular electric shuttle Low Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term, then ongoing Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2028, then ongoing COMPONENTS:
T-3.1 Establish Electric Downtown Shuttle
T-3.2 Expand the #32 Sonoma Shuttle
2024 Actions:
• A shuttle and route (not EV) was tested by the Visitors Bureau. • Identified SCT ridership requirements for expanded run times. City pays SCT to allow for free trips between Boyes and the City.
T-4 Ban New Fossil-Fueling Stations
Consider a ban on construction of new fossil-fueling stations.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. None/Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, ongoing COMPONENTS:
T-4.1 Explore Banning New Fossil-Fuel Filling Stations
2024 Actions:
• Identified communities with ordinances.
T-5 Reduce Idling
Consider ban on construction of new drive-through “windows.” Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, ongoing COMPONENTS:
T-5.1 Explore Banning New Drive Through Windows
2024 Actions:
• Identified communities with ordinances.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 3 B - Buildings
B-1 Reduce Reliance on Natural Gas
Consider adoption of all-electric or electric preferred reach code that would ban or discourage future natural gas hookups.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short- term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024 COMPONENTS:
B-1.1 Encourage Increased Electrification and Energy Efficiency in Residences and Commercial Buildings
B-1.2 Adopt All-Electric or Electric Preferred Reach Code 2025 Actions:
• Created educational materials, updated City website, developed outreach plan. • Looked to other jurisdictions on guide to Reach Codes and what is defensible with the new Building Code to be released this year.
B-2 Increase Community Energy Conservation and Efficiency Starting in calendar year 2024, initiate energy efficiency events and initiatives to increase energy conservation and efficiency practices by residents and businesses.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Significant participation by residents and businesses Medium Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short- term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
B-2.1 Sponsor Lighting Efficiency Giveaway Events
B-2.2 Offer Energy Efficiency Workshops
B-2.3 Deploy Local Energy Conservation Teams
B-2.4 Promote Building Energy Benchmarking
2024 Actions:
• Partnered with BayREN for programs for energy efficient items that the City promotes. • Requested funding, identify grants and partners to promote, provide and sponsor. • Created educational materials, updated City website, developed outreach plan.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 4 B-3 Expand Installation of PV Solar Systems
Increase use of PV Solar Systems
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Attendance by participants and installation of PV systems Medium Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short- term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
B-3.1 Increase Installation of PV Solar
2024 Actions:
• Created educational materials, updated the City website, and developed an outreach plan. 2025 Actions:
• Solar Permit in OpenGov, process was streamlined
• Metrics for pv solar systems
B-4 Explore Feasibility of Community Microgrids and Muli-family Solar Systems Explore the feasibility of community microgrids and community solar systems in Sonoma.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short- term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
B-4.1 Explore Feasibility of Community Microgrids and Muli-family Solar Systems 2024 Actions:
• Explored grants opportunities to fund assessment.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 5 SW – Solid Waste
SW-1 Increase Organic Materials Separation
Develop a discounted residential backyard compost program and update the solid waste franchise agreement.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024
• Distribute 100 backyard composters
• Increase organics diversion by weight
• Low
• Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
SW-1.1 Offer Discounted Residential Backyard Composters SW-1.2 Update the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement
SW-1.3 Increase Zero Waste Practices
2024 Actions:
• Created educational materials, updated City website, developed outreach plan. • Agreement was approved by City Council. Create educational materials, update City website. • research zero waste policies. Create educational materials, update City website, develop outreach plan. Promote Zero Waste Sonoma Activities
2025 Actions:
• Set up pages and made Sort It Sonoma easy to find on the City Website.
SW-2 Decrease Consumption of Plastic Shopping Bags
Adopt a plastic bag ordinance and commence enforcement of the state bag fee requirement.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Reduction in single-use plastic bags distributed by retailers. Low Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
SW-2.1 Adopt a Plastic Bag Ordinance
SW-2.2 Enforce State Bag Fee Requirement
2024 Actions:
• Identified ordinances from other cities.
• Create educational materials, update City website, develop outreach plan. • Identify enforcement options, what do other cities do.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 6 SW-3 Reduce Single Use Plastic Water Bottles
Starting in calendar year 2024, install 5 additional water bottle filling stations on public property Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Active use of water bottle filling stations. Decrease in plastic water bottles generated.
Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
SW-3.1 Increase the Number of Water-Bottle Filling Stations 2024 Actions:
• Explored grant opportunities and costs associated with the installation of new and replacement of water filling stations.
2025 Actions:
• Included in the upcoming Olsen Park Plan and Depot Park Plan (typically included in all park projects) SW-4 Increase Use of Compliant Food Serviceware
Starting in calendar year 2024, increase use of compliant food serviceware at special events and begin enforcement of the city’s ban on disposable food serviceware.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024
• Reduced distribution of non-compliant food serviceware. • Begin enforcement of city’s ban on non-compliant food serviceware
• Low
• Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
SW-4.1 Increase Use of Compliant Items at Special Events SW-4.2 Enforce City’s Ban on Disposable Food Serviceware 2024 Actions:
• Worked with events coordinators on options
• Created educational materials, updated City website, developed outreach plan.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 7 W – Water
W-1 Reduce Use of Irrigation
Institute a program to reduce the use of irrigation.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024
• Expand and modify the Cash for Turf program.
• Offer discounted residential rain capture barrels.
• Install largescale rainwater capture systems at government buildings. • Prepare and implement a community based social marketing program for water conservation.
• Low
• Low
• Low
• Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
W-1.1 Expand and Modify Cash for Turf Program
W-1.2 Encourage Use of Rainwater Capture Systems on Private and Public Properties W-1.3 Offer Discounted Residential Rain Barrels
W-1.4 Prepare and Implement a Community Based Social Marketing Plan W-1.5 Encourage Water Conservation by High Users
2024 Actions:
• Funding/grant was received for this program. Updated rebate program, created educational materials, updated City website, developed outreach plan
• Requested funding and created rebate program, created educational materials, updated City website, developed outreach plan. Discussed opportunities with public works department on city facilities. • Expanded and modified Cash for Turf Program Continued program 2025 Actions:
• Continued offering Cash for Turf Program
• Explored expansion of the grant program
W-2 Install Real Time Monitoring of Water Consumption
Install advanced water metering infrastructure.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 • Percentage of water meters with Advanced Water Meter • Low Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2026, and ongoing COMPONENTS:
W-2.1 Install Advanced Water Metering Infrastructure
2025 Actions:
• Completed in the AMI Project
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 8 G – Government Operations
G-1 Implement Energy Conservation Measures in City Buildings Complete energy conservation audits of all city buildings and implement energy conservation measures.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 • Reduction in energy consumed in city buildings • Low Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2024 Completion Year
Ongoing
COMPONENTS:
G-1.1 Conduct Energy Conservation Audits of City Buildings G-1.2 Replace Ineffective Window Sash Locks
G-1.3 Install Vacancy Lighting Sensors
G-1.4 Install HVAC Zones in City Hall and Carnegie Library 2024 Actions:
• Discussed opportunities with public works department. Explored grant opportunities. 2025 Actions:
• A 'Facilities Assessment' RFP has been prepared to address (G-1.2) Replace Ineffective Window Sash Locks and (G-1.3) Install Vacancy Lighting Sensors and (G-1.4) Install HVAC Zones in City Hall and Carnegie Library
G-2 Upgrade and Expand PV Solar
Begin thorough assessment of existing and future PV solar potential on government buildings and begin upgrading and expanding.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 • Percent increase in electricity generated by PV • Medium Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2024 Completion Year
2026
COMPONENTS:
G-2.1 Upgrade Current PV Solar Arrays
G-2.2 Expand PV Solar on Municipal Buildings
G-2.3 Assess Potential Areas to Install PV Solar Parking Canopies 2024 Actions:
• Discussed opportunities with public works department. Explored grant opportunities Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 9 G-3 Electrify City Vehicles and Equipment
Develop a plan to electrify the city’s fleet and vehicles and install EV charging for city employees.
Target Year Performance Metrics GHG Reduction Potential 2024 • Percent of city fleet electrified.
• Percent of city’s equipment electrified.
• Hours of charging used for city employees.
• Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-, Medium-,
and Long-Term
Start Year 2024 Completion
Year
2025, and ongoing.
COMPONENTS:
G-3.1 Prepare City Fleet and Equipment Electrification Plan G-3.2 Install EV Charging at City Facilities
2024 Actions:
• Discussed opportunities with public works department. Explored grant opportunities 2025 Actions:
• Continued design for Sonoma County Transit electric charger installation for buses at the City Corporation Yard.
• PG&E EV Fleet Program was contacted in 2024 and 2025, and continues to be at capacity and not available for Sonoma
• Fleet Assessment RFP was sent, received 7 proposals.
G-4 Replace Natural Gas-Fired Equipment
Create replacement plan for natural gas fired equipment with high efficiency electric equipment.
Target Year Performance Metrics GHG Reduction Potential 2024 • Decreased number of natural gas fired items.
• Decreased amount of natural gas consumed by city operations • Low to high
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium- to
Long-Term
Start Year 2024 Completion
Year
2026, and ongoing.
COMPONENTS:
G-4.1 Replace Gas-Fired Water Heaters
G-4.2 Replace Gas-Fired HVAC System at the Police Department 2024 Actions:
• Discussed opportunities with public works department. Explored grant opportunities 2025 Actions:
• Replaced Gas-Fired Water Heater in Corp Yard March 2025 Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 10 C – Carbon Sequestration
C-1 Increase Soil-based Carbons Sequestration
Expand the application of compost in Sonoma and support the use of biochar.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Offset Potential
2023 • Amount of compost distributed annually • Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2023 Completion Year 20-23 and ongoing COMPONENTS:
C-1.1 Expand Application of Compost
C-1.2 Explore Application of Biochar
2024 Actions:
• Create educational materials, updated City website, developed outreach plan. • Identified compost opportunity sites and program for volunteer management.
C-2 Increase Planting of Trees
Increase the planting of trees in strategic locations.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Offset Potential
2023 • Number of trees planted annually. • Medium
• Percent shade canopy in the city.
• Receipt of the Tree City USA designation.
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2024 Completion Year Continuing COMPONENTS:
C-2.1 Assess and Expand Urban Tree Shade Canopy
C-2.2 Install Green Pocket Forests
C-2.3 Seek Tree City USA Designation
2024 Actions:
• Assessed potential locations and interest. Requested funding and solicited consultants for completion. • Researched requirements. Determined that additional options are available. 2025 Actions:
• City-wide tree inventory and urban tree canopy study conducted to identify potential plantable areas.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 11 C-3 Create Local Carbon Offset Program
Initiate the City of Sonoma Carbon Offset Program.
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Offset Potential
2023 • Number of participants per year.
• Amount of money collected per year.
• Number of trees planted and protected.
• Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2023 Completion Year Continuing COMPONENTS:
C-3.1 Establish a Local Carbon Offset Program for Sonoma 2025 Actions:
• Staff continued to work with BayRen and RCPA on regional program development.
Agenda Item #9.2:
Climate Action Strategies Progress - 2025 City of Sonoma 12 General
2025 Actions:
• ‘Climate Smart Sonoma’ public information effort in 4th quarter of 2025 featured the many ways the City of Sonoma and CAC are working to reach climate goals. • Identified four Priority Conservation Areas in the City with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to make City eligible for funding of projects within those areas.
• Hired a part-time Sustainability Coordinator.
Agenda Item #9.2: