City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Jack Ding
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers, 177 First Street West
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84876986131
6:00 PM Regular Meeting
ACCESSING PUBLIC MEETINGS
As a public service to the community, City Council meetings are held in-person, and viewable through a live webcast on the City’s CivicWeb Portal at https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/Portal/Video.aspx, City of Sonoma YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZjUrg2rNLYxTgQHhFy-Tg, and televised on Comcast Cable Channel 27. Members of the public can also view the meeting via ZOOM, at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84876986131.
If a technical issue arises with Zoom video or the listening phone dial-in option, the City Council meeting will continue unless a Council Member is participating remotely pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54953.8.3.
Members of the public who wish to address the Council by providing public comments during the meeting may do so in-person in the Council Chambers at 177 First Street West, where the meeting is being publicly held. As an alternative, members of the public may also provide written public comment submitted via the City’s online Public Comment form at https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx or by email to:
[email protected]
PROCESS FOR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: There will be two opportunities for members of the public to address items not appearing on the agenda. The early public comment period, Agenda Item 1, will be limited to ten speakers. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes. Speakers who do not have an opportunity to speak during the first public comment section will be allowed to make their comments during the later public comment period, Agenda Item 10, provided there were more than 10 people in the first public comment section. When the Mayor announces these agenda items, please form a line to speak.
In the event a Council Member participates remotely for just cause Government Code Section 54953.8.3, the City will allow for public comment through the Zoom link.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (707) 933-2216. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Be Courteous - TURN OFF your cell phones and watches while the meeting is in session.
The City Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on the agenda irrespective of how the items are described.
No new items will begin after 9:00pm unless a majority of the members present vote to allow the items to be heard.
Page
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL (Lowe, Gurney, Ding, Farrar-Rivas, Wellander)
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
At this this time members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. This public comment period will be limited to ten speakers. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes.
Speakers who do not have an opportunity to speak during the first public comment section will be allowed to make their comments during the later public comment period, Agenda Item 10, provided there were more than 10 people in the first public comment section. When the Mayor announces these agenda items, please form a line to speak.
Under State Law, unless otherwise permitted under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the merits of the matters presented under this item cannot be discussed or acted upon by the City Council at this time. For items appearing on the agenda, the public will be invited to make comments at the time the item comes up for Council consideration. When recognized, please proceed with your comments. Speakers may state their name for the record if they wish, but are not required to do so.
2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Committee Reports - Council Members are appointed to various boards and committees - local, county-wide and regional. Any updates from a council member will be shared at this time.
A list of all appointments is available on our City Website for easy reference.
Council Members may also make appointments to city commissions at this time.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.1: Proclamation Designating September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Sonoma
6.2: Proclamation in Honor of the Sonoma Valley Woman's Club on the Occasion of the 125th Anniversary
7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
All items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be acted upon by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Council or staff request specific items to be removed for separate action.
7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided)
7.2: Receive Minutes from the Special Meetings of July 15, 2026, July 20, 2026, August 5, 2026, August 12, 2026, and August 19, 2026, and Regular Meetings of July 15, 2026, August 5, 2026, and August 19, 2026 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
07.15.2026 Special Meeting Minutes 1PM
6 - 21
07.15.2026 Special Meeting Minutes 515PM
07.15.2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
07.20.2026 Special Meeting Minutes
08.05.2026 Special Meeting Minutes 5PM
08.05.2026 Special Meeting Minutes 530PM
08.05.2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
08.12.2026 Special Meeting Minutes
08.19.2026 Special Meeting Minutes
08.19.2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
7.3: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of August 2026 (Ryan Kodama, Accounting Manager)
RECOMMENDTION: Accept report
Agenda Report - Expenditure Report August 2026 - Pdf
22 - 28
7.4: Adopt a Resolution Amending the City of Sonoma Conflict of Interest Code (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.
Agenda Report - Conflict of Interest Code - Pdf
29 - 36
7.5: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Use of City Streets for the Sonoma Valley High School Homecoming Parade on October 9, 2026, and Permission to UpLight City Hall from October 5, 2026, through October 11, 2026, with Green Flood Lights (Lisa Janson, Senior Management Analyst)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.
Agenda Report - SVHS Homecoming Requests - Pdf
37 - 61
7.6: Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Adopting Volume 1, Volume 2 - Section 10 (The City Of Sonoma Annex), and the Appendices of Volume 2, of the Sonoma County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Michael Berger, Public Works Director & Sarah Tracy, Senior Management Analyst/PIO)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.
Agenda Report - Sonoma County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan - Pdf
62 - 154
7.7: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Parcel Map (UA-26-3) to Subdivide a 21,633 Square Foot Parcel into Two Parcels (Parcel 1 – 13,489 square feet, Parcel 2 – 8,144 square feet) and Accept the Public Utility Easement at 1101 Broadway (APN 128-181-012), Including Action to Approve a Categorical Exemption Pursuant to Section 15315 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Class 15 – Minor Land Divisions). (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director & Jacob Dunn, Associate Planner) RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.
Agenda Report - Szumski Minor Subdivision - Lot Split at 1101 Broadway - Pdf PM 1101 Broadway
155 - 161
8. PUBLIC HEARING
8.1: Continued Public Hearing to Introduce an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing SMC Chapter 19.51 Public Art Program and Adding Chapter 3.45 Public Art Fund to the Sonoma Municipal Code and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines.(Dave Jahns, Parks and Recreation Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Introduce an Ordinance repealing and replacing SMC 162 - 175
Chapter 19.51 Public Art Program and adding Chapter 3.45 Public Art Fund to the Sonoma Municipal Code with the proposed modifications by Planning Commission and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines.
Agenda Report - Cont. Public Hearing to Introduce Ordinance Art In Lieu Fee - Pdf
8.2: Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 19.45 Accessory Dwelling Units in Compliance with California State Law and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15282(H) and Public Resources Code 21080.17. (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director & Diane Levine, Associate Planner)
RECOMMENDATION: Introduce an Ordinance Amending Chapter 19.45 Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15282(H) and Public Resources Code 21080.17.
Agenda Report - Introduction to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance Update - Pdf
176 - 227
9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
(Matters requiring discussion and/or action by the City Council)
9.1: Adopt a Resolution Adopting a Reasonable Accommodations Policy for Brown Act Meetings (David Ruderman, City Attorney & Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution adopting the Reasonable Accommodations Policy for Brown Act Meetings, establishing procedures for providing reasonable accommodations and effective communication to individuals with disabilities who wish to attend, participate in, or access City public meetings.
Agenda Report - ADA Policy - Pdf
228 - 231
10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF EARLIER PUBLIC SPEAKERS
REMAIN)
At this time members of the public who did not have the opportunity to speak during the early comment period may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes. Please form a line to speak.
Under State Law, unless otherwise permitted under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the merits of the matters presented under this item cannot be discussed or acted upon by the City Council at this time. For items appearing on the agenda, the public will be invited to make comments at the time the item comes up for Council consideration. When recognized, please proceed with your comments. Speakers may state their name for the record if they wish, but are not required to do so.
11. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
11.1: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Pursuant to Government Code § 54957
Title: City Manager
12. ADJOURNMENT
I do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing agenda was posted as legally required. Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
*********************************************************************************************************************************** Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to any item of business referred to on the agenda are usually available for public inspection the Wednesday before each regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, located at No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA. Any documents subject to disclosure that are provided to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after the agenda has been distributed will be made available for inspection at the City Clerk’s office, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA during regular business hours. If you challenge the action of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described on the agenda or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at or prior to the public hearing.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (707) 933-2216. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Appointments to Commission/Committees: The Council may establish and make appointments to a Council committee (made up of two Council Members) with respect to any item appearing on this agenda.
Closed Session: If action is taken during a Closed Session meeting that is required to be reported out at this meeting, the Council will return to Open Session and report out immediately. However, if the Council is unable to do so due to time constraints, it will report out at the immediately following Regular Council Meeting under "REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION".
Motion for Consideration: A Council Member voting with the majority on any item appearing on this agenda may move for reconsideration of that vote provided the motion is in conformance with the rules adopted by the Council governing such motions.
NOTE: Portions of this document may have been drafted with support from AI-based tools, consistent with City of Sonoma policy on use of artificial intelligence. All information represented in this document has been reviewed by City of Sonoma staff.
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
1:00 PM
Special Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2026, 1PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Item 2.1: Public Employee Appointment (Pursuant to Gov. Code § 54957) Title: City Manager
Action: No reportable action taken.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
5:15 PM
Special Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2026, 5:15PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Item 2.1: Conference with Real Property Negotiator - Pursuant to Gov Code § 54956.8 Property: 127-202-007 and 127-202-006 -
19320 Sonoma Highway
Agency Negotiator: Interim City Manager Alilovich
Negotiating Parties: Civic Park Sonoma Highway LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Action: No reportable action taken.
Council Member Ding recused himself as he lives within 500 feet of the property being discussed.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER, & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mayor Wellander, Vice Mayor Lowe, Council Member Farrar-Rivas, Council Member Gurney, and Council Member Ding
CLOSED SESSION
There is no reportable action taken in Closed Session.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Vice Mayor Lowe, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Bonnie Joy Kaslan, George Barich, Paul Bryan, Sahesh Dakar, Mike Menefee, Armando Zimmerman, Michael Ceremello, Carol Campbell, Ray Capra, Barbara Stouter, and an anonymous individual provided public comments.
2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
None.
3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Farrar-Rivas attended a Sonoma Clean Power meeting on July 2, 2026. She also confirmed that she will not be re-running in the November 2026 election for City Council.
Council Member Ding attended a Zero Waste Sonoma meeting on June 18, 2026, and a Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability meeting on June 22, 2026. On July 11, 2026, he met with the Pueblo Serena Homeowners Association to discuss updates to the mobile home ordinance.
Council Member Gurney attended a Sonoma Valley Library Advisory Board meeting on July 9, 2026.
Since the last meeting, Mayor Wellander attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for MX3 Gym; a concert at the Sonoma Library presented by the Santa Rosa Symphony; the second Transcendence Theatre performance of the season; and a meeting between the County and City regarding homelessness funding opportunities. Mayor Wellander, along with Sarah Tracy, also met with Senator Padilla’s field representative to discuss federal funding processes and potential opportunities. He also attended the NASCAR event.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interim City Manager Alilovich thanked the many community members and staff who worked to make this year’s Fourth of July celebrations a success. She announced that the nomination period for City Council candidates is now open and will remain open through August 7. The City will hold its first district-based elections on November 3, 2026, for Districts 1, 3, and 5.
She also shared that Sonoma County Transit will launch a new route, the 40X, as part of a pilot program beginning August 10, 2026. In advance of the launch, a Sonoma Valley Community Workshop will be held on July 22, 2026, at the La Luz Center to gather community feedback as Sonoma County Transit develops its plan.
Interim City Manager Alilovich reported that the Newcomb Street Rehabilitation and Bike Boulevard Project has been selected for funding by the Sonoma County Transportation Authority. The City will receive $1.7 million in local grant funding for the project.
She also noted that KTVU will be visiting Sonoma to feature the opening of Dead Letter, a new restaurant on the Plaza, and will return on July 24 to film its live morning Zip Trips broadcast.
Additionally, Interim City Manager Alilovich highlighted a new public art installation coming to the Plaza: an interactive piano titled “Squared Keys.” She shared that the National Academy of Athletics has several summer camps available, with additional information available online.
Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2026
Lastly, she provided an overview of upcoming events in the City, including the annual City Party on August 6, which will mark the City’s 29th annual celebration.
5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: Presentation Recognizing Robert A Smith on his 40 Years of Service to the City of Sonoma
7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented with item 7.5 being pulled for separate consideration. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment: Michael Ceremello
Item 7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided)
Item 7.2: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Agreements with Two Lynchpin Road and Amendments with Keyser Marston Associates, W-Trans Inc, Architectural Resources Group, Olaunu Inc, and EKI Environment & Water, Inc. for Services Rendered Throughout the 26-27 Fiscal Year (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 42-2026.
Item 7.3: Receive Minutes from the Regular Meetings of June 3, 2026, and June 17, 2026, and the Special Closed Session Meetings of June 3, 2026, and June 17, 2026 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: The minutes were received.
Item 7.4: Adopt a Resolution Adopting the Plans and Specifications for the 2026 Citywide Slurry Seal Project No. 2602 (Project); Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract to Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc.; Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Construction Contract in the Amount of $287,007.00, and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Approve $43,051.05 (15%) in Contingency (Michael Berger, Public Works Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 43-2026.
Item 7.6: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Second Amendment to the Restated Lease with Sonoma Valley Field of Dreams and Accepting Public Facility Site Improvements (Dave Jahns, Parks & Recreation Director) Action: Adopted as Resolution 44-2026.
Item 7.5: Adopt a Resolution Establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to Support the Development of a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Planning Effort (Dave Jahns, Parks & Recreation Director)
Action: Pulled for separate consideration. Adopted as Resolution 45-2026.
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, to Adopt a Resolution Establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to Support the Development of a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Planning Effort. Motion carried unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
None.
9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: An Ordinance Amending Section 10.74.011 of the Sonoma Municipal Code (Brandon Cutting, Chief of Police)
Action: The ordinance was introduced.
Public Comment: Armando Zimmerman
Motion by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Section 10.74.011 of the Sonoma Municipal Code. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 9.2: Receive Informational Report Regarding Council Compensation (Cristine Alilovich, Interim City Manager / Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk / David Ruderman, City Attorney)
Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2026
Action: The informational council compensation report was received, and direction was provided to Staff.
Public Comment: Julian Mackie
10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF PUBLIC SPEAKERS REMAIN FROM ITEM 2.0) None.
11. ADJOURNEMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Monday, July 20, 2026
5:00 PM
Special Meeting Minutes, July 20, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Item 2.1: Conference with Legal Counsel - Initiation of Litigation - Pursuant to Gov Code § 54956.9(d)(4)
Number of Potential Cases: 1
Action: No reportable action taken.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
5:00 PM
Special Meeting Minutes, August 5, 2026, 5PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Item 2.1: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
Name of City Negotiators to Attend Closed Session: Gary Phillips and Mayor Wellander
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
Action: The Council directed its negotiators regarding contract negotiations with a potential city manager. Next steps will involve another closed session or closed sessions to provide additional direction as needed while contract negotiations continue. Once those negotiations have been concluded, a contract will be presented to the council in open session for approval, at which time the selected individual will be announced.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16nd of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
5:30 PM
Special Meeting Minutes, August 5, 2026, 5:30PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Item 2.1: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code §54956.9 (d)(2) Number of Potential Cases: 1
Action: No reportable action taken.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, August 5, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER, & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mayor Wellander, Vice Mayor Lowe, Council Member Farrar-Rivas, Council Member Gurney, and Council Member Ding
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Ruderman reported out from the 5:00 p.m. Closed Session concerning labor negotiations, stating that the City Council provided direction to its negotiators regarding contract negotiations with a potential City Manager. Additional closed sessions may be held, as necessary, to provide further direction while negotiations continue. Once negotiations are concluded, the proposed contract will be presented to the City Council in open session for consideration and approval, at which time the selected individual will be publicly announced.
Mr. Ruderman also reported that no reportable action was taken during the 5:30 p.m. Closed Session regarding anticipated litigation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
City Clerk Barr read a public comment received by Laurie Alderman.
Ann Colichidas, Jason Villeggiante, Jack Allen, Loretta Carr, Mark Wilson, Diana Glory, and Kathleen McLean provided public comments.
2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Council Member Farrar-Rivas dedicated the meeting to Steve Ferrara and Council Member Ding dedicated the meeting to Teresa Cappas.
3. COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Vice Mayor Lowe attended a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting this morning.
Council Member Ding attended a Zero Waste Sonoma meeting on July 16, 2026. He also attended a Sonoma County Mayor’s and Councilmember’s Association Legislative Committee meeting on July 17, 2026.
Council Member Farrar-Rivas provided details on two trade workshops Sonoma Clean Power will offer this upcoming weekend.
Mayor Wellander reported that he attended the Harvest Bell Ringing on July 21, 2026, followed by the 5K and Half Marathon events on July 24 and 25. He also noted that several local businesses were featured during KTVU’s Zip Trips segment. Additionally, Mayor Wellander highlighted the upcoming annual City Party, scheduled for August 6, 2026.
4. INTERIM CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interim City Manager thanked the first responders for their efforts in last week’s incident. She highlighted the two events happening tomorrow, August 6, 2026, at the Plaza: the annual City Party and Art Walk. Ms. Alilovich shared that the City’s candidate filing period for Districts 1, 3, and 5 closes this Friday, August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. She shared that there will be a new bus route – 40X – starting August 10, 2026, which provides weekly commuter connections between Sonoma Plaza and Petaluma. Interim City Manager Alilovich provided details on a rebate program the City is launching, which is a $200 high-efficiency clothes washer rebate program for eligible resident water customers.
She shared that the City is now accepting applications through August 28, 2026, for a part-time parks and recreation coordinator. Lastly, she shared that a new “Movies in the Park” series is coming, movie details and times are still being worked out, but the dates will be August 28, September 18 and October 16 in the Plaza.
Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, August 5, 2026
5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: "Celebrate Sonoma" - Presentation of Certificate of Recognition in Honor of the Sonoma Valley High School Dragons Baseball Team
7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Gurney, to Approve the Consent Calendar as presented with item 7.3 being pulled for separate discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment: City Clerk Barr read a public comment from Laurie Alderman.
Item 7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided) Item 7.2: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Section 10.74.011 of the Sonoma Municipal Code (Brandon Cutting, Police Chief)
Action: Adopted as Ordinance 04-2026.
Item 7.4: Designate Mayor Ron Wellander as the City of Sonoma Voting Delegate for the 2026 Cal Cities Annual Conference and Council Members John Gurney and Jack Ding as the Alternates (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: Mayor Ron Wellander was designated as the City of Sonoma Voting Delegate for the 2026 Cal Cities Annual Conference and Council Members John Gurney and Jack Ding as alternates.
Item 7.5: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Fifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc. to Extend Services for as needed Plan Check and Inspector Services (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 46-2026.
Item 7.6: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering to provide as needed Code Enforcement services with a not to exceed budget of $75,000 (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 47-2026.
Item 7.7: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Construction of a Storage Shed at the City-Owned Maysonnave House Property Located at 291 First Street East Property (Dave Jahns, Parks & Recreation Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 48-2026.
Item 7.3: Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Accepting the Plaza Park Historic Landscape Survey and Finding this Action is Exempt from Further Environmental Review Under the General Rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: Pulled for separate consideration. Adopted as Resolution 49-2026.
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, to Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Accepting the Plaza Park Historic Landscape Survey and Finding this Action is Exempt from Further Environmental Review Under the General Rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). Motion carried unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
Item 8.1: Public Hearing to Introduce an Ordinance amending certain sections of Chapter 12.08 Tree Ordinance of the Sonoma Municipal Code and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: The public hearing was held and ordinance was introduced.
Open Public Hearing: 7:22 p.m.
Public Comments: None.
Closed Public Hearing: 7:22 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Gurney, to Introduce an Ordinance amending certain sections of Chapter 12.08 Tree Ordinance of the Sonoma Municipal Code and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, August 5, 2026
Item 8.2: Public Hearing to Introduce an Ordinance repealing and replacing SMC Chapter 19.51 Public Art Program and adding Chapter 3.45 Public Art Fund to the Sonoma Municipal Code and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: The item was continued to the regular meeting of September 16, 2026.
Public Comment: Connie Schlelein and Deb Emerson
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to continue the item to the regular meeting of September 16, 2026. Motion carried unanimously.
9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Field of Dreams Organization to Enter into a Multi-Year Agreement with Transcendence Theatre Company for Temporary Seasonal Use of the Field of Dreams During the 2027–2029 Summer Seasons (Dave Jahns, Parks & Recreation Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 50-2026.
Public Comment: Connie Schlelein
Motion by Council Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Field of Dreams Organization to Enter into a Multi-Year Agreement with Transcendence Theatre Company for Temporary Seasonal Use of the Field of Dreams During the 2027–2029 Summer Seasons. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 9.2: Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 2.01.020 Councilmember's Salaries to Increase Councilmember Compensation to $950 Per Month (Cristine Alilovich, Interim City Manager, David Ruderman, City Attorney, and Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk) Action: The Ordinance was introduced.
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 2.01.020 Councilmember's Salaries to Increase Councilmember Compensation to $950 Per Month. Motion carried 4-1, with Council Member Gurney, Vice Mayor Lowe, Council Member Ding, and Council Member Farrar-Rivas voting YES, and Mayor Wellander voting NO.
10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF PUBLIC SPEAKERS REMAIN FROM ITEM 2.0) None.
11. ADJOURNEMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
9:00 AM
Special Meeting Minutes, August 12, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
Mayor Wellander stated the discussion items would be reordered, taking Item 2.2 before Item 2.1.
2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Item 2.2: Consider and Possibly Take Action to Approve an Unconditional Commitment Letter to Laurie Alderman Responding to her Brown Act and ADA Violation Claims Set Forth in Her Letter of July 16, 2026
Action: The unconditional commitment letter to Laurie Alderman responding to her Brown Act and ADA Violation Claims Set Forth in Her Letter of July 16, 2026, was approved.
Public Comment: two anonymous speakers.
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Ding, to Approve an Unconditional Commitment Letter to Laurie Alderman Responding to her Brown Act and ADA Violation Claims Set Forth in Her Letter of July 16, 2026. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 2.1: Possible Receipt of Presentations and Question & Answer Session with UC Berkeley Haas School of Business Executive MBA Students Regarding Innovation, Challenges, and Opportunities in Sonoma (Cristine Alilovich, Interim City Manager) Action: Councilmembers provided background information about themselves and their roles with the City, while select UC Berkeley students shared information about themselves and their immersion program.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 9:37 a.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
5:30 PM
Special Meeting Minutes, August 19, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Item 2.1: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Pursuant to Government Code Sec 54957.6:
Name of City Negotiators to Attend Closed Session: Gary Phillips and Mayor Wellander
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
Action: The City has selected Cristine Alilovich to be the new permanent city manager. The employment contract will be brought for formal action at the September 2, 2026, regular city council meeting.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City Council:
Ron Wellander, Mayor
Sandra Lowe, Vice Mayor
Patricia Farrar-Rivas
John Gurney
Jack Ding
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, August 19, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER, & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Wellander called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mayor Wellander, Vice Mayor Lowe, Council Member Farrar-Rivas, Council Member Gurney, and Council Member Ding
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Wellander announced that the City has selected Cristine Alilovich to be the new permanent city manager. The employment contract will be brought for formal action at the September 2, 2026, regular City Council meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Ding, seconded by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, to approve the agenda as presented with Items 9.1 and 9.2 moved ahead of the Consent Calendar, and Item 9.2 considered prior to Item 9.1. Motion carried unanimously.
1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Ronny Joe Grooms, Josette Brose-Eichar, Rachel Glitz, Joyce Carlson, Diane Thompson, and George Patru provided public comments.
2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
Council Member Ding dedicated the meeting to Steve Wolf.
3. COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Farrar-Rivas attended a Sonoma Clean Power Board meeting on August 6, 2026; a special meeting on August 12, 2026, during which a group of UC Berkeley Haas School of Business Executive MBA students was hosted; and a Finance Committee meeting on August 19, 2026. She also shared that La Luz Center and Redwood Credit Union are hosting Día Financiero (Day of Finance), a free community event, on September 5, 2026.
Council Member Ding proudly shared his experience hosting California State Treasurer Fiona Ma during her visit to Sonoma County on August 14, 2026.
Vice Mayor Lowe attended a Sonoma County Transportation Authority meeting on August 10, 2026.
She also encouraged members of the public to join her on September 8, 2026, to ride and promote Sonoma County Transit Route 40X, departing Sonoma Plaza at 7:15 a.m. for the Petaluma SMART station. The ride is intended to raise awareness of the transit connection available between the City of Sonoma and the SMART rail system in Petaluma.
Council Member Gurney attended a Sonoma Tourism Improvement District meeting on August 13, 2026, as well as a Sonoma Valley Library Advisory Board meeting. Mr. Gurney also attended the Finance Committee meeting with Council Member Farrar-Rivas today, August 19, 2026. He also attended the annual Zucchini Races yesterday.
Mayor Wellander reflected on several City events and meetings that took place since the previous Council meeting. He noted that the annual City Party was held on August 6, 2026, and that the City hosted approximately 70 students from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business Executive MBA program on August 12, 2026. On August 14, 2026, he attended Transcendence Theatre Company’s performance of Mamma Mia! Today, the Mayor also participated in an impromptu meeting with various interested stakeholders regarding the future use of the Maysonnave House. Lastly, Mayor Wellander attended the annual Zucchini Races and shared the winners' names.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Alilovich thanked the City Council and community for the opportunity to serve as the permanent City Manager. She recognized August as National Emergency Awareness Month and expressed appreciation for emergency management professionals and their service to the community.
Ms. Alilovich announced a new outdoor “Movies Under the Stars” series at the Plaza, beginning August 28, 2026, with a screening of The Incredibles. Additional movie nights are scheduled for Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, August 19, 2026
September 18 and October 16. She also provided an update on the City’s $200 high-efficiency clothes washer rebate program, noting that additional information is available on the City’s website.
Ms. Alilovich announced that the City is recruiting a part-time Parks and Recreation Coordinator, with applications accepted through August 28. Additionally, she shared that Music in Place will present two free Sunday performances at the Plaza Amphitheater on August 23 and August 30. She concluded by reminding the community that the final Tuesday Night Market of the season will be held on September 8, 2026.
5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: "Celebrate Sonoma" - Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Bob Taylor Public Comment: Steve Paige and anonymous speaker
Item 6.2: Proclamation Designating August 26, 2026, as Women's Equality Day in the City of Sonoma
7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Gurney, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with item 7.9 being pulled for separate discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided) Item 7.2: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of July 2026. (Ryan Kodama, Accounting Manager)
Action: The expenditure report was accepted.
Item 7.3: Accept the Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2026. (Ryan Kodama, Accounting Manager)
Action: The quarterly investment report was accepted.
Item 7.4: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Purchase Agreement for a New 2026 GEM© e2 White Electric Vehicle with a 8kW Lithium Battery, in an Amount Not to Exceed $30,000 as Approved in the FY 26/27 Budget. (Brandon Cutting, Police Chief)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 51-2026.
Item 7.5: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 12.08 Tree Ordinance of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule - of the CEQA Guidelines. (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director & Dave Jahns, Parks and Recreation Director)
Action: Adopted as Ordinance 05-2026.
Item 7.6: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Contract with Murga, Strange & Chalmers, Inc., in an Amount Not to Exceed $75,000 to Provide OnCall Concrete Services as Needed, Subject to Legal Review. (Ashley Cotter, Public Works Administrative & Project Manager)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 52-2026.
Item 7.7: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Bureau Veritas Technical Assessments, LLC for $4,781.78, for a Total Contract Value of $69,395.81. (Ashley Cotter, Public Works Administrative & Project Manager)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 53-2026.
Item 7.8: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with National Plant Services, Inc., in an Amount Not to Exceed $150,000 for Storm Drain Condition Assessment Services. (Elif Myers, Environmental Compliance Analyst)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 54-2026.
Council Member Gurney and Mayor Wellander recused themselves from Item 7.9.
Item 7.9: Receive City Clerk's Certification That There are Not More Candidates than Offices to be Elected for Districts 3 and 5 at the General Municipal Election on November 3, 2026, and Adopt a Resolution Providing for the Appointment to the Offices of Districts 3 and 5 in This City That Were to be Elected on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 55-2026.
Agenda Item #7.2:
Regular Meeting Minutes, August 19, 2026
Council Member Gurney and Mayor Wellander returned to the meeting.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
None.
9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.2: Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 2.01.020 Councilmember's Salaries to Increase Councilmember Compensation to $950 Per Month (Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk)
Action: Adopted as Ordinance 07-2026.
Public Comment: Connie Schlelein
Motion by Vice Mayor Lowe, seconded by Council Member Farrar-Rivas, to Adopt an Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Section 2.01.020 Councilmember's Salaries to Increase Councilmember Compensation to $950 Per Month. Motion carried 4-1, with Vice Mayor Lowe, Council Member Gurney, Council Member Ding, and Council Member Farrar-Rivas voting YES, and Mayor Wellander voting NO.
Vice Mayor Lowe recused herself from Item 9.1.
Item 9.1: Study Session to Discuss Draft Ordinance for Mobilehome Park Closures and Conversions Under the City of Sonoma Municipal Code and Recent Legislative Changes Under AB 2782 and SB 610. (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
Action: A study session was held, and direction was provided to Staff.
Public Comment: Madolyn Agrimonti, Ann Colichidas, Bonnie Joy Kaslan, Nick (?), Pat Chaner (?), John Bobbit, Sabina Ceasar, Kent Sorensen, Hugh McBride, Cynthia Boyer, Lin Marie DeVincent, John Kyle, Julian Mackie, Caitlin Cornwall, Saul, Ellen McBride, Bill Darton, Jodi Johnson and Kate Viby.
Mayor Wellander called for a recess at 8:45 p.m.; Council reconvened at 8:55 p.m.
10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF PUBLIC SPEAKERS REMAIN FROM ITEM 2.0) None.
11. ADJOURNEMENT
Mayor Wellander adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 16th of September 2026.
_______________________________________________
Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 16 Sep 2026
Department
Finance
Staff Contact
Ryan Kodama, Accounting Manager
Agenda Item Title
Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of August 2026 Summary
The attached report shows disbursements by fund for the month of August 2026.
During the month, the City paid its annual premiums for FY2026-27 property, liability and workers compensation insurance totaling $899,546. Since this cost was paid in full at one time rather than spread out over the fiscal year, the budgeted expenditures coupled with the similar one-time payments for CalPERS UAL last month, have skewed the current percentages of budget for most departments in Fund 100 (General Fund) as well as Funds 501 (Cemeteries) and 510 (Water Utility) higher than if the costs were spread over 12 months.
A detailed list of disbursements is available at the web site indicated at the bottom of the report.
Recommended Council Action
Accept report
Alternative Actions
Council discretion
Financial Impact
Monthly Payables Report, August 2026
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Fund Disbursement Report August 2026
Fund Glossary
Agenda Item #7.3:
DISBURSEMENT REPORT AUGUST 2026
Year to Date Monthly Year to Date Annual Percent of Fund Fund Revenue Expenditure Expenditure Budget Budget Balance General Fund 30000 29,064,865 1,155,690 4% 13,250,995
City Council 41001 6,611 4,334 150,653 4%
City Clerk 41002 134,680 70,737 553,939 24%
City Manager 41003 278,136 147,361 1,262,004 22%
Finance 41004 190,378 105,924 1,152,857 17%
City Attorney 41005 44,934 44,934 300,000 15%
Police 42101 612,756 120,937 7,981,117 8%
Fire 42201 2,139,375 629,881 8,541,005 25%
Public Works - Admin 43020 145,223 78,661 680,991 21%
Public Works - Streets 43022 376,815 192,891 1,622,750 23% Parks & Recreation 43023 398,157 194,085 1,910,834 21%
Planning 43030 272,993 153,852 1,297,090 21%
Building 43040 279,486 138,178 1,271,379 22%
Community Activities 43101 427,318 230,232 1,510,618 28% Successor Agency 43199 30,547 17,066 153,169 20%
Non-Departmental 43200 116,669 68,314 796,600 15%
Emergency Response 43201 16,050 9,363 131,673 12%
Public Information 43203 57,010 30,263 226,806 25%
Transfers 43999 150,000 - 652,077 23%
Total General Fund Expenditures 5,677,137 2,237,011 30,195,562 19% Other Funds
Public Education & Gov 202 - - - 40,000 0% (4,985)
Strong Motion 203 - 9 - - 0% 7,060
Asset Forfeiture 211 - - - - 0% 17,884
SLESF C.O.P.S Grant 217 - - 130,000 130,000 100% 283,271 Bond Property 220 - - - - 0% (19,144)
Maysonnave Property 221 - - - - 0% (15,195)
Schell Drainage 234 - - - - 0% 75,311
Abandoned Vehicle 240 1,467 - 1,467 16,000 9% (42,859)
Streets/Transport/Drain 301 - 76,371 - 75,000 0% 172,431 Gas Tax 302 9,875 29,978 21,811 431,761 5% 674,192
SB-1Road Maint 303 - - - 250,000 0% 744,131
Parks & Facilities 304 - 50,000 - 50,000 0% 504,636
Fire Measure H 312 - - - 708,000 0% 2,728
Transportation Measure M 313 - - - 58,000 0% 329,855
Parks-In-Lieu/Quimby Act 314 - - - 121,200 0% 23,278
Parks Measure M 315 - - - 136,450 0% 793,111
Prop 68 Parks 316 - - - - 0% (162,690)
Successor Agency 391 - 3,514 - 2,598,772 0% (17,707,647) CREBS 495 - - - - 0% -
2012 POB 498 - - - - 0% (5,197)
Cemeteries 501 67,473 127,805 123,831 625,926 20% (2,220,175) Cemetery Replacement 502 - - - - 0% 288,613
Cemetery Endowment 504 - 14,688 - - 0% 753,309
Water Utility 510 630,229 1,806,224 2,270,530 7,804,360 29% 10,713,342 Water CIP 512 - 659,230 - 500,000 0% 1,849,329
Water Equip Replacement 513 - - - - 0% 747,625
EMS Equip Replacement 521 - - - - 0% 87,172
Mgmt Information Srvcs 601 45,254 94,808 106,854 598,871 18% 478,237 Vehicle Replacement 603 - 67,798 - 360,350 0% 1,778,197 Insurance 604 - - - - 0% 52,169
Building Maintenance 610 - 84,842 - 275,000 0% 4,039,795 Computer Loan 614 - - - - 0% 66,961
Hardscape Maint 615 - - - - 0% 27,212
Admin Hearings 620 - - - - 0% 1,089
Grants Restricted 630 - - - - 0% 39,879
Culture Fine Art 701 - - - - 0% 12,681
Tree Trust 702 - - - - 0% 19,970
Public Art 703 - 25,000 - 35,000 0% 121,324
Pool Scholarship 715 - - 25,000 25,000 100% 160,388
Senior Housing 731 - - - - 0% 196,180
Housing Trust 732 - - - - 0% 2,903,298
Fire Impact 790 - - - - 0% 3,491
IGT 796 - - 81,951 1,283,616 6% 1,850,210
SVFRA Operations 798 - - - - 0% 625,098
TOTAL 2,991,310 4,195,959 8,438,581 46,318,868 18%
Monthly disbursement detail reports can be found at www.sonomacity.org/financial-documents Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
CITY OF SONOMA
FUND DESCRIPTIONS
General Fund (Fund 100): The general operating fund of the City is used to account for all financial resources except those that require accounting in another fund.
Public Education & Government (Fund 202): Special revenue fund accumulates fees from telecommunication operators to support public, educational and government telecommunications, including broadcasting public meetings. Costs associated with acquiring equipment, renovating and constructing PEG-related facilities and broadcasting are paid from this fund.
Strong Motion (Fund 203): Accounts for State of California "strong motion" fees paid by building permit applicants. Funds are paid regularly to State Department of Conservation.
Asset Forfeiture (Fund 211): Accounts for funds received from seizure and forfeiture of assets that represent the proceeds of, or were used to facilitate, crime. Funds are expended according to legal restrictions.
SLESF (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund)/COPS (Citizen Option for Public Safety) (Fund 217): Supplemental law enforcement funding is distributed by the State to the County which passes through the funding to local agencies. These funds have traditionally been used to support the costs of the Community Service Officer staff in the Police Department.
Bond Property (Fund 220): The Bond Property, a six acre parcel located at 19990 Seventh Street, was bequeathed to the city in 1977 by Pauline Bond, for the purpose of “creating and maintaining a public park” and is now home to the Sonoma Garden Center. The parcel is leased to the Sonoma Ecology Center who maintains the property and administers public programs at the site. Not Currently Active Fund Maysonnave Property (Fund 221): The Maysonnave Property, consisting of two parcels of land totaling
1.44 acres located at 291 and 289 First Street East, was bequeathed to the city in 1990 by Henri Maysonave for the purpose of “creating and maintaining a public park”. The parcel at 291 First Street East is leased to the League for Historic Preservation who maintains the property and administers public programs at the site while the parcel identified as 289 First Street East is leased to the Valley of the Moon Petanque Club, which maintains the property and administers public programs at that site. Not Currently Active Fund
Schell Drainage (Fund 234): Accounts for funds used for tracking of mitigation fees for specific projects.
Not Currently Active Fund
Abandoned Vehicle (Fund 240): Accounts for funds received from the Sonoma County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (SCAVA) program and must be expended in compliance with legal restrictions.
Streets/Transport/Drain (Fund 301): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the General Fund to support improvements to the City's streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and storm drainage system.
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
Gas Tax (Fund 302): The State of California imposes per-gallon excise taxes and sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, and registration taxes on motor vehicles with allocations dedicated to transportation purposes. Gas taxes can be used for any street or road purpose; however, it is best practice to focus on maintenance and rehabilitation costs only.
SB-1 Road Maintenance (Fund 303): The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1) increased pergallon excise taxes and sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, and vehicle registration taxes, stabilized price-based fuel tax rates and provided for inflationary adjustments to rates in future years. Funds may be used for road maintenance and rehabilitation, safety projects, “complete street” components, and traffic control devices.
Parks & Facilities (Fund 304): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the General Fund to support improvements to the City's 17 parks encompassing nearly 40 acres, nine play structures, two public restrooms, Class I bike trails, hiking trails, a duck pond, and a rose garden. Park needs that exceed the capacity of City and contract workers are included in this fund.
Fire Measure H (Fund 312): Sonoma County measure uses a ½ cent countywide sales tax to improve fire services.
Transportation Measure M (Fund 313): The Traffic Relief Act for Sonoma County (Measure M) provides for a ¼ cent sales tax that is apportioned to local jurisdictions to maintain their streets, as well as other County-wide street, highway, transit, and safe bicycle and pedestrian routes.
Parks-In-Lieu/Quimby Act (Fund 314): The 1975 Quimby Act (California Government Code §66477) authorized the City to pass ordinances requiring developers set aside land, donate conservation easements, or pay fees, which can only be used for new and rehabilitating existing parks and recreational facilities and cannot be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities. The City currently has a parkland dedication (exaction) requirement as a condition of approval for Tentative Subdivision Maps or Tentative Parcel Maps.
Parks Measure M (Fund 315): Sonoma County Parks Improvement, Water Quality and Fire Safety Measure (Measure M) is a one-eighth cent sales tax that supports Sonoma County’s regional and city parks Prop 68 Parks (Fund 316): Known as the California Clean Water and Safe Parks Act, Proposition 68 allocates funds to construct and rehabilitate parks, implement water improvements for safe drinking water, increase recycling and flood protection, and encourage climate change adaptation projects.
Successor Agency (Fund 391): The City of Sonoma has elected to serve as the Successor Agency to the Sonoma Redevelopment Agency, which was dissolved by the State through the Redevelopment Dissolution Act in 2012. The City as Successor Agency receives pass through revenue when property taxes are remitted to the City by the County via RPTTF (Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund). The City then makes authorized payments from Successor Agency for expenses, such as debt service costs, contract services for contracts issued before the dissolution of the development agency, and other expenses, including legal services.
CREBS (Clean Renewable Energy Bonds) (Fund 495): Bonds to pay for solar projects at the Police Station and Corporation Yard. Not Currently Active Fund
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
2012 POB (Pension Obligation Bond) (Fund 498): Bond issued to refund the City’s side fund loan obligations to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Not Currently Active Fund Cemeteries (Fund 501): Accounts for funding to support the City’s three cemeteries’ operations and maintenance, including burial and inurnment preparation and coordination, cemetery improvements, tree hazard assessment and abatement, grounds maintenance, mausoleum maintenance, road maintenance, and vandalism abatement.
Cemetery Replacement (Fund 502): Not Currently Active Fund Cemetery Endowment (Fund 504): The Cemetery Endowment Fund was created to record the income received from Cemetery sales that is designated as endowment care. The City’s Municipal Code defines endowment care as the general maintenance of the City’s three cemeteries that is necessitated by natural growth and ordinary wear.
Water Utility (Fund 510): This enterprise fund is responsible for the delivery of high quality, dependable water service for a variety of needs including consumption, irrigation, and fire protection. It operates and maintains 3 active City-owned tanks with a combined storage capacity of 5.5 million gallons, 7 production wells and appurtenant treatment facilities, 2 pump stations with a combined 140 horsepower maximum output, 56 miles of active water main ranging from 8” to 14” in diameter, 513 fire hydrants, and approximately 4,500 active service connections
Water Construction in Progress (CIP) (Fund 512): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the Water Utility Fund to support improvements to the City's drinking water infrastructure.
Projects include replacing aging water mains and appurtenances (e.g. tees, crosses, couplers, saddles, valves), neighborhood-scale water service replacement projects, renewing tank coatings and corrosion control systems, replacing well or pump station equipment, replacing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and equipment, improvements to well and pump station buildings (e.g. replacing roofs or electrical systems).
Water Equipment Replacement (Fund 513): Accounts for costs to replace water equipment. Not Currently Active Fund
EMS Equipment Replacement (Fund 521): Accounts for costs to replace EMS equipment.
Management Information Services (Fund 601): The fund provides a mechanism for funding the operational costs, maintenance, and planned replacement of installed computer systems, equipment, software, telephone systems and other critical electronic office equipment through annual transfers from other City departments and funds.
Vehicle Replacement (Fund 603): Accounts for costs to replace vehicles based on a depreciation schedule.
Costs are distributed among user departments and transferred as approved in the annual budget process.
Insurance (Fund 604): Account from which liability, property, earthquake, vehicle, and other insurance premiums are paid. Funding is transferred from other City departments and funds on a pro rata share.
Not Currently Active Fund
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
Building Maintenance (Fund 610): The fund allows the City to set aside funding received through annual transfers made by other City departments and funds for future replacement or repair of certain items in City owned and maintained facilities.
Computer Loan (Fund 614): Created by the City Council in 2000 and funded by an initial transfer of $50,000 from the Employee Benefit Fund, this fund provides low interest loans to employees for the purchase of computers for both personal and professional use. Loans must be repaid through payroll deductions within two years.
Hardscape Maintenance (Fund 615): Accounts for the City's hardscape maintenance reserve programs.
Not Currently Active Fund
Administrative Hearings (Fund 620): Accounts for all activities of the City's Administrative Hearings as charged to departments. Not Currently Active Fund
Grants Restricted (Fund 630): The purpose of the fund is to separately track grant monies that are received and spent for capital improvement projects.
Culture Fine Art (Fund 701): Accounts for assets held to be used for cultural fine art programs. Not Currently Active Fund
Tree Trust (Fund 702): Accounts for assets held to be used for planting and replacement of trees. Not Currently Active Fund
Public Art (Fund 703): Accounts for assets held to be used for public art displays.
Pool Scholarship (Fund 715): In 2014, the City entered an agreement with Sonoma Valley Health and Recreation Association to support the construction of a swimming pool within the Sonoma Valley. The City’s financial commitment is for a total of $250,000 to be paid in 10 annual installments of $25,000 for the value of free and reduced-fee services to be provided to Sonoma Valley residents Senior Housing (Fund 731): Sonoma Creek Senior Housing is a thirty-four unit rental apartment complex for very low income senior citizens located on Oregon Street and administered by the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Community Housing Corporation (SCHC), a non-profit housing corporation created by the City’s Community Development Agency (CDA). The Board of the SCHC is comprised of two City Councilmembers, the City Manager, a staff member designated by the City Manager and a public member. The operation of the apartment complex is contracted out to Hank Fisher Properties, a rental management firm, with the resident managers being employed by the firm. All accounting and finance for the complex is handled through the rental management contract. Rental income is used to repay the indebtedness issued for the purchase of the complex and to cover annual maintenance and other operational costs.
Housing Trust (Fund 732): The fund accumulates and distributes funding in accordance with the City Council’s Affordable Housing Plan. The main source of funding is from General Fund transfers of one percent of the Transient Occupancy Tax.
Fire Impact (Fund 790): Section 3.40 of the City’s municipal code establishes a development impact mitigation fee associated with fire protective services. Fees collected will pay the costs of public facilities, including fire facilities, equipment and apparatus.
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
IGT (Intergovernmental Transfer) (Fund 796): State of California program that provides an opportunity to receive federal matching funds to support health services for Medi-Cal Managed Care beneficiaries served by the Fire Department.
SVFRA (Sonoma Valley Fire Rescue Association) Operations (Fund 798): Accounts for operational activities in which revenues and expenses are split between the City and SVFD.
Agenda Item #7.3:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 16 Sep 2026
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Amending the City of Sonoma Conflict of Interest Code Summary
The Political Reform Act of 1974 requires local government agencies to review their Conflict of Interest Codes biennially. A local agency’s conflict of interest code must reflect the current structure of the organization and properly identify officials and employees who should be filing Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700s). A code tells public officials, governmental employees, and consultants what financial interests they must disclose on their Form 700s. It helps provide transparency in local government as required under the Political Reform Act.
Effective January 1, 2026, state law expanded the existing requirement for two hours of ethics training every two years to include department heads and other administrative or managerial employees serving in similar positions within local government agencies.
Also, effective January 1, 2026, state law established an additional requirement for two hours of financial and fiscal responsibility training every two years. This requirement applies to elected officials, appointed officials, and designated employees whose responsibilities include making decisions about public funds or providing recommendations concerning public finances.
The City Council approved the most recent Conflict of Interest Code in November 2025.
However, due to these recent legislation changes and a few staffing changes, additional amendments are required. These amendments are as follows:
1. The Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director position has been changed to Administrative Services Director.
2. The Finance Director position was removed as it is now considered a Government Code 87200 filer and is included with those positions in the footnotes.
3. Other positions were removed as they are no longer on the City Salary Scale.
4. The positions required to complete the Ethics and Fiscal & Financial Responsibility training are designated in Exhibits C and D for clarity.
The Conflict of Interest Code has been updated to reflect all of the above changes (Exhibit “A”).
Recommended Council Action
Adopt the resolution.
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.
Financial Impact
Agenda Item #7.4:
There is no financial impact to this action.
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - Conflict of Interest Code 2026
Agenda Item #7.4:
City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _____ - 2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA ADOPTING
A CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST CODE, RESCINDING PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS, AND
DESIGNATING POSITIONS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ETHICS TRAINING AND FISCAL &
FINANCIAL TRAINING PURSUANT TO NEW LEGISLATION
WHEREAS, the Political Reform Act of 1974 (Government Code Section 81000, et. seq.) requires state and local government agencies to adopt and promulgate conflict of interest codes; and
WHEREAS, the Fair Political Practices Commission has adopted a regulation (2 California Code of Regulations Section 18730) which contains the terms of a standard conflict of interest code, and which may be amended by the Fair Political Practices Commission after public notice and hearings to conform to amendments to the Political Reform Act; and WHEREAS, designated officials and employees shall file their statements of economic interests with the City Clerk of the City of Sonoma, and such statements shall be open for public inspection and reproduction pursuant to Government Code section 81008. Statements for all designated officials and employees will be retained by the City of Sonoma; and WHEREAS, City Council Members, Planning Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, City Treasurer, and public officials who manage public investments are required to file statements of economic interests pursuant to Government Code Section 87200 and 87500, and are therefore not included in the list of Designated Positions required to file pursuant to the City's conflict of interest code; and
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2026, pursuant to Government Code Sections 53235 and 53235.1, the requirement to complete a two-hour biennial ethics training was expanded to include department heads, and similar administrative or managerial officers across local agencies; and
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2026, Government Code Section 53238 created an additional two-hour biennial fiscal and financial training requirement for individuals including elected officials, appointed officers, and designated employees who make decisions about or recommendations pertaining to public finances.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonoma as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of State Regulations by Reference With the additions noted below, the terms of Title 2 California Code of Regulations Section 18730 and any amendments to it duly adopted by the Fair Political Practices Commission is hereby incorporated by reference and together with the List of Designated Positions and Disclosure Categories, as adopted by the City Council, shall constitute the Conflict-of-Interest Code of the City of Sonoma.
SECTION 2. Designated Positions with Reporting Requirements Agenda Item #7.4:
Members of boards and commissions appointed by the City Council, consultants, and city employees holding designated positions as shown on Exhibit A shall be considered designated positions subject to reporting requirements under the Conflict-of-Interest Code and shall disclose financial interests as set forth on Exhibit B which lists the individual disclosure categories. Said Exhibit A and Exhibit B are attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Members of boards and commissions appointed by the City Council, elected officials, and city employees subject to the Ethics and/or Financial & Fiscal Responsibility training requirements are as set forth on Exhibit C and Exhibit D. Said Exhibit C and Exhibit D are attached hereto and made a part hereof.
SECTION 3. Filing of Statements and Receiving Training
Persons holding designated positions shall file Statements of Economic Interests with the City of Sonoma via the City’s electronic filing portal, in conformance with the individual disclosure categories and State guidelines.
Both the Ethics Training and Fiscal and Financial Training requirements shall be completed through the City’s electronic filing portal. However, if either training is completed through an inperson or virtual training program that provides a certificate of completion, the requirement shall be considered fulfilled upon submission of the certificate to the City Clerk’s Office.
SECTION 4. Late Filings and Failure to File Statements
Any violation of any provision of this Code is subject to the administrative, criminal and civil sanctions provided in the Political Reform Act, Government Code Sections 81000 et seq.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, all previous resolutions adopting and/or amending the City of Sonoma Conflict of Interest Code are hereby rescinded in their entirety.
PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 16th day of September 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
________________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.4:
EXHIBIT “A”
LIST OF DESIGNATED POSITIONS AND DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
***see note below
POSITION DISCLOSURE CATEGORY
Accountant A
Accounting Manager A
Administrative & Project Manager (Public Works) A
Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services
Director
A
Assistant to City Manager A
Associate Planner C
Cemeteries Manager A
Chief Building Official A
Chief of Police A
City Clerk A
City Prosecutor A
Community Development Director A
Contractual Consultants** A
Assistant City Attorney A
Deputy City Manager A
Deputy Finance Director A
Finance Director A
Fire Chief A
Parks & Recreation Director A
Planning & Community Services Director A
Public Works Director/City Engineer A
Public Works Operations Manager A
Senior Management Analyst A
Senior Planner C
Successor Agency Attorney A
Sustainability Coordinator A
COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS DISCLOSURE CATEGORY
Climate Action Commission C
Historic Preservation Commission C
Sonoma Community Housing Corp. Board of
Directors
C
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission C
* Contractual Consultant means an individual who, pursuant to a contract with the City, makes or participates in making governmental decisions. The City Manager may determine in writing that a particular consultant is hired to perform a range of duties that are limited in scope and thus is not required to fully comply with the disclosure requirements described in this section. Such written determination shall include a description of the consultant’s duties and based upon that description, a statement of the extent of disclosure requirements. The City Manager’s determination is a public record and shall be retained for public inspection in the same manner and location as this conflict of interest code.
** City Council Members, Planning Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, City Treasurer, Finance Director, and public officials or consultants who manage public investments are required to file statements of economic interests pursuant to Government Code Section 87200 and 87500, and are therefore, not included in the list of Designated Positions required to file pursuant to the City's conflict of interest code.
Agenda Item #7.4:
EXHIBIT “B”
DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
CATEGORY REPORTABLE INTERESTS
A Investments, business positions, income (including gifts, loans and travel payments) from sources located in or doing
business in the City, interests in real property located in the City, including property located within a two-mile radius of any property owned or used by the City.
B Investments, business positions, and sources of income (including gifts, loans and travel payments) from or in any business entity that engages in the type of services, supplies, materials, machinery, or equipment that is purchased or acquired by the employee’s department. If the employee is involved in purchasing decisions that affect more than one department, then the employee shall disclose all income (including gifts, loans and travel payments) and investment interests and business positions in any business that engages in the type of services, supplies, materials, machinery or equipment that the City might reasonably be expected to purchase or acquire.
C Investments in real property or interests in business positions in any business entity which owns property within the City or within a two-mile radius of any property owned or used by the City.
Agenda Item #7.4:
Exhibit C
Ethics Training – Pursuant Cal. Government Code §§ 53235, 53235.1 • Administrative Services Director
• City Clerk
• City Council Member
• City Manager
• Community Development Director
• Finance Director
• Fire Chief
• Parks & Recreation Director
• Police Chief
• Public Works Director
• Climate Action Commission
• Cultural & Fine Arts Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission
• Planning Commission
• Traffic Safety Committee
Agenda Item #7.4:
Exhibit D
Fiscal & Financial Training – Pursuant Cal. Government Code § 53238 • Accounting Manager
• Administrative Services Director
• Chief Building Official
• City Clerk
• City Council Member
• City Manager
• Community Development Director
• Finance Director
• Fire Chief
• Parks & Recreation Director
• Police Chief
• Public Works Administrative & Project Manager
• Public Works Director
• Public Works Operation Manager
• Senior Management Analyst
Agenda Item #7.4:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 16 Sep 2026
Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Staff Contact
Lisa Janson, Senior Management Analyst
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving the Use of City Streets for the Sonoma Valley High School Homecoming Parade on October 9, 2026, and Permission to Up-Light City Hall from October 5, 2026, through October 11, 2026, with Green Flood Lights Summary
City Council approval is required for special event permits that include street closures.
Sonoma Valley High School has submitted an application for its annual Homecoming Parade, scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade route will begin at Sonoma Valley High School, proceed north along Broadway (State Route 12), and conclude in the horseshoe of the Plaza. Because the route includes use of State Route 12, Caltrans approval and an encroachment permit may also be required.
This is a recurring event in the Plaza. In prior years, the City Council has approved the requested street closures, and the event has taken place without incident or controversy.
The application includes intermittent street closures along the parade route, which have been coordinated with City staff, Police, and Fire. The event is considered a community tradition that engages students, families, and the public in a safe and celebratory manner. For the past several years, the City of Sonoma has also shown support by illuminating City Hall in green for the days leading up to Sonoma Valley High School's Homecoming weekend.
The event and street use fee waivers were previously authorized under the Community Recreation and Community Service Program, which City Council adopted by Resolution #31- 2022 on June 1, 2022.
Recommended Council Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the requested use of City streets for the Sonoma Valley High School Homecoming Parade and light installation on City Hall, subject to the following conditions:
1. Sonoma Valley High School must obtain an encroachment permit from Caltrans (State of California Division of Highways).
2. Sonoma Valley High School must submit to the City a valid insurance certificate in compliance with the City of Sonoma Facility Use Insurance Requirements prior to the event.
3. Sonoma Valley High School representatives must meet with the Police Chief, Parks Supervisor, and Streets Supervisor at least two weeks prior to the event to finalize traffic control plans and submit a written request for special barricading.
4. Sonoma Valley High School must provide adequate supervision to ensure the Plaza is returned to pre-event condition and that all Plaza Use conditions and restrictions are adhered to.
Agenda Item #7.5:
Alternative Actions
City Council's discretion.
Financial Impact
No additional fiscal impact is anticipated. Event and street use fees are waived pursuant to Resolution #31-2022.
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - SVHS Homecoming Parade
PLUA-26-37_Homecoming Parade Application
Alignment with Council Goals:
Not Applicable
Agenda Item #7.5:
City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # - 2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA APPROVING THE
USE OF CITY STREETS FOR THE SONOMA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE ON OCTOBER 9, 2026, AND PERMISSION TO UP-LIGHT CITY HALL FROM OCTOBER 5, 2026, THROUGH OCTOBER 11, 2026, WITH GREEN FLOOD LIGHTS WHEREAS, Sonoma Valley High School has applied to the State of California to conduct the Sonoma Valley High School Homecoming Parade, on State property; and WHEREAS, the Sonoma Valley High School Homecoming Parade will temporarily impede and restrict the free passage of State Route 12 on October 9, 2026, between Sonoma Valley High School, 20000 Broadway and the Downtown Sonoma Plaza between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sonoma wishes to show their support of the Sonoma Valley Dragons and the Sonoma Valley High School.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Sonoma wishes to show their continued support of the Sonoma Valley Dragons and the Sonoma Valley High School, by turning City Hall green for a period of 7 days.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonoma approves and consents to the proposed Sonoma Valley High School Homecoming Parade and recommends approval of and consents to the proposed restriction of State Highway Route 12 upon terms and conditions deemed appropriate and necessary by the State of California, Department of Transportation, subject to the following conditions:
1. Sonoma Valley High School must obtain an appropriate Permit from the State of California Divisions of Highways.
2. Sonoma Valley High School must submit, to the City, an insurance certificate in compliance with the City of Sonoma facility use insurance requirements prior to the event.
3. Sonoma Valley High School must meet with the Police Chief and Streets Supervisor at least two weeks prior to the event to finalize traffic plans and submit a written request for special barricading.
4. Sonoma Valley High School must provide adequate supervision of the event to ensure that the Plaza is left in its pre-event condition and that all Plaza use conditions and restrictions are adhered to.
Agenda Item #7.5:
5. Direct city staff to install the high schools up-lights for a period of 7-days starting on October 3, 2026, through October 11, 2026.
PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 16th day of September 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.5:
City of Sonoma, CA September 8, 2026
Record No: PLUA-26-37
Plaza Use Application
Status: Active
Submitted On: 8/28/2026
Primary Location
No location
Owner
No owner information
Event Details - Intake Review
Complete this section during Intake Review Step
Event Size
Grinstead Amphitheater Production Only Private Event
Small Event Wedding
Large Event Number of Event Hours *
4 Attendance
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 1/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Greater than 2500 Less than 2500
Number of Attendees
250
Event Type
For Profit Non Profit
Amplified Sound - Complete this section if the entity is requesting the use of amplified sound as part of their event request.
Amplified Sound Amplified Sound Start Time
130
Amplified Sound Start Time AM/PM
PM
Amplified Sound End Time
230
Amplified Sound End Time AM/PM
PM
Review/Approval Level
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 2/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
If this is an annual event is it in good standings? Senior Management Analyst Lisa Janson
Sep 8, 2026
SEC Review is necessary City Council Approval Required
City Manager Approval Required
ABC License Required
ABC License Required For Event Series (ABC Requirement) –
Discount Instructions
Resident
Parks Review & Development of Preliminary Conditions of Approval
Event Organizer is required to hire a
professional sorting company to properly
dispose of waste generated by their event (To
be printed on Conditions of Approval if box is
checked).
Additional (non-standard) conditions are
included in approval letter.
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 3/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Parks - Additional (nonstandard) Conditions of Approval (to be printed on COA Document issued) Based on attendance additional sanitation
services are required, this includes hand
washing stations and porta-potties
Number of Porta Potties Required
–
Number of Hand Washing Stations Required
–
Number of ADA Portable Toilets Required to be
Ordered
–
Streets Supervisor Review & Development of Preliminary
Conditions of Approval
Is a Caltrans encroachment permit required
for the requested street use?
Yes
Additional (non-standard) conditions of approval
need to be included.
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 4/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Streets - Additional (nonstandard) Conditions of Approval (to be printed on COA Document issued)
1. Sonoma Valley High School must obtain an encroachment permit from Caltrans (State of California Division of Highways).
2. Sonoma Valley High School must submit to the City a valid insurance certificate in compliance with the City of Sonoma Facility Use Insurance Requirements prior to the event.
3. Sonoma Valley High School representatives must meet with the Police Chief, Public Works Parks Supervisor, and Street Supervisor at least two weeks prior to the event to finalize traffic control plans and submit a written request for special barricading.
Fire Marshal Review & Development of Preliminary Conditions of Approval
Events greater then 1,000 persons in
attendance are required to have one crowd
monitor for every 250 persons. (To be printed
on Conditions of Approval if box is checked)
Additional (non-standard) Fire conditions of
approval are required
Fire - Additional (nonstandard) Conditions of Approval (to be printed on COA Document issued) No use if any heat producing appliances (heaters, generators etc) on floats with hay.
Each parade float must be equipped with a 2a10bc portable fire extinguisher.
In the event that the float needed to use the generator and also hay bales they would require separate permission and approval by this fire department.
All other conditions of the outdoor special event permit would apply. 9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 5/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Total Fire Plan Review & Inspection Fees
–
Fire Dept. Invoice and Fee Justification
No File Uploaded
Public Safety Plan needs to include CPR
Trained individual onsite with access to 911
and or 1st aid station with EMT.
Public Safety Pan needs to include a 1st aid
station with Paramedic. A standby ambulance is
required during all event hours.
Police Department Review & Development of Preliminary
Conditions of Approval
Additional Security Required # of additional security personnel needed –
Event Hours that Security is Needed
Reason(s) for additional security
Additional (non-standard) Conditions of
Approval Need to be Included.
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 6/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Police - Additional (nonstandard) Conditions of Approval (to be printed on COA Document issued) Police:
Contact Sonoma Police Department to go over Parade route and exact times of the parade to and from the Plaza.
Ensure there are flaggers at Napa and Broadway to assist with pedestrian and car traffic safe passage.
The drivers of the floats must obey the rules of the road.
Miscellaneous Additional Event Requirements
Miscellaneous - Additional (nonstandard) Conditions (to be printed on COA Document issued) Use of Hwy 12 requires approval from Caltrans. Must obtain an appropriate Permit from the State of California Divisions of Highways.
If you use hay/straw within the Plaza, please pick up any hay particles that fall from the floats.
Please no confetti or be prepared to pick up confetti post event.
Please leave the amphitheater in a neat and tidy manner free of all trash and debris.
Encourage kids to walk and not drive to the Plaza.
The current schedule for the rolling street closure of the procession from High School to City Hall is as follows:
1:00pm the 4 trucks with floats will leave the High School and the cars carrying the Homecoming court.
All floats will leave the horseshoe and return to the High School The Rally in the Grinstead Amphitheater will begin at approx. 1:30 and it ends at 2:30pm
The horseshoe will be open during this event, please have crowd monitors onsite to keep the students aware of the flow of traffic around City Hall.
The sides of City Hall need to maintain a 20’ clearance for the Fire Department and the FC to the building cannot be blocked (located on the west side of City Hall). 9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 7/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Additional (non-standard) Special Event
Conditions of approval.
Event Information
New or Returning Annual Event *
Returning Event
Name of Event*
SVHS Homecoming Parade and Plaza
Rally
Beginning Event Date*
10/09/2026
Ending Event Date
10/09/2026
How many days will your event take place?*
1 Private Family Event
Community Event - All events that are not private
family events
Event Organizer
Tammy Rivara
Sponsoring Organization
Sonoma Valley High School
Organization Type*
Non-Profit
Event Contact Person Information
Event Contact Person Name*
Tammy Rivara
Title
Ms.
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 8/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Mailing Address*
20000 Broadway
City*
Sonoma
State*
CA
Zip*
95476
Day Time Phone*
707-225-2508
Cell Phone*
707-225-2508
Email*
[email protected]
On Site Contact Name*
Tammy Rivara
On Site Contact Cell Phone*
707-225-2508
Plaza Areas Requested
SE Section (Hourly rental fee $162) NW Section (Hourly rental fee $162) NE Section (Hourly rental fee $162) SW Section (Hourly rental fee $162) Amphitheater (Hourly rental fee of $61) Number of Hours of Active Use Amphitheater* 10 Rear Parking Lot (Hourly rental fee $56) Horseshoe Pavement (Hourly rental fee $246)) 9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 9/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Number of Hours of Active Use Horseshoe
Pavement *
1 How many Plaza Area sections or areas are you
requesting?*
2 Rose Garden Only (Hourly rental fee $40)
Hours of Use
Date*
10/09/2026
Set-up Time Information
Start Time (Set-up)*
5:30
AM/PM*
AM
Event Start Time Information
Event Start Time*
1:30
AM/PM*
PM
Event End Time Information
Event End Time*
2:30
AM/PM*
PM
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 10/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Teardown & Cleanup Information
End Time (Teardown & Cleanup)*
3:30
AM/PM*
PM
Attendance
Estimated Attendance*
250
Type of Admission
Free Admission Number of Free Admission Attendees
250
Admission/Participation Fee Required Race Fee
Event Features
Booths (Free to Vendors) Booths (For Sale to Vendors)
Car Show Kid Zone and or Games
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 11/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Race (Bike or Running) Recycling Center
Registration Area VIP Area
Parade ATV and or Golf Carts
Amplified sound is allowed as part of a special event permit. Below please indicate the number of hours amplified sound will be needed and the types of sound to be expected onsite.
Live and or Amplified Music Types of amplified sound
Announcer
Total Amount of Time Amplified Sound Is Being
Requested
1 Structures
INFLATABLES ARE PROHIBITIED IN CITY PARKS. i.e. Jumping Houses, or any inflatable structure including games
POLYSTYRENE PRODUCTS ARE PROHIBITED IN CITY PARKS.
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 12/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Below are two maps the Plaza Use Map can be used to draw in all of the event features, including staging, tents, tables and chairs. The Electrical Map contains the locations of all of the electrical bollards within the Plaza, if your event utilizes electricity please identify which bollards need to be turned on utilizing the map.
Plaza Use Map
Electrical Map
Banner Sign on historic directory Barricades (Security Only) Chairs Ez Pop Up Canopies
Fencing or Delineating Areas First Aid Station
Free Standing Signs/Banners Generators
Sanitation Services Stages/Risers
Tables Tents
# of Tents Trailers
0 9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
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Trash Containers/Dumpsters Other Structure
Food and Beverage
Food to be available?*
No Food Served
Alcohol Served Onsite
Vendors Required for Set Up and Event
ALS Ambulance Audio Visual Services
Bicycle Valet Services Sanitation Services
Party Rental Company Musicians and DJ
Security Fork Lifts and Rigging
Transportation Services Staging Company
Tenting Company Recycling Sorting Vendor
9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
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Additional Services
Bathroom Attendant(s) Onsite Supervision Requested
CHP Services for Street Closures Onsite Security- Required for all community events that serve alcohol.
Reservation of Public Parking Street Use Requested
Water Needed
If your event requires the use of electricity please down load the Electrical Map below and highlight the electrical bollards that you need opened for your event.
Please enter the number of bollards that you need opened in the box below. Please note the City of Sonoma does charge for the use of electricity it is based on the number of bollards requested opened.
Electrical Map
Electricity Needed Number of Electrical Bollards*
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https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 15/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Marketing Information
Please submit a event description that the City of Sonoma can use on SonomaCity.org Event Calendar.* Sonoma Valley High School's annual Homecoming Parade and Rally at the Plaza! This is an opportunity for the entire community to come together to support the local high school and its students and to show Sonoma spirit! Upload a Graphic Image for Marketing
No File Uploaded
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https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 16/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Steet Use General Conditions of Approval
Applicant is responsible for obtaining permission from Caltrans for use of any portion of Highway 12. All facilities placed upon a City street are subject to continuing safety approval and inspection by the appropriate City departments. A clear path of a minimum width of 20 feet through the length of the portion of roadway being used must be maintained for emergency vehicle access. Obstructions shall not be placed along the curb or the roadway within 10 feet of any fire hydrant.
All facilities used for the event shall be removed from City streets immediately after the close of the event. All costs for barricading, traffic control, street sweeping and clean up shall be borne by the applicant. Applicant will be required to submit a deposit equal to the amount estimated by the City for services performed by City personnel in relation to the event. The deposit is due no later than two weeks before the first day of the event. If actual costs exceed the amount of the deposit, applicant will be required to pay the difference. If actual costs are less than the deposit, the excess will be returned to applicant or applied to any other fees or charges owed to the City. Applicant must provide a certificate of insurance and a policy endorsement naming the City of Sonoma as additional insured as described in the City of Sonoma Facility Use Insurance Requirements.
* * * * *
I do hereby acknowledge and affirm that all information contained herein is accurate to the best of my knowledge and agree to assume full responsibility and liability for and indemnify, and suits for or by reason of injury to any person or damages to any property of the parties hereto or of the third persons for any and all cause or causes whatsoever on in any way connected with the holding of said event or any act or omission or thing in any manner related to said event and its operation irrespective of negligence, actual or claimed, upon the part of the City, its agents or employees.
Applicant Signature Acknowledging Street Use
Conditions*
Tammy Rivara
Aug 27, 2026
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https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 17/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Insurance Information
The following special event insurance requirements must be met for all events being held on City property.
Event organizers must have liability insurance for no less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) naming the City of Sonoma as an additional insured, with an endorsement stating that the event holder’s insurance is primary. If alcohol is sold at the event, the event holder must also provide two million dollars ($2,000,000) liquor liability insurance.
It is essential that any group holding an event in the City of Sonoma meet one of the following two insurance requirements to ensure that your organization is carrying full risk and responsibility for producing your event.
1. Certificate of General Liability Insurance AND Endorsement. The required insurance certificate and endorsements must be executed by your insurance carrier with the terms and language below.
1. The term must be for one year with a minimum of $2 million General Liability for each occurrence, OR, $1 million General Liability plus $1 million Umbrella Liability for each occurrence.
2. Additionally Insured Language: The City of Sonoma, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees and volunteers, #1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476.
3. Description of Premises: Provide a description of the operations, location and dates of the event and insurance policy number.
4. Primary Language on Endorsement: This insurance shall be primary as respects the insured shown in the schedule, or if excess, shall stand in an unbroken chain of coverage excess of the Named Insured’s schedule underlying primary coverage.
In either event, any other insurance maintained by the Insured scheduled above shall be in excess of this insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it.
5. Cancellation Language: The insurance afforded by this policy shall not be cancelled except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail.
2. Special Event Insurance:
1. Minimum of $2 million General Liability for each occurrence, OR, $1 million General Liability plus $1 million Umbrella Liability for each occurrence.
2. Additionally Insured Language: The City of Sonoma, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees and volunteers, #1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476.
3. Description of Premises: Provide a description of the operations, location and dates of the event and insurance policy number.
4. Primary Language on Endorsement: This insurance shall be primary as respects the insured shown in the schedule, or if excess, shall stand in an unbroken chain of coverage excess of the Named Insured’s schedule underlying primary coverage.
In either event, any other insurance maintained by the Insured scheduled above shall be in excess of this insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it.
Note: Do not wait to contact your insurance carrier. It is generally the insurance that holds up a permit. Be certain when you submit your request for insurance certificates and endorsements that your carrier receives the above provisions and requirement. 9/8/26, 11:07 AM PLUA-26-37
https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 18/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Additional Fee Notes:
Maintenance Fee: If the rented area is not returned in rentable condition (at the sole discretion of the City), the City may charge a maintenance fee for each hour required by City Staff to bring the event area into rentable condition. (Staff activities may include, but are not limited to: emptying trash cans, cleaning restrooms, picking up litter.) This maintenance fee is based on the Public Works Hourly Rate as specified in the most current City Fee Schedule.
Clean up activities may include activities outside of the originally rented area to the extent that those areas were impacted by the event.
Other Fees: Event organizers are responsible for any costs (such as staff time costs) associated with the event. Examples are below but are not all inclusive:
If the approving committee or City Council directs specific activities of staff (such as inspections), fees associated with that activity shall be charged to the event unless waived by City Council. If event preparation or review time exceeds hours allocated in the applicable fee, those costs may be charged to the event organizer at the sole discretion of the City. Such activities may include but are not limited to additional set up such as electrical review, distribution or emptying of trash cans, pick up of litter. If City Staff are requested to be oncall or are called in to resolve an event issue, the associated fee (including minimum charges) may be charged to the event organizer at the sole discretion of the City. Additional services requested after the event application and approval which were not considered at the time of the application may be charged at the rate specified in the City Fee Schedule.
Fee Changes: The City of Sonoma Fee Schedule is typically reviewed annually. If the City’s fees change between the submittal of an application and the event, event fees will be adjusted to reflect the current fees as specified in the City Fee Schedule. This may result in additional costs or a refund.
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https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 19/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Applicant Agreement
I, the undersigned, as applicant or on behalf of the applicant, signify that the information provided on this application is true and correct and hereby accept full responsibility for any breakage or damage to property or building, and for department and conduct of those attending the function for which the facility is requested.
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Sonoma, its officer, officials, employees and volunteers from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses including attorney fees arising out of the negligent act or omission of myself, any agent, anyone directly or indirectly by them or anyone for whose acts by them may be liable, except where caused by the active negligence, sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City.
If permission is granted, I, or my representative agrees to be present during the entire use of the facility. This agreement requires that the City of Sonoma be named as “an additionally insured” and that the applicants insurance apply on a primary and non-contributory basis, over any coverage the city of Sonoma may have.
My signature below signifies that I agree to abide by all of the conditions of this application, the Special Event Use Policy and of any contract issued based on this application. I also agree to pay to the City of Sonoma all costs the City may incur as a result of any failure to comply with all of these conditions including damages due to failure to leave the premises in rentable condition.
Applicant Signature*
Tammy Rivara
Aug 27, 2026
Calculated Total Public Works Crew Hours
Total Calculated PW Crew - Regular (Business)
Hours
Total Calculated PW Crew - Regular Overtime
Hours
Total Calculated PW Crew -Sunday or Holiday
Overtime Hours
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https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 20/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
Public Works Rental & Materials Costs
Upload Public Works Fee Sheet
No File Uploaded
Total Materials Costs
–
Total Public Works Equipment Rental Costs
–
Finance - Cost Recovery Information
Customer # Finance Project #
Finance Project Task Code
Refund Processing
Upload Refund Authorization Sheet (for
Finance)
No File Uploaded
Refund Authorization Form Template (Right-click to open) Amount of Refund Due
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https://sonomaca.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/8704/details 21/21 Agenda Item #7.5:
City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 16 Sep 2026
Department
Administration
Staff Contact
Michael Berger, Public Works Director
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Adopting Volume 1, Volume 2 - Section 10 (The City Of Sonoma Annex), and the Appendices of Volume 2, of the Sonoma County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Summary
Summary
The 2026 Sonoma County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a comprehensive, countywide effort to identify natural hazards, assess community vulnerabilities, and establish strategies to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people, property, infrastructure, the environment, and the economy. The plan updates the 2021 HMP and was developed under the leadership of the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management in partnership with 22 participating jurisdictions and special districts, including the City of Sonoma.
For the City, the value of the HMP process extends beyond maintaining eligibility for certain federal mitigation funding. The update provided a structured opportunity for staff across departments and disciplines to identify local vulnerabilities, evaluate the City's existing capabilities, review progress since the previous plan, and establish mitigation priorities that can help inform City planning and operations over the next five years.
Development of the City's annex was an interdepartmental effort involving staff with operational and subject-matter expertise from across the organization, together with Sonoma Valley Fire District and other partners. Staff reviewed existing vulnerabilities and capabilities, evaluated previous mitigation actions, and identified actions for the next five years with an emphasis on developing a mitigation strategy grounded in identified local vulnerabilities, existing City responsibilities, and opportunities to integrate mitigation into ongoing and future City work.
Some of the work identified in the updated HMP is already underway or builds upon existing City initiatives, demonstrating that the plan is intended to serve as a working framework for ongoing resilience efforts rather than simply a list of future projects.
Background
Hazard mitigation is the use of long- and short-term policies, programs, projects, and other activities to reduce the loss of life, injury, property damage, and other impacts that can result from disasters. Maintaining a current FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan also establishes eligibility for certain federal hazard mitigation grant programs.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management served as the lead agency for the 2026 multi-jurisdictional update, coordinating the participating jurisdictions and special districts, managing the consultant team, facilitating the regional planning process, and coordinating review by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The City appreciates the County's leadership and the significant technical and administrative resources it provided throughout this multi-year effort.
The regional nature of the HMP is particularly important for Sonoma. The City encompasses approximately 2.72 square miles within the larger Sonoma Valley, and many of the hazards facing the community do not stop at jurisdictional boundaries.
Fire protection, transportation, water supply, utilities, emergency response, and community services connect the City with surrounding unincorporated areas. Regional mitigation efforts therefore directly support the City's resilience, just as mitigation undertaken within the City can benefit the broader Sonoma Valley.
The HMP consists of a countywide plan in Volume I and jurisdiction-specific annexes in Volume II. Section 10 of Volume II is the City of Sonoma Annex. It describes Sonoma's community characteristics, local capabilities, hazard vulnerabilities, status of previous mitigation actions, and mitigation strategy for the next five-year planning period. The annex is intended to function as a living document and implementation tool.
City of Sonoma Planning Process
Development of the City annex was a collaborative, interdepartmental process involving Public Works, Administration, Community Development, Sonoma Valley Fire District, the City's emergency planning consultant, and staff with relevant technical and operational expertise. Staff from across the organization contributed their knowledge of City facilities, infrastructure, programs, operations, and community needs to help identify vulnerabilities and develop potential mitigation actions.
This broad participation was important to developing a mitigation strategy grounded in the City's actual responsibilities, capabilities, and ongoing work. Staff sought to identify actions that could realistically inform or be integrated into City programs, projects, plans, and operations over the five-year life of the HMP.
Staff reviewed the status of mitigation actions contained in the 2021 HMP and considered whether those actions had been completed, should continue, or should be modified. Actions that remain relevant but are incomplete or in progress were considered alongside newly identified actions.
What's New in the 2026 HMP
The 2026 HMP evaluates 11 hazards of concern: dam failure, drought, earthquake, extreme cold, extreme heat, extreme wind, flooding, landslide, sea level rise, tsunami, and wildfire.
The former severe weather category has been refined, with extreme wind evaluated Agenda Item #7.6:
as an individual hazard and extreme heat and extreme cold added as separate hazards of concern. For Sonoma, these changes reflect increasing attention to the impacts of temperature and weather extremes on vulnerable populations, infrastructure, emergency operations, and community services.
Climate change is also addressed differently in the updated plan. Rather than treating climate change as a separate hazard, the HMP considers how changing climate conditions may affect the frequency, severity, or consequences of individual hazards.
This allows climate impacts to be considered in the context of wildfire, drought, extreme heat, flooding, extreme weather, and other hazards where those effects occur.
The update also places greater emphasis on connecting hazard mitigation to existing plans, programs, regulations, capital projects, and City operations.
City Mitigation Strategy and Implementation
The City's updated mitigation strategy includes 33 potential mitigation actions spanning emergency preparedness, wildfire risk reduction, infrastructure resilience, water and energy reliability, community preparedness, and other areas. These potential mitigation actions are summarized in table 10-27, with the respective actions spelled out in the following pages of the report (pg. 10-53). These mitigation actions include both ongoing City activities and potential initiatives.
The City's mitigation actions were developed with an emphasis on identified needs, practical implementation, and alignment with existing City responsibilities and priorities. Some actions can be advanced through existing programs and work plans, while others may require future budget allocations, outside funding, regional partnerships, or additional staff capacity. Inclusion in the HMP does not guarantee that funding will be available or that an action will be implemented within the five-year planning period.
Maintaining an approved HMP does, however, preserve the City's eligibility to pursue certain hazard mitigation funding opportunities when they are available. Individual projects will continue to be evaluated based on need, feasibility, available resources, and applicable City approval processes.
Implementation of some mitigation activities is already underway. For example, the HMP identifies development of hazard-specific Emergency Operations Plan annexes for extreme heat, extreme cold, and extreme wind as a mitigation action. The City has already begun this work through development of an Extreme Cold Annex. Other mitigation activities documented in the HMP include ongoing wildfire vegetation management and defensible-space work and recently completed efforts such as the citywide tree inventory and canopy study.
The updated HMP also documents progress from the previous planning cycle. For example, replacement of the Chase Street Bridge was identified as a mitigation action in the previous HMP and is now listed as completed following replacement of the bridge in 2022, including increased hydraulic capacity to better accommodate storm events.
Agenda Item #7.6:
The resulting mitigation strategy is intended to inform existing City functions, including capital improvement planning, emergency preparedness, infrastructure maintenance, land-use and development planning, water system management, wildfire prevention, and public education and outreach.
Inclusion of an action in the HMP does not itself appropriate funding or constitute approval of an individual project. Future projects will remain subject to available resources and applicable City budgeting, procurement, environmental review, and approval requirements.
Public and Stakeholder Engagement
The County conducted broad regional public engagement during development of the HMP, including a bilingual hazard mitigation survey, public meetings, stakeholder outreach, and a formal public review period. The City supplemented the County's regional outreach through its own communications, including website and social media outreach, a dedicated HMP webpage, community partner engagement, and promotion of the public review process.
On November 6, 2025, the City, Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, and Sonoma Valley Fire District co-hosted a Sonoma Valley-focused public meeting at Sonoma Valley Fire District Station No. 1 to provide information about the draft HMP, discuss the City of Sonoma annex, and provide an opportunity for community input. Spanish interpretation was available.
The City's planning process also considered community input received through related efforts occurring concurrently with the HMP update, including the General Plan and Safety Element update, Fire Hazard Severity Zone process, and evacuation planning.
Plan Adoption and FEMA Eligibility
Cal OES and FEMA have reviewed the HMP and determined it to be approvable pending adoption. Each participating jurisdiction must formally adopt the plan for its jurisdiction to receive final FEMA approval and maintain eligibility for applicable FEMA hazard mitigation funding.
Upon City Council adoption, the executed resolution will be transmitted as required to complete the approval process.
Recommended Council Action
Adopt the enclosed resolution adopting Volume 1, Volume 2 - Section 10 (The City of Sonoma Annex), and the Appendices of Volume 2 of the Sonoma County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2026.
Alternative Actions
Agenda Item #7.6:
Financial Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the HMP. Adoption does not commit the City to funding or implementing individual mitigation actions.
Maintaining a current FEMA-approved HMP preserves the City's eligibility to apply for certain federal hazard mitigation funding. Potential future mitigation projects would be considered through the City's normal budget, capital improvement, grant, and project approval processes.
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution Adopting 2026 HMP
City of Sonoma Annex - 2026 HMP
Alignment with Council Goals:
Not Applicable
Agenda Item #7.6:
City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # ________- 2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA ADOPTING VOLUME 1, VOLUME 2 - SECTION 10 (THE CITY OF SONOMA ANNEX),
AND THE APPENDICES OF VOLUME 2 OF THE
SONOMA COUNTY MULTIJURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE 2026 WHEREAS, all of Sonoma County has exposure to natural hazards that increase the risk to life, property, environment, and the economy within the County; and WHEREAS, pro-active mitigation of known hazards before a disaster event can reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property; and
WHEREAS, The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) established new requirements for pre- and post-disaster local hazard mitigation programs; and WHEREAS, a coalition of Sonoma County stakeholders with like planning objectives has been formed to pool resources and create consistent mitigation strategies to be implemented within each partners identified capabilities, within the Sonoma County Planning Area; and WHEREAS, a coalition of County partners has completed a planning process that engages the public, assesses the risk and vulnerability to the impacts of natural hazards, develops a mitigation strategy consistent with a set of uniform goals and objectives, and creates a plan for implementing, evaluating, and revising this strategy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sonoma participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare this hazard mitigation plan; and
WHEREAS, the California Office of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency have reviewed the Sonoma County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2026 and approved it contingent upon official adoption of the plan by all participating governing jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sonoma desires to comply with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act and to augment its emergency planning efforts by formally adopting the Sonoma County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2026; and WHEREAS, the proposed hazard mitigation plan being considered is either: not a project subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as continuing administrative or maintenance activity, such as general policy and procedure making, or governmental administrative activity, that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment in accordance with Section 15378(b); and/or exempt from the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the current activity may affect the environment, in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and/or categorically exempt from CEQA in accordance with Section 15306 as basic data collection, research, resource evaluation activities or studies that do not result in a disturbance to an environmental resource.
WHEREAS, City Council adoption of a current Hazard Mitigation Plan will make the City of Sonoma eligible to receive earmarked mitigation grant funding as well as eligible to apply for additional federal mitigation grants; and
Agenda Item #7.6:
WHEREAS, adoption by the City Council of the City of Sonoma, demonstrates the jurisdiction’s commitment to fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlined in Section 10 of Volume 2 of the Sonoma County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2026; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonoma:
1.) Adopts Volume 1, Volume 2 - Section 10 (the City of Sonoma annex), and the appendices of Volume 2 of the Sonoma County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2026 (Exhibit A).
2.) Will use the adopted and approved portions of the Hazard Mitigation Plan to guide pre- and post- disaster mitigation of the hazards identified.
3.) Will coordinate the strategies identified in the Hazard Mitigation Plan with other planning programs and mechanisms under its jurisdictional authority.
4.) Will continue its support of the on-going countywide mitigation efforts and continue to participate in the Planning Partnership as described by the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
5.) Will help to promote and support the mitigation successes of all planning partners.
PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma on this 16th day of September 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Ron Wellander, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-1
10. CITY OF SONOMA
This jurisdictional annex to the Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) provides information to assist public and private sectors in the City of Sonoma with reducing losses from future hazard events.
This annex is not guidance for what to do when a disaster occurs; the focus is actions that can be implemented prior to a disaster to reduce or eliminate damage to the people, property, environment, or economy of the City. The annex presents a general overview of Sonoma, describes who participated in the planning process, assesses local risk, vulnerability, and capabilities, and outlines a strategy for achieving a more resilient community.
10.1 HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING TEAM
The City of Sonoma identified primary and alternate HMP points of contact and developed this plan over the course of several months, with input from many City departments. The Department of Public Works represented the community on the Sonoma County HMP Planning Partnership and Hazard Mitigation Working Group and supported the local planning process by securing input from persons with specific knowledge to enhance the plan. All departments were asked to contribute to the annex development through reviewing and contributing to the capability assessment, reporting on the status of previously identified actions, and participating in action identification and prioritization.
The City officials who participated in the development of the annex are listed below and shown in
Table 10-1. Additional documentation of the City’s planning activities through Planning Partnership meetings is included in Volume I.
Primary Point of Contact: Mike Berger, Director – Department of Public Works Address: No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone Number: 707-938-3332
Email: [email protected]
Alternate Point of Contact: Sarah Tracy, Senior Management Analyst and PIO Address: No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone Number: 707-933-2215
Email: [email protected]
NFIP Administrator: Joseph Tignor, Chief Building Official Address: No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone Number: 7079332211
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-2
Email: [email protected]
Table 10-1. Additional Contributors
Name Department Position HMP Contribution
Mike Berger Public Works Director Worksheet contribution Sarah Tracy Administration Sr. Management
Analyst & PIO
Contributed to worksheets,
developed outreach plan
and materials
Jennifer Gates Community Development
Department
Department Head Worksheet contribution
Chris Pegg Public Works Operations Manager Worksheet Contribution Joseph Tignor Community Development
Department
Chief Building Official Worksheet Contribution
Trevor Smith Sonoma Valley Fire District Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal
Worksheet Contribution
Mason Lewis Sonoma Valley Fire District Vegetation
Management &
Defensible Space
Coordinator
Fuels Management /
Wildfire Prevention &
Mitigation
Robert Norrbom Sonoma Valley Fire District Deputy Chief Historical Knowledge Sean Lacy Sonoma Valley Fire District Battalion Chief Historical Knowledge
10.2 COMMUNITY PROFILE
The City of Sonoma is a historic municipality in the heart of the Sonoma Valley wine region in Sonoma County, approximately 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The city encompasses an area of
2.72 square miles. Its boundaries generally extend from Leveroni Road/Napa Road in the south to Verano Avenue/Brazil Street in the north, and from Sonoma Highway in the west to Sixth Street East/Knight Street in the east.
Sonoma was first incorporated on April 4, 1850, the year that California achieved statehood. The city was later unincorporated in 1862 and re-incorporated on September 3, 1883. The cornerstone of Sonoma City Hall was laid in 1906, marking a new era of civic development.
Sonoma’s cultural heritage is celebrated through several annual events. Pueblo Day, observed each June 24, commemorates the founding of the Pueblo de Sonoma in 1835. The Hispanic community celebrates Cinco de Mayo, honoring the 1862 victory at the Battle of Puebla, and the city also hosts a re-enactment each June 14 of the Bear Flag Revolt, the 1846 uprising that played a pivotal role in California’s path to statehood.
The City of Sonoma operates under a council/manager form of government. A five-member City Council, elected to overlapping four-year terms, provides policy leadership and legislative oversight.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-3
Law enforcement services are provided through a contract with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Fire protection is provided by the Sonoma Valley Fire District. Educational services fall under the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Sewer services are managed by the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District, operated by Sonoma Water. The City operates its own water system, with Sonoma Water serving as the primary supplier. Health care services are provided by Sonoma Valley Hospital through the Sonoma Valley Health Care District.
According to the U.S. Census, the 2020 population for Sonoma was 10,739, a 0.85 percent increase from the 2010 Census. The 2023 American Community Survey estimated that the 2023 population of Sonoma was 10,726; this estimate is used throughout the HMP.
Some populations are at greater risk from hazard events because of decreased resources or physical abilities for responding during a hazard, and the location and construction quality of their housing. The 2023 American Community Survey indicates that 3.1 percent of the population is 5 years of age or younger, 32.6 percent is 65 years of age or older, 1.2 percent is non-English speaking, 8.3 percent is below the poverty threshold, 16.7 percent have disabilities, 2.0 percent live in a single parent household, and 0.6 percent have no vehicle access.
In 2024, the total homeless population in the City of Sonoma was reported as 13 individuals, all of them unsheltered (Sonoma County 2024).
10.3 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Volume I of this HMP describes the outreach to the public that was undertaken on behalf of all participating jurisdictions to prepare this HMP update. In addition to that work, the City of Sonoma completed specific activities to collect input on hazards and vulnerability from the people the City serves. The public was invited to participate in the plan by responding to the public survey, attending a virtual Hazard Mitigation Working Group meeting, attending an in-person meeting, and reviewing the draft plan.
To ensure meaningful and inclusive participation, the City used a layered, multi-channel outreach strategy that included the following:
• Posts on the City website with multilingual translation tools and accessibility features • City newsletters and social media content tailored to different community segments • Water bill inserts reaching all utility customers, including renters • Flyers and printed materials distributed at the library, senior center, community markets, clinics, and service provider locations
• Collaboration with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving unhoused individuals, agricultural workers, people over 65, non-English speakers, LGBTQ+ community members, and low-income households
• Outreach through local media, including newspapers, radio, and digital outlets Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Promotion of public meetings and workshops—virtual and in-person—with interpretation services and accommodations for persons with access and functional needs based on available resources In January 2025, the City posted an announcement on its website about its participation in the HMP update and included a link to a public survey. The survey was also promoted on social media. Figure 10-1 and Figure 10-2 show these outreach efforts. In March 2025, the City launched a dedicated HMP webpage within its Emergency Preparedness section (Figure 10-3). The webpage includes an auto-notification feature that allows interested members of the public to subscribe and receive email alerts when new updates related to the HMP are posted. This ensures timely communication and continued public engagement throughout the planning process.
Figure 10-1. Public Survey Website Announcement
City of Sonoma 10-4
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Figure 10-2. Public Survey Social Media Posts
Figure 10-3. City of Sonoma HMP Webpage
City of Sonoma 10-5
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-6
Further outreach activities are documented in Appendix D (Outreach Documentation), including photos from a public meeting. Flyers provided for the campaign were printed and distributed at key community locations such as the Sonoma Valley Library, Vintage House Senior Center, Whole Foods community bulletin board, and the Sonoma Community Center, with additional placements planned as needed.
An email was sent to local community-based organizations and nonprofits with details about the public comment period and upcoming meetings. Flyers were also posted at the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center. Outreach extended to the Springs and North Valley Municipal Advisory Councils to ensure broad community engagement.
To ensure active involvement in the hazard mitigation planning process by underserved communities and vulnerable populations within the City of Sonoma and the Sonoma Valley Fire District, a multifaceted, accessible, and culturally sensitive outreach approach was implemented. This engagement strategy prioritized equity, transparency, and participation, ensuring that all voices were heard in shaping the community’s resilience efforts. The following targeted outreach was made to underserved communities and vulnerable populations:
Underserved Communities:
• Renters and low-income households who may face financial barriers to home retrofits or personal preparedness
• Agricultural workers (seasonal and year-round farmworkers) who may live or work in rural and hazard-prone areas such as wildfire interface zones
• Non-car-owning households who may face challenges in evacuating or reaching shelters during emergencies
• Single-parent households who may experience time and resource constraints in preparing for and responding to disasters
• LGBTQ+ community members, who may face barriers in accessing safe and inclusive shelter or services during emergency events
• Isolated rural residents living in areas with limited emergency services, transportation, or infrastructure support
• Residents in overcrowded or multi-family housing units who may face increased risks during pandemics, extreme heat events, or other disasters due to space constraints • Uninsured or Underinsured Individuals who may have limited access to healthcare, exacerbating their vulnerability during crises
Vulnerable Populations:
• Unhoused individuals, especially those in encampments near creeks and open spaces prone to flood and wildfire hazards
• Under-resourced households, particularly those in mobile home parks or older housing vulnerable to extreme heat or cold
• Seniors, who may have mobility limitations or require additional support during evacuations and hazard events
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-7
• Residents for whom English is a second language, including Spanish-speaking communities • Individuals with access and functional needs, such as those with physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health disabilities
• Children and youth, who depend on caregivers and school systems for preparedness information and safety during emergencies
• Residents experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, who may face disproportionate impacts during disasters and disruptions • Immigrant communities, who may be hesitant to access government services or participate in emergency programs, potentially limiting their access to critical information and support during hazard events
While no direct public comments were received during the formal hazard mitigation planning outreach process, the City of Sonoma participated in a presentation by the County at a regularly scheduled Emergency Preparedness Community Partners meeting, where information about the plan update was shared. In addition, City staff considered input received through related and concurrent initiatives— including the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone map update, the General Plan update, and a citywide traffic study focused on evacuation planning for the City’s Safety Element. While specific mitigation action suggestions were not submitted by the public, staff listened to community feedback across these processes and used it to inform the development of the mitigation strategy.
10.4 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Volume I of this HMP describes the outreach to stakeholders that was undertaken on behalf of all participating jurisdictions to prepare this HMP update. In addition to that work, the City of Sonoma invited stakeholders relevant to its planning process to participate by attending a Hazard Mitigation Working Group meeting, responding to the stakeholder survey, contributing information and expertise to the plan, and reviewing the draft plan. The following sections outline the organizations invited by the City to participate in the 2026 HMP update.
10.4.1 Local and Regional Agencies Involved in Hazard Mitigation Activities
The planning process included active participation from local and regional agencies with direct responsibilities in hazard mitigation. Fire protection services contributed critical input on wildfire risk and emergency response coordination. Public works and community development staff provided infrastructure data, identified local vulnerabilities, and supported integration with land use planning.
Additional partners offered expertise in wildfire management, transportation infrastructure, emergency planning, and utility services. Water agencies also played a key role in assessing water infrastructure and ensuring service continuity. These contributions helped shape the mitigation strategies and ensured alignment with existing emergency and infrastructure plans.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-8
• Sonoma Valley Fire District
• City Public Works Department
• City Community Development Department
• CAL FIRE
• Caltrans
• Sonoma County Public Infrastructure and Department of Emergency Management • Sonoma County Transportation Authority
• Public Utilities
• Sonoma County/Valley of the Moon Water Agencies
• County Roads
10.4.2 Agencies that Have the Authority to Regulate Development Agencies with regulatory authority over land use and development were engaged to ensure that mitigation strategies could be effectively integrated into local planning frameworks. This included community development and planning commissions. Environmental and fire safety officials also participated, offering expertise on regulatory requirements related to public health, safety, and wildfire risk. Their involvement ensured that proposed actions were both feasible and aligned with local codes, ordinances, and environmental standards.
• Permit Sonoma
• City of Sonoma Community Development Department
• City of Sonoma Planning Commission
• CAL FIRE
• Sonoma Valley Fire District
• California Environmental Protection Agency
10.4.3 Neighboring Communities
Neighboring jurisdictions and institutions were invited to participate in the planning process to promote regional coordination and address shared risks. This included adjacent cities, local fire protection districts, and state agencies. Their involvement helped identify interdependencies, such as shared infrastructure and emergency services, and supported the development of coordinated mitigation strategies across jurisdictional boundaries.
• Sonoma County
• Unincorporated Sonoma Valley (Carneros, Schellville, Vineburg, El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs, Agua Caliente, Glen Ellen, Kenwood) • City / County of Napa Valley
• City of Santa Rosa
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-9
• City of Petaluma
• Rancho Adobe Fire District
• Sonoma County Fire District
• Schell Vista Fire Protection District
• Gold Ridge Fire Protection District
• State of California Department of General Services / State Parks • California Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Sonoma County Regional Parks
10.4.4 Representatives of Business, Academia, and Other Private Organizations
The planning team engaged representatives from the business community, education sector, healthcare, and local organizations to ensure the plan reflected a broad range of community needs.
Local business and tourism organizations contributed insights on economic resilience and the potential impacts of hazards on commerce and visitor activity. The local school district and university provided input on educational continuity and community preparedness. Healthcare and library representatives offered perspectives on public health, emergency communication, and community resources. This diverse engagement helped ensure the plan supports cross-sector collaboration and addresses the needs of residents, businesses, and institutions throughout the Sonoma Valley. • Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
• Sonoma Valley Unified School District
• Sonoma Valley Hospital
• Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance
• Sonoma Valley Library
• Sonoma State University
• National Weather Service
• NOAA
• USGS
• National Weather Service
10.4.5 Nonprofit Organizations and Community-Based
Organizations
Nonprofit and community-based organizations were included to ensure that the needs of vulnerable populations were considered in the planning process. These organizations offered valuable insights into community outreach, emergency support services, and equity considerations. Their participation helped strengthen the plan’s focus on inclusive and accessible mitigation strategies.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-10
• Sonoma Valley Community Health Center
• La Luz Center
• Homeless Action Sonoma
• Sonoma Overnight Support/Unity Kitchen
• Sonoma Community Center
• Vintage House Senior Center
• Sonoma Valley Boys and Girls Club
• Sonoma Ecology Center
• Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance
• Pet’s Lifeline
• Halter Project
• Hanna Center
• Sonoma State Historic Parks
• Friends in Sonoma Helping
• Sweetwater Spectrum
• Sonoma COAD
• Fire Safe Sonoma
• Sonoma Resource Conservation District
• Measure H Fuels Crew
• Sonoma Ag & Open Space
• Sonoma Land Trust
• Fire Safe Councils
• Firewise Communities
• Homeowners Associations
• Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association
• Redwood Empire Food Bank
• Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association
• Sonoma Community Animal Response Team
• Sonoma Citizens Prepared for Emergency Groups
• Map Your Neighborhood and Meet Your Neighbors groups
• Area Council on Aging
10.4.6 Other Stakeholders
Community groups and local stakeholders can support the hazard mitigation planning process by sharing local knowledge, promoting public engagement, and helping identify vulnerable assets.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-11
Organizations such as civic clubs, philanthropic groups, landowners, cultural stewards, and historical societies offer valuable perspectives on community needs, land use, and heritage preservation.
Involving Native American tribal representatives also ensures that cultural resources and traditional knowledge are respected and considered in the planning process. • Rotary
• Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund
• Private Landowners
• Land Stewards
• Native American Tribal Resources
• Sonoma Valley Historical Society
• Sonoma League for Historic Preservation
• Women’s Club
10.5 CHANGES IN COMMUNITY PRIORITIES
Since the 2021 plan, the City of Sonoma has experienced evolving conditions that have led to a shift in hazard mitigation priorities. The City has faced a growing frequency of extreme cold, heat, and wind events, alongside increasingly intense atmospheric river storms. These trends, coupled with regional homelessness and affordability challenges, have elevated the urgency to address vulnerabilities in both emergency response and community preparedness.
As a result, the 2026 update includes new stand-alone hazards—extreme cold, extreme heat, and extreme wind—reflecting their heightened impact on public safety and critical infrastructure. The City has also dedicated significant emergency coordination and administrative resources toward these hazards, prompting the development of new mitigation actions focused on resilience, shelter preparedness, and outreach to vulnerable populations.
While the City has expanded its focus on emerging hazards, it continues to prioritize actions to mitigate all hazards identified in the plan. Additionally, Sonoma remains committed to coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions and regional partners to support multi-jurisdictional responses to hazards, including those that may not directly impact city lands but affect nearby communities and key transportation corridors. This plan reflects a proactive, regional approach to hazard mitigation while continuing to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Sonoma residents.
Since the previous plan, the City’s Public Works Department has adopted a more strategic approach to capital projects, emphasizing efficiency and risk reduction. Staff are conducting a comprehensive bridge inventory and assessing seismic and hydraulic vulnerabilities to ensure structural integrity.
Additionally, the City is advancing efforts to inspect and classify its storm line system, identifying weaknesses and informing future mitigation and improvement projects.
The Sonoma Valley Fire District has refined its priorities in response to escalating wildfire threats and climate-driven hazards. With fire behavior becoming more severe due to prolonged drought, increased Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-12
fuel loads, and shifting climate patterns, the District has emphasized large-scale vegetation management and fuels reduction. It has also recognized the importance of infrastructure hardening to protect emergency response facilities and essential services. These efforts position the District to pursue funding opportunities and strengthen long-term hazard resilience.
10.6 JURISDICTIONAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT AND
INTEGRATION
The City of Sonoma performed an inventory and analysis of existing capabilities, plans, programs, and policies that enhance its ability to implement mitigation strategies. Volume I describes the components included in the capability assessment and their significance for hazard mitigation planning. The jurisdictional assessment for this annex includes analyses of the following:
• Planning and regulatory capabilities
• Development and permitting capabilities
• Administrative and technical capabilities
• Fiscal capabilities
• Education and outreach capabilities
• Classification under various community mitigation programs • Adaptive capacity to withstand hazard events
For a community to succeed in reducing long-term risk, hazard mitigation must be integrated into dayto-day local government operations. As part of the hazard mitigation analysis, planning and policy documents were reviewed and each jurisdiction was surveyed to obtain a better understanding of its progress toward plan integration. Development of an updated mitigation strategy provided an opportunity for Sonoma to identify opportunities for integrating mitigation concepts into ongoing City procedures.
10.6.1 Planning and Regulatory Capability and Integration Planning and regulatory capabilities include the plans, policies, codes, and ordinances that help prevent or reduce the impacts of hazards. The tables below outline the relevant planning documents, codes, and regulations that were reviewed and considered for updates based on new data or insights gained during the HMP update process. Additionally, the HMP Team evaluated existing plans against a comprehensive list of hazard mitigation-related capabilities. The absence of certain types of plans, policies, codes, or ordinances was not interpreted as a gap in local capabilities. For a comprehensive list of state codes relevant to hazard mitigation in California, please refer to the capability assessment in Volume I.
Codes, Ordinances, and Regulations
Table 10-2 summarizes the codes, ordinances, and regulations available to the City of Sonoma Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-13
Table 10-2. City of Sonoma Codes, Ordinances, and Regulations Capability Type Citation and Date HMP Integration and Risk Reduction Authority Responsible
Department or
Agency
Building Code Sonoma Municipal Code
Chapter 14.10 Construction Codes;
Chapter 14.10.045 Fire Code;
Chapter 14.24 Existing Seismically
Unsafe Buildings; Chapter 14.25
Floodplain Management;
Chapter 14.28 Wood burning
appliances; Title 24 California
Building Code Standards
The building code contains provisions
in multiple sections to meet the
minimum additional requirements in
hazard zones and improvements that
are required when new projects are
constructed. In some cases the
triggers for improvements are stronger
than the minimum required by state
law (e.g., fire sprinklers required with
permit valuation greater than $150,000
for residential uses).
Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Building Division
Zoning/Land
Use Code
Title 19 of Sonoma Municipal Code The City’s Development Code contains provisions to limit development along
creeks with additional required
setbacks through a creek overlay.
These areas are typically within flood
zones. In addition, the City has specific
development requirements along the
hillside, which limit the development
along areas adjacent to high wildfire
risk areas. Once the new Fire Maps
are released, staff will look at the
Development Code to implement
additional requirements related to
landscaping and grading.
Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division
Subdivision
Code
See Title 16 of Sonoma Municipal
Code
— Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division
Public Works
Department
Site Plan Code See Title 19 of Sonoma Municipal
Code
— Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division
Stormwater
Management
Code
City of Sonoma Storm Water
Management Program (2005),
updated in 2015 for state-required
programs for MS4 jurisdictions, See
Sonoma Municipal Code
Chapter 13.32
Addresses stormwater discharge and
illicit discharge, which are major issues
regarding the health and safety of the
City of Sonoma residents – to protect
water resources and improve water
quality. This addresses hazards such
as chemical spills in creeks, as an
example of a threat to water quality, as
the storm drains discharge into San
Pablo Bay, which serves the wider
Region 2 area agencies.
Municipal Public Works
Post-Disaster
Recovery/
Reconstruction
Code
Emergency Operations Plan—2024
has a section (IV) that includes
Recovery Operations; County
Department of Emergency
Management, Sonoma Valley Fire,
Sonoma County Sheriff have some
responsibilities related to Recovery
Operations.
— Municipal Management
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-14
Capability Type Citation and Date HMP Integration and Risk Reduction Authority Responsible
Department or
Agency
Growth
Management
Resolution 39-2020 Urban Growth
Boundary
— Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division
Environmental
Protection
Ordinance
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines — Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Department
Flood Damage
Prevention
Ordinance
Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter
14.25; Consider a higher level of
flood damage prevention
regulations in the context of climate
change impacts related to flooding.
— Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning and
Building Divisions
Emergency
Management
Ordinance
City of Sonoma Municipal Code:
Chapter 2.36 Disaster Relief
City of Sonoma 2024 Emergency
Operations Plan (EOP), County
Department of Emergency
Management, Sonoma Valley Fire,
Sonoma County Sheriff
The City of Sonoma Municipal Code
and supporting documents encourage
collaboration, training, mutual aid
support, and disaster recovery
components on behalf of the City.
Additionally, Sonoma collaborates on
regional and county-level efforts to
maintain readiness and capability.
Municipal Management
Planning Documents
Table 10-3 summarizes the planning documents available to the City of Sonoma.
Table 10-3. City of Sonoma Planning Documents
Capability Type Citation and Date HMP Integration and Risk Reduction Authority Responsible
Department or
Agency
General Plan 2006 with Circulation
Update in 2016 and
Housing Element
Update in 2023
Is the plan compliant with Assembly Bill
2140? No; to be included in Safety Element
with GP Update in process
The general plan land use map does not
identify natural hazard areas, however there
is a natural hazards map in the Safety
Element that includes policies primarily
focused on fire and flooding damage
prevention.
Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division
Capital
Improvement Plan
CIP Program is
budgeted annually, for
a five-year program.
The most current CIP
Program is 2024-
2029.
The 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan is an
opportunity to schedule and adopt capital
projects that will reduce risk based on
improvement of infrastructure. An example of
this is CIP W-20, which is a project that
addresses roof hardening and infrastructure
hardening at City pump stations to preserve
the City’s ability to pump water during a fire if
the structure were to be compromised.
The plan is updated annually.
Municipal Public Works
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-15
Capability Type Citation and Date HMP Integration and Risk Reduction Authority Responsible
Department or
Agency
Floodplain
Management or
Watershed Plan
SMC Chapter 14.25
Floodplain
Management; 2011
Storm Drain Master
Plan; No update to the
plan is contemplated.
___ Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division,
Public Works
Stormwater
Management Plan
City of Sonoma Storm
Water Management
Plan (2005), updated
in 2015 for State
Regional Water
Quality Control Board
required programs for
MS4 jurisdictions; No
update to the plan is
contemplated.
Addresses best management practices,
measurable goals, and minimum control
measures. These all reduce the risk of
stormwater pollution, which preserves water
resources.
Municipal Public Works
Stormwater
Pollution Prevention
Plan
The City of Sonoma is
required by the 2013
Small Phase II MS4
Permit
Addresses pollution prevention at the City
Corporation Yard – this plan provides
solutions to reduce the risk of stormwater
pollution from this site.
Municipal Public Works
Open Space Will be addressed in
the General Plan
Update underway
Environmental Resources element of the
General Plan contains policies to protect
habitat areas and significant environmental
resources through development
requirements to avoid impacts, implement
best management practices during
construction, etc. Also requires open space
and parkland for the community at 5 acres
per 1,000 residents. Encourages
construction, building maintenance,
landscaping, and transportation practices
that promote energy and water conservation
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The City will do an Urban Forestry
Management Plan in 2026 after completing
the tree inventory and canopy study. This will
help identify high-heat areas.
Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division
Urban Water
Management Plan
2020 Urban Water
Management Plan
has been adopted, the
City is currently
working on the 2025
update.
The Urban Water Management Plan
evaluates the current water supply, while
also taking into consideration the
consumption needs of other agencies in
Sonoma and Marin County that are reliant on
Sonoma Water as a water supplier. This
critical plan charts a path for water
management within the City of Sonoma to
ensure that residents have an adequate
supply of drinking water. Another aspect of
the Urban Water Management Plan is the
Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which
details different ways the City can enact
policy to limit residents’ water use to
conserve in periods of drought. This is to
preserve the availability of drinking water.
Municipal Public Works
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-16
Capability Type Citation and Date HMP Integration and Risk Reduction Authority Responsible
Department or
Agency
Transportation Plan Circulation and Safety
Elements of the
General Plan. Will be
addressed in the
General Plan Update
underway.
Transportation elements address critical
elements such as vehicle miles traveled to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions to
address climate change. These elements
also include the Active Transportation Plan,
aimed at increasing mode shift to get people
out of cars and bicycling/walking instead.
Safety elements include emergency
response routes and evacuation routes in the
event of a hazard
Municipal,
County,
State
Community
Development,
Public Works
Climate Action/
Resilience/
Sustainability Plan
2023 Climate Action
Strategies
Will be addressed in the General Plan
Update underway. The strategies are actions
that assist in a number of areas including
education and research on moving specific
measures forward like a drive through
window ban and submitting for a cool corridor
grant. The General Plan will start to look at
some of these questions, but a future climate
action plan will identify specific measurable
actions for carbon emissions reductions.
Municipal Community
Development
Department,
Planning Division
Response and Recovery Planning Documents
Table 10-4 summarizes the response and recovery planning documents for the City of Sonoma.
Table 10-4. City of Sonoma Response/Recovery Planning Documents Capability
Type Citation and Date HMP Integration and Risk Reduction Authority Responsible
Department or
Agency
Emergency
Operations
Plan
Emergency Operations
Plan—2024
This document addresses threat assessment,
emergency response, and recovery capacities
critical to reducing long-term risk. It also works to
institutionalize hazard mitigation capacities across
the community.
Municipal Management
Threat &
Hazard
Identification
& Risk
Assessment
(THIRA)
Emergency Operations
Plan—2015 has a section
(2.1) that includes hazard
risks and threat
assessments; Bay Area
THIRA
--- Municipal Management
Post-Disaster
Recovery Plan
Emergency Operations
Plan—2025 has a section
(page 15) that includes
Recovery Operations
--- Municipal Management
10.6.2 Integration
For a community to succeed in reducing long-term risk, hazard mitigation must be integrated into dayto-day local government operations. As part of the hazard mitigation analysis, planning and /policy documents were reviewed and each jurisdiction was surveyed to obtain a better understanding of their progress toward plan integration. Development of an updated mitigation strategy provided an Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-17
opportunity for the City of Sonoma to identify opportunities for integrating mitigation concepts into ongoing City procedures.
Table 10-2 through Table 10-4 list the local planning mechanisms currently in place for the City of Sonoma. This review revealed that the City has made significant progress in aligning its hazard mitigation goals with broader municipal functions. Key planning mechanisms, such as the General Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and Emergency Operations Plan, already incorporate hazard-related policies and strategies. These documents address land use, infrastructure resilience, emergency response, and environmental protection, all of which are critical to reducing long-term risk.
The City of Sonoma is committed to institutionalizing hazard mitigation across all departments. Moving forward, the City will continue to incorporate HMP findings, such as risk assessments, vulnerability data, and prioritized mitigation actions, into updates of local plans and policies. This approach ensures that hazard mitigation is not treated as a standalone effort, but as a coordinated, ongoing component of governance, planning, and community development.
10.6.3 Development and Permitting Capability
Table 10-5 summarizes the capabilities of Sonoma to oversee and track development.
Table 10-5. Development and Permitting Capability
Yes/No Comment
Do you issue development permits? Community Development Department • If you issue development permits, what
department is responsible?
• If you do not issue development permits, what
is your process for tracking new development?
Yes
Are permits tracked by hazard area? (For example,
floodplain development permits.)
Yes The system indicates if a building permit is
being requested on a site that is located in
a floodplain, creek overlay, etc.
Do you have a buildable land inventory? No -
• If you have a buildable land inventory, please
describe
Describe the level of buildout in your jurisdiction. N/A The City has very few remaining parcels of vacant land on which to develop. These
lands are anticipated to be developed with
housing units for the most part, consistent
with the General Plan and Housing
Element.
From 2023 to 2031, the City will need to
provide zoning to accommodate an
estimated 311 new housing units.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-18
10.6.4 Administrative and Technical Capability
Table 10-6 summarizes the administrative bodies and programs available to support mitigation initiatives in the City. Due to the size of the City of Sonoma, the creation of a Zoning Board is not necessary. Decisions regarding zoning/development are made by the City’s robust and active Planning Commission, which meets regularly.
While there is no City committee tasked solely with mitigation planning, the City’s Emergency Management Working Group meets monthly to discuss issues related to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and collaborates on all of the hazard mitigation projects listed in this document. The City plans to expand on this capability by utilizing an outside consulting team to create hazard-specific annexes to address each specific medium- and high-risk hazard discussed in this HMP, each of which will be thoroughly discussed to ensure maximum effectiveness and implementability.
Table 10-6. Administrative Capabilities
Resources Available? Comment
Planning Commission Yes Planning Commission
Zoning Board of Adjustment No -
Planning Department Yes Director, two planners
Mitigation Planning Committee No -
Environmental Board/Commission Yes Climate Action Commission Open Space Board/Committee Yes Parks and Open Space Commission Economic Development Committee Yes Mayor, Councilmember, City Manager and Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO
Public Works/Highway Department Yes Director, Project Manager and Operations Manager Construction/Building/Code
Enforcement Department
Yes Chief Building Official, Contracted Code Enforcement Officer
Emergency Management/Public Safety
Department
Yes Staff lead
Maintenance programs to reduce risk
(stormwater maintenance, tree
trimming, etc.)
Yes Programs include regular storm drain maintenance. Staff included are Operations Manager, Streets Supervisor,
and maintenance workers to address areas with high
vegetation to avoid flooding during periods of heavy rain.
Mutual aid agreements Yes The Sonoma Valley Fire District participates in the Master Mutual Aid Agreement and also has Automatic
Aid Agreements with all neighboring fire districts.
Human Resources Manual - Do any
job descriptions specifically include
identifying or implementing mitigation
projects or other efforts to reduce
natural hazard risk?
No Chief Building Official. Responsible for the mitigation of substandard or unsafe buildings or structures.
Other - -
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-19
Table 10-7 summarizes potential staff and personnel resources available to Sonoma and their current responsibilities that contribute to hazard mitigation. Due to limited staff capacity, the City of Sonoma partners with the County to leverage County staff with experience in environmental science, surveying, and other specialized technical skills where needed. While the City understands the benefits of having a specific staff member tasked with grant writing and/or resilience, financial constraints make such fulltime positions untenable. When needed, staff is asked to support drafting of grant applications and management of grant funds. The City also has contracted emergency management support that can augment this capability as needed. The City continues to encourage expanded training for current staff members to increase and improve their capacity to deliver administrative capacities at a sustained performance level.
Table 10-7. Technical/Staffing Capabilities
Resources Available? Comment
Planners or engineers with knowledge of land
development and land management practices
Yes Planning Department / City Engineer
Engineers or professionals trained in building or
infrastructure construction practices
Yes Planning Department / City Engineer
Planners or engineers with an understanding of natural
hazards
Yes Planning Department / City Engineer
Staff with expertise or training in benefit/cost analysis Yes Finance Department Professionals trained in conducting damage
assessments
Yes Building Official
Personnel skilled or trained in GIS and/or Hazus
applications
Yes Planning Department, Public Works
Staff that work with socially vulnerable populations or underserved communities
Yes Contract
Environmental scientists familiar with natural hazards No - Surveyors No -
Emergency manager Yes City Manager
Grant writers No -
Resilience Officer No -
Other (this could include stormwater engineer,
environmental specialist, etc.)
Yes Stormwater
10.6.5 Fiscal Capability
Table 10-8 summarizes financial resources available to Sonoma.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-20
Table 10-8. Fiscal Capabilities
Financial Resources
Accessible or Eligible to
Use?
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG, CDBG-DR) Yes
Capital improvement project funding Yes
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes Yes
User fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric service Yes, Water Impact fees for homebuyers or developers of new development/homes Yes Stormwater utility fee No
Incur debt through general obligation bonds Yes
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes
Incur debt through private activity bonds Yes
Withhold public expenditures in hazard-prone areas Yes
Other federal or state funding programs Yes
Open Space Acquisition funding programs Yes
Other (for example, Clean Water Act 319 Grants [Nonpoint Source Pollution]) -
10.6.6 Education and Outreach Capability
Table 10-9 summarizes the education and outreach resources available to Sonoma. While the City of Sonoma does not have a standalone citizen board to address hazard mitigation, the City has a robust cadre of boards and commissions—including Climate Action, Parks & Recreation, and Planning—all of whom are informed regarding the City’s emergency preparedness and response activities. The City also organizes semi-annual meetings of the Community Partners Emergency Preparedness & Response Network—a City-led group of community based organizations and community partners— to discuss various topics, including disaster planning, hazard mitigation, and emergency response, at which time the City receives important feedback to integrate into future planning strategies.
The City of Sonoma has long-standing partnerships with the Sonoma Valley Unified School District and community partners that provide youth programming and services, including the Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Community Center, and Sonoma Valley Health Center, all of whom the City supports in their efforts to provide emergency preparedness and response information. While the City represents an important part of the school district, many campuses serving Sonoma Valley students are located outside of city limits, making collaboration across jurisdictions especially important. Community partners help extend the reach of preparedness efforts, with programs such as youth-focused emergency preparedness classes offered by the Sonoma Community Center and the Sonoma Valley Health Center’s annual back-to-school and emergency preparedness fairs. The Sonoma Valley Fire District also maintains an ongoing relationship with local schools, including campus visits and outreach.
Collectively, these efforts help ensure that preparedness information reaches youth and families across the broader Sonoma Valley community, including underserved residents and those whose first language is not English.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-21
Table 10-9. Education and Outreach Capabilities
Outreach Resources Available? Comment
Public information officer or communications
office
Yes Senior Management Analyst and PIO
Personnel skilled or trained in website
development
Yes City Clerk, Senior Management Analyst and PIO
Hazard mitigation information available on
your website
Yes Under Emergency Preparedness
Social media for hazard mitigation education
and outreach
Yes Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor
Citizen boards or commissions that address
issues related to hazard mitigation
No Climate Action Commission and Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Commissions
Warning systems for hazard events Yes Through Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management and Sonoma County
Sheriff, Sonoma County SoCo Alert. Nixle,
NOAA Radios, Wireless Emergency Alerts,
Emergency Alert System, Hi-Lo Law
Enforcement Sirens
Natural disaster/safety programs in place for
schools
No -
Organizations that conduct outreach to
socially vulnerable populations and
underserved populations
Yes The City holds regular meetings with local
CBOs that serve vulnerable and underserved
communities (unhoused, people over 65,
Latinx/o, youth, etc.)
Public outreach mechanisms / programs to
inform the public on natural hazards, risk, and
ways to protect themselves during such events
Yes 2024 EOP Annex B Alert & Warning
10.6.7 Community Classifications
Table 10-10 summarizes classifications for community programs available to Sonoma.
Table 10-10. Community Classifications
Program Participating? Classification
Date
Classified
Community Rating System (CRS) No - -
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule Yes ISO Classification 2 6/14/2016 Public Protection (ISO Fire Protection Classes 1 to 10) Yes ISO Classification 1 9/2016 National Weather Service StormReady Certification No - - Firewise Communities classification No - -
Other: Organizations with mitigation focus (advocacy
group, non-government)
- - -
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-22
10.6.8 Adaptive Capacity
Adaptive capacity is defined as “the ability of systems, institutions, humans and other organisms to adjust to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or respond to consequences” (IPCC 2022). Each jurisdiction has a unique combination of capabilities to adjust to, protect from, and withstand a future hazard event, future conditions, and changing risk. Table 10-11 summarizes the adaptive capacity for each identified hazard of concern and the City’s capability to address related actions using the following classifications:
• Strong adaptive capacity means the jurisdiction does have the capability to effectively respond, plans/policies exceed minimum requirements; deployable resources all of which decreases vulnerability.
• Moderate adaptive capacity means minimum requirements are in place; moderate capabilities; mitigation measures are identified but not implemented widespread; jurisdiction can recover but needs outside resources.
• Weak adaptive capacity means the jurisdiction does not have the capability to effectively respond, which leads to an increase in vulnerability. Examples include weak, outdated, or inconsistent plans, policies, codes, or ordinances in place; no redundancies; limited to no deployable resources; limited capabilities to respond; long recovery.
Table 10-11. Adaptive Capacity
Hazard Adaptive Capacity - Strong/Moderate/Weak
Dam Failure N/A
Drought Moderate
Earthquake Moderate
Extreme Cold Moderate
Extreme Heat Moderate
Extreme Wind Moderate
Flood Moderate
Landslide Moderate
Sea Level Rise N/A
Tsunami N/A
Wildfire Strong
10.7 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM COMPLIANCE
This section provides specific information on the management and regulation of the regulatory floodplain, including current and future compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The floodplain administrator listed in Section 10.1 is responsible for maintaining this information.
The City has adopted the NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria via local regulation. The latest Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was adopted by the City on December 2, 2008. The Chief Building Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-23
Official is responsible for implementing the requirements of the NFIP by requiring permits for all development within special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) shown on the latest FIRM. The Chief Building Official reviews proposed development for compliance with applicable floodplain standards, including elevation or floodproofing, floodway restrictions, and certification requirements. Compliance is enforced through permit conditions, inspections, and documentation, with enforcement actions taken as necessary to address non-compliant development and maintain consistency with NFIP.
The City implements the substantial improvement/substantial damage provisions of its floodplain management regulations by requiring property owners, following a damaging event or proposed improvement, to submit a detailed cost estimate prepared by a licensed contractor, along with documentation of the structure’s pre-event market value, typically based on an appraisal or local taxassessed value. Cost estimates are reviewed and evaluated in accordance with FEMA P-758, which defines costs that must be included and excluded when determining substantial improvement or substantial damage. The Chief Building Official uses this documentation to determine whether the cost of repairs or improvements equals or exceeds 50 percent of the structure’s market value. If that threshold is met, the structure is classified as substantially damaged or substantially improved and must be brought into full compliance with current floodplain management standards as a condition of permit approval. The jurisdiction documents the determination and enforces compliance through its permitting authority.
While the City participates in the NFIP, it does not participate in the CRS. Table 10-12 provides a summary of NFIP compliance in Sonoma.
Table 10-12. NFIP Compliance
Question Comments
What local department is responsible for floodplain
management?
Building, Planning & City Engineer
Are any certified floodplain managers on staff in your
jurisdiction?
No
Do you have access to resources to determine
possible future flooding conditions from climate
change?
No
Does your floodplain management staff need any
assistance or training to support its floodplain
management program?
If so, what type of assistance/training is needed?
Yes. Need training on floodplain management
expectations and model ordinances
Provide an explanation of NFIP administration
services you provide (e.g., permit review, GIS,
education/outreach, inspections, engineering
capability)
Staff reviews and signs off on Flood Hazard
Compliance Certifications
How do you determine if proposed development on an
existing structure would qualify as a substantial
improvement?
SMC 14.25.170 defines what qualifies as a
substantial improvement and substantial damage
What are the barriers to running an effective NFIP
program in the community, if any?
None known
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-24
Question Comments
Does your jurisdiction have any outstanding NFIP
compliance violations that need to be addressed?
If so, state the violations.
No
When was the most recent Community Assistance
Visit (CAV) or Community Assistance Contact (CAC)?
2001
What is the local law number or municipal code of
your flood damage prevention ordinance?
Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 14.25
What is the date that your flood damage prevention
ordinance was last amended?
Updated in 2022
Does your floodplain management program meet or
exceed minimum requirements?
If exceeds, in what ways?
Meets minimum requirements
Are there other local ordinances, plans or programs
(e.g., site plan review) that support floodplain
management and meeting the NFIP requirements? For
instance, does the planning board or zoning board
consider efforts to reduce flood risk when reviewing
variances such as height restrictions?
SMC 19.40.020 Creekside Development contains
specific standards for new development along
creeks including setbacks, hydrology and biology
reports. Proposed uses and structures shall be
located above the adopted flood elevation standard
in compliance with Chapter 14.25 SMC, Flood
Damage Prevention Regulations.
Does your community plan to join the CRS program or
is your community interested in improving your CRS
classification?
No
10.7.1 Repetitive Loss
The OpenFEMA NFIP Multiple Loss Properties dataset was analyzed to gain an understanding of repetitive flood loss in the City. The dataset provides information on structures that have had multiple NFIP claims across the history of the program. Table 10-13 summarizes the repetitive loss and severe repetitive loss properties in the City of Sonoma.
Table 10-13. Repetitive Loss Summary
Type of Repetitive Loss Residential Non-Residential
Repetitive Loss Properties (NFIP definition) 12 3
Repetitive Loss Properties (FMA definition) 0 0
Severe Repetitive Loss Properties (NFIP definition) 2 1 Severe Repetitive Loss Properties (FMA definition) 2 1
Source: (FEMA 2024)
Note: See Appendix C for definitions of repetitive loss types presented in this table.
10.7.2 Flood Vulnerability Summary
Table 10-14 provides a summary of flood vulnerability in Sonoma.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-25
Table 10-14. Flood Vulnerability Summary
NFIP Topic Comments
Describe areas prone to flooding in your jurisdiction. City maintains floodplain maps on GIS that detail areas that are prone
to flooding. Areas adjacent to creeks
are prone to flooding.
Do you maintain a list of properties that have been damaged by flooding?
No, pull the list from FEMA
Do you maintain a list of property owners interested in flood mitigation?
No
How many homeowners and/or business owners are interested in mitigation (elevation or acquisition)?
N/A
Are any RiskMAP projects currently underway in your jurisdiction? If so, state what projects are underway.
No
How do you make Substantial Damage determinations? SMC 14.25.170 informs staff on how to make determinations.
How many Substantial Damage determinations were declared for recent flood events in your jurisdiction?
Unknown
How many properties have been mitigated (elevation or acquisition) in your jurisdiction?
If there are mitigation properties, how were the projects funded? None
Do your flood hazard maps adequately address the flood risk within your jurisdiction?
If not, state why.
Yes
10.8 GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Understanding how past, current, and projected development patterns have or are likely to increase or decrease risk in hazard areas is a key component to appreciating a jurisdiction’s overall risk to its hazards of concern. Recent and expected future development trends, including major residential/commercial development and major infrastructure development, are summarized in Table 10-15 through Table 10-17.
Table 10-15. Number of Building Permits for New Construction Issued Since the Previous HMP Year and Permit Issued Single Family Multi-Family
Other
(commercial,
mixed-use, etc.) Total
2021 New Construction Permits Issued 6 0 0 6
2021 Permits Issued within SFHA 0 0 0 0
2022 New Construction Permits Issued 13 1 0 14
2022 Permits Issued within SFHA 1 0 0 1
2023 New Construction Permits Issued 5 2 0 7
2023 Permits Issued within SFHA 0 0 0 0
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-26
Year and Permit Issued Single Family Multi-Family
Other
(commercial,
mixed-use, etc.) Total
2024 New Construction Permits Issued 18 4 0 22
2024 Permits Issued within SFHA 0 0 0 0
2025 New Construction Permits Issued 0 0 0 0
2025 Permits Issued within SFHA 0 0 0 0
Note: 2025 numbers as of May 2025
Table 10-16. Recent Major Development and Infrastructure from 2021 to Present Property or
Development
Name
Type of
Development
# of Units /
Structures
Location (address
and/or block and
lot)
Known Hazard
Zones
a
Description / Status
of Development
Sonoma
Village Lane
Residential 11 units 840 West Napa
Street
- Completed
Olivia
Apartments
Residential 30 units 655 West Spain
Street
- Completed
Broadway
Condominiums
Residential 6 units 1181 Broadway - Completed
Altamira
Family
Apartments
Residential 48 1269 Broadway - Completed
Mockingbird Residential 32 units 853 Fourth Street
West
- Completed
a. Only location-specific hazard zones or vulnerabilities identified.
Table 10-17. Known or Anticipated Major Development and Infrastructure in the Next Five Years Property or
Development
Name
Type of
Development
# of Units /
Structures
Location (address
and/or block and
lot)
Known Hazard
Zones
Description / Status
of Development
Hummingbird
Cottages
Residential 15 units 19910 Fifth Street
West
- Hummingbird Cottages
Hotel Project
Sonoma
Mixed use
Hotel/
Residential
8 117 West Napa St - Hotel Project Sonoma
Bijan Planned
Development
Residential 6 11211 Broadway - Bijan Planned
Development
Montaldo
Apartments
Residential 50 19320 Sonoma
Highway
- Montaldo Apartments
FSE
Townhomes
Residential 31 254 First Street
East
- Approved
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-27
As noted above, one building permit was issued in SFHAs over the past five years and major development is not scheduled to occur in any known hazard areas over the next five years. The overall vulnerability has stayed the same since the previous plan was adopted.
10.9 JURISDICTIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT
The hazard profiles in Volume I provide detailed information regarding each planning partner’s vulnerability to the identified hazards, including summaries of the City’s risk assessment results and data used to determine the hazard ranking. Key local risk assessment information is presented below.
10.9.1 Hazard Area
Figure 10-4 and Figure 10-5 show the probable hazard areas within the City. These maps are based on the best available data at the time of the preparation of this plan and are adequate for planning purposes. Maps are provided only for hazards that can be identified clearly using mapping techniques and technologies and for which Sonoma has significant exposure. Figure 10-4 illustrates the FIRM for the 1 percent and 0.2 percent annual chance floodplains. The City is not located in a dam inundation hazard area, tsunami hazard area, or sea level rise hazard area. Figure 10-5 identifies the CAL FIRE wildfire severity zones, NEHRP Class D and E soils, and the USGS-defined landslide hazard areas.
About half of the City is located in a wildfire severity zone.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Figure 10-4. Flood, Dam Inundation, Tsunami, and Sea Level Rise Hazard Area City of Sonoma 10-28
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Figure 10-5. Wildfire Severity Zone, NEHRP Soils, and Landslide Hazard Area
10.9.2 Hazard Event History
The history of natural and non-natural hazard events in Sonoma is detailed in Volume I, where each hazard profile includes a chronology of historical events that have affected the County and its municipalities. Table 10-18 provides details on loss and damage in Sonoma during hazard events since the last hazard mitigation plan update.
City of Sonoma 10-29
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-30
Table 10-18. Hazard Event History in the City of Sonoma, 2021-2025 Dates of
Event
Event
Type
Disaster
Declaration Summary of Event
Summary of Damage and
Losses in the City of
Sonoma
January 26-
29, 2021
Flood and
Debris
Flow
N/A A plume of moisture from the tropical Pacific
brought an atmospheric river to the Bay Area,
roadway flooding at US-101 N and E Washington
St on ramp, and a mudslide on SR-1 and Fort Ross
Rd.
No impact or losses
indicated
March 10,
2021
Hail N/A A cold upper low moved through the region in early March bringing widespread showers and isolated
thunderstorms to the Greater Bay Area. The Santa
Rosa Fire Department reported multiple vehicle
accidents on US-101 due to accumulating small
hail.
No impact or losses
indicated
November 8,
2021
Flood N/A A weak to moderate atmospheric river event
impacted the SF Bay Area, bringing moderate to
locally heavy rain and gusty winds. Heavy rain
caused roadway flooding.
No impact or losses
indicated
December 13,
2021
Flood N/A A low pressure system from the Gulf of Alaska tapped into sub-tropical moisture from the Central
Pacific to drop heavy rain throughout the state.
Heavy rain caused flooding on Labath Ave and the
closure of SR 12 between Route 116 and 8th St.
No impact or losses
indicated
December 1-2,
2022
Extreme
Cold Event
N/A The City of Sonoma opened a warming center in
partnership with Sonoma County following a freeze
warning issued by the National Weather Service
and a Public Health Emergency issued by the
Sonoma County Health Department.
$500
December 12-
15, 2022
Extreme
Cold Event
N/A The City of Sonoma opened a warming center in
partnership with Sonoma County following a freeze
warning issued by the National Weather Service.
$9,000
January 9,
2023
Flood DR-4683-CA
EM-3591-CA
CA23-1
A strong atmospheric river led to widespread
flooding across the San Francisco Bay Area and
Central Coast. Roadway flooding was reported
along Mark West Creek near the communities of
Forestville and Trenton.
No impact or losses
indicated
March 9, 2023 Flood DR-4699-CA
EM-3592-CA
CA23-3
Sub-tropical jet stream from over the Central
Pacific moved into the California Coast. CHP
reported a mud slide moving debris on California
Highway 116.
No impact or losses
indicated
January 21-
22, 2024
Flood N/A Widespread rainfall and nuisance flooding occurred across the Bay Area. Westbound California Route
116 at Travis Road was flooded across all lanes. A
vehicle was stuck in floodwaters on Eastside Road
north of Mark West Station Road. A mudslide was
reported on California Highway 1 near Estero Lane.
The Shiloh Road and Arata Lane offramps from US
Highway 101 northbound were closed due to
standing water. Flooding was reported in northern
Guerneville. Heavy rain caused flooding from Fife
Creek at Sycamore Court Mobile Home Park;
3 inches of water flooded a trailer
No impact or losses
indicated
January 31,
2024
Flood N/A A cold front brought widespread rain and high winds through California. A water rescue occurred
on Mark West Station Road at Starr Road.
No impact or losses
indicated
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-31
Dates of
Event
Event
Type
Disaster
Declaration Summary of Event
Summary of Damage and
Losses in the City of
Sonoma
February 4,
2024
Flood N/A Two cold fronts caused minor nuisance flooding gusty winds, and widespread rain. Roadway
flooding was reported at California Route 1 and
Kruse Ranch Road; a vehicle was stuck in mud on
the right hand side of the road. Standing water was
reported halfway across Occidental Road in two
spots between Mill Street and California
Highway 116. Approximately 3 inches of water
rushed across Calistoga Road near Alpine Road.
Roadway flooding was reported at Arnold Drive and
Boyes Blvd. Water flooded the roadway at
northbound Olivet Road at Piner Road. Roadway
flooding was reported at eastbound Highway 116
and Bloomfield Road. A landslide blocked
eastbound lanes of Mark West Springs Road. A
vehicle was stuck in a flooded roadway on Valley
Ford Road. Route 12 was closed due to flooding
from Fremont Drive to Watmaugh Road. A creek
flowed over Mark West Station Road. Mud, dirt,
and rock blocked Los Alamos Road.
No impact or losses
indicated
November 20-
23,2024
Atmospher
ic River/
Flooding
N/A An atmospheric river brought heavy rains and
strong wind. The City of Sonoma supplied sand
bags for all valley residents, mediated downed
trees, and dealt with flooding throughout the City,
including vacuuming out a storm drain inlet that
was overflowing due to impaction.
$5,000
EM = Emergency Declaration (FEMA); DR = Major Disaster Declaration (FEMA) N/A = Not applicable
10.9.3 Hazard Ranking and Vulnerabilities
The hazard profiles in Volume I have detailed information regarding each planning partner’s vulnerability to the identified hazards. The following presents key risk assessment results for Sonoma.
Hazard Ranking
The participating jurisdictions have differing degrees of vulnerability to the hazards of concern, so each jurisdiction ranked its own degree of risk to each hazard. The community-specific hazard ranking is based on problems and impacts identified by the risk assessment presented in Volume I. The ranking process involves an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence for each hazard; the potential impacts of the hazard on people, property, and the economy; community capabilities to address the hazard; and changing future climate conditions.
The City of Sonoma reviewed the preliminary hazard ranking calculated as described in Volume I to assess the relative risk of the hazards of concern to the community. The revised rankings account for the changes in community priorities described in Section 10.5 of this annex and in Volume I of this HMP.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-32
Table 10-19 shows the City of Sonoma’s final hazard rankings for the identified planning area hazards of concern. Hazards ranked as “No exposure” are not considered to be hazards of local concern and are excluded from the vulnerability assessment, potential impacts assessment, and mitigation strategy.
Mitigation actions outlined below address all hazards of local concern, targeting high and medium hazards.
Table 10-19. Hazard Ranking
Hazard Rank
Dam Failure No exposure to this hazard
Drought Medium
Earthquake Medium
Extreme Cold Medium
Extreme Heat Medium
Extreme Wind Medium
Flooding Medium
Landslide Low
Sea Level Rise No exposure to this hazard
Tsunami No exposure to this hazard
Wildfire High
Note: The scale is based on the hazard rankings established in Volume I, modified as appropriate based on review by the jurisdiction.
The dam inundation for high and very high hazard dams described in Volume I does not occur within the City’s boundaries; therefore, there is no exposure to the dam failure hazard. Because the city is inland, tsunamis and sea level rise are not expected to have an impact on the people, buildings, or critical facilities in the city.
Vulnerability to Hazards of Local Concern
Based on the above jurisdiction-specific information, this section describes vulnerability of community assets to the hazards of local concern to the City of Sonoma.
Table 10-20 summarizes the percentage of the jurisdiction’s general buildings and community lifelines located in the mapped hazard areas for the hazards of local concern. Table 10-21 shows the percentage of the jurisdiction’s total population and socially vulnerable populations in each of these hazard areas. Additional details on these results are provided in the hazard profiles in Volume I. The sections below describe local vulnerability to each hazard of local concern.
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-33
Table 10-20. Vulnerability of Community Assets to Mapped Hazards of Local Concern Mapped Hazard Areaa
Number of
Buildings
Value of
Buildings
Community
Lifelines
Dam Failure High and Extremely High Inundation Area 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% NEHRP D & E Soils 19.9% 19.0% 31.1%
1% Annual Chance Floodplain 0.7% 0.6% 8.2%
0.2% Annual Chance Floodplain 21.0% 18.2% 21.3%
Geologic Hazard Area 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Moderate Landslide Susceptibility Area 0.5% 0.5% 9.8%
High Landslide Susceptibility Area 3.7% 3.2% 1.6%
Very High Landslide Susceptibility Area 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Sea Level Rise 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Tsunami 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone 15.6% 19.0% 16.4%
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone 12.0% 12.0% 16.4%
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone 25.1% 24.2% 45.9%
a. See the hazard profiles in Volume I for definitions of each mapped hazard area.
Table 10-21. Populations Living in Mapped Hazard Areas
Mapped Hazard Areaa
Total
Population
People
Under 5
People
Over 65
NonEnglish
Speakers
People
With
Disabilities
People
Living in
Poverty
Single
Parent
Household
No
Vehicle
Access
Dam Failure High and
Extremely High Inundation
Area
0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
NEHRP D & E Soils 20.3% 20.1% 20.3% 20.0% 20.3% 20.2% 20.2% 18.2% 1% Annual Chance
Floodplain
0.7% 0.6% 0.7% 0.0% 0.7% 0.7% 0.5% 0.0%
0.2% Annual Chance
Floodplain
19.5% 19.2% 19.5% 19.2% 19.5% 19.4% 19.3% 18.2%
Geologic Hazard Area 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Moderate Landslide
Susceptibility Area
0.2% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0% 0.2% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0%
High Landslide
Susceptibility Area
3.4% 3.4% 3.4% 3.2% 3.3% 3.4% 3.2% 0.0%
Very High Landslide
Susceptibility Area
0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Sea Level Rise 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Tsunami 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Moderate Fire Hazard
Severity Zone
15.9% 15.9% 15.9% 15.2% 15.9% 15.8% 15.6% 13.6%
High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone
10.0% 9.8% 10.0% 9.6% 10.0% 9.9% 9.6% 9.1%
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-34
Mapped Hazard Areaa
Total
Population
People
Under 5
People
Over 65
NonEnglish
Speakers
People
With
Disabilities
People
Living in
Poverty
Single
Parent
Household
No
Vehicle
Access
Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone
21.2% 21.0% 21.2% 20.8% 21.2% 21.2% 21.1% 18.2%
a. See the hazard profiles in Volume I for definitions of each mapped hazard area.
Drought
As discussed in Volume I, drought is unlikely to cause physical changes to buildings, facilities, or infrastructure. However, certain community lifelines are vulnerable to collapse if water is unavailable, such as the water systems lifeline. Six city water tanks are identified as critical facilities vulnerable to drought.
The region and state have a history of prolonged dry, hot weather and have experienced extended periods of drought, which can have severe physical and economic impacts.
Populations most vulnerable to drought are those living in high fire-risk areas and those dependent on agricultural activities that dominate local land use. Extreme drought conditions could result in water shortages that could disproportionately impact unhoused individuals and others without access to clean drinking water. It could raise the cost of water usage, and economically disadvantaged communities may be unable to afford the increased cost for potable water.
The City of Sonoma is proactively planning for the potential of cascading impacts, including increased wildfire risk. To better prepare and respond to future drought events, the City is drafting a Drought Annex to the recently updated City of Sonoma Emergency Operations Plan, which outlines potential long-term impacts on the community and strategies for mitigating drought risk, including providing information on the importance of water conservation to residents and businesses.
Earthquake
As noted in Volume I, buildings on National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Class D and E soils are more likely to be damaged during an earthquake. Almost one-fifth of the buildings in the City (19.9 percent) are on NEHRP Class D and E soils. In addition, 19 community lifeline facilities are on Class D and E soils. This includes daycares, food distribution sites, local bridges, the Sonoma Police Department, schools, shelters, skilled nursing facilities, and solar power facilities. The population living on Class D and E soils make up 20.3 percent of the city’s total population and includes 710 people over the age of 65.
While the risk of an earthquake within the city limits is relatively small, the City of Sonoma recognizes the potential strain on resources should such an event occur nearby, as during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake and the 2014 South Napa Earthquake. In large-scale regional emergencies, areas with greater population and impact, such as Santa Rosa or Napa, may receive priority for outside assistance. As a result, the City of Sonoma may experience delays in mutual aid or resource Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-35
deployment and should be prepared to rely on locally available personnel, equipment, and supplies in the immediate aftermath of an event.
Additionally, regional transportation corridors used to bring in emergency resources, medical support, and essential goods may be disrupted, further limiting access to outside assistance. These conditions underscore the importance of local preparedness, including continuity of operations planning, preidentified staging areas, and coordination with community partners to support response and short-term recovery.
An earthquake in a neighboring community could result in requests for city staff to provide mutual aid, for the city to serve as an evacuation center, or other cross-jurisdictional coordination activities.
Communication with residents, especially older adults and those with access and functional needs, is critical should an event occur anywhere in the region, as there is potential for panic and overburdening of 911 and other emergency communications systems. These populations would also require additional assistance should there be a need for evacuation, sheltering in place, or other emergency response activities.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is unlikely to cause physical damage to buildings, facilities, or infrastructure. The city has six municipal water tanks that are in the water systems community lifeline category. During an extreme heat event, the evaporation of water inside the tanks could increase.
The City of Sonoma has had multiple extended heatwaves in recent years as a result of a changing climate. These events disproportionately impact the City’s unhoused population, older adults, underresourced individuals who may be unable to afford air conditioning, outdoor workers, the medically fragile, and those with access and functional needs.
Sonoma is a close-knit community, and many residents participate in community events. The City is cognizant of providing timely information regarding potentially hazardous conditions around events such as the annual 4th of July Parade downtown, which many older adults and people with access and functional needs participate in.
To address these risks, the City of Sonoma is drafting an Extreme Heat Event Annex to inform staff and community partners of the City’s response plans and ongoing efforts to inform the public about resources available during times of intense heat. Special attention is being given to planning for the City’s more vulnerable populations listed above. The City is strategically coordinating with communitybased organizations to optimize available staff and services.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold is unlikely to cause physical damage to buildings and facilities, although it has the potential to freeze and burst building infrastructure that contains liquids or gases. The City of Sonoma has experienced several extreme cold events in the last five years resulting in the activation of emergency warming centers. These activations were focused on the unhoused population, who are disproportionately impacted by freezing temperatures and most at risk from hypothermia and other lifeAgenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-36
threatening conditions related to exposure to extreme or extended cold weather. The City of Sonoma, jointly with the County of Sonoma, is updating protocols to specify the unique differences between an emergency warming center activation for public health purposes and an activation in response to a broader extreme cold weather event response. This information will be included in the Extreme Cold Weather Event Annex to be completed this year. This annex will address populations that are most at risk from adverse impacts of prolonged extreme cold weather, including older adults, outdoor workers, individuals who lack resources to afford heat, and those who are medically fragile.
Extreme Wind
The City of Sonoma has experienced severe weather events that included strong winds as a result of its location in the Sonoma valley. Falling trees or branches can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure and can result in power outages. Transportation along the Highway 12 corridor can be interrupted due to downed trees or power lines, impacting evacuation efforts or emergency response.
The City’s unhoused population is especially vulnerable to the impacts of extreme wind, as they lack adequate shelter during such an event. In addition, the medically fragile are at increased risk due to the potential of power outages affecting critical medical equipment.
The City will be drafting an Extreme Wind Annex to address the city’s response, the cascading hazards that could happen as a result of such an event, and how to adequately plan to support at-risk populations to mitigate impacts from high and sustained wind events.
Flooding
The City has moderate exposure to flooding, mostly due to local creeks and the proximity to larger rivers that could flood during heavy rainfall events and impact homes, transportation corridors, and infrastructure. There are 44 buildings in the 1 percent annual chance floodplain and 1,310 buildings in the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain. There are five critical bridges in the 1 percent annual chance floodplain and eight critical facilities (banks, daycares, and schools) in the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain. Table 10-22 identifies critical facilities in the community located in the 1 percent and
0.2 percent annual chance floodplains.
Table 10-22. Critical Facilities Flood Vulnerability
Name Type
1% Annual
Chance Event
0.2% Annual
Chance Event
NATHANSON CREEK Local Bridge X X
Lpj Kids, Llc (Dba Le Petit Jardin ) Daycare - X
Sunshine Nursery School Daycare - X
Crescent Montessori School Daycare - X
Creekside High Secondary Education - X
Coldwater Creek (closed 1998) Geothermal Plant - X
Exchange Bank Bank - X
U.S. Bank National Association Bank - X
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Name Type
1% Annual
Chance Event
0.2% Annual
Chance Event
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association Bank - X
Source: County of Sonoma; California Energy Commission; Caltrans; HIFLD; USACE NID People living in low-lying areas and those living in homes or apartments without proper drainage can be especially vulnerable to flooding, as well as those with access and functional needs that require additional assistance to evacuate.
There are 76 people living in the 1 percent annual chance floodplain, including 12 people living with a disability; 2,089 people live in the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain, including 349 people living with a disability.
Landslide
The City has low exposure to landslide hazards, and no recent history of such an event within the city limits. However, there are 30 buildings in the moderate landslide susceptibility hazard area, 234 buildings in the high landslide susceptibility hazard area, six critical water tanks in the moderate landslide susceptibility hazard area, and one local bridge in the high landslide susceptibility hazard area. This means the City of Sonoma must plan for the potential of such an event as a result of prolonged heavy rain or nearby seismic activity.
Populations most vulnerable to landslides are those living in moderate to high landslide susceptibility areas and those living in moderate wildfire severity zones. There are 20 people living in the moderate landslide susceptibility hazard area and 364 people living in the high landslide susceptibility hazard area. People with limited communication options can be vulnerable as well, as alerts and requests for assistance may be delayed.
Wildfire
With the recently updated fire risk severity maps, a portion of the City of Sonoma is now in a high fire risk zone, due to the region’s amount of vegetation, risk of prolonged drought conditions, and exposure to high winds. Over the past decade, Sonoma County has experienced multiple presidentially declared wildfires that have threatened homes, prompted evacuations, degraded air quality, and impacted regional safety. While only one of these incidents resulted in evacuation warnings or potential structure impacts within city limits, the broader regional effects have significantly impacted the Sonoma community. These impacts have included poor air quality, disruptions to daily life and local services, increased demand on emergency resources, and heightened public concern. This regional context underscores the importance of continued coordination, preparedness, and public communication efforts within the City of Sonoma.
There are 974 buildings in the moderate fire hazard severity zone, 747 buildings in the high fire hazard severity zone, and 1,564 buildings in the very high fire hazard severity zone. There are 10 critical facilities in the moderate fire hazard severity zone (a bank, daycare, fire station, library, local bridge, Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-38
communications towers, school, and shelter), 10 critical facilities in the high fire hazard severity zone (banks, daycares, Coldwater Creek Plant, and communications towers), and 28 critical facilities in the very high fire hazard severity zone (banks, daycares, food distribution, local bridges, Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, municipal halls, Sonoma Police Department, shelters, and water tanks).
Unhoused individuals, people with access and functional needs, older adults, and medically fragile residents (especially those with respiratory conditions) are at increased risk during wildfire incidents.
Residents lacking transportation and those living near busy transportation corridors are also at elevated risk due to the challenges posed by evacuation and the risk of roadways becoming clogged during a large-scale evacuation.
There are 1,706 people living in the moderate fire hazard severity zone, 1,072 people living in the high fire hazard severity zone, and 2,279 people living in the very high fire hazard severity zone.
Potential Impacts from Hazards of Local Concern
Table 10-23 summarizes available quantitative estimates of potential impacts on community assets for dam failure, flood, and earthquake hazards. In the event of a 500‑year earthquake, as many as 164 households could be displaced, 66 people may require shelter, 6.8 percent of the buildings in the City could be damaged, and 84,484 tons of debris could be generated. In the event of a 2,500‑year earthquake, as many as 582 households could be displaced, 238 people may require shelter, 16.2 percent of the buildings in the City could be damaged, and 219,264 tons of debris could be generated.
In the event of a 1 percent annual chance flood, as many as 108 people could be displaced, 56 people may require shelter, and 305 tons of debris could be generated.
Table 10-23. Hazus-Determined Impacts for Hazards of Local Concern Impact Dam Failure
500-Year
Earthquake
Probabilistic
Event
2,500-Year
Earthquake
Probabilistic
Event
1% Annual
Flood
Chance
Event
Displaced Population 0 people 164 households 582 households 108 people Population Requiring Shelter 0 people 66 people 238 people 56 people General Building Damage as % of RCV 0.0% 6.8% 16.2% <0.1% Total Debris Generated (tons) 0 84,484 219,264 305
For all other hazards of local concern, the potential impacts were qualitatively evaluated. Table 10-24 summarizes additional risks specific to the City. The qualitative assessments in the hazard profiles in Volume I are equally applicable to the City.
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Table 10-24. Qualitative Assessment of Impacts for Hazards of Local Concern Hazard Qualitative Local Impacts
Dam Failure Per the above risk assessment findings, dam inundation is not expected to have a direct impact on the people, buildings, or critical facilities located in the City.
Drought Drought conditions can impact Sonoma by reducing water supply, affecting agriculture, and increasing the likelihood of wildfires.
Earthquake Located within an active seismic region, Sonoma is at risk of experiencing earthquakes that could cause disruption to services and structural damage specifically to older buildings constructed prior to current building standards.
Extreme Cold Extreme cold events are rare and typically have minimal impact on the City’s population and infrastructure.
Extreme Heat Periodic heat waves pose health risks, especially to vulnerable populations, and can strain energy and water resources.
Extreme Wind City of Sonoma may occasionally experience strong winds that can cause property damage, power outages, and hazardous conditions.
Flood Flooding from intense rainfall and overflow of nearby waterways can affect residential areas, infrastructure, and transportation.
Landslide Some areas, particularly those with steeper terrain, may be prone to landslides during heavy rain or seismic activity.
Wildfire The City faces significant wildfire risk, given the surrounding vegetation and climate, which can threaten homes, air quality, and safety.
10.9.4 Identified Issues
After review of hazard event history, hazard rankings, hazard location, and current capabilities, the City of Sonoma identified the following risk-related issues for the community:
• The City’s existing Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) lacks dedicated annexes that address the growing threat of extreme heat, extreme cold, and extreme wind events, which require distinct operational strategies.
• The City may need to shelter evacuees from a variety of hazards including dam failure, wildfires, floods, extreme heat or cold, earthquakes, and other emergencies, especially for vulnerable populations such as the unhoused.
• Extreme weather events—including heat waves, cold snaps, and high-wind storms—are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Vulnerable populations, such as people over 65, low-income residents, and individuals with medical conditions, face increased health risks. Additionally, extreme weather can cause power outages, impacting heating and cooling access, and increasing emergency medical responses. • Public facilities that serve as community cooling, heating, or emergency shelters are vulnerable to power outages during multiple hazard events, limiting their effectiveness. • Critical facilities and infrastructure provide essential operations for City staff and the public but can experience power outages, limiting their effectiveness. • Vulnerable populations in mobile homes and older structures are at risk during extreme cold and heat events.
Agenda Item #7.6:
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City of Sonoma 10-40
• Vulnerable populations may not have access to cooling devices during extreme heat events.
Those who are homebound or without transportation may be put at risk attempting to access cooling centers or other public areas.
• Many residents are unaware of the full scope of hazards that pose a risk to the Sonoma Valley community, as well as the necessary preparedness and response measures. Without proper education, individuals may not take proactive steps to reduce their risks, leading to increased damage and potential loss of life during disasters. Vulnerable populations, such as people over 65, low-income families, and non-English-speaking communities, may face additional barriers to accessing life-saving information.
• Public lands near residential areas face increasing wildfire threats and are located within very high fire hazard severity zones. This is a good location for fire breaks, as it buffers the downtown area from wildland areas.
• Some homeowners lack resources or capacity to meet defensible space requirements and may unintentionally create new hazards such as erosion or landslide risk by removing vegetation indiscriminately. Inappropriate vegetation removal can also disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity, soil stability, and long-term ecological health. • Some of the City's critical infrastructure is in high fire zones, Infrastructure hardening will be required to make this infrastructure resistant to fires. • Evacuation routes in high-risk wildfire zones are vulnerable to road obstructions, downed power lines, and increased congestion during wildfire situations. • Many transportation routes lack proper fire-resistant buffers, thereby increasing the risk of road closures and preventing effective and quick re-population of the evacuated area after a major disaster event.
• Some critical water infrastructure requires seismic retrofit to ensure flow and delivery of potable water to connections.
• Some structures are located below flood elevations or unnecessarily located in high fire hazard areas.
• The City bridge inventory is currently being assessed to determine if the current number of bridges that are inspected by Caltrans every 2 years is adequate or should be increased. All City-owned vehicular and/or pedestrian bridges need to be assessed for seismic and scour vulnerabilities. • Heavy rainfall events are overwhelming existing drainage systems, leading to road closures, potential property damage, and limited access for emergency vehicles. Certain areas within the City of Sonoma are prone to this and a variety of issues arise, including the need for significant emergency response.
• Water courses must be maintained to remain free of obstructions and to protect drainage facilities to conform with the Regional Water Quality Control Board's best management practices. Multijurisdictional effort will be required to meet this goal. Many of these water courses are on private property.
• The City experiences aquifer depletion and reduced local production capacity (independent of Sonoma Water/wholesale aqueduct).
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• The City's wells are aging and with changing hazard risks there is a need for thorough assessment.
• If land movement severs the line to Thornsberry Tank, it is likely to cause severe damage to hillside and water outage to residents in Zone 2 (which is in a high fire hazard area). • City facilities currently have functional vulnerabilities that could lead to loss of staff capabilities in the event of a large scale disaster, power outage, etc. • Various planning documents and codes lack overall cohesion. • There are residential structures located within the 1 percent annual chance floodplain. • Historic resources are an economic and cultural value to the City and when they ae damaged the City prefers that they be repaired rather than demolished. • Some multifamily buildings are not built to current fire code requirements. • Changing risks require continuous evaluation and mitigation efforts. • Details that document significant events (e.g., high water marks, preliminary damage estimates, damage photos, etc.) need to be captured to support future mitigation efforts. • Limited local notification capabilities result in vehicles and residents entering dangerous areas during floods, landslides, extreme wind events that cause downed trees or power lines, and periods of post-earthquake disruptions.
• Limited adoption of rainwater and graywater systems hinders water conservation efforts. • Impervious surfaces reduce groundwater recharge and exacerbate drought and flood risks. • Traditional landscaping contributes to excessive water use and wildfire risk. • Areas of the city lack adequate tree canopy coverage, which exacerbates extreme heat impacts and increases erosion risk.
• Many privately owned residential buildings may have soft-story vulnerabilities, making them susceptible to collapse during seismic events. These structures pose a significant risk to life safety and property, especially in densely populated areas.
10.10 MITIGATION STRATEGY AND PRIORITIZATION
This section discusses the status of mitigation actions from the previous HMP, describes proposed hazard mitigation actions, and prioritizes actions to address over the next five years.
10.10.1 Past Mitigation Action Status
Table 10-25 indicates progress on the City’s mitigation strategy identified in the 2021 HMP. Actions that are still recommended but not completed or that are in progress are carried forward and combined with new actions as part of the mitigation strategy for this plan update. Previous actions that are now ongoing programs and capabilities are indicated as such and are presented in the capability assessment earlier in this annex.
Agenda Item #7.6:
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City of Sonoma 10-42
Table 10-25. Status of 2021 Mitigation Actions for the City of Sonoma Mitigation Actions Status
Project Number SCI-1
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Where appropriate, support retrofitting, purchase or relocation of structures located in hazard areas, prioritizing those that have experienced repetitive losses and/or are located in high- or medium-risk hazard areas.
Status Ongoing
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No Change
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-2
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding, drought Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Integrate the hazard mitigation plan into other plans, ordinances and programs that dictate land use decisions in the community, including the City’s General Plan, Development Code, Urban Water Management Plan, Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan, Sonoma Water’s Water Supply
Strategies Action Plan, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan, Climate Action Plan, Capital Improvement Program and Flood Damage Prevention Regulations.
Status In progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No change
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-3
Hazards Addressed All hazards
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Actively participate in the plan maintenance protocols outlined in Volume 1 of this hazard mitigation plan.
Status Ongoing
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
Agenda Item #7.6:
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City of Sonoma 10-43
Mitigation Actions Status
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No Change
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-4
Hazards Addressed Severe weather, flooding
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Continue to maintain good standing and compliance under the NFIP through implementation of floodplain management
programs that, at a minimum, meet the NFIP requirements:
• Enforce the flood damage prevention ordinance.
• Participate in floodplain identification and mapping updates. • Provide public assistance/information on floodplain
requirements and impacts.
Status Ongoing
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No Change
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-5
Hazards Addressed Severe weather, flooding, drought
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Identify and pursue strategies to increase adaptive capacity to climate change including but not limited to the following • Reduce vehicle emissions by adopting vehicle-miles-traveled thresholds in the General Plan as projects are reviewed pursuant to CEQA.
• Consider adopting a General Plan policy to protect and acquire and manage ecosystems in buffers zones along rivers & creeks within the City to improve flood control and water quality management.
• Consider adopting a General Plan policy to adopt Green Infrastructure that can help reduce run-off and stormwater flows that may otherwise exceed system capacity—infrastructure such as encouraging bio-retention areas (rain gardens); low impact development methods such as green roofs, swales (depressions that capture water) and the use of vegetation or pervious materials instead of impervious surfaces.
Status In progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
Staff has contracted with a consultant to identify VMT Thresholds to vet through a community process in 2025. Also, the City is undergoing a General Plan Update to include additional
measures related to climate change and other hazard mitigation measures.
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No change
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-44
Mitigation Actions Status
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-6
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Purchase generators for critical facilities and infrastructure that lack adequate emergency backup power, including Sonoma City Hall complex and pre-designated emergency shelters.
Status In progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
2 generators have been acquired; however, new transfer switches need to be installed
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate The generators are not functional yet as they are in need of repairs prior to installation.
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-7
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, flooding, wildfire
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Expedite the funding and retrofit of seismically deficient cityowned bridges and road structures by working with Caltrans and other appropriate governmental agencies, including the
replacement of the structurally deficient Chase Street Bridge.
Status Complete
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
The retrofit of Chase Street Bridge has been completed. The City is working with Caltrans on a seismic screening of the following bridges: MacArthur over Nathanson Creek, 4th Street East Bridge over Nathanson Creek, France Street Bridge over Nathanson Creek, 2nd Street Bridge over Nathanson creek.
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Discontinue
If include, revise/reword as appropriate Not Applicable If discontinue, explain why The City is not currently aware of any seismically deficient bridges Agenda Item #7.6:
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City of Sonoma 10-45
Mitigation Actions Status
Project Number SCI-8
Hazards Addressed Severe weather, flooding
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Enforce provisions under creek protection, stormwater management, and discharge control ordinances designed to keep watercourses free of obstructions and to protect drainage facilities to conform with the Regional Water Quality Control Board's Best Management Practices.
Status Ongoing
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
These are ongoing efforts throughout the year. The City of Sonoma is required to comply with the 2013 Small Phase II MS4 Permit, which encompasses the described provisions. The program is fully funded by the municipality.
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No change
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-9
Hazards Addressed Earthquake
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Conduct an inventory of privately-owned existing or suspected soft-story residential structures as a first step in establishing voluntary or mandatory programs for retrofitting these buildings.
Engage consulting services as needed to support activities related to the development of enhanced building codes to help mitigate suspected soft-story residential structures.
Status No progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No change
If discontinue, explain why Not applicable
Agenda Item #7.6:
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City of Sonoma 10-46
Mitigation Actions Status
Project Number SCI-10
Hazards Addressed Wildfire
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Establish special funding mechanisms (such as Fire Hazard Abatement Districts or regional bond funding) to fund reduction in fire risk of existing properties through vegetation management that includes reduction of fuel loads, use of defensible space, and fuel breaks.
Status In progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
In coordination with the Sonoma County Fire Chief’s Association a special tax was passed “Measure H”
While this is one funding mechanism a continued goal should be set to seek additional funding sources in the form of grants and programs and both the State and Federal Level.
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate Additional funding may be needed to implement programs and manage the maintenance of these mitigation efforts
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-11
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire
Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Conduct periodic fire-safety inspections of all multifamily buildings, as required by State law.
Status Complete; Ongoing
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
Completed with a 100 percent compliance rate
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If included, revise/reword as appropriate This is an annual requirement and must be left as a goal.
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Agenda Item #7.6:
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City of Sonoma 10-47
Mitigation Actions Status
Project Number SCI-12
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Develop and enforce a repair and reconstruction ordinance to ensure that damaged buildings are repaired in an appropriate and timely manner and retrofitted concurrently. This repair and reconstruction ordinance should apply to all public and private buildings, and also apply to repair of all damage, regardless of cause. Engage consulting services as needed to support activities related to amending building codes related to repair and reconstruction.
Status No Progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate Engage consulting services as needed to support activities related to amending building and development codes related to repair and reconstruction.
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-13
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Establish preservation-sensitive measures for the repair and reoccupancy of historically significant privately owned structures, including requirements for temporary shoring or stabilization where needed, arrangements for consulting with preservationists, and expedited permit procedures for suitable repair or rebuilding of historically or architecturally valuable structures. Engage consulting services as needed to support activities related to building codes.
Status No Progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate Engage consulting services as needed to support activities related to building and development codes.
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-48
Mitigation Actions Status
Project Number SCI-14
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Conduct comprehensive programs to identify and mitigate problems with facility contents, architectural components, and equipment that will prevent critical buildings from being functional after major natural disasters. Such contents and equipment includes computers and servers, phones, files, and other tools used by staff to conduct daily business.
Status In progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
Staff turnover necessitates an investigation of past plans and update with current inventory and any needs.
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate Not change
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Project Number SCI-15
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding, drought Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Support and encourage planning and identification of facilities for the coordination of distribution of water, food, blankets, and other supplies, coordinating this effort with the American Red Cross.
Status In progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
-
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate No change
If discontinue, explain why Not Applicable
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-49
Mitigation Actions Status
Project Number SCI-16
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding, drought Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Develop and implement a program to capture and maintain data after significant events (e.g., high water marks, preliminary damage estimates, damage photos, etc.) to support future mitigation efforts including the implementation and maintenance of the hazard mitigation plan.
Status No progress
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
Although the need for a systematic post-incident data collection and analysis program has been recognized since the 2021 HMP, implementation has been delayed primarily due to limited staff capacity and the absence of a clearly designated lead
department. Collecting and managing this type of data requires coordination across multiple departments (e.g., public works, emergency management, planning), which has presented
logistical challenges. However, internal discussions are currently underway to identify a lead and explore tools or processes that could support the effort going forward.
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Include
If include, revise/reword as appropriate
If discontinue, explain why
Project Number SCI-17
Hazards Addressed Earthquake, severe weather, wildfire, flooding, drought Lead Agency City of Sonoma
Mitigation Action Description Acquire software and hardware, and associated training, to assist with plan reviews, permitting, inspections, and records retention to help support the identification and mitigation of structures and projects located in hazard prone areas and to quickly and efficiently aid in post-disaster recovery efforts.
Status Complete
Narrative describing progress or
obstacles that have prevented
implementation
Completed City has purchased OpenGov to process building permits and includes identification of hazards and historic resources for each parcel.
Include in the 2026 HMP or Discontinue? Discontinue
If include, revise/reword as appropriate Not Applicable If discontinue, explain why This action has been completed.
10.10.2 Additional Mitigation Efforts
In addition to the mitigation actions listed as complete in Table 10-25, the City identified the following mitigation efforts completed since the previous HMP:
• Formed a Climate Action Commission and Climate Action Strategies • Launched an Online Permitting System (Action SCI-17)
Agenda Item #7.6:
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City of Sonoma 10-50
• Earthquake retrofit at SVFD Station 5 (Glen Ellen)
• Removed and reconstructed Chase Street Bridge, including new water and sewer line crossings • Completed reconstruction storm line project at 5th Street East and MacArthur • Constructed emergency intertie between Valley of the Moon Water District system and City of Sonoma water system
• City-wide tree inventory and canopy study
• Chipper Program equipment purchase and implementation • Prescribed fire projects at Montini Open Space Preserve, George Ranch, and Glen Ellen • Generator repair/replacement at SVFD fire stations
• Created a community example for wildfire defensible space and Zone 0 landscaping at SVFD Station 1
• Structural and vegetation hardening completed at SVFD Station 8 • Implemented countywide incident management software (Tablet Command) • Implemented countywide pre-incident planning mapping solution (Intterra) • Applied for and received listing with Board of Forestry as a Fire Risk Reduction Community Since the adoption of the County’s first HMP, Sonoma has made significant mitigation progress in the following areas:
• Roadside vegetation projects
• Increased defensible space and vegetation management compliance inspections • Increased education in wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies • Fire District purchase of land for a new fire station facility outside city limits, increasing regional response capability
• Increased training and equipment capacity in swift water rescue
10.10.3 Proposed Hazard Mitigation Actions for the HMP Update The City of Sonoma participated in the mitigation strategy workshop for this HMP to identify appropriate actions to include in a local hazard mitigation strategy. Its comprehensive consideration of all possible activities to address hazards of concern included review of the following FEMA documents:
• FEMA 551 “Selecting Appropriate Mitigation Measures for Floodprone Structures” (March 2007) • FEMA “Mitigation Ideas—A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards” (January 2013) • FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide (July 2024) The action worksheets included at the end of this annex list the mitigation actions that the City would like to pursue in the future to reduce the effects of hazards. The actions are dependent upon available funding (grants and local match availability) and may be modified or omitted at any time based on the occurrence of new hazard events and changes in City priorities.
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City of Sonoma 10-51
Table 10-26 indicates how the proposed mitigation actions fall within the four FEMA mitigation action categories and six CRS mitigation action categories (these categories are described in Appendix D).
Table 10-26. Analysis of Mitigation Actions by Hazard and Category Hazard LPR SIP NSP EAP PR PP PI NR SP ES
Dam Failure - - - - - - - - - -
Drought X X X X X X X X - X
Earthquake X X - X X X X - - X
Extreme Cold X X - X X X X - - X
Extreme Heat X X X X X X X X - X
Extreme Wind X X - X X X X - - X
Flood X X X X X X X - X X
Landslide X X X X X X X X X
Sea Level Rise - - - - - - - - - -
Tsunami - - - - - - - - - -
Wildfire X X X X X X X X - X
Note: Mitigation category codes as follows (see Appendix D for descriptions): LPR = Local Plans and Regulations; SIP = Structure and Infrastructure Project; NSP = Natural Systems Protection; EAP = Education and Awareness Programs; PR = Preventative Measures; PP = Property Protection; PI = Public Information; NR = Natural Resource Protection; SP = Structural Flood Control Projects; ES = Emergency Services Volume I identifies evaluation criteria for prioritizing the mitigation actions. To assist with rating each mitigation action as high, medium, or low priority, a numeric rank is assigned for each of the evaluation criteria. Table 10-27 provides a summary of the prioritization of all proposed mitigation actions for the HMP update.
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Table 10-27. Summary of Prioritization of Actions
Project Name Cost Benefit Objectives
Time
Frame Score Priority
Repetitive Loss Structures Low High 5 1-5 years 8.385 High HMP Maintenance Low Medium 13 1-5 years 8.001 High
Fire Safety Inspections Low Medium 7 1-5 years 7.539 High Data Collection and Analysis Low Medium 4 1-5 years 7.308 High Emergency Evacuation Route Medium High 4 1-5 years 7.308 High Evacuation Support Medium High 4 1-5 years 7.308 High
Permeable Surfaces and Water Retention Medium High 4 1-5 years 7.308 High Critical Infrastructure Hardening Medium High 2 1-5 years 7.154 High Retrofit Thornsberry Tank Medium High 2 1-5 years 7.154 High NFIP Compliance Low Low 8 1-5 years 6.616 Medium
Stormwater Management Improvements Medium Medium 8 1-5 years 6.616 Medium Ordinance Enforcement Low Low 7 1-5 years 6.539 Medium
Defensible Space Program Medium Medium 6 1-5 years 6.462 Medium Extreme Weather Resilience Medium Medium 6 1-5 years 6.462 Medium Planning Integration Low Low 6 1-5 years 6.462 Medium
Tree Planting Initiative Medium Medium 6 1-5 years 6.462 Medium Retrofit Bridges and Roads High High 5 1-5 years 6.385 Medium Well Retrofitting High High 5 1-5 years 6.385 Medium
Backup Power for Critical Facilities High High 4 1-5 years 6.308 Medium Backup Power for Public Facilities High High 4 1-5 years 6.308 Medium EOP Annexes for Hazards Medium Medium 4 1-5 years 6.308 Medium Hazard Notification System Medium Medium 4 1-5 years 6.308 Medium Insulation Program Medium Medium 4 1-5 years 6.308 Medium Facilities Functionality Assessment Medium Medium 2 1-5 years 6.154 Medium Seismic Retrofitting Water Infrastructure High High 2 1-5 years 6.154 Medium Cooling Device Rebate Program Medium Medium 1 1-5 years 6.077 Medium Community Hazard Awareness Low Low 7 1-10 years 5.539 Medium Historic Resource Ordinance Medium Low 4 1-5 years 5.308 Medium Lawn Replacement Medium Low 4 1-5 years 5.308 Medium
Rain Barrels and Graywater Initiative Medium Low 4 1-5 years 5.308 Medium Aquifer Storage and Recovery High Medium 3 1-5 years 5.231 Medium Soft-Story Residential Structure
Inventory and Retrofit Program
High Medium 2 1-5 years 5.154 Medium
Wildfire Risk Reduction High Medium 7 1-10 years 4.539 Low Note: Volume I conveys guidance on prioritizing mitigation actions. Low (0-5), Medium (5-7), High (7-9).
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-53
Action 2026-SonomaCity-01. EOP Annexes for Hazards: Extreme Heat, Extreme Cold, and Extreme Wind
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma City Manager
Supporting Agencies: -
Hazards of Concern: Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat, Extreme Wind Description of the Problem: The City’s existing Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) lacks dedicated annexes that address the growing threat of extreme heat, extreme cold, and extreme wind events, which require distinct operational strategies.
Description of the Solution: Develop and adopt annexes to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan specifically for extreme heat, extreme cold, and extreme wind hazards. These annexes will establish clear protocols for preparedness, response, sheltering, resource allocation, public information, and recovery related to these specific events. • Create a city-specific Extreme Heat Response Annex outlining activation triggers for cooling centers, vulnerable population outreach, and coordination protocols.
• Develop an Extreme Cold Annex detailing warming strategies, shelter expansion, and public messaging for cold weather events. • Draft an Extreme Wind Annex to address debris management, infrastructure protection, and road closure coordination.
Estimated Cost: Medium, Staff Time and Consultant support, if needed Potential Funding Sources: Local General Fund, FEMA EMPG, Cal OES planning grants Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 5,6,7,13
Benefits: Reduces emergency medical incidents related to heatstroke, hypothermia, and wind-related injuries
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Provides targeted response protocols for populations most affected by temperature and wind-related hazards—such as unhoused individuals, people over 65, residents of mobile home parks, and those without reliable heating or cooling. Enhances the City’s ability to activate shelters or services early and tailor communication and outreach efforts to linguistically diverse and access and functional needs populations.
Impact on Future Development: Supports resilient community planning by strengthening the City's emergency management framework.
Impact on Critical Facilities/Lifelines: Improves protection and continuity planning for lifeline services (e.g., power, transportation, communication, emergency shelters) during wind and temperature extremes. Annexes can guide priority restoration strategies and backup power planning for facilities like cooling and warming centers, community centers, and public safety facilities.
Impact on Capabilities: Significantly increases the City’s emergency planning capacity by providing clear, hazard-specific guidance to staff and partner agencies. Enhances interdepartmental coordination and builds institutional knowledge, ensuring readiness for incidents that fall outside traditional fire/flood/earthquake response playbooks.
Climate Change Considerations: Addresses the rising occurrence and intensity of extreme temperature and wind events linked to climate change.
Mitigation Category Local Plans and Regulations
CRS Category Public Information
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-54
Action 2026-SonomaCity-02. Evacuation Support
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma City Manager
Supporting Agencies: Red Cross, SVUSD, County of Sonoma Hazards of Concern: Earthquake, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat, Flood, Landslide Description of the Problem: The City may need to shelter evacuees from a variety of hazards including wildfires, floods, extreme heat or cold, earthquakes, and other emergencies, especially for vulnerable populations such as the unhoused.
Description of the Solution: Enhance readiness of identified shelter facilities, including the City’s emergency homeless shelter, to accommodate displaced residents during multi-hazard events. Improve supplies, strengthen outreach to vulnerable populations, and ensure shelter plans are adaptable to a range of emergencies.
Update shelter plans; coordinate multi-jurisdictional shelter operations; provide training opportunities for staff and volunteers. (Modified from 2021 SCI-15) Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: ESG, CDBG, Local General Fund Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 5,6,13
Benefits: Improves shelter capacity and flexibility for multi-hazard scenario Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Directly benefits unhoused individuals, under-resourced households, and residents with access and functional needs by ensuring shelters are accessible, well-equipped, and capable of serving diverse needs. Targeted outreach and adaptive sheltering strategies help reduce the disproportionate impacts these populations face during disasters.
Impact on Future Development: May influence site selection and capacity planning for new shelters or facilities that could be used for emergency shelter.
Impact on Critical Facilities/Lifelines: Ensures key shelter sites remain functional during emergencies through improved backup supplies, infrastructure upgrades, and coordination protocols. Helps maintain continuity of care and basic services when lifelines such as power or transportation are disrupted.
Impact on Capabilities: Strengthens the City’s operational readiness to shelter residents in response to a variety of hazards. Enhances staff and volunteer capacity through training and drills, while aligning sheltering procedures with regional partners for better coordination during large-scale or cross-jurisdictional events.
Climate Change Considerations: Increased frequency of extreme weather and wildfire events may increase demand for sheltering, especially for the unhoused.
Mitigation Category Local Plans and Regulations, Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Public Information, Emergency Services
Priority High
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-55
Action 2026-SonomaCity-03. Extreme Weather Resilience: Community Cooling, Warming, and Shelter Centers
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma City Manager
Supporting Agencies: Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, County Health Services, Local Government Agencies, Nonprofits
Hazard(s) of Concern: Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat, Extreme Wind Description of the Problem: Extreme weather events—including heatwaves, cold snaps, and high-wind storms—are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Vulnerable populations, such as people over 65, low-income residents, and individuals with medical conditions, face increased health risks. Additionally, extreme weather can cause power outages, impacting heating and cooling access, and increasing emergency medical responses.
•
Description of the Solution: Reduced health risks from extreme weather, increased public safety, enhanced emergency response capabilities:
• Establish permanent and mobile climate resilience centers that function as cooling, warming, and emergency shelter spaces during extreme weather events, and emergencies.
• Retrofit community centers, and libraries and other spaces with backup generators, efficient HVAC systems, and insulated spaces to provide refuge during extreme heat, cold, and wind events • Enhance a community outreach and transportation program to assist atrisk individuals in accessing climate resilience centers Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), State Climate Resilience Funds, Local Health & Safety Funds, USDA Community Resilience Grants Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 1,2,4,10,12,13
Benefits: Protects vulnerable populations from life-threatening weather conditions, Improves community preparedness and resilience against extreme weather events, strengthens local emergency response coordination Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
High—directly benefits low-income individuals, elderly populations, and medically fragile residents
Impact on Future Development: Encourages climate-resilient infrastructure and building standards Impact on Critical Facilities/Lifelines: Ensures continued operation of emergency response and public services Impact on Capabilities: Expands fire district and emergency management preparedness for extreme weather events
Climate Change Considerations: Addresses increasing temperature fluctuations, extreme weather patterns, and energy reliability concerns
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project, Education and Awareness Program CRS Category Public Information, Emergency Services
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-56
Action 2026-SonomaCity-04. Backup Power for Public Facilities Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: Sonoma County, Nonprofits (currently occupying public facilities) Hazard(s) of Concern: Earthquake, Extreme Heat, Extreme Wind, Wildfire Description of the Problem: Public facilities that serve as community cooling, heating, or emergency shelters are vulnerable to power outages during multiple hazard events, limiting their effectiveness.
Description of the Solution: Install or upgrade backup power systems at critical public facilities including the library, emergency shelter, community center, and senior center to ensure service continuity during extreme heat, extreme wind, wildfire, and earthquake events.
Install generators or solar with battery storage at public shelters and cooling centers.
Estimated Cost: High
Potential Funding Sources: FEMA BRIC, State Resilience Grants, City Capital Improvement Funds Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 5,6,7,13
Benefits: Maintains essential public services during power outages across multiple hazards.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Ensures continuity of safe spaces and essential services for at-risk populations—including people over 65, medically vulnerable individuals, unhoused residents, and low-income households—during power outages associated with heatwaves, cold snaps, wildfires, and other emergencies.
Supports equitable access to cooling/warming centers and emergency shelter.
Impact on Future Development: Reinforces critical facility planning.
Impact on Critical Facilities/Lifelines: Significantly increases the resilience of key public facilities that serve as lifelines during emergencies. Backup power systems at shelters, libraries, and community centers ensure continuous access to climate-controlled environments, communications, refrigeration for medications, and charging stations during grid disruptions.
Impact on Capabilities: Improves the City’s ability to respond effectively during multi-hazard events by keeping core facilities operational. Reduces staff strain during emergencies by enabling pre-designated sites to remain self-sufficient and reduces reliance on external generators or ad hoc solutions.
Climate Change Considerations: Addresses the intersection of heat waves, wildfires, and grid instability.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Emergency Services
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-57
Action 2026-SonomaCity-05. Backup Power for Critical Facilities Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: City Manager
Hazard(s) of Concern: Earthquake, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat, Flood, Landslide, Wildfire Description of the Problem: Critical facilities and infrastructure provide essential operations for City staff and the public, but can experience power outages, limiting their effectiveness.
Description of the Solution: Install or upgrade backup power systems at critical facilities.
Purchase generators for critical facilities and infrastructure that lack adequate emergency backup power, including Sonoma City Hall complex.
Estimated Cost: High
Potential Funding Sources: PDM,FEMA, BRIC, State Resilience Grants, City Capital Improvement Funds
Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 5,6,7,13
Benefits: Maintains essential public services during power outages across multiple hazards.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Ensures City staff can provide uninterrupted services to the public at any time.
Impact on Future Development: N/A
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Ensures critical facilities and infrastructure remain functional during and after disaster events.
Impact on Capabilities: Ensures critical facilities and infrastructure remain functional during and after disaster events.
Climate Change Considerations: Addresses the intersection of heat waves, wildfires, and grid instability.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Emergency Services
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-58
Action 2026-SonomaCity-06. Insulation Program for Extreme Cold and Heat Events
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma City Manager
Supporting Agencies: -
Hazard(s) of Concern: Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat
Description of the Problem: Vulnerable populations in mobile homes and older structures are at risk during extreme cold and heat events.
Description of the Solution: Implement a local program to insulate older or substandard housing stock.
Implement pilot program to retrofit homes and mobile homes with insulation upgrades and improvements in weatherization.
Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: LIHEAP, PG&E CARE/FERA, City Housing Funds Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 5,6,11,13
Benefits: Improves home energy efficiency and reduces cold-related health risks.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Improves health and safety for low-income households, people over 65, and residents of mobile homes—many of whom lack sufficient insulation to remain safe during extreme heat or cold. Reduces energy costs and mitigates temperature-related health risks, especially for those with limited mobility or chronic conditions.
Impact on Future Development: Supports building code updates for thermal efficiency.
Impact on Critical Facilities/Lifelines: Reduces strain on public heating and cooling centers and the electrical grid during peak demand periods. Contributes to citywide energy efficiency and resilience by improving residential infrastructure.
Impact on Capabilities: Adds a long-term mitigation layer by addressing the root cause of exposure— poor housing insulation. Reduces reliance on temporary emergency response measures like sheltering or cooling/warming centers, freeing up city capacity for more severe events.
Climate Change Considerations: Extreme cold and heat events are increasing in our region which has been relatively temperate in past decades.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project, Education and Awareness Program CRS Category Public Information, Preventative Measures
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-59
Action 2026-SonomaCity-07. Cooling Device Rebate Program for Extreme Heat
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Community Development
Supporting Agencies: County of Sonoma, Homeless Service Providers Hazard(s) of Concern: Extreme Heat
Description of the Problem: Vulnerable populations may not have access to cooling devices during extreme heat events. Those who are homebound or without transportation may be put at risk attempting to access cooling centers or other public areas.
Description of the Solution: Provide grants or rental subsidies for personal cooling devices or portable A/C units. Implement rebate program for portable cooling units for at-risk populations.
Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: FEMA HMA, PG&E Resiliency Program Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 13
Benefits: Reduces risk of heat-related illness.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Provides life-saving relief to people over 65, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents who may be homebound, medically fragile, or without access to air conditioning. Reduces reliance on transportation to cooling centers, improving safety for those who would otherwise face heat exposure risks while trying to reach public facilities.
Impact on Future Development: Supports equity by focusing on vulnerable populations.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Lowers the burden on community cooling centers and emergency shelters during heat events. Distributes cooling capacity across households, contributing to decentralized resilience.
Impact on Capabilities: Enhances the City’s ability to manage extreme heat events by empowering residents to shelter in place. Complements existing emergency response efforts and reduces the strain on limited facility space and staff resources.
Climate Change Considerations: Directly addresses the projected increase in heat waves.
Mitigation Category Local Plans and Regulations, Education and Awareness Programs CRS Category Public Information
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-60
Action 2026-SonomaCity-08. Community Hazard Awareness & Preparedness Education Program
Lead Agency: SVFD
Supporting Agencies: City of Sonoma, Sonoma County EM, Local Schools, Community Organizations, Media Outlets
Hazard(s) of Concern: Drought, Earthquake, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat, Extreme Wind, Flood, Landslide, Wildfire
Description of the Problem: Many residents are unaware of the full scope of hazards that pose a risk to the Sonoma Valley community, as well as the necessary preparedness and response measures. Without proper education, individuals may not take proactive steps to reduce their risks, leading to increased damage and potential loss of life during disasters. Vulnerable populations, such as people over 65, low-income families, and non-English-speaking communities, may face additional barriers to accessing life-saving information.
Description of the Solution: To enhance community preparedness and resilience, a multi-hazard public education and outreach program will be implemented, focusing on wildfire preparedness, earthquake safety, flood protection, and extreme weather resilience. This initiative will include community workshops and training sessions to educate residence.
This initiative will include community workshops and training sessions to educate residents on best practices for hazard mitigation and emergency response. A "Know Your Risk" campaign will be launched, utilizing both digital and printed materials to inform the public about local hazards and effective mitigation actions. To ensure accessibility, evacuation preparedness guides will be distributed in multiple languages, reaching diverse populations. Additionally, annual preparedness fairs will be organized, featuring interactive demonstrations, emergency kit giveaways, and opportunities for residents to engage directly with first responders. To build long-term awareness, partnerships with local schools will integrate hazard education into curriculum-based learning, fostering a culture of preparedness among students. The program will also leverage social media and text alert systems to provide real-time hazard warnings and practical safety tips. Recognizing the importance of inclusive outreach, collaborations with faith-based and community groups will ensure that information reaches all demographics, including vulnerable populations.
Through these comprehensive efforts, the program will equip residents with the knowledge and resources necessary to respond effectively to a range of hazards.
Estimated Cost: Low to Medium
Potential Funding Sources: City of Sonoma, FEMA HMGP, Community Resilience Grants, Private Sector Sponsorships, Nonprofit and community-based organizations Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 2,4,5,6,10,12,13
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-61
Benefits: Increased public awareness, improved emergency preparedness, greater community resilience, Reduces loss of life and property damage by ensuring residents understand risks and take proactive steps; Engages historically underserved communities with accessible, multilingual resources; Strengthens partnerships between emergency services and the public; Supports local businesses and organizations in developing their own preparedness plans
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
High—ensures outreach to non-English speakers, elderly populations, and low-income communities
Impact on Future Development: Creates a culture of preparedness in the community Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Helps businesses, schools, and essential services plan for hazard events Impact on Capabilities: Enhances emergency response effectiveness through community participation
Climate Change Considerations: Addresses increasing hazard severity and frequency due to climate change
Mitigation Category Local Plans and Regulations, Education and Awareness Programs CRS Category Public Information
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-62
Action 2026-SonomaCity-09. Wildfire Risk Reduction
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Fire
Supporting Agencies: SVFD, County of Sonoma, CALFIRE, Sonoma Ecology Center Hazard(s) of Concern: Landslide, Wildfire
Description of the Problem: Public lands near residential areas face increasing wildfire threats and are located within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This is also a good location for fire breaks, as it buffers the downtown area from wildland areas.
Description of the Solution: Expand fuel management and vegetation clearing on the Sonoma Overlook Trail, Mountain Cemetery, and Montini Ranch Preserve.
Conduct mechanical thinning, prescribed burns, and defensible space improvements. Establish special funding mechanisms (such as Fire Hazard Abatement Districts or regional bond funding) to fund reduction in fire risk of existing properties through vegetation management that includes reduction of fuel loads, use of defensible space, and fuel breaks. (Modified 2021 SCI-10)
Estimated Cost: Medium to High
Potential Funding Sources: Measure H Tax assessment, FEMA HMGP, CAL FIRE Fire Prevention Grants
Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 1,2,3,4,8,9,13
Benefits: Reduces wildfire risk and protects public lands and adjacent neighborhoods.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Provides protection for vulnerable communities in fire-prone areas Impact on Future Development: Supports public land stewardship and fire-adapted community strategies.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Protects hospital, fire stations, local government resources including utility infrastructure, evacuation routes, local economy
Impact on Capabilities: Strengthens regional wildfire response and preparedness Climate Change Considerations: Addresses increased wildfire risk due to hotter, drier conditions.
Mitigation Category Natural Systems Protection
CRS Category Preventative Measures, Natural Resource Protection Priority High
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-63
Action 2026-SonomaCity-10. Defensible Space Program
fLead Agency: SVFC
Supporting Agencies: City of Sonoma, County of Sonoma
Hazard(s) of Concern: Landslide, Wildfire
Description of the Problem: Some homeowners lack resources or capacity to meet defensible space requirements and may unintentionally create new hazards such as erosion or landslide risk by removing vegetation indiscriminately. Inappropriate vegetation removal can also disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity, soil stability, and long-term ecological health.
Description of the Solution: Provide technical assistance and financial support to residents for defensible space improvements while ensuring guidance includes best practices that account for local ecology and soil stability to prevent unintended impacts like landslides and minimize ecological disruption.
Offer site-specific defensible space consultations; create guidelines for wildfire mitigation that account for erosion control, slope stability, and the preservation of native vegetation.
Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: CalFire Fire Prevention Grants, City General Fund, private partnerships Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 1,2,3,8,9,13
Benefits: Improves home and neighborhood safety from wildfire, while preserving slope stability.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Supports low-income homeowners, people over 65, and others with limited physical or financial ability to perform defensible space work. Helps reduce fire risk in neighborhoods where compliance may be lower due to resource constraints, increasing overall community safety.
Impact on Future Development: Encourages responsible defensible space and erosion control practices.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Reduces wildfire risk near infrastructure corridors, utilities, and evacuation routes by promoting consistent vegetation management. Helps protect areas that, if compromised, could limit emergency access or disrupt services.
Impact on Capabilities: Improves the City’s mitigation reach by offering hands-on assistance and education, reducing enforcement burden. Promotes responsible vegetation management that aligns fire mitigation with erosion and landslide risk reduction, enhancing both safety and environmental resilience.
Climate Change Considerations: Balances wildfire mitigation with erosion and landslide risk under changing climate conditions. As hotter, drier conditions increase wildfire frequency, and more intense storms increase erosion potential, the action supports dual resilience goals through ecologically sensitive defensible space practices.
Mitigation Category Natural Systems Protection. Emergency Action Plan CRS Category Public Information, Preventative Measures
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-64
Action 2026-SonomaCity-11. Critical Infrastructure Hardening Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: SCWA
Hazard(s) of Concern: Wildfire
Description of the Problem: Some of the City's critical infrastructure is in high fire zones, infrastructure hardening will be required to make this infrastructure resistant to fires.
Description of the Solution: Install backup generator automatic transfer switch, steel roofs, etc.
Conduct defensible space and fire hardening assessments of city critical infrastructure, ensure buildings, infrastructure, personnel, and equipment is serviceable during and post wildfire events.
Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: PDM, HMGP, City General Funds Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 3,6
Benefits: Allows for reduced risk for infrastructure loss due to fire and for continued operations of critical infrastructure during fire.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
The ability for continued operations during a fire helps all residents.
Impact on Future Development: Reducing hazards to existing development precludes need for future development
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Allows for continuance of critical services in the event of a wildfire.
Impact on Capabilities: Ensures critical facilities and infrastructure remain functional during and after disaster events.
Climate Change Considerations: Addresses increased risk of fire damage due to fire risk frequency and severity increases due to climate change.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Preventative Measures
Priority High
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-65
Action 2026-SonomaCity-12. Emergency Evacuation Route
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: CALFIRE, Sonoma County Roads/Public Works, Public Utilities, Law Enforcement Partners
Hazard(s) of Concern: Drought, Earthquake, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat, Extreme Wind, Flood, Landslide, Wildfire
Description of the Problem: Evacuation routes in high-risk wildfire zones are vulnerable to road obstructions, downed power lines, and congestion. Many routes lack proper fire-resistant buffers, increasing the risk of road closures during a major disaster event.
Description of the Solution: Widening and structurally hardening evacuation corridors to ensure smooth traffic flow in emergency events.
Widen and clear key evacuation corridors to improve traffic flow, underground power lines along major evacuation routes to reduce fire risks, install fire-resistant road barriers and safety signage.
Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: FEMA PDM, Federal Highway Administration Grants, State Fire Prevention Funds
Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 1,2,5,6
Benefits: Safer evacuations, reduced fire spread, improved emergency access, reduced road closures, improved emergency response
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
High—ensures all residents have access to safe evacuation route Impact on Future Development: Underscores the needs for current road design standards and community planning.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Keeps emergency responders and supply chains moving during disasters Impact on Capabilities: Enhances fire district coordination with law enforcement for evacuations Climate Change Considerations: Addresses increased wildfire severity due to warming climate Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Emergency Services
Priority High
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-66
Action 2026-SonomaCity-13. Seismic Retrofitting Water Infrastructure Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: -
Hazard(s) of Concern: Earthquake
Description of the Problem: Seismic retrofit of critical water infrastructure to ensure flow and delivery of potable water to connections
Description of the Solution: Add seismic retrofits at bridges and known seismic hazard areas. Add redundant loops system isolation valves.
Conduct seismic hardening assessments of critical water infrastructure, ensure apparatus personnel and equipment is serviceable during and post seismic events, install gas shutoff valves as needed.
Estimated Cost: High
Potential Funding Sources: City general fund, FEMA.
Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 3,13
Benefits: Lower risk of potential loss of critical water infrastructure in the event of an earthquake. Be able to provide continued potable water access during the event of an earthquake. Potential reduced costs opting for seismic retrofitting opposed to water infrastructure replacement if it were to be significantly damaged in the event of an earthquake.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Helps reduce risk of potential loss of water flow of potable water in the event of an earthquake.
Impact on Future Development: Positive impact on future development with the intention of strengthening critical water infrastructure that can withstand the event of an earthquake in order to provide continued potable water flow.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Reduces risk of major damage to critical facilities, reduces significant cost from future damage
Impact on Capabilities: Ensures critical water infrastructure remains functioning during disasters and available for response and recovery capabilities
Climate Change Considerations: Potentially reduces risk of loss of potable water by securing water infrastructure to withstand the event of an earthquake, during a time when the state is in a water shortage exacerbated by climate change.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Property Protection
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-67
Action 2026-SonomaCity-14. Repetitive Loss Structures
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: Fire Department
Hazard(s) of Concern: Earthquake, Flood, Wildfire
Description of the Problem: Structures located below flood elevations and structures unnecessarily located in high fire hazard areas.
Description of the Solution: Relocate or elevate structures flood elevations and relocated structures or facilities or components thereof to lower fire hazard areas.
Where appropriate, support retrofitting, purchase or relocation of structures located in hazard areas, prioritizing those that have experienced repetitive losses and/or are located in high- or medium-risk hazard areas. (2021 SCI-1)
Estimated Cost: Low
Potential Funding Sources: HMGP, PDM, FMA
Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 1,3,4,10,11
Benefits: Eliminates potential of hazardous structures from exacerbating dangerous conditions during disasters.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Reduces risk of structures in hazard prone areas from causing additional damage to critical water sources, or evacuation routes.
Impact on Future Development: Mitigates impacts of structures located in high hazard zones from impacting nearby zones with potential future development opportunities.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
N/A
Impact on Capabilities: N/A
Climate Change Considerations: Shifting water levels and increased fire risk due to changing climate have shifted which properties are located in high risk zones and should be continually evaluated for overall community safety.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Preventative Measures
Priority High
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-68
Action 2026-SonomaCity-15. Retrofit Bridges and Roads
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: -
Hazard(s) of Concern: Earthquake, Flood, Wildfire
Description of the Problem: The City bridge inventory is currently being assessed to determine if the current number of bridges that are inspected by Caltrans every 2 years is adequate or should include more bridges. All City owned vehicular and/or pedestrian bridges need to be assessed for seismic and scour vulnerabilities.
Description of the Solution: The City is working with Caltrans on a seismic screening of the following bridges: MacArthur over Nathanson Creek, 4th Street East Bridge over Nathanson Creek, France Street Bridge over Nathanson Creek, 2nd Street Bridge over Nathanson creek.
Expedite the funding and retrofit of seismic and/or hydrologic deficient cityowned bridges and road structures by working with Caltrans and other appropriate governmental agencies.
Estimated Cost: High
Potential Funding Sources: Federal Highway Bridge Program (through Caltrans), Staff Time, General Funds
Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 3,4,10,11,13
Benefits: Ensures transportation routes remain functioning during disasters.
Reduces significant potential replacement costs.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Ensures transportation routes utilized by socially vulnerable populations are structurally sound and built to withstand disaster events.
Impact on Future Development: Strengthens bridge and roadway infrastructure to enable traffic flow throughout the City.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Ensures transportation corridors remain functioning, and residents are able to evacuate and/or move freely to/from critical facilities before or during an event.
Impact on Capabilities: Supports transportation capabilities of all City operations.
Climate Change Considerations: Changing water levels, fire risk, and climate-related hazards require continuous analysis of structural integrity of bridges.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project CRS Category Preventative Measures
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-69
Action 2026-SonomaCity-16. Stormwater Management Improvements Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: Sonoma Water, Sonoma County Public Works, Sonoma County Emergency Management
Hazard(s) of Concern: Flooding
Description of the Problem: Heavy rainfall events are overwhelming existing drainage systems, leading to road closures, potential property damage, and limited access for emergency vehicles. Certain areas within the City of Sonoma are prone to this and a variety of issues arise including the need for significant emergency response.
Description of the Solution: Improved drainage, reduced flood risk, enhanced emergency response.
Target hazard areas historically known to flood and work with internal and external stakeholders and property owners to improve infrastructure to mitigate frequency of events.
Assess repetitive flood hazard areas, complete video inspection of existing storm drains to accomplish condition assessment. Complete modifications as identified.
Estimated Cost: Medium
Potential Funding Sources: FEMA FMA, State Water Resources Control Board Grants Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 1,2,4,6,9,10,12,13
Benefits: Less property damage, safer roads, faster response times, decrease in calls for service
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Reduces risk in low-income flood-prone areas.
Impact on Future Development: May require zoning adjustments.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Prevents flooding in neighborhoods, around critical facilities, and across evacuation routes
Impact on Capabilities: Strengthens local flood control capabilities and emergency response times.
Climate Change Considerations: Prepares for more frequent heavy rainfall events.
Mitigation Category Structure and Infrastructure Project, Natural Resource Protection CRS Category Preventative Measures, Structural Flood Control Projects Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6:
Sonoma County Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Sonoma 10-70
Action 2026-SonomaCity-17. Ordinance Enforcement
Lead Agency: City of Sonoma Public Works
Supporting Agencies: Other Sonoma County Agencies
Hazard(s) of Concern: Flood, Landslide
Description of the Problem: Watercourses must be maintained to remain free of obstructions and to protect drainage facilities to conform with the Regional Water Quality Control Board's Best Management Practices. Multi-jurisdictional effort will be required to meet this goal. Many of these watercourses are on private property.
Description of the Solution: Hold multi-jurisdictional event whose goal is to define current issues with maintaining watercourses that will lead to fewer obstructions in critical drainage facilities.
Enforce provisions under creek protection, stormwater management, and discharge control ordinances designed to keep watercourses free of obstructions and to protect drainage facilities to conform with the Regional Water Quality Control Board's Best Management Practices.
Estimated Cost: Low
Potential Funding Sources: HMGP, PDM, FMA, FSR, County Zone 3A, Staff Time, General Funds Implementation Timeline: 1-5 years
Objectives Met: 1,2,6,8,10,11,13
Benefits: Conformance with Regional Water Quality Control Board bmps. Reduce risk of flooding due to clogged drainage.
Impact on Socially Vulnerable
Populations:
Reduces risk in low-income flood-prone areas.
Impact on Future Development: Future development subject to the enforced applicable creek protection and stormwater management provisions during design and constructions phases.
Impact on Critical
Facilities/Lifelines:
Prevents flooding in neighborhoods, around critical facilities, and across evacuation routes.
Impact on Capabilities: Strengthens local flood control capabilities and emergency response times.
Climate Change Considerations: Reduce risk of potential during extreme wet weather events exacerbated by climate change.
Mitigation Category Local Plans and Regulations
CRS Category Public Information
Priority Medium
Agenda Item #7.6: