Start a New Application

Step 1) How to Apply for Permits

Apply for permits electronically below. Depending on the permit type or service, you will apply in one of two ways:

Account Linking

Link Your Online Account to Your Permits: If you applied for the permit in person or applied via email, you will need to link your Permits Online account with your permit application in order to complete your permit application and/or upload required documents.

Note: If you submitted your permit application using the green "Apply Now" buttons below, you do not need to request to link your account as it will be linked automatically.

Trust Accounts: If you have a trust account with Permit Sonoma and want to link it to your online account and your permits: Submit Request

Questions?

Please contact us at PermitSonoma@sonoma-county.org

Step 2) Submit Permit Application

Permit categories available below:

Sonoma County Wildfires

Expedited Permits (Wildfire-affected Areas Only)

Apply for expedited rebuilding permits in areas affected by the 2017 Sonoma Complex Fire, 2019 Kincade Fire, 2020 Walbridge and Meyers Fires, or 2020 Glass Fire. Before applying here, you must follow the Rebuilding Process first at the Rebuilding Together site.

    You must use the Permit Wizard to apply for rebuilding permits online.

Addressing (ADD)

Planning / Project Review Permits

Customers have the option to submit planning applications electronically. Because this online permitting portal is not yet configured for Planning e-submittals, the submittal process will take place by email.

Planning Applications

    Please follow the process instructions to submit a planning application electronically. Be sure to also follow the Account Linking process described in Step 1 above.  (More Information: Planning Permits »)

Vacation Rentals (TVR) & Hosted Rentals (THR)

    Please follow the process instructions to submit a online application for a vacation rental or hosted rental permit. Be sure to also follow the Account Linking process described in Step 1 above.  (More Information: Vacation & Hosted Rentals »)

Construction Permits

Only the following permit types are available for you to apply online at this time. If you attempt to use one of the permit types below to apply for the incorrect permit types, your application may be delayed or voided. To prevent delays, ensure you apply for the correct permit type by using the Permit Wizard:

Auto Issue

Fast track for Residential Only Water Header or Reroofing permit.

New Building Permit

To prevent delays, ensure you apply for the correct permit type by using the Permit Wizard:

Otherwise, if you are certain you know which permit type to apply for, select the appropriate option below:

  • New Building Permit with No Plan Check (BLD)
    You may only use this option to apply for building permits for projects that do not require construction plans. If the only required plans are a site plan or floor plan, then apply here. Make sure that your residential project or non-residential project does not require building plans.
  • New Building Permit with Plan Check (BLD)
    Apply for a building permit for which construction plans are required. (If the only required plans are a site plan or floor plan, then apply for New Building Permit with No Plan Check above.)
  • New Building Permit – Stock Plans (STK)
    Apply for a stock plan permit for swimming pools, water tanks, accessory structures.  (More Information: 9-4-5 Stock Plans for Swimming Pools, Water Tanks, Accessory Structures »)
  • Solar System via SolarAPP+ (BLD)
    Apply for a building permit for a roof-mounted, residential photovoltaic (PV) solar system. This is an expedited process via SolarAPP+, which is a program from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). A qualified licensed contractor is required and you must qualify through SolarAPP+. You must also register with SolarAPP+ before applying here.  (More information: SolarAPP+ Frequently Asked Questions»)
  • New Building Permit – Agricultural Exemption (AEX)
    Apply for building permit exemption provisions for buildings designed and constructed for use in housing farm machinery, animals, supplies or products that are harvested from or utilized on a parcel of land consisting of five acres or more.  (More Information: Agricultural Building Permit Exemption »)

Revision

  • Building Revision (BLD)
    If a construction project is revised, for example by altering floor plans or adding additional square footage, the revisions must be reviewed and approved by Permit Sonoma prior to making those changes in the field.  (More Information: Revisions to Building Permits »)
  • SolarAPP+ Revision (BLD)
    If a SolarAPP+ roof-mounted, residential photovoltaic (PV) solar system project is revised, the revisions must be reviewed and approved prior to making those changes in the field.  (More information: SolarAPP+ Frequently Asked Questions»)

Deferred Submittal

Deferred submittals are those portions of a project's design that are not submitted at the time of the Building permit application and are to be submitted to Permit Sonoma within a specified period.
  • Fire Sprinklers/Fire Alarm/Hood and Duct/Fire Line Underground (BLD)
    Submit Fire Sprinklers (Residential and Commercial), Fire Alarms, Hood and Duct Systems, and Fire Line Underground to an existing building permit. [Information web page link needed.]

  • Truss Calculations (BLD)
    [Information web page link needed.]

Demolition Permit (DEM)

    A demolition permit is required to demolish a building or structure in whole or in part. Some demolition permits may be included within a building permit application, especially for portions of structures. [Information web page link needed.]

Grading Permit (GRD)

Resubmittal

    Changes to plans or documents, based on comments received from Permit Sonoma Staff, can be submitted using the View My Records option to find your record. [Information web page link needed.]

Roads and Right of Way

  • Encroachment Permit (ENC)
    An encroachment permit is required anytime work is conducted in a County of Sonoma public right-of-way such as water lines, sewer lines, construction of curbs, gutters, sidewalks or driveway aprons, or vegetation removal with chipper equipment. Please follow the process instructions to submit an application electronically via e-mail. Be sure to also follow the Account Linking process described in Step 1 above. (More Information: Encroachment »)
  • Improvement Plans (SUR)
    Reviews improvement plans (roads, utilities, etc.) for new developments. [Information web page link needed.]

Sanitation Sewer Permits


A sanitation sewer permit is required for work associated with or related to connecting to a public sanitary sewer system. Typical work includes building sewers, side sewers, laterals, sewer mains, manholes, or similar items.
  • Sewer Construction (SEW)
    A sanitary sewer system collects and transports waste from indoor plumbing fixtures to treatment plants.  (More Information: Sanitation Sewer »)
  • Outside Service Area Agreement (OSAA) and Annexations
    Documents and applications can be submitted electronically via e-mail. Be sure to also follow the Account Linking process described in Step 1 above.
    (More Information: SAN-004 Outside Service Area Sewer »)

Septic Systems


In areas where public sewer is not available, homeowners must have septic systems installed on their property that will treat wastewater coming from their home.
  • Permit (SEP)
    This is for an OWTS Construction Application. (More Information: OWTS Application Types Available »)
  • Design Application (SDA)
    This is for an OWTS Design Application. (More Information: OWTS Application Types Available »)
  • Revision (SEP)
    If a septic project is revised, the revisions must be reviewed and approved by Permit Sonoma prior to making those changes in the field. [Information web page link needed.]
  • Site Evaluations for Septic Systems (WSR)
    Applications for site evaluations for septic systems can be submitted electronically via e-mail. Be sure to also follow the Account Linking process described in Step 1 above. (More Information: Septic Site Evaluations »)

Storm Water Permit (STW)

Temporary

  • Temporary Cannabis Hoop House/Structure (FIR)
    A Cannabis Hoop House or temporary membrane structure permit is required for all hoop house permits associated with Cannabis Use Permits and agricultural permits. This permit is issued by the Fire Prevention Division. (More Information: Cannabis Permits and Inspections »)

  • Temporary Emergency Housing (TEM)
    Residential use of recreational vehicles and travel trailers, for persons displaced by major wildfires that occurred in Sonoma County, but on sites outside burn areas on residential or agriculturally zoned properties. Permit has a set end date.
    (More Information & Permit End Dates: Temporary Occupancy of RVs »)

  • Temporary Structure (TEM)
    Temporary installation of a pre-fabricated structure such as a construction office or an RV for caregiver housing. [Information web page link needed.]

  • Temporary Utilities (TEM)
    A temporary permit for utilities for a permitted structure prior to the permit final. There are 2 types of temporary utility approvals. [Information web page link needed.]

Transportation Permit (TRN)

    A transportation permit is required anytime a vehicle and/or load exceeds the following legal dimensions, on roads in unincorporated Sonoma County. Please follow the process instructions to submit a transportation application online. Be sure to also follow the Account Linking process described in Step 1 above.

Water and Wells

  • Water Permit (WAT)
    Water service permits. Connect to a public or community water service. [Information web page link needed.]
  • Well Permit (WEL)
    Water well permit applications. In areas where public or community water service is not available, homeowners must have well systems installed on their property that will provide water to their homes. (More Information: Water Wells »)

Electronic Plans Requirement

Even if you initially submitted paper plans for you permit, you will be required to submit plans and other documents electronically going forward. Paper plans are no longer accepted.

  • Resubmittals and Revisions: As paper plans are reviewed and comments are provided, resubmittals and revisions will be required to be submitted electronically. Paper plans or documents will not be accepted.

  • Submit Electronic Plans Via Permits Online: Electronic plans and supporting reports or documents (drainage calculations, energy calculations, soils reports, structural calculations, truss calculations, etc.) shall be uploaded electronically through the online permitting portal (using the “View My Records” icon) even if the original plan review was submitted in person as a paper application.

  • How to Submit Electronic Plans: Follow instructions prior to uploading electronically via "View My Records":
    1. The applicant will need to become a registered user and create an online account.
      To register for Permits Online, select the "Register / Log In" link in the menu bar at the top of the page.

    2. The applicant's user name and email address must be linked with the permit record(s).
      To link the account: Link Your Online Account to Your Permits »

    3. Once the user's account and permit project(s) are linked, the uploading of documents can occur.
      Applications are required to be submitted as a merged PDF file depending on the application type.
      Instructions for merging PDF files »