Sonoma County is embarking on a transformative journey with the General Plan Sonoma update, a comprehensive effort to create a shared vision for the county’s future. The current General Plan 2020, which was adopted in 2008, is undergoing revisions to accommodate changing conditions and ensure compliance with evolving State laws. The first step in this process, the Community Vision Phase, will shape the direction of the updated plan through extensive community engagement and thorough policy evaluation.
What Is the General Plan?
The General Plan serves as the county’s central policy document, guiding land use, zoning, and development decisions. It provides a blueprint for how the county will grow while preserving its environmental, economic, and cultural heritage. The update will ensure that the plan remains relevant by incorporating modern priorities such as climate resilience, housing affordability, and environmental justice.
Key Topics and Planning Process
The updated General Plan will include essential elements required by State law, such as land use, housing, conservation, and mobility. Additionally, Sonoma County will evaluate new topics like environmental justice, which was not included in the current plan. The process begins with a General Plan Audit to assess existing policies and identify necessary updates.
Community input is a critical component of this phase. The county will conduct a series of in-person and virtual workshops, surveys, and focus groups to ensure that diverse voices are heard. Special attention will be given to engaging in underserved communities through partnerships with local organizations.
How to Get Involved
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming workshops and provide feedback through surveys. These efforts will help shape policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of Sonoma County’s communities. Key upcoming workshops include:
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- Lower Russian River/Forestville/Guerneville/Monte Rio/Cazadero
Monday, March 10| 6–7:30 PM
Guerneville School | 14630 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville - Geyserville/Northern 101 Corridor
Tuesday, March 11| 6–7:30 PM
Geyserville New Tech Academy | 1300 Moody Ln., Geyserville - Sonoma Valley
Monday, March 24| 6–7:30 PM
Flowery Elementary School | 17600 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma - South Santa Rosa
Week of March 24| Date/time TBD
Location TBD - Greater Petaluma/Penngrove/Two Rock
Week of March 31| Date/time TBD
Location TBD - North Santa Rosa
Wednesday, April 2| 6–7:30 PM
Mark West Elementary School | 4600 Lavell Rd., Santa Rosa - Coastal Communities/Bodega Bay/Bodega/Valley Ford
Tuesday, April 15| 6–7:30 PM
The Bodega Harbour Yacht Club | 565 Smith Brothers Rd., Bodega Bay - Greater Sebastopol/Graton/Occidental
Week of April 16| Date/time TBD
Location TBD
- Lower Russian River/Forestville/Guerneville/Monte Rio/Cazadero
A full list of events and details on virtual workshops will be available on the county’s website.
What’s Next?
The Community Vision Phase is set to conclude in August 2025 with the release of the General Plan Scope Report, which will summarize findings from public engagement and outline the framework for the next phase of the update.
Sonoma County’s future is in the hands of its residents. By contributing to the General Plan Sonoma update, community members can influence policies that will shape the county for generations to come.
Join the conversation and help build a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving Sonoma County!
For more information, visit the county’s website or email GeneralPlan@sonoma-county.org.