7. Zoning and Permit Requirements

Sonoma County is comprised of nine incorporated cities, and the unincorporated area is governed by the County of Sonoma. Each jurisdiction is charged with regulating permits and ensuring compliance within its own boundaries. Various state agencies also regulate air quality, water quality, food safety, employee safety, energy efficiency, and the like.

Once you have a business location in mind, check with the local permitting and zoning authority to ensure your business use complies with regulations, and to determine the necessary steps involved in establishing the business location. Contacts for each of the planning, health, and development agencies in Sonoma County are below:

• For all businesses, CalGOLD offers more information on specific health, fire, and safety permitting requirements, including contact information, sorted by business type, industry, and location.
  
  
• For businesses that will offer any type of food or beverage product or service, it will be necessary to contact the County of Sonoma Health Services, Food Safety Program, (707) 565-6565,sonomacounty.ca.gov/Health/Environmental-Health/Food-Safety-Program to determine any additional requirements.