Sonoma County Seeks Public Help Finding Vacant Land For Housing

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Officials with the County of Sonoma are looking for vacant parcels of unincorporated land where high-density housing can be constructed, and they're asking for the public's help to get it done. County staff is prepared to work with the landowner, as well as the community, to rezone sites that meet the necessary criteria for development.

Those include sites outside city limits, having access to public water and sewer lines, and being within walking distance of transit and other services. Large, occupied parcels that have just a small home already built on them could also be considered.

Chairman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors James Gore said in a statement that achieving housing equity will require bold action.

"This includes revisiting zoning to encourage more city and community-centered housing development while respecting community separators and urban growth boundaries," Gore said.

County staff said they'll seek out public input and conduct an environmental review for qualifying sites, but overall the rezoning effort should conform to the housing element of the 2014 general plan.

They're asking anyone who wants to submit a site for consideration to go to Bit.ly/2T7uHDe. For more information about the housing initiative, go to Sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD.

By Bay City News Service

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