Zoning Sonoma’s Future: Council Balances State Mandates and Local Vision Wednesday

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — On Wednesday, councilmembers will balance state mandates with the general plan as they finalize changes to Sonoma's zoning codes that allow certain types of housing — and facilities that are not strictly housing but are associated with it, such as emergency shelters.

The main issues on Wednesday involve two California zoning requirements that affect housing navigation centers; supportive and transitional housing; residential care facilities; housing for agricultural workers; single‑room occupancy (SRO) units; and emergency shelters: where should these go, what should they be called, how should they be implemented, and how should decisions be made — while following California laws which prompted the code updates being considered in the first place.

The details could shape how housing, emergency shelters, SROs, and housing for agricultural workers are woven into Sonoma’s vision for the next two decades. Those goals are set out in Sonoma's general plan, the municipal master blueprint based on land and social values. Topping the list of goals is maintaining a "balanced mix of land uses that reflect Sonoma’s needs and offers a variety of housing options, open spaces, job opportunities, community facilities, and commercial centers."

The City Council will meet Wednesday, Dec, 17, at 177 First Street West. The meeting is available online.