Feb 28 2025 Newsletter - Permit Sonoma Pulls Back the Curtain: Proposes a New Timeline
February 28, 2025
YET ANOTHER NEW CANNABIS TIMELINE FROM PERMIT SONOMA
After six months of silence from Permit Sonoma, a press release on February 13 announced a new Timeline for the cannabis Environmental Impact Report (EIR). They say changes are being made “given the complicated and evolving public sentiment around cannabis land uses and cannabis itself.” The new Timeline still includes links to “technical studies used in the analysis as available” and intentions to “provide regular public status updates”. Neither objective has been achieved during the past year. Many of Permit Sonoma’s proposals deviate from the framework instructions given to them by the Supervisors in 2022.
The new Timeline includes:
April 15th – a Board of Supervisors “informational workshop”. We assume the public will be able to speak, so please mark your calendar to participate!
Late April – Draft EIR will be released for a 60-day public review
June - First Planning Commission Hearing
June to July – Additional Planning Commission hearings
August - Final EIR published, including responses to comments
September - Final Planning Commission hearing
October 28, 2025 – Board of Supervisors hearing on the proposed Ordinance and the EIR
THE PRESS RELEASE ALSO ANNOUNCES PERMIT SONOMA WILL PROVIDE MORE DETAILED PROVISIONS FOR “SPECIAL EVENTS”
The proposals released in July 2024 indicated there would be two categories of events: 1) periodic special events; and 2) cannabis events.Given the silence on these issues since July 2024, it remains to be seen what Permit Sonoma will attempt to provide in terms of detailed provisions. The Neighborhood Coalition does not object to large events with the required permits conducted at a fairground type of venue. These events are permitted by State law.However activities on rural parcels that permit consumption, including events, retail sales or tours, present an entirely different situation and are not permitted under State law. County staff should not waste time ignoring and trying to modify State regulations.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
If the County’s proposals on these issues trouble you please call the supervisor switchboard (707-565-2241) and leave a message. Communicate directly to the Board about the priority of neighborhood compatibility in their decision-making and object to Permit Sonoma’s failure to make neighborhood compatibility their guiding light as they were directed.
- Become fully aware of the cannabis ordinance changes at the County’s website that impact your property;
- Visit Neighborhood Coalition Sonoma County to learn more ways you can get involved and help protect your neighborhood
- Make a donation You can donate online , or you can mail a check to:
Sonoma Neighborhood Coalition
PO Box 1229
Sebastopol, CA 95473
Our campaign to preserve what we all hold near and dear needs your support. Your tax-deductible donation will fund technical experts and our legal team that are critical to our effort to require the County to protect our environment, children, and the health and safety of our neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, volunteer-based, dedicated to advocating for proper cannabis and land-use policies that benefit the community. All donations support these efforts.
Thank you for your support and donation.
The Neighborhood Coalition team