Business Start-Up Guide

The process for getting your business up and running with all the required permits and approvals can vary, depending on factors such as your business type, location, and the tenant improvements you plan to make.  Before you sign a lease or announce an opening date, we encourage you to review these FAQs and check in with Planning and Building Department staff at City Hall (if the location you are considering is within City limits) or Sonoma County PRMD (if your planned location is in the unincorporated area of Sonoma Valley). Visit our Start-Up page for a 6-minute video guide to locating your business in the City of Sonoma.

City locations:  As soon as you find a potential location for your business, speak with staff from the City's Planning Department. Call (707) 938-3681 or stop by the first floor counter at City Hall.  Planning staff work closely with other City departments and other agencies, so they can be helpful in identifying various requirements that may apply to your business.  Even home-based businesses have certain regulations.

Planning staff will be able to determine if your planned use and location comply with zoning regulations (click here to view the City zoning map), and can give you guidance about any reviews or permits that may be needed.  Special requirements may apply to chain stores and franchises.  If you find out that the zoning for your location does not allow the kind of business you wish to open, the Economic Vitality Program manager may be able to suggest other locations.

Certain kinds of businesses may require a conditional use permit (CUP). CUP applications are reviewed by the Planning Commission, which meets monthly.  If your CUP is granted, it will include conditions of approval which you will be required to follow.  In some instances, it may be necessary to apply for a variance from a specific zoning standard, such as the number of parking spaces required.  Planning staff can outline the process for you, and based on their experience, may be able to give insights about potential issues with your application.

If any kind of approval or permit is needed in order to comply with the Zoning Ordinance, be sure to make the lease or purchase of property for your business contingent upon these approvals. Ask City staff what information they will need from you, the approximate fees you can expect, and the estimated timeline.

County locations:  The process for locations in unincorporated areas of Sonoma Valley, such as Glen Ellen, the Springs, or 8th St. East, is similar.  You may be required to have your application reviewed by the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Committee.  Contact County PRMD to learn more about the zoning requirements and the process for your proposed location.  If you have questions or need help, contact the County's Business Assistance Team.

Before you lease space or begin any remodeling, talk to the Building Department staff at City Hall or County PRMD about your plans. This is especially important if you plan to do any renovation to a building or change its use.  Although not every change requires a building permit, it is better to find out before you sign a lease.  Also, it is wise to not assume that just because your predecessor used the same building for a similar use that you can do the same without a new permit or improvements to the property.  You'll find lots of helpful information on the City's Building Department web page, including a handout on Tenant Improvement Submittal Requirements.

Sometimes the improvements you are planning will trigger other code requirements, such as fire sprinklers or state energy-efficiency requirements.   Almost all improvements requiring a building permit will trigger state requirements for disabled access.  In most cases, buildings which do not meet accessibility requirements for entrances and exits, restrooms, parking, etc. must be upgraded prior to opening your business, and this is something you may want to discuss with the building owner.  The City of Sonoma offers a Business Improvement Loan Program that may provide matching funds for certain types of improvements, including accessibility improvements, facade upgrades, and energy or water efficiency projects.

When considering improvements that require a building permit, it's usually to the business owner's benefit to work with a licensed architect to help expedite the permit approval process and a licensed contractor to do the actual improvement work.  The City's FAST START Plan Check option is available at no charge if you meet the submittal requirements, and can significantly reduce the plan check timeline for your improvements.

If you plan to sell or handle food or beverages, a permit from the Sonoma County Health Services Department may be required.  The County Health Department enforces state regulations pertaining to food handling establishments, as well as special requirements for food trucks and carts (known as mobile food facilities) and caterers.  Contact them at (707) 527-1888.  A new state law allows production of some types of foods to be made at home, subject to certain rules for cottage food operations.

Just because a facility previously has been used to prepare or sell food does not mean that the Health Department will let you use the same facilities without making any changes or upgrades. Each new operator must apply for a license.  You may want to ask the Health Department to see their files on the facility to be aware of any past issues.

Depending on your type of business, additional water or sewer fees may apply.  For City locations, staff at the front counter at City Hall can provide information about water fees.  Check with the County PRMD Sanitation Division at (707) 565-1900 to determine what sewer fees apply, since businesses that increase sewage discharge from what is currently calculated may need to pay additional fees.

Check in with the Sonoma County Water Agency at (707) 547-1900 to determine if a grease trap, grease interceptor, or sand interceptor is required for your business.  These are typically required for businesses that may discharge grease or sand into the public sewer systems, such as businesses that cook food, or car washes.

Alcohol sales require special permitting.  First check with Planning or PRMD staff to determine if the zoning for your site allows alcohol sales. They can provide you with the contact information at the State Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) to apply for your license.  The licensing process can be lengthy so be sure to research in advance.

YES! If your business plans involve a major remodel, expansion, or new construction within the City of Sonoma, you can request (or staff may suggest) a meeting with the Project Advisory Committee (PAC). PAC meetings are also strongly suggested for any new or expanded restaurant business.

At the PAC meeting, City staff  from various departments provide early-stage input on development projects at no charge.  It can prove extremely valuable in giving you and your architect or project manager a sense of the process, any studies that may be required (traffic, drainage, etc.), timelines, and potential issues associated with your project.  Staff can also assist with identifying the agencies and departments that can provide you with an estimate of their respective fees for your project.

If your business will be located in the City of Sonoma, the fastest way to get your signs and exterior modifications (awnings, paint color changes, etc.) approved is to check in first with Planning Department staff at (707) 938-3681. Staff can explain what approvals are required and provide the necessary application forms and submittal guidelines.  Some types of signs can be approved over the counter, but it is to your benefit to hire a design or signage professional to assist you.  Staff can also give you guidance on what types of temporary signage you can use in the meantime. An overview of business signage can be found in this brochure. (For locations in the unincorporated area, contact Project Review staff at PRMD at (707) 565-1935 for signage requirements.)

Many types of exterior improvements (e.g. signs, awnings, lighting) will also need a building permit because they involve electrical or structural work. You may also need an encroachment permit -  be sure to check with staff at the front counter of City Hall about requirements.  Staff there can also assist with a permit for outdoor merchandise displays.

If your business is within the Sonoma city limits, certain restrictions apply for home occupations, and you'll need a Home Occupation Permit.  You'll also need a city Business License, which is renewable annually.  If your home-based business is in the unincorporated area, you'll need to comply with Sonoma County Home Occupation zoning and permit requirements.

Some types of food business may be operated out of a home kitchen under the California Homemade Food Act, with restrictions.  The Sonoma Community Center has a commercially licensed kitchen that is available for rent, and a new commercial kitchen at the Sonoma Springs Community Hall.