Fence Ordinance Update; File No. ORD25-0006

The County of Sonoma is implementing the Fence Ordinance Update, identified as File No. ORD25-0006, through Ordinance No. 6547. This initiative amends Chapter 26 of the Sonoma County Code to streamline the permitting process for fences and similar structures by establishing objective standards based on design, materials, and height. These updated standards and reduced permitting requirements apply to the Recreation and Visitor-Serving Commercial (K) zoning district as well as residential districts, including Agricultural Residential (AR), Rural Residential (RR), and Low, Medium, and High Density Residential (R1, R2, and R3). Additionally, the ordinance exempts qualifying agricultural fences from design review requirements to maintain consistency with the Sonoma County General Plan. The project was approved on December 16, 2025, with a formal notice posted on December 22, 2025. It is designated as categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15303(e), and the project has been cleared of environmental impact fees via the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The implementation of these zoning changes is countywide and is managed by Permit Sonoma, with Azine Spalding serving as the primary point of contact.