Dec. 18, 2024 SANTA ROSA, CA – Permit Sonoma has suspended issuing non-emergency well permits in compliance with a Sonoma County Superior Court order.
The order, which was served to the County on Dec. 17, 2024 stems from the lawsuit Russian Riverkeeper and California Coastkeeper vs. County of Sonoma. It requires, among other things, the County to “suspend all non-emergency water well permitting” based on concerns that the County has not complied with the Public Trust Doctrine.
The County has filed a motion for a new trial. In the meantime, the County will not issue non-emergency water well permits for as long as the court’s decision is in effect. The court’s decision will be in effect until it is either temporarily paused through a stay order, permanently lifted, reversed through subsequent legal proceedings, or until the Court determines the County has complied with its decision.
Permit Sonoma is actively working on a response plan and is committed to minimizing impacts on the community where possible within the court’s order. The department is focused on providing clear and timely updates to customers and we are regularly updating the website with the latest information. www.permitsonoma.
For specific questions regarding applications, please send inquiries to Permit Sonoma’s Well and Septic division:
PermitSonoma-Well-Septic@