sonoma coast
Permit Sonoma, Sonoma County’s land use and resource management department, released a draft Local Coastal Plan(LCP). The LCP regulates land use, protects coastal resources, and guides coastal development. The public has thirty days to comment before the Sonoma County Planning Commission holds a hearing on the plan.
“I am thrilled to see this update continuing to move forward,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Lynda Hopkins. “Permit Sonoma has worked hard to incorporate community feedback, and I am excited to review this newly released draft. Thanks to everyone who has offered feedback over the past years!”
In the last several decades, increased understanding of changing coastal conditions have necessitated updating the plan. The draft plan addresses key threats and opportunities in the coastal zone including: adapting to climate change, including sea level rise; safeguarding public access; protecting of water resources; conserving of coastal ecosystems; preserving of agriculture; mitigating hazards and wildfire resiliency.
The Local Costal Plan Update also modernizes the plan to improve usability by including Geographical Information System mapping and other technological advances since the last update.
“The draft Local Costal Plan released today represents an important milestone as we preserve Sonoma County’s great coastal heritage, not just for today, but for generations to come.” Director Tennis Wick, Permit Sonoma said. “The plan balances the needs of communities, coastal ecosystems, and agriculture. We look forward to the public’s comments on the most recent draft.”
Permit Sonoma has done outreach at dozens public and stakeholder meetings. Over 500 members of coastal communities have participated, providing input on a variety of topics in the Local Coastal Plan. Comment on the draft plan Written comments can be sent to PRMD-LCP-Update@sonoma-county.org or be mailed to Permit Sonoma, Attn: Gary Helfrich, 2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. To make a comment by telephone, please call (707) 565-2404.
The Local Coastal Plan does not become effective until certified by the California Coastal Commission. Before the LCP is heard by the Coastal Commission, the Planning Commission and Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will have hearings on the plan. The Planning Commission will hold a hearing on the plan during a special meeting Planning Commission July 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
