Sonoma, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SMC Ch. 14.20, Excavations, Grading and Fills
- Plan preparer required
- Licensed civil engineer or qualified professional
- Rainy-season drainage buffer
- 50 feet from a drainage channel
- First violation penalty
- $100 administrative penalty
- Repeat violation penalty
- Up to $300 per offense
- Concrete washout setback
- 50 feet from storm drain inlets
Summary
The City of Sonoma requires an erosion and sediment control plan for every grading permit application, prepared by a civil engineer, covering vegetative measures, drainage controls, dust control, and best management practices. Violations run $100 to $300 per offense, escalating with repeat citations within a year.
An erosion and sediment control plan, prepared by a civil engineer or other professional who is qualified to prepare such a plan, shall be submitted as part of every grading permit application and shall delineate measures to appropriately and effectively minimize soil erosion and sedimentation and comply with the design standards and construction site control measures contained in this chapter. ... ... 12. A list of applicable permits directly associated with the grading or building activity, including but not limited to the State Water Board's construction general permit, State Water Board 401 water quality certification, U.S. Army Corps 404 permit, and California Department of Fish and Game 1600 agreement
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025).
Full Breakdown
20, the City of Sonoma requires an erosion and sediment control plan as part of every grading permit application within city limits. The plan must be prepared by a civil engineer or other qualified professional and must delineate measures to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation, submitted to the city engineer. S. Army Corps Section 404 permit, and a California Department of Fish and Game Section 1600 agreement. 050(A)). 210 direct that erosion and sediment control practices meet the California Stormwater Quality Association Best Management Practice Handbook, require concrete washout areas at least 50 feet from storm drain inlets, and require sanitary facilities to be kept away from storm drains. 32 SMC. Inspections are conducted by the city's grading inspector, with 48 hours' notice required before construction starts.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with Chapter 14.20 is enforced as an infraction or as an administrative penalty of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same section within the same year, and $300 for a third or subsequent violation, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense (SMC 14.20.315). The public works director may also issue a stop-work order or suspend or revoke the grading permit (SMC 14.20.310), and violations are declared a public nuisance abatable under Chapter 1.12 SMC (SMC 14.20.325). Enforcement follows a notice-and-order procedure with a right to an administrative hearing within 15 days (SMC 14.20.320).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Sonoma require an erosion control plan for all construction?
Can grading continue during the rainy season in the City of Sonoma?
What is the fine for an erosion control violation in the City of Sonoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle erosion control.