Sonoma, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

160 opens with a blanket rule: it is unlawful to burn, or cause to be burned, any solid waste or source separated materials anywhere within the City of Sonoma, and it is likewise unlawful to bury solid waste or source separated materials anywhere within city limits. The single exception the code carves out is for organic waste buried for garden compost purposes, but that exception is conditional rather than absolute. The composting has to avoid attracting or aiding the breeding of flies, insects, rodents or other animals, cannot be a source of odor or annoyance to neighboring properties, and cannot otherwise be injurious to public health or become a fire hazard; if a backyard compost pile crosses any of those lines, it loses the protection of the exception and the underlying burial prohibition applies again.

010(D), which separately requires front and street side yards to be kept free of garbage, debris and accumulations that could support or attract vermin or feral animals. 170.