Introduction and Table of Contents

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board serves as a resource to businesses by providing assistance in relocating, establishing, or owning a commercial enterprise anywhere in the County. While local agencies within their own jurisdictions are almost always the key decision makers on land and water use, regional, state, and federal agencies may also have special regulations that apply to your land, project, or business.

The four issues that affect new and established businesses in the County are:

1. LOCATION:
   Depending on the proposed use and proximity to environmentally protected lands and water, certain additional permits may be needed.
2. ENVIRONMENT:
   Some types of projects release potential pollutants into the air or water. These may require additional permits.
3. TYPE OF PROJECT/ACTIVITY:
   Specific activities may have their own approval system and may often require encroachment permits.
4. TAX AND LICENSE:
   General basic filing requirements and deadlines for sole proprietors and general partnerships are listed. Other business structures, such as corporations or limited partnerships, require additional filings or forms and are not addressed in the guide.

Table of Contents

1. Land Use and Development
   1. Key Documents
   2. FAQs
   3. Basic Local Permit Procedures
   4. Your Rights and Responsibilities
   5. Agency Directory and Other Resource
2. Land Use Involving Waterways and Wetlands
   1. Protected Water Resources
   2. FAQs
   3. Key Water Agencies
   4. Basic Local Permit Procedures
   5. Your Rights and Responsibilities
   6. Agency Directory and Other Resources 
3. Development and Utility Certificates
   1. City of Santa Rosa "sphere of influence"
   2. Types of Projects
   3. FAQs
   4. Basic City and County Process
   5. Santa Rosa Application Procedure
   6. Agency Directory and Other Resources
4. Water Quality and Water Resources
   1. Water Rights, Appropriation, and Use
      1. Water Right Law
      2. Ground Water Law
   2. FAQs
   3. Water Right Permit Process
      1. Permit Issuance
      2. Licensing
      3. State Board Responsibilities
      4. Public Trust
   4. Water Quality and Resource Regulations
      1. Surface Water Quality Permits
      2. Regulated Activities
      3. Agency Directory and Other Resources
5. Construction Storm Water Filings and Permits
   1. Who must file as a discharger?
   2. FAQs
   3. Filing Process and Permit Procedures
   4. Fees, Enforcement Provisions/Penalties, and Your Rights
   5. Agency Directory and Other Resources
6. Industrial Storm Water Filings and Permits
   1. Who must file as a discharger?
   2. FAQs
   3. Filing Process and Permit Procedures
   4. Fees, Enforcement Provisions/Penalties, and Your Rights
   5. Agency Directory and Other Resources
7. Business and Tax Reporting Requirements
   1. Overview
   2. Start-Up Forms
   3. Calendar of Reporting Deadlines
   4. Federal, State, and Local Forms
   5. Agency Directory and Other Resources
8. Home Business
   1. Overview
   2. Frequently Asked Questions
   3. Permit Process
   4. Other Resources
9. Employer Labor and Safety Documentation
   1. Employer Compliance Requirements
   2. Required Documentation
   3. Agency Directory and Other Resources
10. Agency Resource Directory

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