How to respond to Sonoma County’s plan check comment letter
What Sonoma County calls its correction letter, how to resubmit, and what to include, from the city’s own pages. Each fact links to its source.
What Sonoma County calls it
Sonoma County calls its correction letter “plan check comment letter”. It expects a reply to each comment on the marked-up plans.
Source: data.sonomacounty.ca.gov
How to resubmit after Sonoma County plan check corrections
- If reviewers issue comments or corrections, address them and resubmit the plans and documents through Electronic Plan Review in Permits Online.
From the city’s instructions: permitsonoma.org
What to include
- Respond inside each Issue in the Digital Plan Room, saying what you changed; conditions need no response
- Respond to every Issue first: corrected sheets can't be uploaded until you do
- Use the same sheet names for the revised sheets
From the city’s instructions: permitsonoma.org
Codes its letters cite
Local code abbreviations you will see on Sonoma County letters: SCC.
Building code named on the city’s pages: 2025 California Building Standards Code.
Local amendments to the building code
Filed local amendments with the California Building Standards Commission (ordinance 6539, 6541).
Official links
- Resubmittal instructions
- Permits Online
- Building department page
- Permit open data
- Permit Sonoma: (707) 565-1900 (permitsonoma.org, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 2550 Ventura Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (permitsonoma.org, checked October 31, 2026)
Links and facts checked on October 28, 2026.
California rules every plan check here follows
These come from California law and state agencies, so they apply in Sonoma County as well. Each links to its source.
Building code in force
The 2025 edition of Title 24, the California Building Standards Code, has been in effect since January 1, 2026.
Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026
Energy code
If your permit application was filed on or after January 1, 2026, the project has to meet the 2025 Energy Code.
Source: California Energy Commission, checked October 31, 2026
Energy forms with the application
A building permit application covered by the energy code (Part 6) must include at least one copy of the required energy compliance documents.
Source: California Energy Commission, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, checked October 31, 2026
Green building code (CALGreen)
The 2025 edition of CALGreen, the state green building code (Part 11), took effect on January 1, 2026.
Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026
ADU decision deadline
If the city or county has not approved or denied a complete application for an ADU or junior ADU within 60 days, the application is treated as approved (Gov. Code § 66317).
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026
ADU denials must explain the fix
When a city or county denies an ADU or junior ADU application, it must send written comments within 60 days that list each problem and explain how you can correct it.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026
Building permits for approved housing projects
For housing projects that already have planning approval, the city or county has 15 business days to say whether a building permit application is complete, then 30 or 60 days, depending on how many units are proposed, to decide whether it meets the standards.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, Housing Law Fact Sheets, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to plan check comment letter has
General guidance, not Sonoma County’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other California city guides
How we help
Send us the whole plan check comment letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to Sonoma County yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not Sonoma County and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
What does Sonoma County call its correction letter?
Sonoma County calls it “plan check comment letter”. It expects a reply to each comment on the marked-up plans.
How do I resubmit after Sonoma County sends corrections?
Keep each uploaded file's name and plan sheet size the same as before. Resubmit the plans and documents to the EPR system. Expect further county review rounds until the project meets all requirements and is approved.
How long does Sonoma County take to review a resubmittal?
For housing projects that already have planning approval, the city or county has 15 business days to say whether a building permit application is complete, then 30 or 60 days, depending on how many units are proposed, to decide whether it meets the standards. Ask Sonoma County for its current review times.
Does Sonoma County charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Permit Sonoma at (707) 565-1900 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can Sonoma County send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Permit Sonoma at (707) 565-1900 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of Sonoma County?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with Sonoma County or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.