On August 6, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a code enforcement ordinance that allows the issuing of citations ranging from $100 for individuals up to $10,000 for businesses for noncompliance with local and state health orders related to the coronavirus.

The ordinance was approved unanimously and on an urgency basis, which will allow it to take effect immediately. The ordinance applies to all cities and unincorporated areas in Sonoma County, including Sebastopol. Citations may be issued by law enforcement or government officials such as staff with code enforcement or regional parks.

The Board also approved the creation of a new County hotline – 1-833-SAFE707 ( 1-833-723-3707) that will allow the public to report infractions. The public also can register complaints by sending emails to safe707@sonoma-county.org.

Under the ordinance, individuals can be fined a flat fee of $100 for such infractions as failing to wear facial coverings, not practicing safe social distancing (maintaining 6-foot separations from non-family members) when in public or hosting gatherings of more than 12 people who aren’t sheltering in the same household. Individuals also can be fined for refusing to abide by COVID-19 safety protocols required at restaurants, stores and other businesses. Commercial operations such as restaurants, bars and stores face fines starting at $1,000 for noncompliance. A commercial violation is subject to a civil penalty of $5,000 for a second violation and $10,000 for each additional violation by the same responsible party.  

See the Full Press Release and Ordinance FAQs for more information.