Protect Sonoma's Future Together

Join us in advocating for sensible land use before it's too late

Protect Sonoma's Future Together

Join us in advocating for sensible land use before it's too late

The ISSUE

The City of Sonoma, California, is revising its General Plan, which will determine how land within the city is developed for decades. One concerning proposal involves the 20+ acre Sebastiani Winery Site, owned by Foley Family Wines. This site is currently designated as “Agriculture” and “Wine Production.” City planners are now proposing to change it to a newly created "Sonoma Mixed Use," a designation without clear definitions or restrictions.

This change would:

Require a minimum of 7 housing units per acre, higher than the currently allowed maximum for the surrounding area
Raise the maximum density to 25 units per acre — nearly four times what’s allowed today, enabling potentially 500+ new homes
Open the door to broad, large-scale commercial development, including a 100+ room luxury hotel, in a quiet, historic neighborhood

Why this is DANGEROUS

Such a dramatic change poses unacceptable risks to Sonoma residents and visitors:

Wildfire evacuation danger: Hundreds of additional vehicles would clog narrow roads during emergencies
Water supply strain: Increased demand threatens local groundwater amid drought conditions
City services overload: Fire, police, and emergency resources would be stretched dangerously thin
Traffic congestion and pollution: Overburdened roads would harm air quality and quality of life
Loss of community character: Overdevelopment would destroy Sonoma’s historic, small-town feel

In 2017, residents endured terrifying wildfire evacuations.

Designating this site for high-density development — in a "Very High Fire Hazard" zone — recklessly endangers public safety.

Despite months of public input, Planning Commission and City Council meetings, and citizen suggestions, there has been no meaningful response or change to the proposal.

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What we are ASKING

We support thoughtful, community-driven planning and responsible use of the Sebastiani Winery Site.

However, we strongly oppose:

Blanket land use changes for the entire 20+ acre site
High-density residential mandates of 7 to 25 units per acre
Undefined commercial uses allowed under "Sonoma Mixed Use" without specific restrictions

What we DEMAND

We respectfully but firmly demand the City of Sonoma:

Halt further consideration of the current Sebastiani Winery proposal
Work with residents to develop a reasonable, balanced plan that protects public safety and Sonoma’s unique character
Define and limit allowable commercial uses to prevent large-scale development incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood
Maintain lower residential density consistent with the existing neighborhood, zoning, and fire safety standards
Prioritize public safety, water security, and historical preservation over unchecked growth

Protect Sonoma's Future Together

Protect Sonoma's Future Together

The ISSUE

Why this is DANGEROUS

What we are ASKING

What we DEMAND

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