TRANSFORM SDC

A resource provided by the Sonoma Land Trust

SDC Property Boundary (white outline)

Sonoma Land Trust has a long history of advocating for urban spaces where wildlife can thrive. Our involvement with SDC is focused on those key spaces that are known pathways for our rich and diverse wildlife population. The Sonoma Valley wildlife corridor which runs through the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) is a critical access way for numerous species for safe passage between green spaces that make up a network of thriving habitats in Sonoma. These critical pathways, which provide access to food and water, are at serious risk of obstruction or abandonment if proper considerations are not made when redeveloping the SDC main campus. 

Sonoma Land Trust understands the necessary considerations that are essential to ensure that the irreplaceable corridor value of SDC campus and adjacent open space remain viable options for wildlife movement and health. We have, and will continue to offer our expertise and funding to the state and county decision makers involved in shaping the future of SDC’s campus for wildlife corridor conservation and enhancement.

Eamon O’Byrne
Executive Director
Sonoma Land Trust

Q&A Common questions answered by SLT – (Dec 20)

Six commons questions about Sonoma Land Trust and SDC answered in this Q&A document.

SLT’s Comment letter to the Board of Supervisors – (Dec 16)

Sonoma Land Trust submitted a comment letter to the Board of Supervisors that contains our comments on the latest version of the Specific Plan and additional points we felt were important for the discussion. View it HERE

SLT’s Comments on the Specific Plan and EIR – (Sept 26)

Sonoma Land Trust submitted detailed comments on the SDC Draft Specific Plan and EIR on September 26th. We will post a summary and FAQ next week to guide readers through our comprehensive analysis and critique. Public engagement is key to ensuring that the objectives of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are honored and followed in approving the SDC redevelopment Plan, and SLT recognizes and appreciates the many detailed and thoughtful comment letters submitted by individuals and interested community groups over the last few weeks. Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming hearings in October and November before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on the final versions of the critical documents.

Read the 485 page comment letter and attachments HERE

Documents from recent webinar (Sept 8)

Tips for Commenting on the SDC Specific Plan and Environmental Document
Prepared by Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP (September 2022)

Public comments can be made at the September 15 Planning Commission meeting or via email or mail by September 23

SDC Project Documents (Aug 2022)


SDC Public Review Draft Specific Plan

SDC Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)
Appendices to the SDC Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report

Permit Sonoma will seek public comment on the draft Environmental Impact Report for 45 days from Aug. 10 until Sept. 26, 2022. The complete draft report is available for review at Permit Sonoma at 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Comments can be made via email to Brian.Oh@sonoma-county.org or by writing to

Brian Oh, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Permit Sonoma County of Sonoma
2550 Ventura Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

You can also comment at the upcoming public meetings:

  • SVCAC presentation – August 24
  • Planning Commission meeting – September 15

SDC Land and Water Protection Proposal (2019)

SDC Site Transformation Study (Potrero Group, 2015)

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