When is the Project Review recommended / required?

A Project Review is recommended and/or required for all proposed projects and/or activities located within Sonoma Water owned facilities, properties, or easements where such projects and/or activities are otherwise restricted or prohibited.

What is a Project Review?

Sonoma Water Project Review will inform the applicant of any necessary requirements for a specific project proposal, prior to submitting an application for a revocable license and/or consent or easement agreement. Contingent on the proposed activities, a Project Review may include Sonoma Water staff from the Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, and Right-of-Way departments and Sonoma Water’s legal counsel. The purpose is to provide the applicant with a clearer understanding of the process for obtaining approval for a requested or proposed use of, or any activity on, in, or upon real property interests that Sonoma Water owns or manages. In general, Sonoma Water can and will not approve or allow the use of, or any activity on, in, or upon real property interests that Sonoma Water owns or manages: Unless a finding can be made that such uses or activities will not adversely affect Sonoma Water or any of the real property interests it owns or manages, in any respect.

The applicant may also request a pre-submittal meeting, which provides an opportunity for the applicant to discuss and review their proposal with Sonoma Water staff.

How do I start the Project Review process & how long does it take?

To begin the review process, the applicant must submit a complete project description, including all requested information on the Project Review Application Form. Please note that additional information may be requested by Sonoma Water prior to the review. Typically, a map showing the project location and the extent of the project or set of preliminary design plans sufficient in detail is required. 

Once your Project Review Application Form has been submitted, please allow at least ten business days for a response from Sonoma Water staff.  Please note that in addition to Sonoma Water’s requirements, it is commonly necessary for applicants to obtain review, approvals, and permits for their projects from other agencies and regulatory authorities prior to Sonoma Water’s finalization of the review for the project.

What are the benefits of using the Project Review?

The Project Review process will identify the requirements and provide a timeframe for potentially obtaining Sonoma Water approval.

Is there a fee for the Project Review Process?

There are no fees for the Project Review Process. However, additional fees may be required for certain Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, and Right-of-Way department activities.

How long will my Project Review application be valid?

The Project Review information will remain on file for a duration of six months. If no action by the applicant has taken place within six months, the Project Review Application will be null and void.

Application Requirements

Applicants should include all of the requested information on the form. A completed application is required before a thorough review will commence.  

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Booker at kevin.booker@scwa.ca.gov.

Project Review Application Form:

* Required