Sonoma Developmental Center

For more information about the Sonoma Developmental Center Specific Plan and Housing Development please visit Permitsonoma.org

• Specific Plan: https://permitsonoma.org/regulationsandlongrangeplans/longrangeplans/sonomadevelopmentalcenter
• Housing Development Project (PLP24-0005): https://permitsonoma.org/sdchousingproject

The SDC property contains oak woodlands, Douglas fir forests, redwoods, grasslands, lakes, wetlands, and streams. Deer, mountain lion, coyote, and bobcat, and rare species such as steelhead trout, northern spotted owl, and California red-legged frog live here. Sonoma Creek, which runs through SDC for about three quarters of a mile, is one of the County’s most significant streams for steelhead. In addition, the property provides significant water resources for the surrounding community.

Permanent protection of the undeveloped portions of the SDC will link over 9,000 acres of protected land, home to many rare native plants and animals. The property is recognized as a regionally significant linkage connecting the Marin coast to the interior coast ranges of California.

SDC is the last large undeveloped property in Sonoma Valley, and the loss of its exceptional habitat to incompatible development will likely have devastating effects on wildlife movement across the Valley.

SDC is the only single property in Sonoma Valley that is poised to recreationally connect Sonoma Valley Regional Park to Jack London State Park, with its network of publicly accessible lands, and bikeways and transit options that link to Sonoma and Santa Rosa.

There is substantial existing public investment in the land; over 12 miles of trails, equestrian, group and camp facilities, and scenic lakes are enjoyed every day by the public. Multiple-use trails on SDC lands link to a network of trails that connect to Jack London State Park and Sonoma Mountain. If the SDC were to be closed and the property sold, the existing public access and expanded new recreational opportunities would be jeopardized.

The gentle topography supports accessible trails that appeal to all segments of the population. This property can provide access to nature and to healthy lifestyles in a way that no other Sonoma Valley facility can.

View enlarged map