To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Regional Parks
Staff Name and Phone Number: Bert Whitaker, 707-565-2041
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Fifth
Title:
Title
Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 Article VIII of the Sonoma County Code (second reading)
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 Article VIII of the Sonoma County Code updating County of Sonoma marinas (second reading).
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Executive Summary:
On December 16, 2025, Regional Parks introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 20, Article VIII, of the Sonoma County Code. The Ordinance will modernize local regulations governing marina safety, berthing, public use, pollution control, enforcement, and infrastructure management. The Ordinance renames Article VIII to reflect oversight of all County of Sonoma Marinas, updates key definitions, and clarifies the authority and responsibilities of the Park Authority and Marina Supervisor. These changes bring the County Code in line with current operations and best practices. The introduction and first reading of this ordinance occurred on December 16, 2025.
Discussion:
Sonoma County’s marina system (Marina System) is composed of Spud Point Marina, Mason’s Marina, and the Sport Fishing Center. The proposed ordinance amending Chapter 20, Article VIII, of the Sonoma County Code (Attachment A) intends to modernize and expand marina regulations to improve operational efficiency, financial flexibility, environmental protection, and public service across all County-operated marinas.
Revisions include:
• Section 20-41 - Renaming and expanded applicability: Retitles Article VIII as the County of Sonoma Marinas Ordinance and extends applicability from Spud Point Marina to all County-operated marinas, including Mason’s Marina and the Sport Fishing Center.
• Section 20-42 - Updated definitions and roles: Expands and clarifies key terms and updates references to the Park Authority and Marina Supervisor to reflect current operational structure, enforcement authority, and delegated responsibilities.
• Section 20-43 - Operational authority: Clarifies the duties and authority of the Park Authority and designated marina personnel to manage berths, enforce regulations, and ensure safe and orderly marina operations.
• Section 20-44 - Violation of Article: Defines “day” as a 24-hour period.
• Section 20-45 - Owner’s Responsibility to Pay: Clarifies that vessel owners and persons in charge are responsible for all fees, charges, damages, and costs incurred by or owed to the County.
• Section 20-46 - Revised berthing and residency provisions: Establishes consistent live-aboard rules, including limited allowances for up to 20 security-related live-aboard vessels, transient vessel stays of up to 14 days within any 60-day period, and authorization for up to 30 short-term, lower-cost visitor-serving berths to support public access and economic vitality.
• Section 20-48 - Pollution and Control Restrictions: Updates prohibition of aggressive animals.
• Section 20-49 - Operational and area use rules: Adds removal of use area restrictions by Park Authority.
• Section 20-51 - Vessel maintenance and operations: Updates repair, sanding, and dock-use standards; and establishes requirements for safe vessel maintenance to prevent environmental impacts.
• Section 20-52 - Parking and vehicle use: Clarifies overnight vehicle and trailer occupancy requirements subject to Park Authority approval.
• Administrative updates (Sections II-IV): Add CEQA findings under Section 15378(b)(5) for organizational and administrative actions, incorporate publication and effective-date requirements consistent with Government Code § 25123, and delete outdated or redundant provisions.
Collectively, these revisions bring the County Code in line with current operations and best practices, ensuring consistent oversight, environmental compliance, and balanced support for both commercial and recreational marina users.
This Ordinance was introduced on December 16, 2025, and this item seeks the adoption of the Ordinance. The Ordinance will take effect thirty (30) days after adoption.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Resilient Infrastructure
Goal: Goal 1: Strengthen operational effectiveness, fiscal reliability, and accountability
Objective: Objective 1: Align the Board of Supervisor’s strategic priorities, policy, and operational goals with funding and resources.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
12/16/25: Introduced ordinance updating the governance, financial structure, and county code for Sonoma County Marinas
1984 - Adoption of Resolution No. 84-2421 establishing the Spud Point Marina Advisory Committee and defining the structure and purpose of marina oversight at that time.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Adoption of this ordinance to update Chapter 20, Article VIII of the County Code does not generate a direct fiscal impact but supports long-term cost control through improved enforcement tools, clarified operational authority, revenue generating opportunities and more efficient management.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 Article VIII of the Sonoma County Code
5 Day Notice Before Adoption
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A