To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Permit Sonoma
Staff Name and Phone Number: Scott Orr (707) 565-1754, Steve Snow (707) 565-4443
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): Fifth
Title:
Title
Roiling Permit and Extensions to Ernest Ricioli for bank repair along Sheephouse Creek. Permit Sonoma File No. ROI26-0003.
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution issuing a roiling permit and necessary permit extensions to Ernest Ricioli to protect an existing streamside road that provides sole vehicle access to two adjacent parcels along Sheephouse Creek and find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (4/5th Vote Required) (Fifth District)
end
Executive Summary:
Work or operations in a river, stream, or channel which decrease the clarity of waterways requires a permit from the Board of Supervisors pursuant to Chapter 23 of the Sonoma County Code. The recommended resolution would issue a roiling permit to Ernest Ricioli for the period September 15, 2026, through October 15, 2026.
Discussion:
Sonoma County Code Chapter 23 requires that an application for a permit be filed with the Board of Supervisors prior to the performance of certain prescribed work or operations in a river, stream, or channel which will decrease the clarity of these waterways.
Ernest Ricioli proposes to repair three individual bank failure locations along a riparian streamside road. The three bank failure locations pose significant risk to stream habitat and to the existing streamside road which provides sole vehicle access to the Ricioli residence (APN 097-150-003) and through the property owned by the Keller property (APN 097-150-004). Proposed work includes stabilizing the streambanks, improving habitat for fish and wildlife, and reducing erosion and sediment entering the creek.
The project includes several measures to minimize water clarity impacts during construction. If in-stream work is required, a clear water diversion and fish exclusion will isolate the work area from flowing water, and the channel will be dewatered only for the minimum time needed to complete construction. Disturbed areas with the potential to deliver sediment to the creek will be stabilized with temporary erosion control measures, including seed and mulch, and riparian vegetation removal will be minimized where feasible.
Due to the project site location in the Coastal Zone, the applicant submitted an application for a Coastal Permit, Permit Sonoma File No. CPH26-0005, that was approved by the Zoning Administrator on August 27, 2026. This coastal permit approves bank stabilization within the 100-foot Riparian Corridor setback along Sheephouse Creek on an 11.5-acre parcel. Proposal includes enhancement of riparian and instream riparian habitat, to reduce future sediment delivery, and restore and protect the structural integrity of the stream bank where an unpaved access road is vulnerable to collapse. The Conditions of Approval of CPH26-0005 require the applicant to obtain all applicable permits necessary for project implementation, including a roiling permit. Staff recommend that the Board issue a roiling permit for the project.
California Environmental Quality Act:
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines, Title 14 California Code of Regulations Section 15333 (Small Habitat Restoration Projects). The project is a small habitat restoration project to stabilize the stream bank, stream or riverbank stabilization with native vegetation or other bioengineering techniques, the primary purpose of which is to reduce or eliminate erosion and sedimentation and restore habitat and protect the structural integrity of the stream bank where an unpaved access road is vulnerable to collapse and causing further habitat damage.
Strategic Plan:
Not Applicable
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
This is an at-cost project for which all project costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Not Applicable
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Board of Supervisors Resolution
Attachment 2: Roiling Permit Application No. ROI26-0003
Attachment 3: Location Map
Attachment 4: Notice of Applicability
Attachment 5. CEQA Notice of Exemption for CPH26-0005
Attachment 6: Notice of Final Action for CPH26-0005
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Not Applicable