Applications are available all year at City Hall, located at 94 N. Washington Street downtown Sonora.

Generally, if you have a 5-digit address then your property is not within the City of Sonora. The only exception is for properties that are located on Highway 49 north of Preston Place and on the west side of the highway. The properties on the east side of Highway 49 north of Browns Flat are not in the City. If you need further assistance, contact the Community Development Department at (209)532-3508. If your property is located within the unincorporated area of Tuolumne County, call the Tuolumne County Community Resources Department at (209) 533-5633.

If your property is located within the City of Sonora, contact the Community Development Department at (209) 532-3508. If your property is located within the unincorporated area of Tuolumne County call (209) 533-5633.

City Building Permit inspections are scheduled through the Community Development Department at (209) 532-3508. Generally inspections are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Residents living in the City limits of Sonora may obtain a burn permit from the Sonora Fire Department located at 201 S. Shepherd Street. Burn permits are $20.00 per year and require an inspection of the burn site.  Sonora Fire Department’s phone number is (209) 532-7431.

All available City jobs are posted on the City’s website and job announcements are available in the City Administration Office.   For information about City employment call (209) 588-8946.

At the Sonora Police Department located at 100 S. Green Street, Sonora.

The Fictitious Business Statement is filed with the Tuolumne County Clerk’s Office at 2 S. Green Street, Sonora. If your business is located within the City you will need to obtain a Zoning Affidavit from the City’s Community Development Department prior to filing the Statement with the County.

Property uses and zoning information is available from the Community Development Department (209) 532-3508 if your property is located within the City of Sonora. If your property is located within the unincorporated area of Tuolumne County call (209) 533-5633.

If you have a general question about the City contact the City Administration Department at (209) 532-4541 and they will either answer your question or refer you to the appropriate Department.

Contact the Public Works Department at (209) 532-2922 and leave a message identifying the location and concern. Make sure and leave your contact information so that they can contact you for further information.

Contact the City Administration Office at (209) 532-4541.

If the streetlight is located within the City of Sonora, call the Public Works Department at (209) 532-2922 and leave a message identifying the location of the street light. The Public Works Department will then notify PG&E.

No, contact the Tuolumne Utilities District at (209) 532-5536.

Conducting a business within a City residence is regulated under Chapter 17.59, Home Occupations, of the Sonora Municipal Code and requires a Home Occupation Permit. Businesses located within a residence must comply with the set criteria and conditions in order to obtain a Home Occupation Permit. The Home Occupation Permit Application is available on the City’s website or through the Community Development Department. The application is submitted to the Community Development Department.

Short-term residential vacation rentals or transient uses are regulated under Chapter 17.64, Transient Use Permit, of the Sonora Municipal Code and require a permit. The Transient Use Permit Application is available on the City’s website or the Community Development Department. The application is submitted to the Community Development Department. Short-term vacation rentals and transient uses also require the payment of Transient Occupancy Tax to the City. For further information, call (209) 532-3508.

Yes, a Business License is required for anyone who has a business located within the City or is coming into the City to conduct business. Business License Applications are available on the City’s website or from the City Administration Department. For any further questions, call (209) 532-4541.

Over-the-counter permits are generally available for simple permits such as electrical, plumbing, residential re-roof, residential solar, and mechanical permits. However, exterior changes to the building within the Commercial Zone or Historic Downtown District may require Design Review approval by the Sonora Planning Commission prior to issuing the building permit.

No, all residential building permits that are issued require a physical inspection of the interior of the residence before a building permit can be finaled. The homeowner or their agent will need to provide access to the residence at the time of the inspection. Smoke alarms must be less than 10 years old and in proper working order. They are required in all residences, one in each sleeping room, one outside each sleeping room or group of sleeping rooms, and one on each occupied level. Carbon monoxide alarms are required on each occupied level of all residences with a fuel burning appliance(s) or attached garage.

The fee for a flow test on a commercial, industrial or residential project is $60.00 per hour. (Minimum of 1 hour) Flow tests take approximately 10-14 days to schedule and fee is due at time of request.