We respectfully urge the Sonoma Planning Commission and City Council to halt further consideration of the current proposal for the Sebastiani Winery property land use and instead work with residents to explore more reasonable, balanced alternatives.

The City of Sonoma, California is in the process of revising its General Plan, which determines how land within the city may be developed and used for decades to come. One of the most concerning proposals involves the 20-plus acre Sebastiani Winery Site, owned by Foley Family Wines. This property stretches along the north side of East Spain Street, is split by 4th Street East, and continues south of Lovall Valley Road. Land use for this entire area is currently designated as "Agriculture” and "Wine Production". The surrounding neighborhood today is mostly "Low Density Residential”.  

City planners are now proposing to change all 20-plus acres to a newly created land use designation called “Sonoma Mixed Use” that would mandate dramatically increased housing density and allow for broad, undefined commercial development. This change would:

• Require a minimum of 7 housing units per acre, which is higher than the current maximum  
• Raise the maximum density to 25 units per acre—nearly four times what is currently allowed, equating to potentially 500+ new homes in this area
• Open the door for large-scale commercial developments in a quiet, residential, and agricultural area    
• Significantly alter the character of Sonoma 

Why This Is Dangerous

Such a dramatic change poses unacceptable safety risks to Sonoma residents and visitors.  Cal Fire and the Sonoma City Council have designated the Sebastiani Winery site and surrounding neighborhoods as “Very High Fire Hazard”—the most severe rating.  The Sonoma Area Fire Evacuation Study quantified the dire situation in an evacuation scenario.  Residents who lived through the 2017 wildfires remember how terrifying and difficult evacuation was. Now imagine hundreds more cars trying to flee on the same narrow roads.  

This level of development will also severely impact water use, city services, the environment, traffic, the character of the historic neighborhood, and more. 

For months, concerned citizens have attended Planning Commission and City Council meetings, including a General Plan Update attended by about 200 people.  They have stated concerns, asked questions, and offered suggestions — with no response from the City or change to the proposal.

What We’re Asking

We support thoughtful, community-driven planning and responsible use of the Sebastiani Winery Site, including more housing options.  However, we strongly oppose: 

• The blanket land use change for the entire 20-plus acres  
• The minimum housing density of 7 units per acre and the maximum of 25 units per acre
• The broad, undefined commercial use allowed under the new “Sonoma Mixed Use” designation; we need to see specific language defining the land use allowed under “Sonoma Mixed Use”

We respectfully urge the Sonoma Planning Commission and City Council to halt further consideration of the current proposal for the Sebastiani Winery property land use and instead work with residents to explore more reasonable, balanced alternatives.  And, as stated in the General Plan Land Use Considerations, to “preserve and protect parks, open spaces, historic resources and public gathering places.”

Let’s protect Sonoma’s safety and future—before it’s too late.

Important Note About Donations on Change.org

Thank you so much for signing the petition and standing with us in this important cause!

We want to let you know that any donations made through Change.org go directly to Change.org to promote the petition on their platform — not to the organizers or to directly support our efforts.

We are grateful for your support — every signature and share of the petition truly makes a difference.

Thank you again!