Music Ordinances: Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will review changes to the music licences at their regular meeting on January 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Emergency Operations Center, 175 First Street West.

The changes would make passing a music licence to a successor business in the same unit easier. Though the new businesses would still have to gain approval from the Planning Commission, the Commission would be instructed to approve the licence unless:

1. The venue had a pattern of "significant complaints or violations." 

2. Substantial changes are proposed to the use or structure of the venue.

3. The licensee does not possess the ability to comply with the management plan. 

4. There's evidence the new business owner has violated some of the terms of the permit. 

Find the agenda documents, at right. Further information is available on the City of Sonoma's website, for download.

No new items will be heard by the Planning Commission after 10:30 PM, unless the Commission, by majority vote, specifically decides to continue reviewing items. If an item is not heard due to the length of the meeting, the Commission will attempt to schedule a special meeting for the following week. If a special meeting is necessary, potential dates will be established at the close of this meeting, and a date set as soon as possible thereafter.

Rights of Appeal: Any decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. Appeals must be filed with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days following the Planning Commission’s decision, unless the fifteenth day falls on a weekend or a holiday, in which case the appeal period ends at the close of the next working day at City Hall. Appeals must be made in writing and must clearly state the reason for the appeal.