Using Sonoma Water's Land

All applications for the use of Sonoma Water land begin with completing the form. 

Sonoma Water Land Use application form

Contact the Real Property and Right of Way group at rightofway@scwa.ca.gov with questions.

The type of authorization granted for use of Sonoma Water land will depend on the proposed use and term:

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Revocable License
A Revocable License is a written authorization issued by Sonoma Water that allows a business, member of the public, or government entity short-term, non-exclusive, non-transferable use of Sonoma Water lands and which conveys no interest in Sonoma Water lands. Examples of use authorized by a license include but are not limited to temporary access for special events, non-invasive studies and surveys, daylighting/potholing prior to easement acquisition, laydown areas for projects occurring on adjacent properties, and channel beautification projects.
How do I Obtain a Revocable License?

Applicants must complete the Application Form and include all required attachments. Processing will not begin until Sonoma Water has accepted the application and notified the Applicant in writing that the application is deemed complete and ready for processing.

How long does it take to process?

Once a complete application is received, please allow approximately fifteen (15) working days for processing. Incomplete applications or missing insurance documentation may delay processing. Where the use results in ground disturbance, additional processing time may be needed to review the project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.

Insurance Requirements?

Applicants must submit insurance certificates and endorsements within fifteen (15) working days of submitting an application which is not deemed complete and ready for processing until these are received. Typical insurance requirements include Workers’ Compensation, Commercial General Liability, and Automobile Liability Insurance as described in County of Sonoma Contract Insurance Requirements Template 9. Additional requirements may apply depending on the use granted. Insurance certificates must name Sonoma Water, its officers, and employees as ‘Additional Insured’ for all liability arising out of operations performed by or on behalf of the named insured in the performance of the contract.


Easement
An Easement grants a non-possessory, non-exclusive right to use Sonoma Water land for a specific purpose and for an extended period of time. Easements allow for construction of permanent improvements, can be either public or private, and require Board of Directors approval. Examples of use authorized by an easement include construction of private driveways and public recreational trails, placement of underground or aboveground utilities, and permanent placement of drainage structures.
How do I Obtain an Easement?

Applicants must complete the Application Form and include all required attachments. Processing will not begin until Sonoma Water has accepted the application and notified the Applicant in writing that the application is deemed complete.

How long does it take to process?

As required by law, Sonoma Water must obtain Board of Directors approval prior to issuing an easement. A Plan of Development/Design for construction of improvements on Sonoma Water land will be reviewed by Sonoma Water’s Principal Engineer to verify such development will not adversely affect the Agency in any respect. Once a complete application is received, please allow a minimum of twelve weeks for processing.

What are the general terms of an easement?

An easement will require that Grantee (the Applicant) assume all maintenance responsibilities within the easement area. The Grantee agrees to accept all responsibility for loss or damage to any person or entity, and to defend, indemnify, hold harmless and release Sonoma Water from and against any and all liabilities, actions, claims, damages, disabilities, or expenses (including legal costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees) that may be asserted by any person or entity to the extent resulting from the Grantee’s breach of any material term of or representation made in the easement, or Grantee’s negligence or willful misconduct in connection with easement.

Lease
A Lease grants possessory interest and exclusive use of Sonoma Water land. It allows for construction of permanent improvements but limits the use to a specific purpose, does not permit subleasing, and has a term not to exceed 10 years. Leases require Board of Directors approval and are granted at Fair Market Rental Value. Leases with a greater than $10,000 monthly rental value must undergo a competitive bidding process.
How do I Obtain a Lease?

Applicants must complete the Application Form and include all required attachments. Processing will not begin until Sonoma Water has accepted the application and notified the Applicant in writing that the application is deemed complete.

How long does it take to process?

As required by law, Sonoma Water must obtain Board of Directors approval prior to issuing a Lease. A Plan of Development/Design for construction of improvements on Sonoma Water land will be reviewed by Sonoma Water’s Principal Engineer to verify such development will not adversely affect the Agency in any respect. Once a complete application is received, please allow approximately fourteen to sixteen weeks for processing.

What are the general terms of a Lease?

Lessee (the Applicant) assumes all maintenance/repair responsibilities within the lease area. The Lessee agrees to accept all responsibility for loss or damage to any person or entity, and to defend, indemnify, hold harmless and release Sonoma Water from and against any and all liabilities, actions, claims, damages, disabilities, or expenses (including legal costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees) that may be asserted by any person or entity to the extent resulting from the Lessee’s breach of any material term of or representation made in the easement, or Lessee’s negligence or willful misconduct in connection with easement. Insurance requirements include Workers’ Compensation, Commercial General Liability, and Automobile Liability Insurance in amounts to be determined by Sonoma Water based on the activity permitted in the Lease.