Sonoma County new civil penalties ordinance

On August 6, 2020 the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors authorized a COVID-19 Education and Compliance Program and adopted an Administrative Citation and Civil Penalty Urgency Ordinance for COVID-19 Public Health Orders.

What businesses need to know

Businesses could face up to a $10,000 fine for non-compliance.

• 1st violation: $1,000
• 2nd violation: $5,000
• 3rd and following violations: $10,000

The Sonoma County Health Officer requires all businesses to create a Social Distancing Protocol & COVID-19 Site-Specific Protection Plan to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep businesses open. Complete these steps to open your business:

1. Read required State Guidance for your industry.
2. Create a plan following Appendix A of Health Order C-19-15.
3. Self Certify your business with Sonoma Safe.
4. Review and distribute the plan with employees.
5. Post your Appendix A plan and self-certification certificate in your business where it is accessible to the public and employees.

More information can be found at SoCoLaunch.org.

Dealing with customers who don't comply

Businesses dealing with customers not complying with State and County Public Health Orders can contact the following to report non-compliance:

• Phone: 1-833-SAFE707
• Email: safe707@sonoma-county.org
• SoCo Report It: sonomacounty.ca.gov/Services/SoCo-Report-It/Submit-a-Service-Request.

The ordinance allows government employees outside of law enforcement, such as code enforcement officers and park rangers, to issue citations, which will have the weight of a civil penalty such as a parking ticket. Law enforcement and community officials from incorporated cities in Sonoma County have indicated that they intend to assist in enforcing the citations or adopt similar ordinances.