The Sonoma City Council has hit the brakes on intensive development at the historic Sebastiani Winery, opting for a “cautious” path forward.
The Sonoma Index-Tribune reports after a four-hour meeting, officials directed staff to prioritize medium-density housing—roughly 15 units per acre—while maintaining existing agricultural protections.
Community members voiced strong opposition to a potential hotel, citing fire evacuation risks and preservation concerns. While no final designs are set, the council’s move limits what developers can propose in the city’s 2045 General Plan.
Meanwhile, residents may also face an 8% to 9% hike in water rates to fund aging infrastructure repairs.
