The Sonoma City Council on Oct. 15 approved amendments to two sections of the municipal code that add objective standards allowing certain awnings, marquees and canopies to be exempt from design review. The motion passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote.

Planning staff presented the ordinance amendment, explaining it arose after a recent permit request highlighted the absence of clear awning standards. Jennifer Gates, who presented the item, said the amendment creates objective criteria to allow “traditional” awnings placed within window openings to be exempt. “Any architectural use of awnings that vary from this standard would just go to planning commission on a normal design review process,” Gates said.

Council members and staff clarified that the exemption is intended for awnings used in a conventional manner and not for awnings treated as major architectural features. Gates said the standard would prevent a designer from placing an awning that “wrap[s] the entire building” or extends to the roofline without planning commission review.

No members of the public spoke during the public hearing portion, and the council closed the hearing before voting. On roll call the motion carried (Council member Dean: Aye; Council member Gurney: Yes; Council member Low: Aye; Vice Mayor Ron Wellander: Yes).

The council also found the amendments exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as part of the consideration.