Board of Supervisors narrows post-storm eviction ban to just Lower Russian River

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The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved a temporary ban on evictions in the Lower Russian River area neighborhoods where residents were most impacted by flooding during a storm earlier this month. The Board simultaneously removed a countywide prohibition on evictions that has been in place since the supervisors ratified a proclamation of local emergency two weeks ago. The countywide prohibition on evictions will expire on March 27.

The Board’s action prevents evictions except in cases of violence or requirements of health and safety, immediate removal from the rental market, or as may be required by law. It applies to the geographical areas hardest hit by the atmospheric river storm that began Jan. 31 and brought up to 15 inches of rain to parts of Sonoma County within a week. The covered postal codes – 95436, 95471, 95446, 95462, 95486, and 95430 – include the unincorporated areas of Forestville, Guerneville, Rio Nido, Monte Rio, Villa Grande and Duncans Mills.

“Renters in low-lying areas have faced multiple floods this winter — not only forcing them from their homes but also disrupting their ability to travel to work,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “For many, each storm adds another layer of hardship, making it even harder to recover. These eviction protections are a vital safety net, ensuring that no one loses their place to live because of factors beyond their control.”

On Sept. 17, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted a tenant protection ordinance, which includes a provision that – if activated by the Board of Supervisors – suspends evictions countywide during declared emergencies. At the Feb. 11 Board meeting, the supervisors evoked this clause, placing a countywide moratorium on evictions because the wording of the ordinance did not provide for targeting a certain geographic area. By approving the staff recommendations today, the Board rectified that problem. The Board revoked the countywide moratorium, replacing it with an eviction ban targeted for just the six postal codes in the Lower Russian River. The moratorium will remain in place until either Aug. 25 or until 30 days after the Board terminates the emergency proclamation that was approved following the recent storms.

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Contact Information:
Matt Brown, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org 
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403