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Sebastopol, in short
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Sebastopol?
On a single-family or duplex property, for a tree 20 inches or more in diameter at breast height, yes, unless the code exempts it. The City’s code says no one may remove such a tree “without first obtaining a TRP,” a tree removal permit. Pruning less than one-third of the crown is exempt, and permits can be filed online.
The story of Sebastopol
Sebastopol, a West Sonoma County town that apples made prosperous, incorporated in 1902.
The City’s profile says the town formed in the 1850s “with a U.S. Post Office and as a small trade center for the farmers in the surrounding agricultural region.” The apple industry then brought, in the City’s words, “a steady rural prosperity to the town,” and Sebastopol was incorporated in 1902 with schools, churches, hotels, canneries, mills, wineries, and an opera house to its credit.
The City’s profile says the town formed in the 1850s “with a U.S. Post Office and as a small trade center for the farmers in the surrounding agricultural region.”
The County Library’s page says the Sebastopol Regional Library “has roots in the first parcel map of Sebastopol drafted in 1871.” The first modern use of the land was a schoolhouse, which later became Lincoln Hall, a meeting place, city hall and community center, and in 1916, the page says, “through a Carnegie grant, Sebastopol’s Public Library was built.”
In 1885, the Western Sonoma County Historical Society says, Luther Burbank bought land in Sebastopol and “created his experimental farm where he ultimately produced many of his famous creations.” The City says he introduced over 800 varieties of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains during his career.
Sebastopol was incorporated in 1902, the City says, with schools, churches, hotels, canneries, mills, wineries, and an opera house to its credit.
The 1906 earthquake, the City’s profile says, “reduced most of these early buildings to rubble, but as elsewhere in the county, the town was rebuilt.”
The Society says the cottage at the Burbank farm, first considered the foreman’s dwelling, was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, and that a new cottage was built sometime between 1907 and 1910.
The Petaluma and Santa Rosa Electric Railway Depot was built in 1917 and designed by Brainerd Jones, “noted Petaluma based architect,” the Society says. The railway linked Petaluma and Santa Rosa with Sebastopol and Forestville, the City says, and the Joe Rodota and West County Regional Trails now follow its old line.
The Sebastopol Times says the apple industry reached its peak during World War II.
The Times says Ives Park, the oldest park in town, was founded in the 1940s as a bequest by Catherine Ives of San Francisco, who had enjoyed playing in the area as a child, and that Ives Pool opened in April 1946.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the City’s profile says, the apple industry “struggled to compete with other apple producing regions and gradually declined in its economic significance.”
After the 1969 earthquake, the County Library says, the 1916 library building “was deemed too costly to save”; a new library building went up on the site in 1974, and the library had a major remodel in 2011.
In 1973, the Society says, the Burbank farm was sold to the Sebastopol Area Housing Corporation, which began the Burbank Heights housing complex and agreed to preserve three acres in the northwest corner of the property.
Local historians formed the Western Sonoma County Historical Society in 1974, the City says, to preserve the Burbank legacy. The Society was incorporated in 1978, the year the cottage was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The City says its Community Cultural Center was founded in collaboration with the City in 1982.
The City says restoration of the Burbank cottage began in 1983. The Society and the City restored the railway depot in the 1980s, the West County Museum opened there in 1993 with an exhibit on the railroads, and the depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Sebastopol Center for the Arts was founded in 1988, its history page says, beginning in one small office inside the Chamber of Commerce; it celebrated its grand opening in December 2012 in the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Building.
In the 1990s, the City’s profile says, “several key new businesses were opened, including a multi-plex theater (reborn from an old apple brandy distillery) and two hotels,” and two civic improvements were developed: a Downtown Plaza with downtown streetscape improvements, and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve.
A new General Plan in 1994, the City’s profile says, “set the stage for limited and carefully controlled growth.”
In 1995, the Society says, the City acquired the title to the Burbank farm property and now leases the Farm to the Society for preservation and management.
The City’s Council item creating a committee for the anniversary says Sebastopol “was incorporated in 1902 and will celebrate its 125th Anniversary in 2027.”
Fire safety
Your fire department
The City’s Fire page says, “The Gold Ridge Fire Protection District provides City Fire services.” The City Council gave its final approval on February 4, 2025 to transfer fire and emergency services in the City to the district, no later than July 1, 2025, and the district’s own page lists Sebastopol among the communities it serves.
City pages undated, read Oct 26 2026
The City’s fire hazard severity zone map
The City’s code adopts a fire hazard severity zone map entitled “City of Sebastopol Fire Hazard Severity Zones,” dated February 24, 2025, and says the official map is kept on the City’s website. The City’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones page lists the State Fire Marshal’s local-area map for Sebastopol, a FAQ and a fact sheet. To see where your own address falls, open that map.
Code read in Chrome Oct 26 2026; City page undated, read Oct 26 2026
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Roofs and gutters
Gold Ridge’s fire prevention page, under its Winter list, asks owners to “Clear all leaves and needles from your roof and gutters.” It also asks, “Make sure and have a spark arrestor on your chimney.”
District page undated, footer 2026, read Oct 26 2026
Trees and grass
Under its Summer list, the same page asks owners to keep trees cleared back from the roof and to remove the lower branches of tall trees. Grass must be trimmed.
District page undated, footer 2026, read Oct 26 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter guards
Sebastopol this month
Rainy season: at both of the nearest weather stations, about nine-tenths of the year’s rain falls from November through April.
The Sebastopol blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
The West County Museum
The museum, in the town’s old railway depot, is free and open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – 2 pm, its page says. It shows local history with rotating exhibits and holds more than 8,000 donated photographs. More in The story of Sebastopol, below.
Museum’s page, hours as printed, read Oct 26 2026 (refresh before use)
The Luther Burbank Experiment Farm
The Historical Society calls the Farm “A historical and botanical park preserving the experiments of Luther Burbank. Free and open daily to the public, dawn to dusk.” The cottage is open on Wednesday mornings and during special events. More in The story of Sebastopol, below.
Society’s pages, hours as printed, read Oct 26 2026 (refresh before use)
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The Apple Blossom Parade and Festival
The Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce lists “Sebastopol’s 81st Annual Apple Blossom Parade & Festival” for Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25, 2027. The festival’s own page gives the same dates.
Chamber’s home page, which prints the year 2027, read again Oct 26 2026; the festival’s page was read through the reader proxy
The Gravenstein Apple Fair
The Gravenstein Apple Fair’s page lists the next fair for August 7 and 8, 2027, at Ragle Ranch Park, and says Sonoma County Farm Trails has produced the fair since 1973 as its primary annual fundraiser. The City’s parks page calls Ragle Ranch “a 157-acre Sonoma County Regional Park” that adjoins the city.
Fair’s page, which prints the year 2027, read again Oct 26 2026
The Holiday Tree Lighting
The Chamber of Commerce calls its Holiday Tree Lighting “An Annual Event” and lists it for Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm at the Sebastopol Town Plaza, with performances by the Analy Jazz Band and Sebastopol Ballet and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who arrives on a firetruck. The Chamber says it is free.
Chamber’s home page, which prints the year 2026, read again Oct 26 2026
The community apple press
Slow Food Russian River runs a free community apple press at the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm every apple season, the Sebastopol Times says: on weekends, members of the public can bring their apples and make apple juice for free, and the press is open from August through October.
Times article of Sep 10 2026, read Oct 26 2026
Ives Park
The City’s parks page lists Ives Park’s municipal swimming pool, baseball field, playground, theatre stage, grassy fields and picnic areas, and a portion of Calder Creek. More in The story of Sebastopol, below.
Parks page undated, read Oct 26 2026
The apple town
Apples brought the town its early prosperity. More in The story of Sebastopol, below.
Community
Western Sonoma County Historical Society
The Society is a nonprofit founded in 1974 and incorporated in 1978 to save the three-acre remnant of Luther Burbank’s Experiment Farm; it later founded the West County Museum. It is a wholly volunteer organization supported by members and by donations from the public, and its Farm volunteer workday is every Wednesday from 9 AM to noon.
Society’s pages read Oct 26 2026
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center
The City says the Community Center operates out of three City-owned buildings: the Main Event Hall, the Youth Annex and the Garzot Community Building.
Parks page undated, read Oct 26 2026
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Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation
The City’s parks page says the Foundation owns the Laguna Uplands, “a natural open space area” on the western edge of the Laguna, and that its conservation values are protected permanently by an Open Space District conservation easement.
Parks page undated, read Oct 26 2026
City rules and regulations
Re-roofs
A permit and inspections apply to a re-roof. The City’s fee schedule for fiscal year 2026/27 lists a “Residential Re-Roof” permit and says its fees in that section “Include All Applicable Permit Issuance, Inspection, and Internal Plan Check.” The City’s Reroofing Verification Completion Form, for roofing contractors in the Sonoma County Self Certification Reroofing Program, carries a permit number.
Fee schedule fiscal year 2026/27, read Oct 26 2026; the form is revised 10-9-19
The City’s building codes
The City’s code adopts the 2025 California Building Code and the 2025 California Fire Code, each with the City’s amendments.
Code read in Chrome Oct 26 2026
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Where roof water may go
The City’s code says, “No person shall make connection of roof downspouts, areaway drains, foundation drains, or other sources of surface water runoff or groundwater to a sewer service lateral which in turn is connected, directly or indirectly, to a public sanitary sewer.” The City’s March 3, 2026 notice says all stormwater drainage should go to “landscaped areas or stormwater drains.” The City’s sustainability page also says rain barrels can be connected to downspouts, with a design that prevents mosquito infestation.
Code read in Chrome Oct 26 2026; notice dated March 3, 2026
Removing a tree: when a permit is needed
The City’s tree chapter applies to all property in the City, public or private, except public and private utilities. On a property with a single-family or duplex home, no one may remove a tree 20 inches or more in diameter at breast height, measured four and one-half feet above the surrounding grade, “without first obtaining a TRP,” a tree removal permit, unless the code exempts it.
Code read in Chrome Oct 26 2026
Removing a tree: what the code exempts
The code exempts pruning “less than one-third of the tree crown,” and the removal of a tree that the City Arborist, Planning staff or Building Official finds dead or extremely diseased or in a hazardous condition that presents an immediate danger to public safety or property. It also exempts the removal of an escaped exotic; its list begins with acacias, tree of heaven, plume albizia, eucalyptus, tamarisk, poplars and Monterey pine.
Code read in Chrome Oct 26 2026
Removing a tree: how to apply
The City says, “Tree Removal Permits can now be filed online through our permit portal,” and that “For small tree removal projects the project may be just reviewed by Planning Staff.” Its April 6, 2026 news item on the tree survey says the full Design Review Board will “review and recommend updates to the tree protection rules for the Council to decide on,” so check the current rule before you plan.
Tree page undated, read Oct 26 2026; news item dated April 6, 2026
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Storms, flood and drainage
Where the storm drains go
The City’s storm water page says “The majority of the City’s storm drain system flows in an easterly direction” and “discharges into the Laguna de Santa Rosa along our eastern boundary,” while “A small area in the westerly portion of the City drains to Atascadero Creek.” These are the street’s drains, not roof gutters.
City page undated, read Oct 26 2026
Where the City says flood risk is highest
The City’s Housing Element says, “The City contains land within the 100-year floodplain. Areas near the Laguna de Santa Rosa and along Atascadero Creek are at the highest flood risk locally.”
Housing Element read Oct 26 2026
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The Laguna
The City’s request for engineering help of May 2025 says, “The City of Sebastopol has a long history of persistent flooding, with numerous flood disaster declarations associated with flood damage along the Laguna de Santa Rosa.” The City’s parks page says that in heavy rains the Laguna flows south “carrying floodwaters away from the Russian River.”
City documents read Oct 26 2026
Calder Creek
The same request asks for “special attention to Calder Creek in the Ives Park area that causes significant flooding along Highway 116 and the surrounding area near the Sebastopol Post Office Annex.”
City document read Oct 26 2026
Sandbags
In a post dated December 21, 2025, the City’s Public Works Department said it offers free sand and sandbags to Sebastopol residents, who “may pick up sand and sandbags sunrise to sunset in the city parking area to the rear of the Sebastopol Youth Annex.” Residents fill the bags themselves, and “The maximum number of bags per resident is 25.”
City post dated December 21, 2025; page re-read Oct 26 2026 20:17, no newer post found
Check the flood map for your address
The City’s Resources page for flood and earthquake information has a link headed “FEMA SEBASTOPOL MAP LINK” and says, “Follow the Online Tool link to find Flood Maps.”
City file undated, read Oct 26 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning
Programs, loans and insurance
County-wide County Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program
The County’s Community Development Commission offers low-interest loans to owner-occupants for repairs on their single-family homes or mobile homes, “throughout the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County and in the city limits of Cloverdale, Cotati, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Sonoma, and Windsor.” The first example on its page is “Leaking roofs.” It is a loan: “To qualify you must be below the Low Income (80% AMI) amount for your household size.” The application packet gives 3% interest for 20 or 30 years and a maximum amortized loan of $100,000 for a single-family house on owned land, and says, “Application approval is subject to funding availability.” Call (707) 565-7501 to find out what repairs are eligible. The page does not say whether the program is taking applications now, so call first.
County page read Oct 26 2026; packet’s income table effective June 1, 2025
Private Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program
The City’s Sewer Lateral Grant Program “provides financial assistance to property owners for the replacement of their private sewer lateral”; if eligible, owners in the city limit “could receive up to $2,500 for replacement of their private sewer lateral, depending on funding availability at the time of application.” The City says old and leaky laterals are “often a significant source of rainwater infiltration and inflow” in winter. Grants go first come, first served, an owner needs at least three bids, and work started before the City’s letter of obligation is at the owner’s own risk and cost. Neither the City’s page nor its application says whether funds remain, so ask the City before you plan on it.
City page undated, read Oct 26 2026; the application’s file name carries 12-21-22
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High-efficiency toilet rebate
The City offers a rebate for qualifying high-efficiency toilets “in the form of a $75 or $150 credit on the water and sewer utility bill of City Residents.” The form says applications are processed until funds are depleted and the program “is subject to change or may end without prior notice.” The form does not say which fiscal year it is for or whether funds remain.
Form undated, read Oct 26 2026
Near Sebastopol Green House Calls
Sonoma Clean Power’s page lists Green House Calls: “Free weatherization and energy saving solutions installed for you,” for residents of Cotati, Penngrove, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Windsor and Santa Rosa. The page adds, “Each program has its own requirements, and rebate amounts may vary. Some offers are income-qualified.” The page does not say who qualifies or whether it is open.
Page undated, read Oct 26 2026
County-wide North Coast Energy Services: free weatherization
North Coast Energy Services, a nonprofit that is “not part of PG&E,” “provides free weatherization and heating repair for renters and homeowners” and serves Sonoma and five other counties. Its page says, “Available to HEAP applicants, both renters and homeowners,” and shows a $0 cost for weatherization. The page names no roof or gutter work.
Page read Oct 25 2026
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance
PG&E’s page says the program can “Improve the energy efficiency of your home at no cost to you” for renters and homeowners in a house, mobile home or apartment at least five years old, with income guidelines “Valid through May 31, 2027.” The page names no county; the City’s utilities page names PG&E as an energy provider for Sebastopol residents.
Pages read Oct 25 2026
County-wide BayREN EASE Home
BayREN’s page says, “BayREN covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing,” with “a customer co-pay capped at 20% of the project cost.” To qualify you must have a household income “under or at 120% AMI” and be a PG&E customer. BayREN’s county contact page lists Sonoma among nine counties. The two pages give the homeowner’s share differently: BayREN’s says a co-pay capped at 20% of the project cost, and Sonoma Clean Power’s says “with your cost capped at $1,000.”
Pages read Oct 25 and Oct 26 2026
Sonoma Clean Power rebates
Sonoma Clean Power, the City’s named electricity provider, says on its Offers and Rebates page, “Receive rebates on cooking, heating & cooling, and water heating upgrades.” The pages read name no roof or gutter program.
Page undated, read Oct 26 2026
County-wide County Flood Elevation Mitigation Program
The County’s Flood Elevation Program “can provide up to 75% of the cost of raising a flood-prone residential structure above the 100-year flood level” for “Any residential structure in Sonoma County that has experienced flood damage”; the owner provides the remaining 25% before construction starts. The page is undated and shows no application window.
County page read Oct 25 2026
County curbside cleanups
Sonoma County Resource Recovery, the City’s hauler, says, “Twice per year, at no charge, residents of Sebastopol can schedule the collection of up to 4 cubic yards of unwanted materials,” with pickups at least 30 days apart; call (707) 795-7470 to schedule. Leaves and twigs go in the green organics container.
Page read through the reader proxy Oct 26 2026
State-wide Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
The California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body, runs Earthquake Brace + Bolt: “your answers will determine if your home qualifies for an EBB retrofit grant of up to $3,000.” A retrofit is “only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes with a raised foundation.” The program’s data lists ZIP code 95472, Sebastopol’s, and marks the program not active; its page says, “Sign Up to be Notified When Registration Opens.”
Program page and data read Oct 26 2026
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
The California Department of Insurance’s release of December 30, 2025 says the California Safe Homes Act is “establishing a new grant program within the Department of Insurance to assist qualifying residents in obtaining new or replacement fire-safe roofs” and fire-safe mitigation measures. The Department’s 2026 press-release index, read on October 20, 2026, lists no Safe Homes item and no application window.
Release of Dec 30, 2025; index read Oct 20 2026; standing check ‘Not open’ Oct 8 2026
Who serves your home in Sebastopol
- Fire: The Gold Ridge Fire Protection District, the City’s Fire page says.
- Water: The City itself, from its own wells: “The City owns and operates its own water production and distribution system. Water is produced via a series of wells located throughout the City.” The City’s sustainability page says its water resources “come solely from groundwater.”
- Sewer: The City collects it, and the City of Santa Rosa treats it: the City “contracts with the City of Santa Rosa Subregional Water Reclamation System for wastewater treatment.”
- Garbage and recycling: Sonoma County Resource Recovery, the City’s trash hauler since July 1, 2025.
- Electricity: Sonoma Clean Power supplies the power and PG&E delivers it and keeps the poles and wires; the City’s utilities page names both as the energy providers for its residents, and Sonoma Clean Power lists Sebastopol among the cities that govern it.
- Gas: Pacific Gas and Electric, whose service-area page lists Sebastopol in its Sonoma County gas territory.
- Storm drains: The City owns and operates a storm water conveyance system, its storm water page says, and adds, “Not all storm water systems in Sebastopol are owned and operated by the City.” That is the town’s drainage system, not roof gutters.
- Schools: The City’s Our Community page lists the Sebastopol Union School District and the West Sonoma County Union High School District under education.
- ZIP code: The City writes its own street addresses with ZIP code 95472, and by the Census Bureau’s 2020 ZIP-area file that ZIP area holds nearly all of the city’s land.
- Permits: The City’s Building and Safety Department. Most applications go through its online Permitting Portal, and the City says, “Applications are not considered submitted until payment is received.”
Useful links: Sebastopol Union School District · West Sonoma County Union High School District · Gold Ridge Fire Protection District · City of Sebastopol: Building and Safety (permits) · City of Sebastopol: Tree Removal Permits · City of Sebastopol: Storm Water · City of Sebastopol: Flood · City of Sebastopol: Fire Hazard Severity Zones · City of Sebastopol: Utilities (water, sewer and trash) · City of Sebastopol: Parks, Trails and Open Space · Sonoma County Resource Recovery (Sebastopol) · Sonoma Clean Power · Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) · Western Sonoma County Historical Society · Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce
The homes of Sebastopol
Sebastopol’s median home was built in 1975. About 57 percent of its homes are detached single-family homes, and about 56 percent of its occupied homes are owner-occupied; the percentages are our own calculations from the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 tables.
Before 1960
Craftsman bungalows and farmhouses
The City’s profile describes its housing as ranging from “100-year-old Craftsman bungalows and farmhouses to modern subdivisions, apartments, and condominiums.” About 29 percent of the homes were built before 1960, our own calculation from the Census Bureau’s tables, and the Housing Element says the town’s apple-industry origins “can be seen today in the City’s historical neighborhoods.”
The South Main area
Historic Victorian residences
The General Plan says the South Main area “includes many historic Victorian residences and a mix of residential and residential-office/commercial conversions.”
1960 to 1999
Most of the homes
About 34 percent of the homes went up between 1960 and 1979, the largest of the Census Bureau’s age groups here, and about 30 percent between 1980 and 1999, our own calculations from its tables.
2000 and later
A small share
About 8 percent of the homes were built in 2000 or later, our own calculation from the Census Bureau’s tables. The Housing Element says only 155 residential units were added to Sebastopol between 2000 and 2020, most of them single-family homes.
National Register listings
Four entries name Sebastopol
The State’s list of historical resources for Sonoma County has four entries that name Sebastopol, all on the National Register: Gold Ridge Farm, Llano Road Roadhouse, the Sebastopol Depot of the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway, and the George A. Strout House.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of Sebastopol
History and character
The City’s profile says the town formed in the 1850s “with a U.S. Post Office and as a small trade center for the farmers in the surrounding agricultural region.”
The County Library’s page says the Sebastopol Regional Library “has roots in the first parcel map of Sebastopol drafted in 1871.” The first modern use of the land was a schoolhouse, which later became Lincoln Hall, a meeting place, city hall and community center, and in 1916, the page says, “through a Carnegie grant, Sebastopol’s Public Library was built.”
In 1885, the Western Sonoma County Historical Society says, Luther Burbank bought land in Sebastopol and “created his experimental farm where he ultimately produced many of his famous creations.” The City says he introduced over 800 varieties of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains during his career.
Sebastopol was incorporated in 1902, the City says, with schools, churches, hotels, canneries, mills, wineries, and an opera house to its credit.
The 1906 earthquake, the City’s profile says, “reduced most of these early buildings to rubble, but as elsewhere in the county, the town was rebuilt.”
The Society says the cottage at the Burbank farm, first considered the foreman’s dwelling, was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, and that a new cottage was built sometime between 1907 and 1910.
The Petaluma and Santa Rosa Electric Railway Depot was built in 1917 and designed by Brainerd Jones, “noted Petaluma based architect,” the Society says. The railway linked Petaluma and Santa Rosa with Sebastopol and Forestville, the City says, and the Joe Rodota and West County Regional Trails now follow its old line.
The Sebastopol Times says the apple industry reached its peak during World War II.
The Times says Ives Park, the oldest park in town, was founded in the 1940s as a bequest by Catherine Ives of San Francisco, who had enjoyed playing in the area as a child, and that Ives Pool opened in April 1946.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the City’s profile says, the apple industry “struggled to compete with other apple producing regions and gradually declined in its economic significance.”
After the 1969 earthquake, the County Library says, the 1916 library building “was deemed too costly to save”; a new library building went up on the site in 1974, and the library had a major remodel in 2011.
In 1973, the Society says, the Burbank farm was sold to the Sebastopol Area Housing Corporation, which began the Burbank Heights housing complex and agreed to preserve three acres in the northwest corner of the property.
Local historians formed the Western Sonoma County Historical Society in 1974, the City says, to preserve the Burbank legacy. The Society was incorporated in 1978, the year the cottage was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The City says its Community Cultural Center was founded in collaboration with the City in 1982.
The City says restoration of the Burbank cottage began in 1983. The Society and the City restored the railway depot in the 1980s, the West County Museum opened there in 1993 with an exhibit on the railroads, and the depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Sebastopol Center for the Arts was founded in 1988, its history page says, beginning in one small office inside the Chamber of Commerce; it celebrated its grand opening in December 2012 in the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Building.
In the 1990s, the City’s profile says, “several key new businesses were opened, including a multi-plex theater (reborn from an old apple brandy distillery) and two hotels,” and two civic improvements were developed: a Downtown Plaza with downtown streetscape improvements, and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve.
A new General Plan in 1994, the City’s profile says, “set the stage for limited and carefully controlled growth.”
In 1995, the Society says, the City acquired the title to the Burbank farm property and now leases the Farm to the Society for preservation and management.
The City’s Council item creating a committee for the anniversary says Sebastopol “was incorporated in 1902 and will celebrate its 125th Anniversary in 2027.”
Sebastopol, roof and gutters
The City’s Housing Element says Sebastopol “is located on the edge of the coastal foothills” and “is largely built out.” Its General Plan lists “the Hills to the West of Sebastopol” among the views to preserve. The City’s storm water page names Zimpher Creek and Calder Creek as “two major creek systems which carry surface water flows” in the town.
Yearly rain is about 34 to 40 inches, by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for the two nearest weather stations: 39.94 inches at Graton and 33.78 at the Santa Rosa airport station. At both, 89.9 percent of it falls from November through April, and December is the wettest month, by our own sums of the stations’ monthly normals.
The City’s tree code names protected native tree species that include valley oak, coast live oak, coast redwood, madrone, California bay, buckeye and bigleaf maple. The City’s parks page puts valley oaks at Tomodachi Park and “a large grove of California Live Oak trees” at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. The Forest Service lists valley oak leaf fall in November and acorns ripening October to November; for coast live oak, an evergreen, “old leaves are shed” as new ones emerge from February to April; and for coast redwood, also evergreen, seed dispersal “begins in late October, with most of the seeds being dispersed from November to February.” Those are descriptions of the species across its range, not measurements in Sebastopol.
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway depot
The railway depot that houses the West County Museum.
Luther Burbank Experiment Farm
A historical and botanical park that the City owns and leases to the Historical Society.
Ives Park
A community park with a municipal pool and part of Calder Creek.
Laguna Wetland Preserve
The City says it is “the only publicly designated natural park in the Laguna.”
Town Plaza
A town square with a gazebo, a fountain, numerous benches and a public restroom, the City says.
Ragle Ranch Regional Park
A Sonoma County regional park just west of the city.
Skategarden Park
A skate park and community garden opened in 2008, with an art wall where anyone can paint.
How we can help in Sebastopol
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
The year in Sebastopol
| April | Apple Blossom Parade and Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25, 2027 |
|---|---|
| July | July is the driest month at both nearest weather stations (0.01 inch at each) |
| August | Gravenstein Apple Fair at Ragle Ranch Park, August 7-8, 2027 The community apple press at the Burbank farm opens for the season (August through October) |
| November | Rainy season: about nine-tenths of the year’s rain falls from November through April (the two nearest stations) |
| December | Holiday Tree Lighting, Thursday, December 3, 2026, at the Town Plaza December is the wettest month at both nearest weather stations |
Sebastopol questions
What Sebastopol homeowners ask us
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Sebastopol?
To replace it, yes: a permit and inspections apply, and the City lists a re-roof permit in its fee schedule. The City’s Building and Safety Department takes applications through its online Permitting Portal. If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
Can my downspouts drain into the sewer in Sebastopol?
No. The City’s code forbids connecting roof downspouts to a sewer service lateral, and its March 3, 2026 notice reminds owners that roof gutters, downspouts and other stormwater drains must not drain into or connect to the sewer. The City says connecting them “allows rainwater to enter pipes that are designed for wastewater from homes and businesses.”
Is my home in a fire hazard severity zone in Sebastopol?
The City adopted a fire hazard severity zone map dated February 24, 2025 and keeps it on its website. The City’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones page lists the State Fire Marshal’s local-area map for Sebastopol. Use that map to check your own address.
Where is the flood risk highest in Sebastopol?
The City’s Housing Element says, “Areas near the Laguna de Santa Rosa and along Atascadero Creek are at the highest flood risk locally.” The City’s Resources page for flood information links a FEMA map for Sebastopol and says, “Follow the Online Tool link to find Flood Maps.”
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Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
Sebastopol neighbourhoods we serve
Downtown
The General Plan calls Downtown “the oldest part of the City.”
The Barlow
The City’s parks page puts Skategarden Park “on Laguna Park Way across from The Barlow.”
Gravenstein Highway
The City’s profile places the town “on Gravenstein Highway (CA-116) and Luther Burbank Memorial Highway (CA-12).”
South Main Street
The General Plan suggests considering a Downtown planning boundary that includes areas such as South Main Street.
Also serving nearby: Santa Rosa · Rohnert Park · Cotati