The County of Sonoma adopted Ordinance #6029 on April 23, 2013 regarding the operation of a taxi business within the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. In order to operate a taxi business, the business must be permitted with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Any person or entity who engages in providing taxi services within the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County shall be required to submit an application for a vehicle and a driver permit or apply for a Certificate of Exemption. All vehicles utilized as taxicabs must be inspected as outlined in this ordinance and all drivers and vehicles must be permitted by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Businesses and drivers already permitted through a city within Sonoma County can apply for a Certificate of Exemption providing that the city’s permit meets or exceeds the requirements of the County ordinance.
Application Requirements:
- Each taxicab business must complete a Vehicle Permit Application with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and be approved in order to operate a business within the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.
- Each vehicle must have a permit issued by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
- Each taxicab driver must complete a Driver Permit Application and have it approved by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
- Businesses already permitted by a city within Sonoma County must complete a Certificate of Exemption request and have it approved by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
If additional forms are needed, they can be accessed online or are available for pick-up in the Sheriff’s Office lobby.
Checks should be made payable to the County of Sonoma and completed applications turned in to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office at 2796 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
The aforementioned, newly adopted County Ordinance #6029 is in effect. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office will provide a 30 day grace period prior to enforcement as a courtesy to allow time for companies to learn about the application process. The first date of enforcement will be on or around September 15, 2014.
Additional information about the Taxicab Services Ordinance and its implementation can be found on the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office website at www.sonomasheriff.org.
