Sonoma Developmental Center

Shaping the future of SDC

From towering redwoods on Sonoma Mountain to the lush wetlands and creeks of the valley, the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) provides a unique habitat linkage for mountain lions, western pond turtles, coyotes, and rare steelhead trout. A recent push for development may put this wildlife corridor at risk.

Advocating for wildlife in a moment of change

Sonoma Land Trust has a long history of advocating for laws, land-use policies and development guidelines to ensure that the tremendous diversity of species in our region can continue to thrive. Our involvement with the Sonoma Developmental Center is no different.

SDC is the last large undeveloped property in the Sonoma Valley wildlife corridor, and we will continue to offer our science-based expertise to state and county decision makers who will shape the future of the campus redevelopment, the siting of a new CAL FIRE Regional Headquarters, and improvements to trails and visitor services for the expanded parklands.

Sonoma Developmental Center Status

Over the past 12 years, Sonoma Land Trust has worked tirelessly with our conservation partners to conduct and share rigorous, science-based research that demonstrates how excessive levels of redevelopment at SDC will cause permanent harm and degradation to local biodiversity and the regionally-significant Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor. This data will inform our continued advocacy for higher standards of environmental review and stronger protections for the Corridor, Sonoma Creek, and the property’s diverse habitats.

Additional Resources & CHRONOLOGY

SDC Site Transformation Study – October 2015

Transform SDC’s comprehensive recommendations on several pathways on how best to utilize the SDC land.

SDC Coalition Land & Water Protection Proposal – February 2019

Recommendations from the SDC Coalition Land Committee on how to ensure the permanent protection of SDC’s open space lands, water resources,and diverse natural habitats by adding over 700 acres of land to Jack London State Historic Park and Sonoma Valley Regional Park.

State of California – Government Code Section 14670.10.5 – February 2020

Legislation that established a framework for planning the future of SDC with a priority on open-space conservation and affordable housing redevelopment on the 200 acre central campus. The law also funded a planning partnership between the California Department of General Services and Sonoma County to develop a Specific Plan for the entire property.

SDC Specific Plan – August 2022

After two years of community meetings, Sonoma County released a draft redevelopment plan that would have allowed up to 1,000 new homes as well as a mix of employment and commercial uses.

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Summary Report – December 2022

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved the SDC Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) with some modifications, but the plan and EIR were immediately challenged in court in early 2023.

Sonoma Land Trust Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Report – September 2022

Sonoma Land Trust provided detailed recommendations advocating for a scaled-back “Historic Preservation Alternative” which required significant modification to the scale and design of the housing and commercial development to expand wildlife corridor, riparian and open space setbacks to ensure that the Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor and natural environment continue to function as a regional habitat linkage for the North Bay.

Superior Court Ruling on SDC Environmental Impact Report – October 2024

A coalition of local organizations and individuals–Sonoma County Advocates for a Livable Environment (SCALE)–filed a successful lawsuit under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that highlighted the many flaws in the County’s environmental review, particularly impacts to wildlife corridors and natural resources.

Eldridge Renewal Housing Development Proposal for SDC Campus – September 2025

The State of California selected a developer team in early 2023 to submit a new application to Sonoma County with a focus on housing. The proposal calls for 990 new homes, 250,000 square feet of commercial space including office, retail, research and development, and a 150-guest room hotel and conference center.

Sonoma Land Trust Comment Letter on Required Scope of Environmental Review – September 2025

In preparation for release of a new EIR, Sonoma Land Trust once again provided detailed comments and recommendations to ensure that excessive and inappropriate levels of development do not negatively affect wildlife habitat, water resources, and wildfire safety, while offering recommendations to protect ecosystems and community health.