Planning & Economic Development

Planning & Economic Development provides a wide range of development services to the community, developing long range plans for the growth of Santa Rosa and reviewing development proposals for consistency with those plans.

Building Division

The Building Division reviews building permit applications for compliance with State and local building codes (structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and energy efficiency) and provides inspection services for all building related construction.

Economic Development

The Economic Development Division provides assistance with business needs such as starting or expanding a business, finding a site, or connecting with other City services; and administers a tourism marketing campaign called "Santa Rosa: Out There. In the Middle of Everything."

Engineering Development Services

The Engineering Development Division reviews development proposals to ensure that streets and utilities are designed to meet all applicable design standards, codes and regulations. The division also inspects the construction of approved public improvement plans and oversees subdivision grading and all construction within the existing and future public right-of-way.

Planning Division

The Planning Division is responsible for both current and long range planning. The Development Review team provides information on land use, zoning and site development standards and processes applications for land use permits and land divisions. The Advance Planning team performs a variety of long range planning activities, including development and administration of the City’s General Plan.

Public Art

The City’s Public Art program strives to enrich civic life, give voice to Santa Rosa’s unique creative spirit and galvanize the city’s reputation as an arts destination.

News Flash

City Launches Santa Rosa Forward, Seeks Input for General Plan Update

Plan update will include an emphasis on health and equity thanks to grant boost from Kaiser Permanente Read on...
Sonoma County to Restart Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine

Sonoma County joins the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Solano and the City of Berkeley in the Bay Area in immediately lifting the pause and resuming administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Additional Info...
Homeless Services Update: Motel Rooms to Phase Out with Vaccines and Shelter Bed Space Now Available

The City will begin phasing out the use of motel rooms for homeless community members in late April 2021, following vaccine availability and bed space open at new Shelter Annex. Read on...
Sonoma County Achieves Key Milestone With 400,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered to Residents

As of today (4/20/21), more than 400,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to eligible Sonoma County residents, a milestone that also means 60% of eligible residents have received at least one dose and two in five are now fully vaccinated. Additional Info...
City of Santa Rosa Reopens Some Public Counters Following County’s Entry to Orange Tier

The City of Santa Rosa continues to operate under limited conditions due to the current coronavirus public health crisis; but has expanded services and operations in some areas following Sonoma County’s entry into the orange tier earlier this month. Read on...
Sonoma County Offices to Reopen for In-Person Service

Most Sonoma County gov. offices will reopen for limited walk-up service starting 4/19. While several County offices remained open during the pandemic, the expanded reopening is due to the decrease of COVID-19 cases & the County moving to the orange tier. Additional Info...
Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Hospital & La Luz Opening Vaccination Clinic in Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Sonoma Valley Hospital, & La Luz Center are working in partnership with the County of Sonoma to open a new vaccination clinic serving residents in and around the Boyes Hot Springs and Agua Caliente in Sonoma Valley. Additional Info...
Sonoma County Statement on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause

On behalf of the SoCo Dept. of Health Services, the County of Sonoma issued the following statement from Dr. Urmila Shende, the County’s Vaccine chief, concerning the FDA’s recommendation to “pause” the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Additional Info...
Sonoma County to Move to Orange Tier on Wednesday, April 7

After just three weeks in the red tier within California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Sonoma County will move into the less restrictive orange tier beginning on Wednesday, April 7. Additional Info...
Sonoma County Welcomes Increase in COVID Vaccine Supply

Sonoma County has received a significant increase in COVID vaccines from the state, including a shipment of Johnson & Johnson doses specifically for the County’s effort to distribute the vaccine equitably to the most vulnerable communities. Additional Info...
Sonoma County Emergency Rental Assistance Program to Launch on April 19

The County of Sonoma will begin providing support to households impacted by COVID-19 through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) starting on April 19. The program will provide payment assistance for tenants who are behind on rent and utilities. Additional Info...
Sonoma County Supervisors Appeal to State for Additional Vaccines

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Saturday, 3/27, sent the following letter to state health leaders appealing for an increase in vaccines for Sonoma County "so that we can continue to support our community in an equitable and transparent way." Additional Info...
Sonoma County Reaches Another Milestone With 25 Percent Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

One in every four Sonoma County residents 16 years of age and older are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 282,000 vaccine doses have been administered to Sonoma County residents so far (as of 3/29/21). Additional Info...
County of Sonoma Launches Effort to Vaccinate Individuals Who Are Homebound for Medical Reasons

The County of Sonoma has arranged to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to adults 16 years of age and older who are homebound for a variety of medical reasons and have difficulty getting to a clinic. Read More...
State Expands Vaccine Eligibility to 50+ Californians Starting 4/1 and All Individuals 16+ on 4/15

The state is expanding vaccine eligibility to more Californians. Starting April 1, individuals aged 50+ will be eligible to make an appointment, and individuals 16+ will be eligible to make an appointment to be vaccinated starting on April 15. Additional Info...
Sonoma County, Santa Rosa Community Health Partner In Opening Roseland Vaccination Clinic

As part of a county objective to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to the most vulnerable and underserved communities, Sonoma County and Santa Rosa Community Health are partnering to open a new vaccination clinic in Roseland. Additional Info...
Bay Area Health Officers’ Statement About COVID-19 Vaccines

"As local health officers, we fully support all three currently available vaccines for COVID-19. All three vaccines are safe and have been shown to be highly effective at preventing symptomatic illness and hospitalization." Additional Info...
Sonoma County Schools Allowed to Reopen With Red Tier Status

The County of Sonoma and Sonoma County Office of Education announced that all schools serving grade levels from TK-12 are eligible to reopen for in-person instruction based on Sonoma County meeting the criteria for the less restrictive red tier. Additional Info...
COVID-19 Update - Sonoma County Moving to Red Tier

Sonoma County, including all of Santa Rosa, will be moving from the most restrictive purple tier for COVID-19 into the red tier beginning on Sunday, March 14 at 12:01 a.m. Additional Info...
Call for Food Vendors: Bennett Valley Golf Course Food Truck/Food Booth Days Pilot Program

Food vendors and booth operators have an opportunity to serve the estimated 150-300 golfers per day and the many Santa Rosa residents who frequent nearby Galvin Community Park. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2021. Read on...
Public Art Program Announces Exhibition and Award Recipients for 18th Annual National Arts Program

The public is invited to view this year’s exhibition—on display through April 30, 2021—by going to InsideOutThere.com/National-Arts-Program Read on...
Sonoma County Reaches 100,000 Vaccine-Dose Milestone, Shifts Priority to 65+ Beginning Monday, 2/22

Thanks to a multi-agency effort over the past two months, Sonoma County has now administered more than 100,000 vaccine doses to county residents, resulting in more than one in five residents over the age of 16 having received at least one dose. Additional Info...
Call for Artists: Fifth Street Parking Garage Public Art

The City of Santa Rosa Public Art Program is seeking an artist or team of artists to design, fabricate, and install site-specific public art for the southwest exterior wall of the Fifth Street Parking Garage. Deadline to submit qualifications is March 15. Read on...
When Vaccination is Your Destination Ride Fare-Free

Santa Rosa CityBus, in coordination with Sonoma County Transit (SCT) and Petaluma Transit (PT), are now offering fare-free rides to vaccination appointments Read on...
Supervisors Strengthen Protections Regarding Evictions and Sick Leave During the Pandemic

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted two urgency ordinances to support Sonoma County residents who may have access to fewer resources during the pandemic. Additional Info...
Sonoma County Keeping Pace With Other California Counties in Rollout of Vaccinations

In partnership with health care providers, Sonoma County has now provided at least one dose of vaccine to 15% of adult population, including nearly 50% of residents 75 years and older, Supervisors and Department of Health Services leaders announced today. Additional Info...
Revised State Guidance Allows SoCo TK-6 Grades to Apply for In-Person Learning With Safety Plan

County of Sonoma & Sonoma County Office of Education announce that recent guidance under CA's Safe Schools for All Plan allows Sonoma County schools serving grade levels TK-6 to be eligible to return to in-person learning w/ approved COVID-19 Safety Plan. Additional Info...
Sonoma County to Open Three New Vaccination Centers

Three new vaccination centers will open within the next eight days in Sonoma County, serving residents 70 and older, bringing to 19 the number of clinics being supported this week by vaccines from the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services. Additional Info...
Board of Supervisors Approves Funding for Expanded Vaccination Plan

The Board of Supervisors recently approved the allocation of funds for the next phase of the County’s COVID-19 Vaccination Response plan, as laid out by the county Department of Health Services. Additional Info...
County of Sonoma Announces Plans to Vaccinate Those Age 70 and Older

On Friday, 2/5, the County of Sonoma announced plans to vaccinate those 70 and older starting Monday at county-supported clinics and Safeway pharmacies. Additional Info...
Reopening Sports, Gyms and Limited Services Safely in the Purple Tier

The state’s industry guidance page has been updated for three sectors: youth and adult recreational sports, gyms and fitness centers, and limited services. Read on...
Sonoma County Reaffirms Commitment to Vaccinate Seniors 75 and Older

Sonoma County officials reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the County’s most vulnerable population (those 75 and older) in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations by announcing new opportunities for seniors in this age group to schedule appointments Additional Info...
Sonoma County’s Regional Stay-Home Order Lifted

The California Department of Public Health today lifted the Regional Stay-Home Order for the 11-county Bay Area region, including Sonoma County, effective immediately. Sonoma County will remain in the purple tier under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Read on...
Sonoma County to be 1 of 4 California Counties to Take Part in OptumServe Pilot Vaccination Program

Under the pilot program, OptumServe, known for operating COVID-19 testing sites, will begin administering vaccinations at a clinic to be set up at the Rohnert Park Community Center starting on Wednesday, Jan. 27, for County residents ages 75 and above. Read on...
Sonoma County Supervisors Announce Vaccination Rollout is Ramping Up

Sonoma County’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts are kicking into high gear with five clinics now activated throughout the County and at least two more planned for the coming weeks, Sonoma County supervisors announced today. Read on...
Dr. Urmila Shende Named as COVID-19 Vaccine Chief for Sonoma County

In her role as Vaccine Chief, Dr. Shende will be responsible for implementing the vaccine distribution strategy, coordinating vaccine administration, & interfacing with health care leaders & other stakeholders as part of the countywide vaccine response. Additional Info...
Sonoma County Partners with Safeway for Vaccination Clinics

Sonoma County has partnered with Safeway to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to County health workers and, eventually, the broader public. Additional Info...
Sonoma County’s Regional Stay-Home Order Extended

State public health officials extend Stay-Home Order for the Bay Area region, including Sonoma County. Restrictions remain in place until the state’s four-week projections of the Bay Area’s total available ICU bed capacity is greater than or equal to 15%. Read on...
County of Sonoma Increases COVID-19 Testing Opportunities With Addition of New Sites & Mobile Events

The County of Sonoma continues to ramp up COVID-19 testing, particularly in the neighborhoods most impacted by the virus. Additional Info...
Small Businesses May Apply for a COVID-19 Relief Grant Starting Dec. 30

Applications must be submitted from December 30, 2020, to January 8, 2021. Non-profits are eligible. Read on...
Pfizer COVID vaccine arrives in Sonoma County

Two boxes of the vaccine, containing a total of 1,950 doses, arrived at the County’s Public Health Lab on Chanate Road shortly before 9 a.m. today. Three other boxes were taken directly to local hospitals. In all, the County received 4,875 doses. Additional Info...
City Approves Artist for Permanent Installation in Courthouse Square

Blessing Hancock’s sculpture “Unum” Selected Read on...
City Expands Areas Mobile Food Trucks Can Operate Starting January 1

The City ordinance greatly expands where and how mobile food vendors can operate on private property in the City, including areas zoned for commercial, mixed-use, shopping centers, car lots, and industrial areas, and more. Read on...
Joint Statement of the Bay Area Health Officers

COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed following federal, state framework. Additional Info...
Downtown Santa Rosa Parking Fee Waivers Extended

The reduced-price parking options will extend through June 30, 2021 or when Sonoma County reaches the Yellow Tier under the State's COVID restrictions. Read on...
Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19

The order addresses a variety of issues in response to the pandemic, including extending the availability of housing for migrant agricultural workers, tax extensions for small businesses and updating Cal/OSHA requirements related to quarantine guidelines. Additional Info...
Governor Newsom Launches “Vaccinate All 58” Campaign based on Safety and Equity

Front-line health care workers and residents of long-term care settings first to be vaccinated as first COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrive in CA. Broad distribution to happen in months, with California prioritizing essential workers and the most vulnerable Additional Info...
Stay Home Order Effective at End of Day Friday (12/11)

Residents are directed to stay at home except for work, shopping, or other essential activities allowed by the State’s Regional Stay Home Order. All sectors other than retail and essential operations must be closed. Outdoor recreation will be allowed. Additional Info...
Governor Newsom Announces New Regional Stay-At-Home Order

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today (12/3) a new regional-focused effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as well as assist hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. Read on...
Governor Newsom Announces Immediate Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Assistance includes temporary tax relief to support businesses impacted by COVID-19, $500 million in new COVID-19 Relief Grant funding for small businesses, and an additional $12.5 million added to the California Rebuilding Fund. Read on...
County Expands Role of On the Move in Providing COVID-19 Community Assistance, Financial Support

The County of Sonoma has expanded eligibility criteria for emergency COVID-19 financial assistance and has allocated additional funding to local nonprofit On the Move for dissemination of financial support to local residents. Additional Info...
Sonoma County Issues Guidelines on Temporary Tents & Canopies for Outdoor Dining/Business Operations

New Sonoma County guidelines for outdoor dining structures, such as tents and canopies, have been published and help to clarify the requirements for meeting both fire protection measures and COVID-19 safety needs. Read on...
Safe Social Distancing Program Completed, Community Invited to Provide Input at Dec. 7 Meeting

Closure of the Safe Social Distancing Program (SSDP) in the parking lot at Finley Community Center is completed and a virtual community meeting is scheduled for December 7 to help evaluate the program. Read on...
State Issues Limited Stay at Home Order to Slow Spread of COVID-19

This is the same as the March Stay at Home Order, applied only between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day and only in purple tier counties, which includes Sonoma and 40 other counties statewide. It will be in effect from November 21 through December 21. Additional Info...
City to Restore Homeless Shelter Bed Capacity to Pre COVID-19 Levels

An emergency shelter expansion project is taking form at Sam Jones Hall Homeless Shelter to restore bed capacity at the shelter. Read on...
Sonoma County Joins 8 Bay Area Counties with Recommendations for Safer Holidays

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services today joined health officers from eight Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley in issuing joint recommendations, including gatherings and travel. for staying safe during the holidays. Additional Info...
Temporary Power Pole Removal Scheduled for Areas of Coffey Park

Updated on 11/5: Temporary power poles will continue to be removed by PG&E on Nov. 7 and 8. Read on...
CARES Emergency Rental Assistance

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved CARES funding for short-term emergency rental assistance for low-income tenants and landlords. Read on...
Sonoma County Adopts Enhanced Program to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission & Supporting The Most Impacted

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed a suite of actions to support those most negatively impacted by the spread of coronavirus including those in low-income, essential worker and Latinx communities. Additional Info...
County Expands Testing Opportunities for Residents Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19

The effort is part of new County Department of Health Services initiative to address COVID-19 disparities, particularly within Latinx and indigenous communities in Sonoma County, and to reduce overall community spread. Read on...
Celebrate Halloween Safely with Rec & Parks

Recreation & Parks offers Halloween activities in accordance with new COVID-19 Halloween guidelines. Read on...
County of Sonoma Provides Guidance for Safe Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Activities

With Halloween and Dia de los Muertos quickly approaching, residents reminded to plan ahead and celebrate safely by avoiding gatherings Additional Info...
City Playgrounds Open, Play It Safe – Follow Precautions!

The City of Santa Rosa has reopened all City playgrounds following direction from the California Department of Public Health. COVID-19 precautions are required. Read on...
Bell Ringing Ceremony

Members of the Santa Rosa Fire Department Honor Guard will ring a ceremonial bell at 7:30 a.m. on 10/9 to honor the lives lost in Sonoma County during the October 2017 Wildfires. Read on...
Health Order Amendment

Sonoma County's Health Officer amends Health Order following changes to state framework for reopening. Read on...
Nail Services and Physician-Ordered Electrolysis Allowed to Reopen Indoors

Nail services and physician-ordered electrolysis may now be performed indoors, per a change in state guidelines made yesterday, 9/22. Read on...
Update on Efforts to Address Encampment at Fremont Park

Read about ongoing efforts to address homelessness at Fremont Park and across the City. Read on...
Barber Shops, Hair Salons and Malls Allowed to Reopen in Sonoma County

Barber shops, hair salons and malls in Sonoma County will be allowed to resume indoor operations with modifications on 8/31 due to revised health orders. Read on...
City Council Passes Local Urgency Ordinance

City Council approves an urgency ordinance authorizing administrative enforcement of the public health Orders in Santa Rosa. Read on...
School of Rec: Distance Learning Camp & Care

Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks offers the School of Rec – Distance Learning Camp & Care —a full day, distance-learning and recreation program hosted at City community centers and parks. Sign up soon, fall session begins August 24. Read on...
Stay Safe Santa Rosa

See some of the ways to more safely enjoy this summer and fall in Santa Rosa during COVID-19. Read on...
Serving Santa Rosa During COVID-19

Even though most City of Santa Rosa facilities may be closed to the public, City staff are working around the clock to maintain essential City services. Read on...
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food & Fund Drive

Make a donation to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food & Fund Drive now through July 22 at SRCity.org/FoodDrive Read on...
Most City of Santa Rosa Public Counters Closed Thru August 2nd

Services Remain Available Online, By Phone, or By Appointment Read on...
Additional Business Restrictions Implemented by State

New state restrictions in place for indoor business operations and activities in Sonoma County due to rising coronavirus cases Read on...
New Business Restrictions Beginning Tomorrow

Effective tomorrow (7/13), new restrictions will be in place for some businesses due to rising Sonoma County coronavirus cases. Read on...
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Virtual Food Drive and Donation Station

The City of Santa Rosa is once again teaming up with the Redwood Empire Food Bank to host another food donation drive—online and in-person! Read on...
Update on City Actions to Resolve Encampments

City to activate its Homeless Encampment Assistance Program to address encampments creating health and safety hazards in the Corporate Center Parkway area Read on...
Santa Rosa Launches Unique Online Marketplace

InsideOutThere.com brings together local merchants, makers and artists. Read on...
NEW Expanded Sidewalk and Parklet Seating Programs for Santa Rosa Restaurants

The City is now allowing restaurants to use sidewalks and streets to expand outdoor dining. Read on...
New Shelter-in-Place Health Order Aligns County With State

New Health Order adopts and incorporates State Orders and Guidance, as well as requires compliance with County specific individual and business mitigation measures. Read on...
Health Order Issued 6/5 Expands Access to Recreation & Parks

See what recreational opportunities and activities are becoming available for our community! Read on...
More Business Operations and Community Activities Allowed with Mitigation

New Health Order issued allowing more business operations and activities in the County, including the City of Santa Rosa. Read on...
Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Announces Modified Summer Camps to Meet COVID-19 Precautions

Sign up now for summer camp experiences for children 7-10. Limited space is available for these fun programs that follow CDC and Sonoma County health precautions. Sessions begin June 15! Read on...
Curbside Pickup

To support our downtown businesses, the City is creating temporary short term parking spaces for fast and easy curbside pickup for customers. Read on...
Parks Access Expanded in Amended Parks Order

Parks Order amended allowing Sonoma County residents, including Santa Rosans, to now access Sonoma Coast parks and trails for lower-risk recreation and exercise activities. Read on...
Congratulations, Class of 2020!

While you may not be crossing the stage this year, we all applaud this accomplishment and wish you every success in the future. Read on...
SRPD’s Role in Enforcing the Health Officers Orders within Santa Rosa City Limits

A Message from Chief Rainer Navarro Read on...
Shelter-in-Place Order Amended to Expand List of Businesses Allowed to Operate

Outdoor dining, additional retail, and some business services allowed to reopen with social distancing protocols in place. Read on...
Safe Social Distancing Program Update

The City of Santa Rosa is taking steps to protect individuals experiencing homelessness and our community as-a-whole from further spread of COVID-19. Read on...
COVID-19 Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants

Starting Monday, May 18, California Human Development will begin connecting undocumented individuals in Sonoma County to disaster relief assistance. Read on...
Virtual Permitting Services

From concept to project completion, online permit application services for all land-use planning and construction activities is now offered. Read on...
Watch the Replay: Virtual Community Meeting

More than 460 residents tuned in on May 14th to learn more about the Finley Parking Lot Safe Social Distancing Site, and the meeting replay is now online Read on...
Amended Parks Order Allows for Some Expanded City Parks Access and Amenities

Good news for lovers of recreation and parks! Santa Rosa residents may now enjoy certain park amenities either solo or with other household members at some City parks close to their homes. Read on...
Shelter-in-Place Order Amended to Allow Further Business Reopening

The Sonoma County Public Health Officer has amended the Shelter-in-Place Order to allow additional businesses to operate with health safety modifications, effective May 15, 2020. Read on...
Some City Park Amenities to Reopen Following Amended Park Closure Order

Revised Parks Closure Order eases some restrictions on parks usage; City working to implement opening more local park amenities in next 24-48 hours Read on...
Virtual Community Meeting: Implementation of Safe Social Distance Site in Finley Parking Lot

City staff to answer community questions during Zoom meeting planned for 5/14 at 6 p.m. Read on...
A Message from Mayor Tom Schwedhelm

Mayor Tom Schwedhelm discusses Sonoma County Health Officers's modified Shelter-in-Place Order and the modified parks closure Order. Read on...
A Message from the Police Chief (3.30.20)

Santa Rosa Police Chief Rainer Navarro discusses two additional COVID-19 positive test results for employees of the Santa Rosa Police Department. Read on...
Statewide Shelter-in-Place Order in Effect

Issued by Governor Newsom, the order establishes consistency across jurisdictions and defines essential services in the state. Read on...
Projects to be Installed for Fire Response – Round Two

The City of Santa Rosa Public Art Program is excited to announce the installation of five temporary projects selected for Fire Response – Round Two. Read on...
Industrial Lift Truck Use In City Right of Way

Encroachment permits required for lift trucks in the public right of way beginning 6/1. Read on...
Accessory Dwelling Units

The City of Santa Rosa is preparing an amendment to the Zoning Code to facilitate the construction of accessory dwelling units on single-family residential parcels in compliance with new state law.
Permit Santa Rosa

The City of Santa Rosa recently launched Permit Santa Rosa, on which you can review permit activity on an interactive map, apply for permits, schedule inspections, and explore our data portal.

Contact Us

Physical Address
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Room 3
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Phone: 707-543-3200

--Counter Hours--
M / T / Th: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (No new permit applications are accepted after 3:30 p.m.)
W: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (No new permit applications are accepted after 3:30 p.m.)
F: 8 a.m. to noon (No new permit applications are accepted after 11 a.m.)

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