News and Announcements

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Survey - Attention ADU Property Owners!  The County has created a survey to help improve our ADU program. If you own an ADU in Santa Cruz County, please complete our survey on the Accessory Dwelling Units website.
• Online Permitting for “Over-the-Counter” permits
  We are proud to provide this new “Online” permitting process for our Contractors and Homeowners. The website will be available starting on 6/17/2019. This new website will allow you to “Apply for, Pay & Print your Permit Card”, for most of our over-the-counter permits, all online. The typical permits that you will be able to apply for are; Reroof, Electrical service panel change out, Minor electrical changes and alterations, Replacement of the Forced Air Units or Air Conditioners, Minor mechanical changes and alterations, Fireplace inserts, Minor plumbing changes and alterations, Water heater replacements, (Like-for-Like) Window replacements, Sheetrock replacement, and Siding/Stucco replacement, all from the comfort of your home or office. Please follow this link (Click Here) to apply for your Online Account.
• As of March 26, 2019, the County has reached its limit of 250 Hosted Rental Permits. The Hosted Rental Program is full; no additional permits are available at this time.
• Safe Structures Program Has Been Launched.
  This program certifies qualifying unpermitted construction as safe, habitable, and a low priority for code enforcement. Click here for eligibility criteria and an explanation of the program.
• Short-Term Rental Permits Required.
  Short-term rentals are residential rentals less than 30 days. Homeowners must obtain permits to operate Hosted Rentals (short-term room rentals) or Vacation Rentals (short-term whole house rentals). Want more information? Check out the Hosted Rentals and Vacation Rentals websites.
• Interactive ADU Website.
  The County has developed tools to help homeowners make decisions about building Accessory Dwelling Units. Check out the "Basics", Design, and "Financing an ADU" guidebooks, GIS tool, fee and cost estimators, financial assistance programs, and more, all on the Accessory Dwelling Units website!
• ePlan is Here
  Building permit submittals for all commercial projects must be submitted electronically. Residential building permit applications may be submitted in paper form or electronically. See how at ePlan Review.  Questions? Please contact us at bldinfo@co.santa-cruz.ca.us
• Did You Know? ADU Permit Fees Have Been Reduced!
  Starting January 2, 2019, ADUs 640 square feet or smaller do not pay planning permit fees. Use the fee estimator to calculate your savings!

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