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Building & Safety

Apply for a Building Permit

Different project types require different permit services. To identify the right permit service for your project, find the project type below that matches your project. Then, click on the bar for additional information, required forms, and directions for applying for your permit. Information on applying for changes to an issued permit and directions for submitting deferred submittals are provided as well.

 

Use the ePlan Review online permit service. 

 

 

Level 1 Charging Stations
Level 1 chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard 120-volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers do not require a permit from the Building Division as long as there are no changes to the electrical system to provide the 120-volt receptacle. Any changes to an electrical system require a permit prior to commencing the work.

Level 2 Charging Stations
Level 2 charging systems require a 240-volt electrical circuit. Level 2 charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the installation. In order to obtain the permit, you will need to provide some basic information demonstrating electrical service capacity for the added load.

Submittals
These EVCS checklists have been developed to help streamline the permit, installation, and inspection process. Complete the appropriate checklist and submit along with application forms, plans, and documents.

 

Use the ePlan Review online permit service. 

 

 

Use the Over-the-Counter (OTC) permit service for projects involving multiple trades with no alteration of walls. Common projects that use the OTC service are re-roofs with no structural changes, window replacements, and kitchen or bath remodels.   If you need assistance submitting a single-trade project that otherwise would be submitted through ePermit because you are a General Contractor holding a B-license, or for any other reason, you may use the OTC service.

** Solar, generator, and electrical vehicle charging system projects are NOT eligible for OTC permits. Except for solar projects submitted using SolarAPP+, these projects must use ePlan Review. Some projects located in the coastal zone appeal jurisdiction area may not be eligible for this type of processing.**

 

Once you have an ePermit account, use ePermit to apply and print your permit. Examples of common ePermits are water heaters, service panel upgrades, siding, mechanical permits, and re-roofs with no structural changes. 

*General Contractors holding a B-license are limited to certain types of ePermits: windows, siding, and sheetrock only, but may use the OTC service for other permit types (see above).*

*Combination mechanical, electrical, plumbing permits, which are often used for kitchen and bathroom remodels, cannot be processed through ePermit. Please schedule an appointment for an OTC permit.*

*For parcels with Code Cases, Service Requests, or a location in a Flood Zone, use the OTC permit service.*

*Solar, generators, and electric vehicle charging stations cannot be processed using ePermit or OTC. Please submit plans using the ePlan Review portal (see above).*

  • No plans required.
  • Create an ePermit account here. Please allow 7-10 days for processing.
  • You will be required to pay online and download your own permit card.
 

SolarAPP+ may be used only by licensed B-General, C-10 Electrical, or C-46 Solar Photovoltaic contractor who are registered and certified by SolarAPP+.  Solar projects not using SolarAPP+, must be submitted through ePlan Review (see above). Please visit our Solar APP+ website for more information about this program, including information on eligible project types.

What are the steps for using SolarAPP+?

1.    Register for a SolarAPP+ account (scroll to the bottom) and complete the certification process. You will need to provide your contractor license information for each jurisdiction in you which you operate. 

2.    Submit your project to SolarAPP+ for approval. Once approved, you will receive your Approval Document and SolarAPP+ approval ID which you then submit to the County’s ePermit system.

3.    Create a County ePermit account if you do not already have one.

4.    In ePermit, submit SolarAPP+ Approval Document electronically, pay the required fee, and ePermit will issue your permit. For step-by-step guidance, please use the County of Santa Cruz SolarAPP+ Online Permitting (ePermit) Manual.

5.    Once your project is installed, schedule your  inspection.

 

Changes to issued building permits are submitted through ePlan Review. Changes to existing permits can be allowed when the construction change does not require changing the overall project description and when the project is in the inspections stage. Projects which are already completed, cannot use this process. Construction changes are strictly limited to changes that are within the original scope of work. Work that exceeds the original scope of work must be applied as a new permit. 

Changes to issued building permits are submitted in the way:

  1. Go to the ePlan website and click the “Create Project” at the top of your page.
  1. Select “Building” from the dropdown menu and type-in an appropriate name.
  1. Select “CCD – Construction Change Document” from the dropdown menu.
  1. Create a new APP file that includes:
  • PLG-230 as the cover page.
  • PLG-205 as the application form. Please reference the old permit number in the top corner, and clearly list all the new changes in the scope of work (items removed, added, etc.).
  • Make sure this file is bookmarked, fit to page, no layers, etc.
  1. Create a new PLN file that includes:
  • Only the sheets that have changes. You do not need to submit the entire set, only the affected pages.
  • Make sure the files are bookmarked, fit to page, no layers, and meet these minimum sizes:
    • 11" x 17" mininum sheet size for solar, generator, and battery projects; and
    • 18" x 24" minimum sheet size for all other project types.
  1. Create a new SUP file (if necessary) that includes:
  • PLG-235 must be the cover page.
  • Only include the sheets that have changes. You do not need to submit the entire set, only the affected pages.
  • Make sure this file is bookmarked, fit to page, no layers.
  • NOTE: if you are not changing anything in the SUP file, there is no need to upload anything.

 

Deferred Submittals are defined as portions of the design that are not submitted for review at the time of the initial permit application. Common deferred submittals include solar photovoltaic systems, prefabricated roof trusses, prefabricated stairs, and mechanical duct layout, to name a few.

Deferred submittals are submitted online utilizing the ePlan Review portal:

  1. Go to the ePlan website and log-in.
  • Click the “Create Project” at the top your page.
  • Select “Building” from the dropdown menu and type-in an appropriate name.
  • Select “DEF – Deferred Submittal” from the dropdown menu.
  1. Create a new APP file that includes:
  • PLG-230 as the cover page.
  • PLG-206 as the Deferred Submittal Form.  Please reference the original issued permit number in the top right corner, and clearly identify the deferred submittal items and relevant information.
  • NOTE: for roof trusses, please have the engineer of record review and provide a stamped letter as part of the uploaded SUP (supplemental) files.
  • Make sure this file is bookmarked, fit to page, no layers, etc.  Please review the ePlan user guide for more information. 
  1. Create a new PLN file (if necessary) that includes:
  • Only the new sheets related to the deferred submittal.
  • Make sure the files are 18x24 min, bookmarked, fit to page, no layers.
  • NOTE: Solar applications can be 11x17.
  1. Create a new SUP file (if necessary) that includes:
  • PLG-235 as the Supplemental Document Index.
  • Make sure to check the appropriate boxes for items included, or add to the lines provided. 
  • All sections should be bookmarked, fit to page, no layers.  Please review the ePlan user guide for more information.

Questions? 

If you have questions about which permit service is right for your project or the submittal requirements for your project, please email our staff or make an appointment.