Building & Safety

Submitting a New Building Permit Application

Submitting a New Building Permit Application

1. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Building Permit Application(PDF, 353KB) form.
   → Refer to the Guide to Complete Building Permit Application(PDF, 133KB) for detailed instructions on how to fill out the form accurately.

2. Email Your Application: Once completed, email your application and project plan set to planreview@santacruzca.gov.

   • Subject Line Format: The subject line of your email must follow this format: New Application - [Project Address] - [Type of Project]

   • Examples of "Type of Project" include: Remodel, Addition, ADU, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Roofing, Tenant Improvement, New Commercial Building, etc.

3. Include Complete Submittal:  Include all construction documents intended for review when you submit your application.

After submission, our staff will contact you within 7-10 working days with the next steps to complete your permit application process.

To help us best serve your needs, please use the appropriate email address for your specific request:

• General Inquiries:
  For questions about building codes, inspection scheduling, permit requirements, or other general information, please contact: Bcounter@santacruzca.gov
• Over-the-Counter Permits:
  For straightforward, over-the-counter permit applications such as reroofs, water heater replacements, and similar projects, please use: Permits@santacruzca.gov
• Plan Submittals:
  For submitting building plans, plan revisions, and supporting documentation that require plan review, please contact: Planreview@santacruzca.gov
  •  See the updated Electronic Submittal(PDF, 122KB) handout for guidelines and instructions.

Tips for Efficient Service

• To avoid processing delays, please direct your inquiry to the most appropriate email above.
• Attach all relevant documents and include your project address or permit number, if available.
• Inquiries sent to the incorrect inbox may result in slower response times.

If you are unsure which email to use, contact our general inquiries address, and staff will direct your request to the appropriate division.

Submitting for a Solar Permit

The City of Santa Cruz has partnered with SolarAPP+ to streamline the permitting process for residential rooftop solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems. This innovative platform automates the design review process, ensuring compliance with California building, electrical, and fire codes. By utilizing SolarAPP+, many residents can now obtain permits quickly and efficiently.

For all eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our SolarAPP+ webpage.

For projects that do not meet the SolarAPP+ eligibility criteria, please submit a standard building permit application using the process outlined in the section above labeled: "Apply for Building Permit".

Submitting Plan Check Resubmittals

 To resubmit; see below for instructions:

• Email planreview@santacruzca.gov and include the following:
• Subject Line: To ensure your email is routed correctly, the subject line must include the permit number(s), the job address, and the phrase "REQUEST FOR RESUBMITTAL".
• Attachments: Include all revised plans, supplemental documents, and your responses to any previous comments.

• If you are not already listed as a contact for the permit in the City record, please indicate In the body of the email your affiliation with the project. Agents representing the Owner are required to submit a notarized Owner-Agent form to enable them to submit. The form can be found here: Owner-Agent Authorization Form(PDF, 200KB)

Submitting Revisions to Permit Scope

If you need to clarify or change the scope of work while your project is still under Building plan review (before permit issuance):

• Submit a Narrative Cover Letter form(PDF, 2MB) with the updated coversheet, any affected plan sheets and applicable documents to planreview@santacruzca.gov

The coversheet must:

• Clearly summarize the scope change(s) or need for clarification.
• List all amended plan sheets, using clouds/deltas to indicate where each change occurs.
• Attach the “Scope Clarification & Change Request” form with your submittal.
• Do not resubmit a full set of plans unless specifically requested by staff.

Submitting a Revision After Permit Issuance

If your project has already received a permit and you need to revise your approved scope:

• Submit a Narrative Cover Letter form(PDF, 2MB), plan and applicable documents to planreview@santacruzca.gov
• In your request, describe each revision in detail and reference the specific plan sheets affected.
• Revised plans and coversheet must:
  • Clearly identify the revision (include revision date and delta description).
  • Cloud and delta every change on the relevant sheets, which must be listed and summarized on the coversheet.
• Staff will follow up within 5-10 working days with instructions for submitting updated plans, as review timelines may vary based on the complexity of the scope change.

Submittal of Deferred Items

If you are submitting deferred submittal items (components intentionally left out of the original submission for later review):

• Send the deferred item package (including coversheet clearly identifying deferred items and respective details) to planreview@santacruzca.gov.
• The coversheet must state:
  • “Deferred Submittal”
  • List of all deferred items, details, and corresponding plan sheets.
• Attach the appropriate city form for deferred submittals.

Important Process Information

• Plans and coversheets must explicitly state in the title block whether this is a clarification, change to scope, revision, or deferred submittal, for accurate tracking and processing during review.
• Scope expansion is only allowed if the proposed change is directly associated with the original permit work. For example, a new second-story addition cannot be added to a permit originally issued for a kitchen remodel. If a requested change is not reasonably related to the initial scope, city staff will direct the applicant to apply for a new permit.
• Additional fees may be assessed depending on the revised or expanded scope.
• Plans will not be accepted until staff has reviewed your request and provided further submittal instructions.
• Staff will confirm receipt of your request and follow up with the next steps typically within 5-10 working days.

Contact and Authorization

• If you are not an existing project contact, describe your affiliation in the email.
• Agents of the owner must submit a notarized Owner-Agent Authorization form with their request.
• For all requests (scope clarification/change, revision, deferred item), use the most current city form and direction as found on the City of Santa Cruz website.

Are you looking for a streamlined, lower-cost process to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?

The City of Santa Cruz is now participating in a CA state mandated pre-approved ADU program. Assembly Bill No. 1332 requires each local agency, by January 1, 2025 to develop a program for the preapproval of accessory dwelling unit plans. Assembly Bill 1332 Information.

Designers/Architects/Professionals

If you are a looking to participate in a pre-approved ADU plan submittal with the City of Santa Cruz, please use the building permit application provided in the section above titled "Apply for a Building Permit".

• Please complete and submit a building permit application to permits@santacruzca.gov or
• Submit an email to bcounter@santacruzca.gov requesting additional information on this process.
• Once the application is received, the submittal instructions for the proposed pre-approved plan will be provided to you within 5-10 days from the permitting staff.

Once Approved

When your plan is reviewed and determined to be in compliance with the adopted triennial California Building Standards Code, currently 2022 CBC/CRC, it will be added to our growing list of pre-approved ADU plans for the public to choose from. We will only post architectural renderings or elevations and floor plans. Applicants will be instructed to contact the designer of the specific model type to obtain the complete set of plans for building permit application submittal.

Please note: Plans for detached ADU's that have been either previously approved by this agency or approved by other agencies in the state under the current triennial code cycle may also be submitted.

Property Owners

• Standardized construction plans that are pre-approved by the city enable a streamlined (30-day review) and lower cost permitting process in accordance with CA Assembly Bill 1332 and CA Government Code 65852.27.
• A Contractor or builder usually handles the permitting process due to state legislation that allows properties with ADU's to be non-owner occupied. However, the owner of the property should work closely with the contractor or owner's agent to assure the correct and most appropriate plan is chosen that fits their needs and property limitations.
• Consultation is highly recommended with the Current Planning Division of the Planning and Community Development Department prior to submitting the building permit application to verify correct zoning regulations can be met.
• You will be required to submit the following items for approval of a building permit:
  • A site-specific plan that shows the setbacks and location of the preapproved ADU.
  • The site plan shall also include all other previously approved structures, swimming pools/spas on the subject parcel and utilities from point of origin to termination at the proposed ADU e.g., sewer, water and electrical.

Preapproved ADU List - Coming Soon!

At this time, no plans have been preapproved by the City of Santa Cruz. Refer to this webpage for updates or reach out to the City's Building and Safety/Planning webpage with any questions.

The preapproval of any plans does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the City of Santa Cruz. Contact information will be listed on the website alphabetically, with no ranking.

• Accessory Structure (Shed) Handout (PDF, 138KB)
• Do Window Replacements Require a Building Permit?(PDF, 355KB)
• Electronic Submittal Requirements(PDF, 122KB)
• Energy Efficient Renovation Requirements for Major Residential Additions and Alterations Form(PDF, 77KB)
• Energy Efficient Renovation Requirements for Major Residential Additions and Alterations Guide(PDF, 77KB)
• Extension Request Form(PDF, 90KB)
• Kitchen Remodel Checklist(PDF, 267KB)
• Permit Transfer, Withdrawal Form(PDF, 103KB)
• Residential Bathroom Remodel(PDF, 598KB)
• Roof Mounted, Suspended Equipment Anchorage(PDF, 107KB)
• Siding Repair Worksheet(PDF, 364KB)
• Single-Family NEC Electrical Load Calculations(PDF, 138KB)
• Swimming Pool & Spa Requirements(PDF, 351KB)

• Change to Scope - Revision Information(PDF, 108KB)
• Change to Scope/Revision/Deferred Submittal Form(PDF, 2MB)
• Fillable Building Permit Application(PDF, 353KB)
• Owner Builder Form(PDF, 141KB)
• Owner-Agent Approval Form(PDF, 200KB)
• Plan Review Requirements for Commercial/ Multi- Family Structures(PDF, 170KB)
• Plan Review Requirements for Residential Construction(PDF, 209KB)
• Residential Submittal Checklist(PDF, 134KB)
•  WUI Roofing Requirements(PDF, 215KB)

• Accessibility Compliance Cost Documentation & Hardship Exemption Request(PDF, 210KB)
• Alternate Means Forms(PDF, 196KB)
• CO and Smoke Affidavit(PDF, 180KB)
• FEMA A-99 Flood Hazard Zone Declaration(PDF, 126KB)
• Fuel Gas Diagram Requirements(PDF, 1MB)
• Plan Review Target Dates & Review Timeframes(PDF, 104KB)
• Seismic Restraint Ordinance Worksheet(PDF, 164KB)
• Soils Report Exemptions(PDF, 112KB)
• Special Inspection Forms(PDF, 591KB)

AB2533 Plan Requirements(PDF, 827KB)

AB2533 Substandard Housing Checklist(PDF, 970KB)

ADU Checklist(PDF, 206KB)

For additional Green Building resources, visit the Green Building page.

• EV Charging System Checklist - SCMC 18.06.075(PDF, 121KB)
• Expedited Solar PV Requirements Checklist(PDF, 84KB)
• Sample Documents for EVSE Permit Application Submittal(PDF, 3MB)

• 2022 Energy Code Residential Mandatory Measures(PDF, 414KB)

• Contractor Early Start Request Form - Building(PDF, 129KB)