Current Planning

The Current Planning Division administers various City regulations concerning the physical development of the community.

Duties include:

• Answering zoning questions by email or by phone at (831) 420-5416
• Maintains and updates the Current Cumulative Project List
• Reviewing proposed businesses and issuing zoning clearances for permitted uses
• Reviewing development plans submitted for building permits for compliance with the zoning code
• Reviewing land use applications such as use permits, variances, coastal permits, design permits, historic alteration and demolition permits, tentative parcel and tract maps, etc.
• Preparing staff reports with findings and conditions to present before the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and City Council
• Conducting environmental reviews and coordinating environmental compliance activities of other city departments
• Preparing recommendations for zoning code amendments
• Attending neighborhood meetings to help answer questions/concerns over zoning issues or project details
• Investigating complaints regarding violations of zoning, housing, and property maintenance requirements and securing property owner compliance
• Monitoring conditions of approval and mitigation measures

Access Santa Cruz is Live!

Managing planning applications in Santa Cruz is now faster and easier. Create your account to access 24/7 self-service tools at Access Santa Cruz. 

• Submit new applications, revisions, and resubmittals
• Track application status in real time
• Pay fees securely online

Need help getting started? Visit santacruzca.gov/aboutaccesssantacruz for more information. 

The following standard lists of required application materials are provided for your information.

The final list of required materials for non-SB330 projects will be included in the application form prepared by your planner and may include additional reports and forms depending on the characteristics of the site and structure(s), such as archeological, biological, hazardous material, and historic.

• Standard List of Required Materials(PDF, 471KB)
• SB 330 Preapplication List of Required Materials(PDF, 122KB)
• Stormwater Checklist(PDF, 97KB)

Planning an event? Please review the below permitting requirements to determine if permits are needed prior to your event. The table is divided into two sections for entertainment with and without alcohol service. The City Noise Regulations apply to all events.

City of Santa Cruz Event Permitting Requirements Handout(PDF, 230KB)

Over-the-Counter Sign Permit Process

The city is implementing a trial Sign Permit process that would allow for the same-day issuance of Sign Permits. The program would require hardcopy materials and is estimated to take 25-30 minutes to fully process at the counter.

1. Important: Refer to the GIS map to determine if the property is within any of the plan areas listed below. If so, the requirements in the area plan will supersede the requirements in the Zoning Ordinance if they are in conflict. Criteria are linked below.
2. Carefully review the sign criteria. Complete applicable checklists and print.
   • If you have questions on how to apply criteria or on which criteria are applicable to your project, please contact the Planning Counter at 831-420-5416 in advance of submitting the application.
3. Review the Typical Building Permit requirements memo.
4. Complete the Sign Permit Application Form. Print form.
5. Prepare the application packet. All required materials are listed in the Application Form.
   • All materials must be submitted in a hardcopy format. Digital submittals will not be accepted for the over-the-counter pilot program.
   • All required information listed in the application packet must be noted on the plans. Plans must be printed to 11" x 17".
6. Bring your packet to the Planning Counter.
   • Location: 809 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
   • Hours: Mon -Thurs, 7:30 am - 11:30 am
   • *At sign-in, please indicate your name and the words "Sign Permit" in the Name field (Example: John Smith -Sign Permit). The counter planner should prioritize this visit. Feel free to remind the planner if they don't acknowledge you next.
7. The applicant may decide to have the building department or public works department review the plans. If so, please visit the respective department's public counters prior to application submittal.
8. Fees: Payment will be required prior to receipt of permit.
   • The City of Santa Cruz will accept the following forms of payment: Check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
   • Typical Building Permit Requirements for Signs(PDF, 174KB)
   • Sign Permit Application Form(PDF, 441KB)

Sign Permit Criteria: Zoning Ordinance criteria apply to signage in all districts but are superseded by regulations in associated area plans if in conflict.

• Zoning Ordinance(PDF, 199KB)
• Downtown Plan Area (Central Business District - CBD)(PDF, 183KB)
• Eastside Business Improvement Area(PDF, 131KB)
• Mission Street Urban Design Plan(PDF, 158KB)
• Ocean Street Area Plan(PDF, 139KB)

Refer to the GIS map and layers to determine if the property is within any of the above-plan areas.