Building & Safety

Stage 1: Submitting a New Building Permit Application

To initiate a new project, please submit a complete application package via email.

• Complete the Form: Fill out the Building Permit Application(PDF, 448KB). For detailed instructions, refer to the Guide to Complete Building Permit Application(PDF, 133KB).
• Compile Submittal Documents: Include all construction documents intended for review at the time of submission.
• Email Submission: Send your application and plan set to permits@santacruzca.gov.
• Subject Line Format: The subject line must follow this exact format:

New Application - [Project Address] - [Type of Project] (Examples of Project Type: Remodel, Addition, ADU, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Roofing, Tenant Improvement, New Commercial Building, etc.)

• Timeline: City staff will contact you within 2–4 working days with the next steps to complete your permit application process.

Stage 2: Resubmitting Plans During Review

If you need to submit responses to plan check comments during the review process, please email permits@santacruzca.gov with the following components:

• Subject Line: To ensure correct routing, you must include the permit number(s), the job address, and the phrase "REQUEST FOR RESUBMITTAL".
• Required Attachments: Include all revised plans, supplemental documents, and your written responses to all previous comments.
• Project Affiliation: If you are not already listed as a project contact in the city record, please clarify your affiliation with the project in the body of the email.
• Agent Authorization: Agents representing the property owner must submit a notarized Owner-Agent Authorization Form (PDF, 306KB) to submit on the owner's behalf.

Stage 3: Requesting Post-Submission Changes, Revisions, or Deferred Items

Use this process to submit a Change in Scope, Revision, or Deferred Item. All requests under this stage must include a completed Clarification of Work form, an updated coversheet listing all amended sheets, and clouds/deltas on the plans indicating where each change occurs.

Please identify your specific request type on the coversheet and provide the required tracking documents below:

• Change in Scope (Prior to Issuance): Request made while the project is still under active building plan review. This request requires an updated, complete plan set.
• Revision (After Issuance): Request to revise your approved scope of work after the permit has already been officially issued.
• Deferred Item(s): Components intentionally left out of the initial submission to be reviewed at a later date. This request requires the submission of the full deferred item package.

Submission Note: Submit these completed documents to permits@santacruzca.gov. If you are an agent, a notarized Owner-Agent Authorization form is required. If you are not a listed project contact, please describe your affiliation in the body of the email . staff will confirm receipt and follow up with additional information as needed.

Handouts

•  2022 Energy Code Residential Mandatory Measures(PDF, 414KB)
• Accessory Structure (Shed) Handout(PDF, 176KB)
• Commercial Submittal Requirements(PDF, 108KB)
• Do Window Replacements Require a Building Permit?(PDF, 407KB)
• Energy Efficient Renovation Requirements for Major Residential Additions and Alterations Guide(PDF, 100KB)
• Energy Efficient Renovation Requirements for Major Residential Additions and Alterations Form(PDF, 323KB)
• Fuel Gas Diagram Requirements(PDF, 1MB)
• Residential Additions Remodel Submittal Checklist(PDF, 129KB)
• Residential Bathroom Remodel(PDF, 451KB)
• Residential Kitchen Remodel(PDF, 1MB)
• Residential Submittal Requirements(PDF, 117KB)
• Roof Mounted, Suspended Equipment Anchorage(PDF, 130KB)
• Siding Repair Worksheet(PDF, 363KB)
• Single-Family NEC Electrical Load Calculations(PDF, 138KB)
• Soils Report Exemptions(PDF, 583KB)
• Swimming Pool & Spa Requirements(PDF, 574KB)
• WUI Roofing Requirements(PDF, 608KB)

Forms

• Accessibility Compliance Cost Documentation & Hardship Exemption Request(PDF, 98KB)
• Alternate Means Forms(PDF, 217KB)
• Building Permit Application(PDF, 448KB)
• Change to Scope/Revision/Deferred Submittal Form(PDF, 946KB)
• CO and Smoke Affidavit(PDF, 74KB)
• Contractor Early Start Request Form(PDF, 129KB)
• Contractor-Agent Authorization Form(PDF, 76KB)
• Extension Request Form(PDF, 103KB)
• FEMA A-99 Flood Hazard Zone Declaration(PDF, 274KB)
• Owner Builder Form(PDF, 177KB)
• Owner-Agent Approval Form(PDF, 306KB)
• Permit Transfer, Withdrawal Form(PDF, 90KB)
• Seismic Restraint Ordinance Worksheet(PDF, 135KB)
• Special Inspection Form(PDF, 306KB)

• AB2533 Plan Requirements(PDF, 275KB)
• AB2533 Substandard Housing Checklist(PDF, 174KB)
• ADU Checklist(PDF, 258KB)

Solar & EV Charging Permits

The City of Santa Cruz uses SolarAPP+ to automate and speed up the permitting process for residential rooftop solar and energy storage systems. This platform automatically reviews designs to ensure compliance with California building, electrical, and fire codes.

• To Apply: Visit our SolarAPP+ webpage to check eligibility requirements and start your application.
• Standard Submissions: If your project does not qualify for SolarAPP+, please submit a standard building permit application following the steps in the Building Permit Application, Resubmittal, and Revision Guidesection above.

• EV Charging System Checklist (SCMC 18.06.075)(PDF, 108KB)
• Expedited Solar PV Requirements Checklist(PDF, 84KB)
• Sample Documents for EVSE Permit Application Submittal(PDF, 3MB)

Every residential, commercial, and industrial unit requires its own individual address within the City. If your project requires a building permit application, do not fill out the form below. The addressing review will be routed during the building permit process, and addressing review fees will be added to the cost of the building permit and collected prior to building permit issuance.

If you are requesting an address, not associated with a building permit, please fill out the Addressing Request Application Form  and email Rina Zhou directly at rzhou@santacruzca.gov. The addressing review fee will be collected prior to issuance of the addressing notification letter. The addressing review fee is calculated based on an hourly rate, with a minimum of one hour. Please be advised that the City does not assign addresses to vacant lots without the submittal of a building permit application to construct a building on that lot. 

Pre-Approved ADU Program (AB 1332)

In accordance with California Assembly Bill 1332, the City of Santa Cruz offers a pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program to provide a streamlined, 30-day review process and lower-cost permitting for detached ADUs.

For Designers & Professionals

• How to Submit a Plan for Pre-Approval: Submit a standard building permit application to permits@santacruzca.gov. 

• Timeline: Once received, staff will provide detailed submittal instructions within 2-4 days.

• Once Approved: Your plan will be added to the city's public list. The city will only post renderings, elevations, and floor plans, instructing applicants to contact you directly to obtain the full plan set. Plans previously approved by Santa Cruz or other California agencies under the current California Building Standards Code cycle are also eligible.

For Property Owners

• Pre-Approved ADU List: Coming Soon! No plans are pre-approved yet. Check this webpage for updates. The city does not endorse or rank any listed designers.

• Getting Started: While a contractor or builder usually handles the permitting, owners should work closely with them to select the right plan. We highly recommend consulting with the Current Planning Division before applying to verify zoning compliance.

Application Requirements: To build a pre-approved ADU, you must submit a site-specific plan showing:

• Setbacks and the location of the pre-approved ADU.
• All existing approved structures, swimming pools, or spas on the parcel.
• All utility lines (sewer, water, and electrical) from their point of origin to the ADU.