Building & Safety

Access Santa Cruz is Live!

Managing building permits in Santa Cruz is now faster and easier. Create your account to access 24/7 self-service tools:

• Submit new applications, revisions, and resubmittals
• Track permit status in real time
• Schedule inspections and view updates
• Pay fees securely online

 Get Started on Access Santa Cruz

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

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)
• Electronic-Submittal-Requirements(PDF, 4MB)
• 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, 316KB)

• AB2533 Plan Requirements(PDF, 479KB)
• AB2533 Substandard Housing Checklist(PDF, 183KB)
• ADU Checklist(PDF, 225KB)

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 business days.

Once Approved: Your plan will be added to the city's public list. The city will only post renderings, elevations, and floor plans, directing 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

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 exact 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

Pre-Approved ADU List

Adore Homes

Model # 09-CM-6482A Plans(PDF, 15MB)
2 Bed, 2 bath | 44’ × 15’2” | 667 sq. ft.

Interested in these preapproved ADU plans? Contact Adore Homes directly for plan use, and site-specific design services.

Email Address: sales@adore-homes.com | Phone Number: (650) 397-2405