Building & Safety

Submitting a New Building Permit Application

1. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Building Permit Application(PDF, 394KB) 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 permits@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 2-4 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

• All Permit Applications:
  To streamline the submission process for all projects, please use the following single email address for all permit applications, plan submittals, plan revisions, and supporting documents, please contact permits@santacruzca.gov

•  See the updated Electronic Submittal(PDF, 727KB) handout for guidelines and instructions.

Tips for Efficient Service

• Attach all relevant documents and include your project address or permit number, if available.

• 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".

We are transitioning to a Consolidated Comment Review to simplify your correction process.

• What to expect: Instead of receiving multiple notifications from different departments, you will now receive one complete package containing all comments once the entire review cycle is finished.
• Why it helps: Having all requirements at once gives you the "full picture," allowing you to address every correction at the same time and avoid overlapping work.

How to Resubmit

When you are ready to submit your revisions, please email permits@santacruzca.gov with the following:

• Subject Line: To ensure your email is routed correctly, you must include the permit number(s), the job address, and the phrase "REQUEST FOR RESUBMITTAL".
• Attachments: Include all revised plans, supplemental documents, and your written responses to all previous comments.
• Affiliation: If you are not already listed as a contact for the permit in the city record, please indicate your affiliation with the project in the body of the email.
• Note for Agents: Agents representing the Owner are required to submit a notarized Owner-Agent Authorization Form(PDF, 153KB) to enable them to submit on the owner's behalf.

Information on Submitting Change in Scope, Revisions or Deferred Items

All requests must include:

1. Clarification of Work: Change in Scope, Revisions or Deferred Items form
2. Revised Coversheet

For accurate tracking and review processing, please attach additional documents if specified below; and update the coversheet to include the following information.

1. Clearly identify the type of work being requested:
   • Change in Scope - Request is made PRIOR to permit issuance, while project is still under building plan review
     • Change in Scope requests require an updated complete plan set
   • Revision - Request to revise your approved scope AFTER permit issuance
   • Deferred item(s) - Components intentionally left out of the original submission for later review
     • Deferred Submittal requests require the deferred item package
2. List all amended plan sheets
   • Include clouds/deltas to indicate where each change occurs

Important Information

• If you are an agent of the property owner, you must provide a notarized Owner-Agent Authorization form.
• For those who are not listed as contact on the existing project, please describe your affiliation in the body of the email.
• Please submit your completed documents to permits@santacruzca.gov.
• City staff will confirm receipt of your request and will follow up with additional information as needed.

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, 176KB)
• Contractor-Agent Authorization Form(PDF, 76KB)
• Do Window Replacements Require a Building Permit?(PDF, 407KB)
• (PDF, 302KB)Energy Efficient Renovation Requirements for Major Residential Additions and Alterations Form(PDF, 323KB)
• (PDF, 77KB)Energy Efficient Renovation Requirements for Major Residential Additions and Alterations Guide(PDF, 100KB)
• Extension Request Form(PDF, 103KB)
• Fuel Gas Diagram Requirements(PDF, 1MB)
• Owner Builder Form(PDF, 173KB)
• Owner-Agent Approval Form(PDF, 102KB)
• Permit Transfer, Withdrawal Form(PDF, 90KB)
• Roof Mounted, Suspended Equipment Anchorage(PDF, 130KB)
• Siding Repair Worksheet(PDF, 363KB)
• Single-Family NEC Electrical Load Calculations(PDF, 138KB)
• Swimming Pool & Spa Requirements(PDF, 574KB)
• WUI Roofing Requirements(PDF, 608KB)

• Change to Scope - Revision Information(PDF, 946KB)
• Change to Scope/Revision/Deferred Submittal Form(PDF, 946KB)
• Electronic Submittal Requirements(PDF, 727KB)
• Fillable Building Permit Application(PDF, 394KB)
• Kitchen Remodel Checklist(PDF, 1019KB)
• Plan Review Requirements for Commercial/ Multi-Family Structures(PDF, 156KB)
• Plan Review Requirements for Residential Construction(PDF, 1MB)
• Residential Bathroom Remodel(PDF, 153KB)
• Residential Submittal Checklist(PDF, 243KB)

• Accessibility Compliance Cost Documentation & Hardship Exemption Request(PDF, 98KB)
• Alternate Means Forms(PDF, 217KB)
• CO and Smoke Affidavit(PDF, 74KB)
• FEMA A-99 Flood Hazard Zone Declaration(PDF, 274KB)
• Plan Review Target Dates & Review Timeframes(PDF, 59KB)
• Seismic Restraint Ordinance Worksheet(PDF, 135KB)
• Soils Report Exemptions(PDF, 112KB)
• Special Inspection Forms(PDF, 739KB)

• AB2533 Plan Requirements(PDF, 1005KB)
• AB2533 Substandard Housing Checklist(PDF, 181KB)
• ADU Checklist(PDF, 208KB)

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

• EV Charging System Checklist - SCMC 18.06.075(PDF, 108KB)
• Expedited Solar PV Requirements Checklist(PDF, 81KB)
• 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)