The Development Section of Public Works is responsible for ensuring that new development projects, both commercial and residential, comply with all applicable regulations and provide the necessary public infrastructure improvements including, but not limited to: streets, sidewalks, storm drainage and sanitary sewers, trash enclosures, alleys, streetlights, and landscape strips along frontages.
Our goal is to work closely with Developers, Architects, Contractors and Property Owners to provide them with a thorough, accurate, and timely review and inspection of their projects and offer guidance when needed to help bring projects to fruition.
Private Development and Public Right-of-Way Requirements
The following document includes information to facilitate understanding and compliance with Public Works requirements for the development on private property in the City and for work in the public right-of-way that may be under the department's jurisdiction.
Private Development and Public Right-of-Way Requirements [PDF]
Subdivision Requirements [PDF]
Temporary Encroachment Permit
Temporary encroachment permits are required for projects when temporary occupations of portions of the public right-of-way are approved by the Public Works Department for construction staging purposes (such as construction fencing, signs, equipment, materials, etc.). This over-the-counter permit costs $200 and requires special commercial liability insurance.
See “Temporary Encroachment Permit Application Form”
Encroachment Permit
Encroachment permits are required for semi permanent encroachments in the right of way for things like fences, awnings and building projections. These permits are subject to the approval of the City Council and require a $300 application fee. An encroachment permit requires special commercial liability insurance.
See “Encroachment Permit Application Form”
Residential Building Projects
New Construction, Additions and Remodels
Trash Enclosure Requirements
The Public Works department has new design guidelines for trash enclosures to comply with our Best Management Practices for the City's Storm Water Management Program.
Refuse Container Storage Facility Standard Design Policy [PDF]
Storm Water Requirements
State and federal storm water regulations require development and remodeling projects in the City to incorporate design standards and Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to reduce storm water pollution and minimize the potential for erosion. The City developed mandatory BMPs, based on the minimum design standards from Attachment 4 of the State of California General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (State Storm Water General Permit), in order to reduce storm water pollution from development and remodeling projects.
Low Impact Development (LID) design BMPs are also included so that, once developed or redeveloped, a site may retain and infiltrate as much rainwater as possible - ideally comparable to the predevelopment conditions. Both pollution prevention and LID BMPs should be addressed during the project’s initial planning process to ensure that they are incorporated into a project’s design from the beginning.
Storm Water Best Management Practices for Development and Redevelopment_Nov 2012 Update
All new development and redevelopment projects must fill out a Storm Water and LID Checklist Form for Development and Remodel Projects
For practical and eco-friendly ways to protect your property and the environment from the effects of storm water runoff, please click on the link below for the brochure "Slow it. Spread it. Sink it! A Homeowner's Guide to Greening Stormwater Runoff" which was published by the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County. Home Drainage Guide
More information can be found on the City's Storm Water Development and remodeling information page.