Q: Why do I need to submit a Measure O application? 

A: A completed Measure O Eligibility Application must be submitted during a scheduled in-person intake appointment with the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz in order to verify that an applicant's income does not exceed the maximum allowable under the Resolution governing the unit. This may only be done with the concurrence of the property owner/ manager. No pre-qualifying for Measure O is permitted.

Q: How do I submit my Measure O application as of January 2024?

A: Beginning in January 2024 all Measure O Eligibility Applicants must submit their completed application, required documentation, AND the $250 processing fee check during a scheduled in-person intake session at the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz at their new address 2160 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010. All intake sessions will be coordinated by the Housing Authority representative. Applicants will need to complete the application, compile all of the required documentation listed on the application checklist, and then email Elizabeth Hutton from the Housing Authority at elizabethh@hacosantacruz.org to schedule an application intake appointment. Application packets will only be accepted during the scheduled intake appointment. No email attachments will be accepted, and no dropped-off application packets will be accepted.

Q: How do I schedule an intake appointment as of January 2024?

A: If the seller/landlord agrees to consider a potential buyer/renter, the applicant must complete the Measure O application and gather all required documentation. Once gathered, email Elizabeth Hutton, elizabethh@hacosantacruz.org at the Housing Authority to schedule an Application Intake appointment. You must bring the complete application and ALL application items on the CHECKLIST to your appointment at the Housing Authority (address above) along with the $250 processing fee check made payable to the Housing Authority. Please note the check MUST be from the seller or landlord of the property – no checks will be accepted from the applicant, and if ALL required documentation is not present during the intake, the meeting will be rescheduled.

Q: Why do I need the landlord/ property owner's approval to submit a Measure O application?

A: The application includes a letter of referral from the property owner/manager to the Housing Authority requesting that the applicant be verified as income-eligible. The property owner/manager must also pay a $250 application processing fee to the Housing Authority which must be included with the application. The sale/rental cannot move forward until the letter of eligibility from the Housing Authority confirming the buyer/renter is eligible to purchase/rent the unit is received. A buyer's/ renter's eligibility will expire 3 months after the issuance date.

Q: Can the property owner choose to move forward with a Measure O Applicant?

A: The property owner/manager can move forward with an applicant at their discretion, BUT all State Laws including Fair Housing Laws and Local Laws including Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Measure O applicant preferences must be observed when choosing an applicant.

Q: Can the property owner decide to not move forward with my application if I am not completing it in a timely manner?

A: The property owner/manager can decide to not move forward with an applicant at their discretion. Note all State Laws including Fair Housing Laws and Local Laws including Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Measure O applicant preferences must be observed when choosing an applicant.

Q: How does the revised application address VOEs and VODs?

A: The revised application removes the Verification Of Employment (VOE) and Verification Of Deposit (VOD) forms and instead requires 3 months of pay wage statements and banking statements to fulfill the request. Additional statements can be requested at the discretion of the Housing Authority. All sources must be dated within 90 days of application submission. 

Q: What is the difference between Measure O and inclusionary housing?

A: Inclusionary and Measure O are the same thing; Inclusionary relates to the ordinance and Measure O refers to program implementation of the ordinance. Click HERE for overview.

Q: Who can I contact if I have a question?

A: The City of Santa Cruz Housing Team. Please send an email inquiry to housing@santacruzca.gov.