Submitting a New Building Permit Application

1. Complete the Building Permit Application form. See Guide to Complete Building Permit Application for information on how to fill out the permit application form.
2. Once complete, email your application to permits@santacruzca.gov. (This step is for submitting the application only, plans are not to be submitted at this step.)
   • The email subject line should read: New Application Project Address Type of Project
     • Examples for Type of Project are as follows: Remodel, Additional, ADU, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Roofing, Tenant Improvement, New Commercial Building, Etc. 

Staff will contact you within 5 - 10 working days with next steps to complete your permit application. Once your application has been reviewed and processed, staff will direct you on how to pay for your application and submit required plans and documents. 

OTC Permits:

Please see the permit application forms found in the "Form" list below for:

• Electrical Main Panel Upgrade
• Residential Water heater Install
• Roofing Permits
• Solar PV & Ess Systems.

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".

Submitting Plan Check Resubmittals

Email permits@santacruzca.gov to request to resubmit; see below for instructions:

• To assist in routing your email to the correct party, please compose the email subject line to include:
  • the permit number(s),
  • the job address, and
  • the words"REQUEST FOR RESUBMITTAL".
• If you are not already listed as a contact for the permit in the City record, please indicate In the body of the email your affiliation with the project. Agents representing the Owner are required to submit a notarized Owner-Agent form to enable them to submit. The form can be found here: Owner-Agent Authorization Form
• If you are  proposing a revision to the scope of the permit, please state that in the body of the email with a detailed list of the scope changes proposed and where the changes are located in the drawing set. Please note that scope revisions made during the permit review process may require new review from other departments who had already approved based on the prior permit scope. Occasionally, Scope Revisions may require a new permit. See "Revising the Permit Scope" for additional information.
• Indicate whether you wish to submit electronic or paper plans. The Building Plans Examiner will typically indicate what format to resubmit in; however, if they don't, these are our recommendations:
  • Currently, all permits are issued with paper plans that are provided by the Applicant once all departments have approved the application
  • Sometimes it can shorten the process to submit hard copies at the last review where:
  • All departments except for Building have approved, and
  • The remaining comments are minor or can be easily redlined by the Building Plans Examiner at the approval stage. Check with your Building Plans Examiner if they have not given you instructions on what format to submit.

Please note: Plans are not to be submitted at this step.

Staff will contact you within 5-10 working days with the next steps to submit your plans.

Submitting Revisions to Permit Scope

Email permits@santacruzca.gov to request a revision to your permit's scope; see below for instructions:

• To assist in routing your email to the correct party, please compose the email subject line to include:
  • the permit number(s),
  • the job address, and
  • the words"REQUEST FOR PERMIT SCOPE REVISION".
• If you are not already listed as a contact for the permit in the City record, please indicate In the body of the email your affiliation with the project. Agents representing the Owner are required to submit a notarized Owner-Agent form to enable them to submit. The form can be found here: Owner-Agent Authorization Form
• Please provide a detailed list of the proposed scope changes(s) and what plan sheets the change(s) are located in the body of the email.
• Please note that scope revisions may require new review from other departments who had already approved based on the prior permit scope.
• Indicate whether you wish to submit electronic or paper plans. 
• Please note that additional fees may be assessed based on the revised permit scope.

Please note: Plans are not to be submitted at this step.

Staff will contact you within 5-10 working days with the next steps to submit your plans.

Important Information Regarding Scope Change

There are occasions where plans need to change during construction or even during the permit review stage of the project. The general policy of our division is to allow permit scopes to be expanded on the same permit provided that the revisions proposed relate directly to the original permit scope (e.g., a revision containing a new second-story addition could not be added to a permit issued for a kitchen remodel). When we have determined  that the revision scope proposed is unreasonable to add to an existing permit, we will request a new permit application for that work.

• Request an Inspection
• Check Inspection Status

GREEN BUILDING FINAL INSPECTIONS

Due to a shortage of personnel within the division, the Final inspections for the Green Building sign-off will be performed by our Building Inspectors. Please contact your inspector for additional information regarding what documentation is required to be provided at that inspection.

Considering legalizing your non-permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

The Building & Safety Division is available to discuss your specific project, including what is needed to gain approval and how older building codes and standards may be considered for non-safety items such as energy compliance.  Read more about Legalizing Your ADU.

 Other Resources:

• ADU Information
• Permitting an ADU: 
  • Follow instructions under Apply for Building Permits, above
  • For Zoning questions, email: planningcounter@cityofsantacruz.com