The Current Planning Division administers various City regulations concerning the physical development of the community.

Duties include:

• Answering zoning questions by email or by phone at (831) 420-5416
• Maintains and updates the Current Cumulative Project List
• Reviewing proposed businesses and issuing zoning clearances for permitted uses
• Reviewing development plans submitted for building permits for compliance with the zoning code
• Reviewing land use applications such as use permits, variances, coastal permits, design permits, historic alteration and demolition permits, tentative parcel and tractmaps, etc.
• Preparing staff reports with findings and conditions to present before the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and City Council
• Conducting environmental reviews and coordinating environmental compliance activities of other city departments
• Preparing recommendations for zoning code amendments
• Attending neighborhood meetings to help answer questions/concerns over zoning issues or project details
• Investigating complaints regarding violations of zoning, housing, and property maintenance requirements and securing property owner compliance
• Monitoring conditions of approval and mitigation measures

Planning an event? Please review the below permitting requirements to determine if permits are needed prior to your event. The table is divided into two sections for entertainment with and without alcohol service. The City Noise Regulations apply to all events.

City of Santa Cruz Event Permitting Requirements Handout

NEW Over-the-Counter Sign Permit Process

The city is implementing a trial Sign Permit process that would allow for the same-day issuance of Sign Permits. The program would require hardcopy materials and is estimated to take 25-30 minutes to fully process at the counter.

1.  IMPORTANT: Refer to the GIS map to determine if the property is within any of the plan areas listed below. If so, the requirements in the area plan will supersede the requirements in the Zoning Ordinance if they are in conflict. Criteria are linked below.
2. Carefully review the sign criteria. Complete applicable checklists and print.
   • If you have questions on how to apply criteria or on which criteria are applicable to your project, please contact the Planning Counter at 831-420-5416 in advance of submitting the application.
3. Review the Typical Building Permit requirements memo.
4. Complete the Sign Permit Application Form. Print form.
5. Prepare the application packet. All required materials are listed in the Application Form.
   • All materials must be submitted in a hardcopy format. Digital submittals will not be accepted for the over-the-counter pilot program.
   • All required information listed in the application packet must be noted on the plans. Plans must be printed to 11” x 17”.
6. Bring your packet to the Planning Counter.
   • Location: 809 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
   • Hours: Mon -Thurs, 7:30 am – 11:30 am
   • *At Sign-In, please indicate “Sign Permit” under Reason for Visit. The counter planner should prioritize this visit. Feel free to remind the planner if they don’t acknowledge you next.
7. The applicant may decide to have the building department or public works department review the plans. If so, please visit the respective department’s public counters prior to application submittal.
8. Fees: Payment of $420.82 will be required prior to receipt of permit.
   • The City of Santa Cruz will accept the following forms of payment: Check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Typical Building Permit Requirements for Signs

Sign Permit Application Form

Sign Permit Criteria: Zoning Ordinance criteria apply to signage in all districts but are superseded by regulations in associated area plans if in conflict.

• Zoning Ordinance
• Downtown Plan Area (Central Business District – CBD)
• Eastside Business Improvement Area
• Mission Street Urban Design Plan
• Ocean Street Area Plan

Refer to the GIS map and layers to determine if the property is within any of the above-plan areas.

The City of Santa Cruz offers three preliminary review options for project applications:

1. SB330 Preliminary Review: This review vests a project to the standards in effect when submitting a complete application.
2. Preapplication Review: This allows all relevant city departments to review the development before a formal application and provide specific feedback.
3. SB330 Preliminary and Preapplication review: A SB330 Preliminary and Preapplication Review.

To apply, please complete the application form linked to your chosen process and then the online Application Inquiry form. The Planning Department will guide you on uploading the application form and paying the required fees to formalize your application.

Submitting a New Application

Please contact a City Planner prior to submitting an application. You can speak with a City Planner to discuss your project and determine if permits are required. Planners are available by:

• In Person: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 11:30 am
• By Email:  planningcounter@santacruzca.gov
• By Phone: (831) 420-5416

If a City Planner determines that permits are necessary:

1. Complete the Online Planning Application Inquiry.
2. Once submitted, your application is sent to the Current Planning Division for assignment.
3. The assigned planner will contact you within 2-working days to discuss your application, cost estimates, and next steps, including what is required for your submittal. 

The following standard lists of required application materials are provided for your information. The final list of required materials for non-SB330 projects will be included in the application form prepared by your planner and may include additional reports and forms depending on the characteristics of the site and structure(s), such as archeological, biological, hazardous material, and historic.

• Standard List of Required Materials
• SB 330 Preapplication List of Required Materials
• Stormwater Checklist

All new development applications proposing multifamily housing (anything from a duplex to a mixed-use multifamily development) are now subject to the Objective Design Standards for Multifamily Housing. Your planner can work with you to determine the standards that are applicable to your project.

Submitting Revisions

If you have revisions to submit, please connect with your assigned planner to submit revisions. Revisions should first be coordinated with the planner before electronic revisions are provided. 

Feedback on Evolving Processes

Submitting permits electronically is a new and evolving process for us while we adapt to new circumstances due to COVID-19. We appreciate your patience while we navigate this new territory. Please direct any constructive criticism regarding new processes to planningcounter@cityofsantacruz.com.

New Businesses:

Step 1: For a detailed description of the permitting requirements for a new business and new business resources, please visit the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development site at www.choosesantacruz.com/resources/steps/permit/planning

Step 2: Apply Online at MyCityofSantaCruz.com

Visit MyCityofSantaCruz, our new online portal, to complete your new business license application and zoning clearance. 

Already have a Business License? Changing Ownership or Location? 

This section applies to people who already have a business license and need to make changes.

1. Change in Ownership: Complete Sections 1 and 3 in the applicable zoning clearance form.  
2. Location Change OR Changes in Use
   • New Use: Complete Sections 1, 2, and 3.
   • Location Change (No change in use.): Sections 1 and 3
3. Email your completed form to planningcounter@cityofsantacruz.com.

Forms

• Zoning Clearance - Commercial Use Form: Your business is in a commercial location within City limits.
• Zoning Clearance Commercial Use - Food Truck Form
• Home Occupancy Form: You conduct business from your home within City limits.
• Zoning Clearance FAQ

Extension of Commercial Use Permits

Given past business operation restrictions and closure requirements, as well as the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have been forced to close temporarily or have made the difficult decision to close permanently. The City of Santa Cruz adopted a resolution by the City Council to support recovery citywide. For information on the resolution, as well as all Economic Development Tools for businesses, please visit the following links. 

• Choose Santa Cruz - Economic Development
• Recovery Tool: Extension of Commercial Use Permits