The Contractor must apply for the permit in person at the Public Works office. All required insurance coverage (as shown on COI) must be submitted with the complete information before any permits will be issued or any work in the public right-of-way begins.

Permits can be obtained in person or over the phone at the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS main office:

Our office accepts:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Checks

Permits can also be obtained over the phone or via email. Call our main office to be connected with a member of our counter staff for remote assistance.

Special Permits

There are a few types of permits that require a more in-depth application process. If you need one of these types of permits, contact us at Public Works and we can assist you in applying for these permits

Permanent Encroachment

 Permanent Encroachment Permit: Required for projects which will result in a permanent occupation or alteration of the public right-of-way E.g. Outdoor café seating on a public sidewalk, bike ridesharing kiosks, and awnings that extend into the public right of way. Permanent Encroachment Permits require approval by City Council and typically take 1-3 months to process. Please contact a front counter staff member for more information.

Caltrans Permits

Work that will be performed in the public right of way including streets and sidewalks along Highway 1 or Highway 9 in Santa Cruz City limits requires a separate permit from Caltrans.  Such permits can be obtained by contacting the Caltrans District office. Once Caltrans has issued a permit, contact us for the corresponding permit from Public Works before starting work. 

Caltrans District 5 Office

50 Higuera Street

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 549-3152

(805) 549-3062 FAX

Telecom Subcontractors

If you are a subcontractor of PG&E, AT&T, Comcast, Cruzio or other telecommunications provider, please contact for assistance with permitting and payment:

Curtis Busenhart

 (831) 420-5175

cbusenhart@cityofsantacruz.com

Required if the street will be cut open for utility work as part of your project. Street or sidewalk shall be restored to City Standard Details once work has been completed.

Requirements:

• Active Class A General Engineering or C36 Plumbing Contractor License
• City business license (if applicable, see requirements on next page)
• Proof of Insurance (Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Worker’s Compensation, with Waiver of Subrogation)
• Detailed drawing of the work area
• Traffic Control Plan
• On-site inspection with City Inspector (24-hour notice)

View the sewer lateral permits and forms page for more information on sewer lateral repair permits. 

Concrete Permits

Required if sidewalks, curb, gutter, or driveway are being demolished, constructed, or repaired in the public right-of-way. Sidewalks, curb, and gutter to be restored to City Standard Details once work has been completed.

Requirements:

• Class A General Engineering or C8 Concrete License
• City business license (if applicable)
• Proof of Insurance (Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Worker’s Compensation, with Waiver of Subrogation)
• Detailed drawing of the work area
• Traffic Control Plan
• On-site inspection with City Inspector (24-hour notice)

Temporary Encroachment Permits

Required for projects when a portion of the public right-of-way is temporarily blocked or closed off for construction and staging purposes (such as construction fencing, scaffolding, signs, equipment, materials, etc.).

Requirements:

• Proof of Insurance (Commercial General Liability – This can typically be added onto a Home Owner’s Insurance policy if the temporary encroachment permit is for a private residence. Contact your insurance provider.)
• Detailed drawing of the work area
• Traffic Control Plan
• On-site inspection with City Inspector (24-hour notice)

Temporary No Parking Permits 

Public Works also issues temporary no parking permits and signs.

One may request no parking permits for special events, construction, utility work, block parties or any other reason one may need to reserve parking. No insurance, licenses or inspections are required to obtain a temporary no parking permit.

Temporary No Parking signs must be placed 72 hours prior to the start of parking restrictions to be enforceable.

If the temporary no parking permit applies to metered spaces, the applicant is also responsible for the regular revenue normally collected for the metered spaces.

Temporary No Parking Fees