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Building Permit Application Requirements for Residential Structures

Construction drawings are necessary to obtain a building permit for structures. Only complete applications that include construction drawings and other required documents will be accepted for review. This checklist is provided to insure you have all materials necessary to submit for your project. This checklist will be used to review your application submittal for acceptance. Plans will not be accepted if the checklist is not followed.

An unlicensed person may prepare plans for one and two story, wood framed single family dwellings and accessory buildings with uniformly level floors in conformance with conventional construction provisions (UBC, Section 2326), however the Building Official may require some structural plans and specifications by a licensed engineer or architect. An architect or engineer, registered in the State of California as such, must prepare calculations, plans, and specifications for any other project

An appointment is required to submit your building plans. Please contact the General Information Desk (831) 454-3252 to schedule an appointment to submit your plans. Hearing impaired clients may call (831) 454-2123

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMITTAL

Completed Green Building Checklist
No tape, no red ink, no pencil.
7 copies of plans (minimum sheet size 18"x 24", maximum size 36"x 42" blueprint or xerox)
All documents which are prepared by state licensed professional(s) shall be stamped and wet signed (including revisions).
2 copies of structural design calculations and related details with signature of engineer in fresh ink on first page of each set of the calculations and all drawings directly related to the structural calculations.
2 copies of an approved energy compliance method with signatures of energy compliance author, designer and owner showing that the building design meets the requirements of Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 2-53. CF-IR form signed. Mandatory measures and CF-1R forms shown on blueprints.
3 copies of soils reports (in areas where bearing strength of soil and/or slope stability is questionable)
2 copies of a plan review letter with signatures of soils engineer in fresh ink.
covered page to include:
- detailed vicinity map with major roads, cross streets, bridges, geographic features such as creeks, ocean, etc.
- project information to include the project address, Assessors parcel number, project description occupancy group, and construction type.
- List names of owner, architect, engineers.
- List all square footage of the project.
- Abbreviations & Symbols.
- Sheet Index.
4 copies of Zoning Permits, if one has been applied for and approved.
Urban Wildland Intermix Code
Environmental Health clearance form (if on septic)

FOR ADDITIONS/REMODELS: clearly distinguish between new and existing construction on:

"ALTERED" is defined as follows:

Changes to the supporting members of the wall including, but not limited to:

Replacement of all or part of a member, furring of a member, cutting or drilling of members beyond that allowed by the building code for the installation of plumbing, electrical or mechanical systems, moving the members of a wall by jacking them up, storing them on site, or otherwise changing their position in space, except as allowed below.
Supporting members of the wall include, but are not limited to, studs, plates, headers, trimmers, and associated blocking.

The following are NOT considered an alteration:

The installation of shear plywood.
Foundation repair or replacement (provided the walls are not moved more than four feet veritically).

When a single stud is altered, for instance to install hold downs, three feet of wall will be considered.
When a continuous series of studs is altered within a wall, the distance from the inside surface of the unchanged studs on either end of the altered section, rounded up to the nearest foot, will be considered altered.
When portions of walls are altered and other portions are left unaltered, no portion of the wall less than 4 feet in length will be counted as unaltered.
If walls are constructed above existing walls, for instance to construct a second story addition, the lower walls will be considered unaltered to the extent that they are not altered as described above.
When the first story walls are raised up (for instance to perform a foundation replacement/repair or to add space beneath the structure), the walls which have been raised will be considered unaltered to the extent that they are not altered as described above.

FIRE PROTECTION/WATER STORAGE TANKS

Identify water source.

Relation of existing and proposed tank(s) to property lines, rights of way and other structures indicated.
Slope and grade adjacent to tank indicated
Locate fire hydrants within 250 feet of property line.
Sprinkler systems plans and calculations shall be submitted directly to the local Fire District for new single family dwellings and additions over 500 sq. ft., as well as fire alarm specifications, if proposed.
For detached guest houses less than 500 sq. ft., submit 2 sets of fire sprinkler plans and calculations for building plan check review. (Must be submitted and approved before rough framing inspection.)
For additions to a residence with a sprinkler system, provide 2 sets of fire sprinkler plans and calculations. (Must be submitted and approved before rough framing inspection).
Fire agency clearance form if within State Responsibility Area where Urban Wildland Intermix Code requirements apply

SEWER DISPOSAL SYSTEM INFORMATION FOR NEW OR REPLACEMENT SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING

Letter from special district certifying ability to provide sewer service (only for districts not administered by the Department of Public Works).
Environmental Health Clearance form for parcels on septic (see Environmental Health Department from 8:00 am-9:30 am only, 3rd floor, room 312, or by phone 454-2022).

WATER SUPPLY INFORMATION FOR NEW SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING

Letter from public water source, declaring intent to serve parcel.
Approval of water supply by Environmental Health if public water service is not available.

SITE PLAN

Assessor's parcel number.
Small vicinity map.
Scale 1" = 10 feet, 1" = 20 feet, 1/16" = 1 foot or other appropriate scale.
North arrow.
Entire property shown with dimensions of boundaries.
Show existing and proposed structures with uses noted, topographic contours within 10' vicinity of improvements (buildings, swimming pools, driveways, septic tanks, etc.). Contour intervals of 2 feet. Call out any slopes greater than 30 percent in the area of the roadway and building site. If parcel is flat, label "parcel is flat". Topographic contour plan may be required to be prepared by a licensed land surveyor. (See building height handout dated 11/5/04.
Streams and drainage courses and distances to proposed development.
Location and volume of earthwork, including both cut and fill (more than 100 yards of earthwork requires a grading permit).
Building setbacks from all property lines, rights of way, and distances between all buildings.
Lot size in square feet.
Percentage of lot coverage.
Off street parking (8'-6" x 18'-0" minimum per space).
Emergency vehicle turnaround and fire lane identification may be required. See your local Fire Protection Agency.
Location and width of all vehicular rights-of-way.
Existing curb, gutter and sidewalk.
Existing pavement width of street fronting the lot.

Driveways. Driveway profile (for new driveways). Include bridges. Show berms, water bars, or other means to prevent road erosion.
Existing and proposed walkways, patios or other impervious areas; show any impervious areas to be removed.
Existing or proposed swimming pool and pool barrier details with pool area topography.
Location of septic system and expansion area.
Proposed locations of on-site sewer laterals, connections to existing sewers & clean outs.
Connection lateral for fire protection.
Floor area calculations (see handout: Administrative Interpretation of Ordinance 4119).
Domestic water and gas supply locations and pipe sizes.
Location, height and length of site retaining walls.
Requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act for projects of more than 20 units.

ROOF PLAN (Where applicable):

Roof plan superimposed over contour mapping. Provide spot elevations as described in building height handout, dated 11/5/04. Stamped and signed.

DRAINAGE PLAN/EROSION CONTROL PLAN (may be included on SITE PLAN)

Scale 1" = 1 foot, 1" = 20 feet, 1/16" = 1 foot or other appropriate scale.
Show and label existing and proposed drainage features, (e.g. curbs, channels, dikes, ditches, swales, rain gutters, splash blocks, energy dissipators, storm drain inlets and pipe systems, french drains, culverts, creeks, etc.)
Show topography and use arrows to show pathways of runoff
show offsite pathways and destination of runoff. Note evidence of erosion or flooding.
For new developments and additions over 500 square feet within GROUNDWATER RECHARGE or WASTE SUPPLY WATERSHED ZONES, show proposed onsite retention system.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Drainage Guidelines pamphlet.
Proposed erosion control measures.
Revegetation proposal for all exposed soil surfaces including cut and fill slopes.
Sediment containment measures and special precautions for winter operations (October 15 through April 15).

ELEVATIONS

Scale 1/4" = 1 foot, 1/8" = 1 foot on large structures or with department approval
Four elevations labeled North, South, East, West.
Ground elevation including natural and finished grade (corresponding to contours on plot plan).
Height of structure on all elevations. Finished floor elevations at each floor and spot elevations at the high and low exterior grade elevations and the highest point of the building.

FLOOR PLAN (one for each floor, including basement)

Scale 1/4" = 1 foot. North arrow.
Dimensions and arrangement of rooms and partitions.
Use of each room. (See current bedroom definition).
Calculated square footage of heated and unheated spaces and decks.
Electrical plan (may be on separate sheet) including location and amperage of service entrance, subpanels, locations of appliances, lights, fixtures, outlets (including GFI's) switches and smoke detectors.

Location of proposed plumbing fixtures and water heaters, including size, type and location.
Window and door schedules showing size, material, type of operation.
Location, size and type of space heating systems.
Locate shear walls and other lateral bracing. Cross reference to shear wall schedule and/or details.
FOR ADDITIONS: Existing and proposed floor plans; existing and proposed square footage; electrical plan including location and amperage of service entrance and subpanels, lights, outlets, or switches; all existing and proposed plumbing fixtures (labeled new, existing or upgrade).
FOR REMODELS: Existing and proposed floor plans, existing and proposed room labels and all existing and proposed plumbing fixtures.

FOUNDATION, FIRST FLOOR FRAMING

Scale 1/4" = 1 foot.
Layout of foundation wall and concrete slabs with dimensions.
Size and location of footings, piers, posts, beams, air vents, access holes, integral footings and structural reinforcement.
Species, grade size, direction and spacing of floor joists and/or beams.
Hold-down locations and types according to requirements developed in structural calculations.
FOR ADDITIONS: Adequate structural ties between existing and new foundations.
FOR SECOND-STORY ADDITIONS: Demonstrate existing foundation is suitable to support additional loading.
Anchor bolt size and spacings.
Underfloor access.
Underfloor ventilation.
Water tank foundation.
Cross-reference to details and connection specifications.

SECOND FLOOR FRAMING PLAN

Scale 1/4" = 1 foot.
Material, size, spacing, species and grade of all wood members.
Attic access.
Cross-reference to details and connection specifications.

CEILING FRAMING PLAN

Scale 1/4" = 1 foot.
Material, size, spacing, species and grade of all wood members.
Attic access.
Cross-reference to details and connection specifications.

ROOF FRAMING PLAN

Scale 1/4" = 1 foot.
Material, size, spacing, species and grade of all wood members.
Cross-reference to details and connection specifications

STRUCTURAL CROSS-SECTION (separate drawing required for each major framing type)

Scale 1/4" = 1 foot or 1/2" = 1 foot.
Show original natural grade inside and outside building footprint. (See building height handout dated 11/5/04.
Footing, foundation and finish grade in relation to framing.
Crawl space clearance, ceiling height.
All floor, decks, wall, ceiling, roof framing, blocking and lateral bracing with size and spacing of members.
Roofing, (Class "B" or better is required), roof sheathing and attachment specifications.
Exterior wall materials and attachment specifications.
Insulation R-values.
Positive cross-flow ventilation for cathedral-type ceilings (i.e. ridge vents).
FOR ADDITIONS: Show adequate structural ties between existing and new construction.

DETAILS

Scale 1/2" = 1 foot or 1" = 1 foot.
Footings, piers, grade beams.
Connections of framing members. Include metal connector types and sizes.
High strength connections, including supporting engineering specifications.
Nailing schedule for shear walls.
Stairs, handrails and guardrails (include rise and run of stairs, height of handrail and guardrails with spacing of members in guardrails).
Spas. (Show dedicated outlet)
Shear transfer details (blocking and nailing at horizontal-to-vertical diaphragm connections).
Shear collector details at openings and reentrant corners according to requirements developed in structural calculations.
2 copies of equipment brochures with ICBO or UL listing numbers (woodstove, manufactured fireplace, heating system, air conditioning unit, spa equipment, water tank specs, etc.)
Shear wall layout plan locating the hold downs, the size and spacing of anchor bolts, and the plywood size and nailing pattern shown on the plan. This may be 1/8" or 1/16" scale.
For condominiums and townhouses: fire and sound resistive construction assemblies between units.

ENGINEERING IS REQUIRED FOR:

Retaining walls which retain more than 4 feet of material
Large load-bearing beams, including glu-lams.
Large or high strength timber connections.
Non-standard foundations, including pier and grade beams.
Trusses -provide engineered details and layout plans from the manufacturer for prefabricated trusses. This may be a deferred submittal item per UBC, 106.3.4.2.
Construction other than conventional, wood framing, per UBC 2320.
Swimming pools.
Buildings of other non-standard construction, including split-level buildings and buildings of unusual shape, per UBC.2326.
Grading more than 2,000 cubic yards.
Bridges.
Water storage tanks over 5,000 gallons (to include foundation and anchorage to foundation)
Special Inspection and testing schedule. (Forms are available at this department).
New, Repair, or replacement of decks over 12ft high.
Contour mapping when required per building height handout dated 11/5/04

GRADING PERMIT INFORMATION AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Grading approval is required for the projects which include:

Moving more than 100 cubic yards of Earth,
Fills greater than two feet in depth,
Any amount of fill placed on slopes of 20% or greater,
Fills which are used for structural support,
Creating a cut slope greater than 5 feet high, or
All shoreline protection projects, including seawalls and rip-rap, even if less than 100 cubic yards of material will be moved.

Planners at the Zoning Counter will determine if your grading approval can be processed as part of a building permit, rather than having to obtain a separate discretionary-style grading permit. If your grading project is listed above and if it qualifies to be processed as part of your building permit, then up to seven copies of grading plans will be required at the time of your building permit application submittal.

Grading plans shall contain the following information:

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

Name and address of owner (on every sheet).
Project address, if available (on every sheet).
Assessor's Parcel Number (on every sheet).
Name, address, contact number of plan designer (on every sheet).
Date the plan was prepared (Revision numbers and dates if applicable) (on every sheet).
Wet signature and stamp of the licensed Architect or Engineer.
References to all technical reports and/or letters (e.g.: geotechnical, geologic, hydrologic biotic, etc). Include author, title, date, and project number.
Estimated Earthwork: the volume of cut, fill, and total.
Location/Vicinity map: (include location of the parcel within Santa Cruz County, names of existing streets and north arrow).

SITE PLAN:

Show the entire parcel with the location of project area, any building or development envelopes, access roadway/driveway, and septic system.
Existing contours and proposed final contours.
Existing structures (on-site and structures on adjacent parcels within 15 ft. of the subject property boundaries).
Footprints of proposed structures - building(s), roadways, water tanks & pads, sediment ponds
Retaining walls (State the elevations of the tops and bottoms of the retaining walls at every point where the height changes).
Setbacks: Clearly show the distance to property lines from existing and proposed structures and from the "Limits of Grading" line.

GRADING & DRAINAGE PLANS:

Show the entire project area and identify the "Limits of Grading" around the entire construction area.
Driveway/Roadway/Parking plan view.

Existing and proposed profile (to scale).
Typical Section(s) drawn to scale or with dimensions.
Specify soil compaction requirements.
Cross Sections (to scale both H & V): thru all pads inclusive of top(s) of cut(s) to bottom(s) of fill(s), clearly delineating existing and proposed cut and fill areas. Include keyway details.
Drainage: detail existing and proposed area drainage (locations of ravines, drainage courses and pathway of off-site drainage). Show topography for the entire parcel of sufficient detail to clearly indicate where and how all drainage will flow across and off the parcel.
Drainage device construction details (to scale or with dimensions): including retaining wall backdrains, culverts, storm drains, French drains, energy dissipaters, retention/detention pits, etc.
Location of existing and proposed septic tank(s), leach field(s) & expansion area(s).

EROSION CONTROL PLAN

Indicate location of all on-site storage and/or disposal of material and how it will be maintained.
Indicate proposed locations of sediment retention and erosion control devices.
Device construction details: Devices shall be drawn to scale with dimensions (e.g. berms, swales, straw bales, silt fences, jute netting, blankets, etc).

LETTERS, REPORTS, and CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

Two copies of all technical reports and/or letters, if such reports/letters have been completed. (e.g.: geotechnical, geologic, hydrologic, biotic, etc).
One copy of each "Conditions of Approval" for all associated environmental, development, or land divisions permits.

APN			APPLICATION:		INCOMPLETE		(date)
STAFF					COMPLETE		(date)

The County of Santa Cruz does not discriminate on the basis of disability and no person shall be denied the benefits of its services based on disability. The Planning Department is located in an accessible facility. If you need special assistance, please contact the Planning Department ADA Coordinator, Michelle Green, at (831) 454-3055

Your complete building application will be reviewed by the appropriate county agencies. You will be advised by letter of completion of the review process and any further requirements by the reviewing agencies. All deficiencies must be corrected before your building permit can be issued. Fees will be calculated after approval from all agencies.