Message From the Director

Welcome to the Santa Cruz County Planning Department's website. In addition to over 10,000 of annual interactions at our three permit centers, this website provides another key method for understanding the inner-workings of the County’s land use review process. As a key source of information to the public, we are constantly improving how this site provides access to critical land use information. Additionally, we are in the final stages of implementing a new electronic system for tracking pending planning and building permit applications and code enforcement complaints. Look for more news on those changes in the months to come.

In addition to those efforts, the Planning Department continues to work on many fronts to improve the quality of service that we provide to the public - whether through our interactions with permit applicants, a concerned neighbor next door to a proposed development project, or in addressing larger-scale land use challenges facing our community. Below is a listing of just a few of the current activities underway in the department:

Adopting and implementing a new building code, effective on January 1, 2008.
Developing a streamlined system for processing building permits for minor structures (<500 square feet).
Putting the final touches on an agreement which will allow owners of homes in a sensitive biotic habitat area to meet the stringent requirements of Federal law through contribution to a “habitat bank”.
Implementing the newly adopted County Housing Element, that calls for rezoning 30 acres of sites within the urban area to 20 unit/acre densities to provide for more affordable housing opportunities for local working families.
Re-evaluating the current system for addressing code enforcement complaints and verified violations so that there is a stronger deterrent to committing violations, and when they are discovered, that they are remedied in a timely manner.
Suggesting a wide range of regulatory changes to the Board of Supervisors to reduce the complexity of the current land use regulatory system, particularly for small-scale projects.
Exploring the possibility for implementing a “green building” program for new building permit applications in the future, with the first step an educational checklist during 2008.

I hope that the website provides you helpful background information on the land use regulations, but please remember that, because of the unique physical characteristics of particular sites and the complexity of the regulations, it’s still best to seek the direct input of our staff at one of our permit centers prior to starting to design your project.

Message from the Planning Director