News and Announcements​

• Attention Multifamily Project Applicants!

  Find out if your project is eligible for streamlined SB 35 review using the SB 35 Streamlined Review Guide and Application Form.

• ePlan Electronic Submittal Required - September 1, 2019

  Electronic ePlan submittal has been required for commercial projects since January 2018. Since inception, ePlan has been widely utilized for all permit types large and small including residential, remodels, additions, garages, decks, etc. Beginning September 1, 2019, electronic ePlan submittal will be required for all permits (optional for Express Plan Check projects). For additional information, see ePlan Review.

• ePlan Public Training – July 19 & August 23

  Please attend the upcoming public training "ePlan essentials" on July 19 & August 23. Reservations are not required and each date covers the same information. During the training, you’ll see how ePlan can streamline your permitting workflow, and you’ll get answers to your ePlan questions.

• Get permits online instantly with "ePermit"

  Contractors and Homeowners can use “ePermit” to completely process, pay & print permit cards online instantly! Most projects meeting the over-the-counter (OTC) criteria, that do not require plan review, can be processed using ePermit. Please submit an online account request at ePermit.
  OTC examples include: Reroofing, water heater replacements, minor electrical alterations & service panel replacements, forced air & air conditioner unit replacements, minor mechanical alterations, minor plumbing alterations, window replacements (like for like), sheetrock/siding/stucco replacement, and fireplace inserts.

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• Accessory Dwelling Unit Survey - Attention ADU Property Owners! The County has created a survey to help improve our ADU program. If you own an ADU in Santa Cruz County, please complete our survey on the Accessory Dwelling Units website.
• March 26, 2019 - The County has reached its limit of 250 Hosted Rental Permits. The Hosted Rental Program is full; no additional permits are available at this time.
• Safe Structures Program Has Been Launched.
  This program certifies qualifying unpermitted construction as safe, habitable, and a low priority for code enforcement. Click here for eligibility criteria and an explanation of the program.
• Short-Term Rental Permits Required.
  Short-term rentals are residential rentals less than 30 days. Homeowners must obtain permits to operate Hosted Rentals (short-term room rentals) or Vacation Rentals (short-term whole house rentals). Want more information? Check out the Hosted Rentals and Vacation Rentals websites.
• Interactive ADU Website.
  The County has developed tools to help homeowners make decisions about building Accessory Dwelling Units. Check out the "Basics", Design, and "Financing an ADU" guidebooks, GIS tool, fee and cost estimators, financial assistance programs, and more, all on the Accessory Dwelling Units website!
• Did You Know? ADU Permit Fees Have Been Reduced!
• Starting January 2, 2019, ADUs 640 square feet or smaller do not pay planning permit fees. Use the fee estimator to calculate your savings!

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