Storm Damage Assessment & Repair

Until June 1, 2023, the Planning Department will be processing storm damage repair permits while the Recovery Permit Center trains new staff.

For storm damage repair only, please contact Planning recovery staff via email (StormDamage@santacruzcounty.us) to coordinate the processing of a Special Inspection for Damage Assessment Permit.  Please provide a completed Building Permit Application Form (link here to PLG-200) and include the following:

• Owner, Agent and/or Contractor Information
• Assessor’s Parcel Number [APN]
• Scope of Work: “Special Inspection for Damage Assessment”
• Cause of Damage (i.e. tree fall, flooding, landslide, erosion)
• Note whether County staff have inspected the structure and provide the County staff contact name if available.
• All signatures

For most damages that have not yet been inspected, a free initial inspection will be scheduled to identify existing site constraints and impacts to structures on site. This will allow county staff to summarize permit application requirements during permit intake. Environmental Health clearances for applications involving septic systems will be provided by Recovery Permit Center staff.

Applications will be prioritized for review by County staff, and building plan check review will be completed by contracted Recovery Permit Center plan reviewers within 10 business days.

Storm recovery FEMA and permitting information is available here.