County permits

Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County issues permits only for unincorporated areas. Inside an incorporated city? Pick the city below — its building department handles your permit.

§ 01 Unincorporated

Unincorporated Santa Cruz County.

If your property isn't inside an incorporated city, the county permit office handles your application directly.

Permit authority: Planning Division / Unified Permit Center - Building Permits & Safety, County of Santa Cruz
Website: ePlan Review ↗
Online portal: ePlan Review ↗
Phone: Planning Switchboard (831) 454-2580; Public Works Switchboard (831) 454-2160
Email: planning.buildinginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov; recordsroominquiries@santacruzcountyca.gov; planning.zoninginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov
Address: 701 Ocean St., 4th Floor, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Full unincorporated Santa Cruz County permit guide →

§ 02 Jurisdictions

Cities in Santa Cruz County

Click any city for its full permit guide — authority, fees, application steps, inspections, and exempt work.

§ 03 County navigation

Information last verified for Santa Cruz County, California. Permit rules and fees change frequently — verify current requirements with the issuing department before applying. Jaspector is an educational reference, not legal advice.