Santa Cruz, CA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City municipal area only.

Department

City of Santa Cruz Building & Safety Division (Community Development)

Address

809 Center Street, Room 101, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Phone

(831) 420-5110

Email

permits@santacruzca.gov , bcounter@santacruzca.gov

Website

https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Planning-and-Community-Development/Building-Safety

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete the City Building Permit Application PDF and email it with the project plan set to permits@santacruzca.gov.
2. City staff contacts the applicant within 2-4 business days after submittal.
3. Provide complete digital drawings and supporting documents required for plan review.
4. After review, respond to comments and resubmit through the same permit account or email channel as needed.
5. Begin construction only after permit issuance and when the permit card is available.

Typical processing time: Published plan review targets are 15 business days for first review, 10 business days for second review, and up to 10 business days for revisions on complete submittals.

Source: City of Santa Cruz Building & Safety Division (Community Development)

General Requirements

Required for most building, alteration, repair, or demolition activities that meet code thresholds; all ADUs require a building permit.

Required Documents

• City building permit application
• Project plan set
• Complete digital drawings
• Supporting documents required by permit type
• Owner or contractor declaration on the permit form

Permit validity

Work must commence with the first permanent element, and one permit extension of up to 180 days is allowed.

Building code

City materials state permits are reviewed for compliance with city and state building and fire standards.

Owner-builder

The city permit form includes owner-built and owner-agent options for appropriate project types.

Contractor requirements

Owner or contractor declaration is required on the permit form, and contractor or owner-builder information must be provided with the application.

Fees

Plan check fee

Plan-check fees are valuation-based in the Building Permit Fees section.

Permit fee formula

Most building permit fees are valuation-based in the citywide fee schedule, with separate minimums by permit category; the cited table example is PL-BLD13: $214 for the first $500 plus $7 for each additional $100 to and including $2,000.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fees include minimum-hour charges under the citywide fee schedule.

Payment note

The city applies a 6% technology surcharge.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached accessory structures or sheds only when all city guide criteria are met: detached, <=120 sq. ft., <=10 ft high, no heat, no plumbing or electrical needs, non-habitable, no separate electric meter, and no sensitive-site prohibitions

Important: The city uses permit-specific guidance pages rather than a single comprehensive exempt-work handout, so applicants should confirm any claimed exemption with Building & Safety.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (831) 420-5110 (phone)

Time windows

Inspection windows are typically two hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspectors approve work in sequence, no work should continue beyond the approved inspection point, and all hold-clearance departments listed on the permit card must be cleared before final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City materials state permits are reviewed for compliance with city and state building and fire standards.
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Accessory Structure Shed Guide
• Plan Review Timeframes
• Plan Review Requirements for Residential Construction
• Residential Green Building Guidelines
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• California hub: California Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Cruz Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Santa Cruz, CA?

Required for most building, alteration, repair, or demolition activities that meet code thresholds; all ADUs require a building permit.

How much does a building permit cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

Fees are calculated as: Most building permit fees are valuation-based in the citywide fee schedule, with separate minimums by permit category; the cited table example is PL-BLD13: $214 for the first $500 plus $7 for each additional $100 to and including $2,000.. Plan check fee: Plan-check fees are valuation-based in the Building Permit Fees section..

How do I apply for a building permit in Santa Cruz, CA?

1. Complete the City Building Permit Application PDF and email it with the project plan set to permits@santacruzca.gov. 2. City staff contacts the applicant within 2-4 business days after submittal. 3. Provide complete digital drawings and supporting documents required for plan review. 4. After review, respond to comments and resubmit through the same permit account or email channel as needed. 5. Begin construction only after permit issuance and when the permit card is available.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Santa Cruz, CA?

Typical processing time is Published plan review targets are 15 business days for first review, 10 business days for second review, and up to 10 business days for revisions on complete submittals..

What work is exempt from building permits in Santa Cruz, CA?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures or sheds only when all city guide criteria are met: detached, <=120 sq. ft., <=10 ft high, no heat, no plumbing or electrical needs, non-habitable, no separate electric meter, and no sensitive-site prohibitions. Note: The city uses permit-specific guidance pages rather than a single comprehensive exempt-work handout, so applicants should confirm any claimed exemption with Building & Safety.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Santa Cruz, CA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (831) 420-5110.

Other cities in Santa Cruz County