Find a service by task

Apply for a building permit

Permits, inspections and planning information.

Before you start

Start with the jurisdiction of the property. County permit offices may serve only unincorporated areas.
Use the official map and confirm project requirements with the planning or building office.

1 guide with reviewed service links · Santa Cruz

Choose a county on the map

Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.

California58 counties

County directory Reviewed service guides available

Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.

Map source

U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

County government · Santa Cruz

Community Development & Infrastructure — Unified Permit Center

Building & Safety

County building permit informationOfficial instructions

Official county building permit guidance. Service boundaries and project requirements must be confirmed with the department.

Source checked October 14, 2026

Santa Cruz County · Santa Cruz County — Building Permits & Safety (opens in a new tab)

Official page text containing: Building Permits & Safety

arcel Maps Recorded Surveys Tax Assessment Maps Launch GIS Unified Permit Center Get Involved Records & Parcel Research Building Permits & Safety Discretionary Permits & Zoning Environmental Permits & Technical Reviews Public Works Permits & Reviews Public Meetings & Hearings Major Projects Pending Public Notice Projects CEQA Initial Studies and EIRs Find Discretionary Projects Near You Appeal a Decision CDI Calendar Check Permit Status and History Report a Code or Vacation Rental Violation Schedule

Saved evidence: 7ef4c5a79e37a951 · Agent source review

Apply for a Building PermitOfficial instructions

Official permitting resource linked by the department. Check the available permit types and application instructions before starting.

Source checked October 14, 2026

Santa Cruz County · Santa Cruz — building permit department (opens in a new tab)

Official page text containing: Apply for a Building Permit

pping Commissions & Zoning Administrator Planning Records Requests Authorization for Duplication form Plan Your Project Apply for a Building Permit Manage Your Project Fees & Payments Building Permits & Safety Index Disaster Recovery Forms & Publications ePlan Review EZ Permit Schedule an Appointment Schedule a Building Inspection Check Permit Status Accessory Dwelling Units Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Requirements Senate Bill 9 & Other State Laws Water Efficient Landscaping Info Pre-Application Ser

Saved evidence: ec06bacee0048349 · Agent source review

Launch GISOfficial instructions

Official property research or mapping resource linked from the permit information. Use the department to confirm jurisdiction and project requirements.

Source checked October 14, 2026

Santa Cruz County · Santa Cruz — building permit department (opens in a new tab)

Official page text containing: Launch GIS

With My Historic Building? Geographic Information Services Assessor's Parcel Maps Recorded Surveys Tax Assessment Maps Launch GIS Unified Permit Center Get Involved Records & Parcel Research Building Permits & Safety Discretionary Permits & Zoning Environmental Permits & Technical Reviews Public Works Permits & Reviews Public Meetings & Hearings Major Projects Pending Public Notice Projects CEQA Initial Studies and EIRs Find Discretionary Projects Near You Appeal a Decision CDI Calend

Saved evidence: ec06bacee0048349 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →