Except as specified in SCCC § 12.10.315, no building, structure or building and/or property service equipment regulated by this chapter and the most recent edition of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Energy Code, and the California Green Building Standards Code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate permit for each building, structure or building and/or property service equipment has first been obtained from the Building Official.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
Exempt structures must meet all other applicable requirements of this jurisdiction, including required minimum distances from property lines. Unless otherwise exempted by the Santa Cruz County Building Code, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the exempted items below. Exemption from the permit requirements of the Santa Cruz County Building Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(A) 
Building Permits. A building permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, when located on a parcel which contains an existing Group R, and/or Group U Occupancy, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, and the height above grade as defined in the zoning ordinance does not exceed 10 feet.
(2) 
Fences, not over eight feet high, except that concrete and masonry fences more than six feet in height measured from the lowest grade to the top of the wall shall require a building permit.
(3) 
Movable cases, counters and partitions with no internal electrical wiring, not over five feet, nine inches high.
(4) 
Retaining walls, which retain not more than three feet of material unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids. Unless specifically exempted by the Building Official, retaining walls retaining more than four feet of material shall be designed by an engineer licensed by the State of California to perform such design.
(5) 
Decks at one- and two-family dwelling units not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve any exterior egress door exiting onto the deck.
(6) 
Painting, papering and similar finish work.
(7) 
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
(8) 
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than 36 inches. However, window awnings on structures within a wildland-urban interface area as defined in the 2025 California Wildlands-Urban Interface Code are not exempt from permit requirements.
(9) 
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool is less than 18 inches in depth, and the pool capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons. Pool barriers, and anti-entrapment devices for all pools, whether below or at grade, must be in compliance with SCCC § 12.10.216(C).
(10) 
Play structures, when constructed on a parcel which contains a single-family dwelling or a school or day care center, unless the Building Official finds that the structure poses a hazard to health or safety.
(11) 
Agricultural shade structures less than 12 feet in height constructed of light frame materials and covered with shade cloth or clear, flexible plastic with no significant associated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment, other than irrigation equipment.
(12) 
Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
(13) 
Prefabricated structures constructed of light frame materials and covered with cloth or flexible plastic, with no associated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment, where the height above grade as defined in the zoning ordinance does not exceed 12 feet, and where the size does not exceed 300 square feet.
(14) 
Detached residential landscaping arbors, trellises, and gazebos, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, and the height above grade as defined in the zoning ordinance does not exceed 10 feet; and further provided, that a motor vehicle cannot be driven into the structure due to the configuration of the structure or its placement on the site.
(B) 
Plumbing Permits. A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste, water, or vent piping; provided, however, that should any trap, drainpipe, soil, waste, water, or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this code.
(2) 
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, or for the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures. Note: Replacement water closets shall comply with the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Section 4.303.1.1.
(C) 
Electrical Permits. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by the electrical code.
(2) 
Temporary decorative lighting energized by cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle.
(3) 
The cord and plug wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets.
(D) 
Mechanical Permits. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, a portable cooling unit, or a portable evaporative cooler.
(2) 
A closed system of steam, hot, or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
(3) 
Replacement of a component part or assembly of an appliance that does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this code.
(4) 
A self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (five kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of one horsepower (746 W) or less.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
To obtain a permit the applicant shall first file an application. See Section 105.3 of the 2025 California Building Code for application requirements.
(B) 
Expiration of Permit Applications. An application for a building permit shall become null and void, and any rights or expectations pertaining to its position on the allocation waiting list shall be likewise nullified, if the building permit shall not have been approved, for whatever reason, within 24 months of the date of acceptance of the completed permit application by the Building Official, or not issued for whatever reason, prior to the expiration of the authorizing discretionary permit.
After the building permit application has been approved, the application shall become null and void and any rights or expectations pertaining to its position on the allocation waiting list shall be likewise nullified, if the applicant has not accepted the building permit and paid the required fees for the building permit within six months of the date the applicant is notified that the application has been approved, or prior to the expiration of the authorizing discretionary permit, whichever comes first.
The Director may reduce the maximum times in the two preceding paragraphs when the application has been made to correct a violation of Federal, State, or County codes or to protect life, health, or safety.
If a building permit application becomes null and void pursuant to this section, the application shall be considered abandoned unless a new application is filed. If a new application is filed, all required reviews shall be performed again, and all appropriate review fees shall be paid again. The standards upon which the reviews are based shall be the standards in effect at the time the new application is submitted.
The Building Official may extend a building permit application which has become void pursuant to this section for increments of time not exceeding 180 days when the Building Official determines that such an extension is otherwise consistent with the intent of this chapter, and it is determined that project documents (plans, calculations, reports, etc.) are substantially in compliance with current code requirements, and upon a finding by the Building Official that the applicant is making a good faith attempt to comply with the requirements of the Department; provided, that the underlying discretionary permit has not expired. A fee as set forth in the Department adopted fee schedule shall be charged for the processing of applications for such extensions, unless specifically waived by the Building Official.
If it is determined that project documents (plans, calculations, reports, etc.) are not substantially in compliance with current code requirements, then the Building Official may request that the project documents be updated to current code requirements, and extension will be withheld until the project documents are reviewed and approved.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5139 § 1, 2012; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Definitions. The following words and phrases used in this section are defined as follows:
(1) 
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"
means all of the following:
(a) 
A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating for photovoltaic systems or 30 kilowatts thermal for solar water heating systems.
(b) 
A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable State fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes, as adopted and as may have been amended by the County, and Cal. Civ. Code § 714(c)(3), as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time, relating to safety and reliability of solar energy systems.
(c) 
A solar energy system that is installed on a single-family or duplex dwelling.
(d) 
A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum height for the zone district.
(e) 
A rooftop solar energy system installed on a permitted structure.
(2) 
"Solar energy system"
has the same meaning set forth in Cal. Civ. Code § 801.5(a)(1) and (2), as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.
(3) 
"Specific, adverse impact"
means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
(B) 
Checklist. In compliance with Cal. Gov't Code § 65850.5 regarding residential solar energy systems, the Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to develop and administratively adopt a checklist application for small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The County's checklist application will include all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply in order to be eligible for the streamlined permitting process. The checklist application shall be published on the Department's website.
(C) 
Application. Applicants must submit the completed checklist application and associated documentation to the Department with any required permit processing and inspection fees.
(D) 
Verifications. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:
(1) 
Verify through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is permitted, stable, and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and
(2) 
Verify using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.
(E) 
Application Completeness. An application that satisfies all the requirements in the application checklist, as determined by the Building Official, shall be deemed complete. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, they shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. Applications that do not satisfy the requirements in the checklist will not be accepted for the streamlined process and applicants will be required to either resubmit an application that does satisfy the requirements or apply for plan review under the standard building permit process.
(F) 
Issuance. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the checklist application and supporting documentation are complete, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval from the County and the local utility provider, pursuant to SCCC § 12.10.365(A).
(G) 
Inspection. For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for the streamlined process described in this chapter, only one inspection shall be provided for and the inspection will be completed in a timely manner. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails the inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized and additional fees shall be required.
(H) 
Administrative Use Permit. If the Building Official makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, the County may require the applicant to apply for an administrative use permit.
(I) 
Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy System Installation Requirements.
(1) 
Solar energy systems for heating water in single family residences and solar collectors used for heating water in commercial or swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined in the California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
(2) 
A solar energy system for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.
(Ord. 5211, 2015; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Definitions. The following words and phrases used in this section are defined as follows:
(1) 
"Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station"
means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built-in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.
(2) 
"Specific, adverse impact"
means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
(B) 
Checklist. In compliance with Cal. Gov't Code § 65850.7 regarding electric vehicle charging stations, the Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to develop and administratively adopt a checklist application for electric vehicle charging stations. The County's checklist application will include all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply in order to be eligible for the streamlined permitting process. The checklist application shall be published on the Department's website.
(C) 
Application. Applicants must submit the completed checklist application and associated documentation to the Department with any required permit processing and inspection fees.
(D) 
Verifications. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:
(1) 
Verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.
(E) 
Application Completeness. An application that satisfies all the requirements in the application checklist, as determined by the Building Official, shall be deemed complete. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. Applications that do not satisfy the requirements in the checklist will not be accepted for the streamlined process and applicants will be required to either resubmit an application that does satisfy the requirements or apply for plan review under the standard building permit process.
(1) 
An application shall be deemed complete if the Building Official has not issued a correction notice within five business days after submittal of an application for one to 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site or 10 business days after submittal of an application for more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.
(F) 
Issuance. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the checklist application and supporting documentation are complete, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until inspection approval is granted by the County.
(1) 
If the Building Official has not made a finding of specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, or required an application for an administrative use permit, or denied the application, or if the application has not been appealed to the Planning Commission pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.7, an application shall be deemed approved 20 business days after the application was deemed complete for an application for one to 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site or 40 business days after submittal of an application for more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.
(G) 
Administrative Use Permit. If the Building Official makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging stations could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, the County may require the applicant to apply for an administrative use permit.
(H) 
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Requirements.
(1) 
Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a municipal electric utility company regarding safety and reliability.
(2) 
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.
(3) 
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load.
(4) 
Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements
(Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
See Section 107.3.4 of the 2025 California Building Code for requirements.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Issuance. The application, plans, specifications, computations and other data filed by an applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the Building Official. Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of the County of Santa Cruz and other agencies with review authority to verify compliance with any applicable laws under its jurisdiction. If the Building Official finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fees specified in the Department adopted fee schedule have been paid, the Building Official shall issue a permit therefor to the applicant. Permits may be issued only to the homeowner, homeowner’s authorized representative or a licensed contractor.
When a permit is issued and when plans are required, the Building Official shall endorse in writing or stamp the plans and specifications “reviewed for code compliance.” Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the Building Official, and all work regulated by this code and the most recent edition of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, the California Energy Code and the California Green Building Standards Code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.
The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a building, structure or building service equipment before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building or structure or building and/or property service equipment have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of the most recent edition of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Energy Code and the California Green Building Standards Code. The holder of a partial permit shall proceed without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure or building service will be granted.
(B) 
Retention of Plans. One set of approved plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the Building Official for a period of not less than 90 days from date of completion of the work covered therein; and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant with the issuance of the associated permit, and said set shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times and available for review during which work authorized thereby is in progress.
(C) 
Validity of Permit. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans, specifications and computations shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code, or of the most recent edition of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Green Building Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Electrical Code or the California Energy Code, or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code, or the most recent edition of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Green Building Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Electrical Code or the California Energy Code, or of other ordinances of the County of Santa Cruz, shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on plans, specifications and other data shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and other data, or from preventing building operations from being carried out as authorized by the building permit when in violation of these codes or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(D) 
Responsibility of Applicant. Building permits shall be presumed to incorporate the provision that the applicant and the applicant’s agents, employees and contractors shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved plans and with all requirements of this code. No approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions and intent of this code.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Expiration of Building Permits Generally. Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void unless extended pursuant to subsection (C) of this section, if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one year from the date of such permit, or if a signed and dated approval of an inspection is not entered on the permittee's job copy as to the building or work authorized by such permit at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days, or if the requirements of another reviewing agency, as shown on the permit documents, are not met within 180 days of the date of the final inspection.
The Building Official may reduce the maximum times in the preceding paragraph when the permit has been issued to correct a violation of Federal, State, or County codes or to protect life, health, or safety.
(B) 
Expiration of Residential Building Permits Subject to Measure "J" (Chapter 12.02 SCCC). A residential building permit granted an allocation pursuant to Chapter 12.02 SCCC, rendered null and void by reason of the time limitations listed in subsection (A) of this section, but eligible for reissuance, may only be reissued; provided, that an allocation is available at the time of reissuance. If no allocation is available, the application for reissuance shall be placed on the allocation waiting list and shall be eligible for an allocation based upon the date of expiration of the original permit.
(C) 
Time Extension for Building Permit Expiration. A building permit rendered null and void by reason of the time limitations set forth in subsection (A) of this section may be extended for a period not to exceed six months; provided, that:
(1) 
An application for extension is received prior to the expiration date of such permit;
(2) 
The fee established by the Board of Supervisors and set forth in the Department adopted fee schedule has been paid by the applicant;
(3) 
An extension of a permit pursuant to this subsection shall be deemed to be issued under the original building permit allocation, if subject to the provisions of Chapter 12.02 SCCC;
(4) 
All other required permits, including any discretionary approvals, remain valid or are duly extended concurrently;
(5) 
It is determined that project documents (plans, calculations, reports, etc.) are substantially in compliance with current code;
(6) 
The work to be done under the permit continues to be consistent with the General Plan and all other County ordinances; and
(7) 
The applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Building Official that good cause exists for extending the building permit.
(D) 
Voided Building Permits. Voided building permits that have expired where no work has commenced shall not be reinstated if there is an underlying discretionary permit that has expired. Otherwise, voided building permits may be reinstated by the Building Official provided the following conditions are met:
(1) 
An approved job copy of the plans exists, unless this requirement is specifically waived by the Building Official.
(2) 
The approved plans are substantially consistent with current code requirements.
(3) 
The project as constructed is consistent with the approved plans.
(4) 
Required inspections have been obtained based on the current state of construction.
(5) 
An application is received requesting reinstatement of the building permit and the processing fee set forth in the Department adopted fee schedule is paid.
(6) 
The applicant is making a good faith effort to complete the project.
(7) 
The project is adequately secured and does not present a hazard to the surrounding properties.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5139 §§ 2, 3, 2012; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code and the 2025 California Building Code, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, the 2025 California Plumbing Code, and the 2025 California Electrical Code when the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of an ordinance or regulation or the provisions of the above referenced codes.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
If any person, firm or corporation obtains a permit under this chapter and pays the permit fee by check, and that check is subsequently returned by the bank for insufficient funds, stop payment, or for any other reason, then said permit shall be suspended for a period not to exceed three months, after which time such permit shall be null and void and a violation may be issued.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
General. Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the Department adopted fee schedule.
(B) 
Exemption from Permit Fees. No permit fees shall be required to be paid by the County of Santa Cruz, School District, Special Districts, the State of California, or the United States Government, when work is being done on the official properties of such agencies and is to be used for a governmental or educational purpose and where such work is not inspected by the Building Official.
(C) 
Construction Unpermitted—Recovery of Enforcement Costs (CUREC) Fee. Any person who commences work which requires a building permit and is issued a stop work order or notice of violation shall be subject to the CUREC (Construction Unpermitted—Recovery of Enforcement Costs) fee, which is applied to any building and/or grading permit, processing, plan check and inspection fees. The CUREC fee shall be added to the basic fees associated with permitting the construction. Additional investigation and code enforcement fees may be added as warranted for zoning and environmental permits, county counsel time, court costs and other non-building permit costs related to the resolution of the violation.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspections by the Building Official and the construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Building Official. See Section 110 of the 2025 California Building Code.
(B) 
A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when inspections called for are not made.
This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall first file an application in writing and pay a two-hour fee at the hourly rate adopted in the fee schedule. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, additional inspection of the work will not be performed until the required fees have been paid.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
Structural observation shall be provided when so designated by the architect or engineer of record, or when such observation is specifically required by the Building Official. See Section 1704 of the 2025 California Building Code.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Energy Connections. Persons shall not make connections from a source of energy, fuel or power to building service equipment or other service equipment which is regulated by this and for which a permit is required, until approved by the Building Official.
(B) 
Temporary Connections. The Building Official may authorize the temporary connection of the building or other service equipment to the source of energy, fuel or power for the purpose of testing the service equipment, or for use under a temporary certificate of occupancy, or for construction purposes after first obtaining a building permit.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Certificate of Occupancy. Buildings or structures shall not be used or occupied nor shall a change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof be made until the Building Official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein.
Exception: Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies.
The final approvals noted on the inspection permit card for a residential project shall act as the certificate of occupancy provided all department holds are released.
Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the County of Santa Cruz. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the County of Santa Cruz shall not be valid.
(B) 
Residential Additions and Reconstruction of a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy. All newly constructed residential additions and reconstruction projects or areas, of a Group R, Division 3 occupancy shall not be occupied or utilized, nor shall any connections to a source of energy, fuel or power to building equipment or other service equipment be made to the additions or reconstruction areas until approval by the Building Official and other regulating agencies is obtained.
(C) 
Change in Use. Changes in the character, occupancy classification or use of a building shall not be made except as specified in the building code.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Permit Required. No person or persons shall move or cause to be moved any building or structure without first obtaining a moving permit from the Building Official.
(B) 
Application—Fee. An application shall be filed with the Building Official, along with a fee established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, showing the existing location of the structure to be moved, together with the proposed location.
(C) 
Compliance with Building Code and Zoning—Permit Issuance. If the proposed location and use comply with zoning regulations and all other County regulations, the Building Official shall issue the permit. The Building Official may require an inspection before issuing the moving permit, and may require the applicant to obtain a building permit to make the structure conform to such provisions of this chapter as the Building Official deems appropriate, before issuing the moving permit. Additionally, the moved building must comply with Chapter 14 of the 2025 California Existing Building Code.
(D) 
Inspections and tests may be required if deemed necessary by the Building Official to ensure the moved structure complies with all applicable provisions of this code.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)
(A) 
Emergency building, electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical permits may be granted at the discretion of the Building Official for repair or reconstruction of structures damaged or destroyed as a result of a natural disaster or to prevent imminent danger to occupants or property. The work authorized by the permit shall conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(B) 
Work authorized by the emergency permit shall commence within 45 days, and be completed within 90 days, of the permit issuance unless an extension is granted by the Building Official.
(C) 
The emergency work is considered to be temporary until a regular permit is granted unless the requirement for a regular permit is waived by the Building Official. Within 90 days of emergency permit issuance the property owner or their agent shall apply for the regular building, electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical permit.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5081 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5168 § 1, 2013; Ord. 5235 § 1, 2016; Ord. 5318 § 1, 2019; Ord. 5414 § 1, 2022; Ord. 5502, 12/9/2025)