The Building Official and their delegated subordinates, pursuant to the provisions of Cal. Penal Code § 836.5, are hereby authorized to arrest a person without a warrant whenever they have reasonable cause to believe that the person has committed a misdemeanor in the presence of an officer or employee which is a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Upon making such an arrest, the Building Official or their delegated subordinate shall prepare a citation and release the person arrested pursuant to Cal. Penal Code § 853.6, the provisions of which are hereby adopted by reference as part of this section.
(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)
There is hereby established in the County of Santa Cruz a Code Enforcement Agency which shall be under the administrative and operational control of 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)
(A) 
Section 104 of the 2025 California Building Code, and Section R104 of the California Residential Code, are hereby deleted in entirety and replaced by Chapter 12.10 SCCC provisions regarding authority and enforcement. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For such purposes, the Building Official shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. The Building Official shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and supplemental regulations to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of this code.
(B) 
Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures and with the approval of the appointing authority, the Building Official may appoint such number of technical officers and inspectors and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The Building Official may deputize such inspectors or employees as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Code Enforcement Agency.
(C) 
Right of Entry. When necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or when the Building Official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of this code that makes the building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Building Official may enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this code; provided, that if such building or premises be occupied, that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such building or premises be unoccupied, the Building Official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If entry is refused or consent not granted, the Building Official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
(D) 
Authority to Disconnect Utilities. The Building Official shall have the authority to disconnect any utility service or energy supplied to a building, structure or building service therein regulated by this code, in case of an emergency where necessary to eliminate hazard to life or property. The Building Official shall, whenever possible, notify the serving utility, the owner and occupants of the building or structure of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner and occupants of the building or structure, in writing, of such disconnection immediately thereafter.
(E) 
Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this code, the Building Official may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Building Official to proceed with the work.
(F) 
Occupancy Violations. Whenever any building or structure or equipment therein regulated by this code is being used contrary to the provisions of this code, the Building Official may order such use discontinued and the structure, or portion thereof, vacated by notice served on any person causing such use to be continued. Such person shall discontinue the use within the time prescribed by the Building Official after receipt of such notice to make the structure, or portion thereof, comply with the requirements of this code.
(G) 
Alternate Materials, Methods of Design and Methods of Construction. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided an alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the Building Official.
The Building Official may approve an alternate, provided the Building Official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this code and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation.
The Building Official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate claims that may be made regarding its use. The details of an action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the Building and Safety Division (see also Chapter 1 of the 2025 California Building Code).
(H) 
Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code or evidence that materials or construction do not conform to the requirements of this code, the Building Official may require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction.
Test methods shall be as specified by this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the Building Official shall determine test procedures.
Tests shall be made by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the Building Official for the period required for the retention of public records.
(I) 
Research Reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall consist of valid research or reports from approved sources.
(J) 
Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The Building Official may request, and shall receive, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of the County of Santa Cruz so far as is required in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent laws or ordinances.
(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)
General. Pursuant to Section 1.1.8.1 of the 2025 California Building Code, the County of Santa Cruz hereby adopts the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings to regulate hazardous buildings and geologic hazards in the County.
(A) 
The 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings promulgated by the International Code Council is hereby amended to retitle the code to read:
UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF STRUCTURAL AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS.
(B) 
Section 201.1 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
201.1 Administration. The Director or designee is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code and to administer the abatement process.
The Director or designee shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and supplemental regulations in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this code.
The Building Official is responsible for making determinations as to whether buildings, structures, or portions thereof, are dangerous and unsafe.
The County Geologist is responsible for making determinations as to whether, due to geologic conditions, such conditions render a site, building, structure, or portions thereof, dangerous and unsafe.
(C) 
Section 202 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
Whenever, in the judgment of the Director or the Director's designee, it appears after inspection that a building or portion thereof is dangerous as defined in this code and a public nuisance; and/or whenever, in the judgment of the Director, it appears after inspection that a building or portion thereof is rendered dangerous as defined in this code and a public nuisance as the result of geologic conditions on a site; the Director or designee may initiate proceedings to abate the public nuisance by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 401 of this code.
(D) 
Section 205 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
205.1 General. The Hearing Officer(s) provided by the Board of Supervisors as established under Section 1.12.070 of the Santa Cruz County Code shall hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Director, or the Director's designee, relative to the application and interpretations of this code. The Hearing Officer(s) shall adopt rules of procedures for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant, with copies to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and to the Director. Appeals to the Hearing Officer shall be processed in accordance with Section 501 of this Code. Copies of all rules or regulations used in the conduct of these hearings shall be made available to the public by the Department.
205.2 Limitations on Authority. The Hearing Officer(s) shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this code nor shall the Hearing Officer(s) be empowered to waive requirements of this code.
(E) 
Chapter 4 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is retitled to read:
NOTICES AND ORDERS OF THE DIRECTOR
(F) 
Paragraph 401.1 of Section 401 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
401.1 Commencement of Proceedings. Whenever, in the judgment of the Director or the Director's designee, it appears from an inspection that a building or site is dangerous as defined in Section 302, and constitutes a public nuisance, the Director or the Director's designee may commence proceedings to cause the repair, vacation or demolition of the building, structure or site according to the procedures set forth in this Section.
(G) 
Paragraph 5 of Section 401.2 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
(1) 
Statements advising (i) that any person having any record title or legal interest in the building or site may appeal from the notice and order or any action of the Director or designee to the Hearing Officer, provided the appeal is made in writing as provided in this code and filed with the Director within 30 days from the date of service of such notice and order; and (ii) that failure to appeal will constitute a waiver of all right to an administrative hearing and determination of the matter.
(H) 
Section 402 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
402 Recordation of Notice and Order. If compliance is not had with the order within the time specified therein, and no appeal has been properly and timely filed, the Director or designee may file in the office of the County Recorder a certificate describing the property and certifying (i) that the building or site or portion thereof is dangerous and (ii) that the owner has been so notified. Whenever the corrections ordered shall thereafter have been completed or the building demolished and/or the geologic conditions mitigated to a level acceptable to the County so that it no longer exists as a dangerous building or site or portion thereof on the property described in the certificate, the Director or designee shall file a new certificate with the County Recorder certifying that the building has been demolished or all required corrections have been made so that the building or site or portion thereof is no longer dangerous, whichever is appropriate.
(I) 
Section 403 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
403 Repair, Vacation and Demolition. Whenever a dangerous building, structure or site is ordered to be repaired, the owner shall either secure the building, structure or site from unauthorized entry, repair the building, structure or site in accordance with the current building code or demolish the building or structure at the option of the building owner.
(J) 
Section 501 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
501.1 Form of Appeal. Any person entitled to service under Section 401(c) may appeal from any notice and order or any action of the Director, or the Director's designee, under this code by filing at the Department a written appeal containing:
1.
A heading with the words: "Before the Hearing Officer of the County of Santa Cruz."
2.
A caption reading "Appeal of _____" giving the names of all appellants participating in the appeal.
3.
A brief statement setting forth the legal interest of each of the appellants in the building or the land involved in the notice and order.
4.
A brief statement in ordinary and concise language of the specific order or action protested, together with any material facts claimed to support the contentions of the appellant.
5.
A brief statement in ordinary and precise language of the relief sought and the reasons why it is claimed the protested order or action should be reversed, modified or otherwise set aside.
6.
The signature of all parties named as appellants and their official mailing addresses.
7.
The verification (by declaration under penalty of perjury) of at least one appellant as to the truth of the matters stated in the appeal. The appeal shall be filed within 20 days from the date of the service of such order or action of the Director or designee; provided, however, that if the building or structure or site is in such condition as to make it immediately dangerous to the life, limb, property or safety of the public or adjacent property and is ordered vacated and is posted in accordance with Section 404, such appeal shall be filed within 10 days from the date of service of the notice and order of the Director or designee.
501.2 Processing of Appeal. Upon receipt of any appeal filed pursuant to this Section, the Director or designee shall submit it at the next regular or special meeting of the Hearing Officer.
501.3 Scheduling and Noticing Appeal for Hearing. As soon as practicable after receiving the written appeal, the Hearing Officer shall fix a date, time and place for the hearing of the appeal. Such date shall not be less than 15 days nor more than 60 days from the date the appeal was filed with the Department. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing to each appellant by the Hearing Officer either by causing a copy of such notice to be delivered to the appellant personally or by mailing a copy thereof, postage prepaid, addressed to the appellant at the address shown on the appeal.
(K) 
Section 504 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
504 Staying of Order Under Appeal. Except for vacation orders pursuant to Section 404, enforcement of any notice and order of the Director or designee issued under this code shall be stayed during the pendency of an appeal therefrom which is properly and timely filed.
(L) 
Chapter 6 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby deleted.
(M) 
Chapter 7 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is retitled to read:
Enforcement of the Order of the Director or the Hearing Officer
(N) 
Sections 701.1 and 701.2 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards are hereby amended to read:
701.1 General. After any order of the Director or designee or the Hearing Officer made pursuant to this code shall have become final, no person to whom any such order is directed shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey any such order. Any such person who fails to comply with any such order is guilty of a misdemeanor.
701.2 Failure to Obey Order. If, after any order of the Director or designee or Hearing Officer made pursuant to this code becomes final, the person whom such order is directed shall fail, neglect or refuse to obey such an order, the County may (i) cause such person to be prosecuted under Subsection (a) of this section, (ii) proceed with abatement action pursuant to Section 701 et seq., or (iii) institute any appropriate legal action to abate such building or site as a nuisance.
(O) 
Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Section 701.3 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards are hereby amended to read:
(1) 
The Director or Director's designee may cause the building or site described in such notice and order to be posted at each entrance thereto a notice commensurate with the degree of hazard.
(2) 
The finding and order shall remain in effect until the repairs, demolition or removal ordered by the Director or designee have been completed and a Certificate of Occupancy issued pursuant to the provisions of the Building Code.
(3) 
The Director or designee may, in addition to any other remedy herein provided, cause the building or site to be repaired to the extent necessary to correct the conditions which render the building or site dangerous as set forth in the notice and order; or, if the notice and order required demolition, to cause the building or site to be sold and demolished or demolished and the materials, rubble and debris therefrom removed and the lot cleaned. Any such repair or demolition work shall be accomplished and the cost thereof paid and recovered in the manner hereinafter provided in this code. Any surplus realized from the sale of any such building or site, or from the demolition thereof, over and above the cost of demolition and of cleaning the lot, shall be paid over to the persons lawfully entitled thereto.
(P) 
Section 702 of the 1997 Uniform Code of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
702 Extension of Time to Perform Work. Upon receipt of any application from the person required to conform to the order and by agreement of such person to comply with the order if allowed additional time, the Director or Director's designee may grant an extension of time, not to exceed an additional 120 days, within which to complete said repair, rehabilitation or demolition, if the Director or Director's designee determines that such an extension of time will not create or perpetuate a situation imminently dangerous to life or property. The Director's or designee's authority to extend time is limited to the physical repair, rehabilitation or demolition of the premises and will not in any way affect the time to appeal the notice and order.
(Q) 
Subsection 802.1 of Section 802 of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Structural and Geologic Hazards is hereby amended to read:
802.1 General. The Board of Supervisors shall establish a special revolving fund to be designated as the repair and demolition fund. Payments shall be made out of said fund upon the demand of the Director or designee to defray the costs and expenses which may be incurred by the County in doing or causing to be done the necessary work or repair or demolition of dangerous buildings, structures or sites.
(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) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve or maintain any building or structure or to cause, permit, aid, abet or furnish any equipment or labor for such work; unless either (1) a building permit has first been obtained for each building or structure from the Building Official and is in effect which authorizes such work; or (2) the work is exempt from the requirements for a permit by the provisions of SCCC § 12.10.315.
(B) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to proceed with work on a building or structure under a building permit beyond the work authorized by a previous inspection or without first obtaining the inspection approvals required by SCCC § 12.10.355.
(C) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or demolish any building or structure or to cause, permit, aid or abet such work contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the adopted California Building Code.
(D) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to use or occupy a building or structure for any type of occupancy or to cause, permit, aid or abet the same without first obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the Building Official where required by SCCC § 12.10.370.
(E) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to change the character of any occupancy or use of any building which would place the building in a different division of the same group of occupancy or in a different group of occupancy without first obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the Building Official where required by SCCC § 12.10.370.
(F) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, reconstruct, install, relocate, alter or maintain in any building or structure or accessory building or structure any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing equipment, fuel gas equipment and installations or fire protection equipment or installations of or within a mobile home park or within a mobile home lot or to cause, permit, aid or abet such work unless a written construction permit has been first obtained from the Building Official and is in effect which authorizes such work.
(G) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to locate or install a manufactured home on any site for the purpose of human habitation or occupancy as a dwelling or to cause, permit, aid or abet such location or installation unless a building permit has first been obtained from the Building Official and is in effect which authorizes such location or installation. (See also SCCC §§ 13.10.682 and 13.10.683.).
(H) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, install, alter, repair, relocate, add to, replace, use, or maintain any mechanical, plumbing and electrical system or to cause, permit, aid or abet such work contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, or the California Electrical Code.
(I) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to install, add to, alter, reconstruct, relocate, replace, or repair any mechanical, plumbing and electrical system or to cause, permit, aid or abet such work unless:
(1) 
The appropriate permit has first been obtained from the Building Official and is in effect which authorizes such work; or
(2) 
The work is exempt from the requirements for a permit under the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, or the California Electrical Code.
(J) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly do, cause, permit, aid, abet or furnish equipment or labor for any work in violation of a stop work notice from and after the date it is posted on the site until the stop work notice is authorized to be removed by the Building Official.
(K) 
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to occupy any space for which a building permit has been issued by the Building Official until a final inspection has been performed and the building or work is found to comply with all codes and ordinances. This subsection does not apply to "minor" permits for interior remodel or renovation of existing interior spaces.
(L) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to locate, relocate, install or continue to service any propane or liquid gas to any structure, appliance or other device which has not been approved for connection by the Building Official.
(M) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building, bridge, or structure in the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz, State of California, or to cause the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the codes adopted hereby.
(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)
All appeals of actions taken pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be made in conformance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 12.12 SCCC. The Building and Fire Code Appeals Board shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this code nor shall the Board be empowered to waive requirements of this code.
(Ord. 4894 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5024 § 9, 2008; Ord. 5050 § 6, 2009; 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)