CDI Announcements

We’ve been gathering feedback from counter appointments and permit approval surveys and we’re using your input to keep improving. See the results on UPC Scorecard Metrics.

Learn more about types of Building permits, processing times, and more, so that you can develop a realistic timeline for your project.

The County of Santa Cruz, in partnership with nonprofit Hello Housing, has launched an ADU Incentives Program. The program offers free project management support to participating homeowners through every phase of the development process. Learn more and apply now as spaces are limited.

Now the Building Permit Application Status page has been expanded to increase transparency and includes the "Reviewer's Name" and "Review due date." Access your building permit status information here.  

Environmental Planning Staff and the FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County are here to help you create defensible space and harden your home in the face of wildfire. Visit Home Ignition  HIZ - Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County to discover available resources and take action today.

You can properly dispose of your single-use marine flares at a FREE event for Santa Cruz County residents on Sunday, November 9, from 8 AM - 12 PM at the Santa Cruz Harbor.* 

* Collection event is ONLY open to recreational boaters who live in or berth their boat in the participating area. Proof of residence will be required.

Read the Santa Cruz County's 2026 Growth Goal Report. Santa Cruz County’s growth management system, established by Measure J in 1978, requires the County to set an annual population growth goal that reflects its fair share of statewide growth. 

Our 2024 Annual Report is out now! Check it out. 

Starting July 1, 2025, the Ben Lomond Transfer Station will continue accepting CRV beverage containers for recycling but will no longer provide CRV payouts due to changes in CalRecycles CRV Program. Learn more on our page.

Learn more about the City of Santa Cruz's Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Rail Project

We're happy to announce that work is progressing at the Children's Crisis Center!

Volunteer or attend public meetings, events, etc to get involved in the conversation!

At a public hearing on March 15, 2024, the California Coastal Commission certified the Sustainability Update Local Coastal Program Amendment. The Sustainability Update is now in effect!

To meet the future needs of County residents and business, the Buena Vista Landfill must undergo a transformation. Learn more about what we are doing.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - Santa Cruz County Recycyling and Sold Waste Services

Santa Cruz County completes its 6th Cycle Housing Element and Sustainability Policy, addressing housing shortages and promoting sustainable development to enhance the quality of life in unincorporated areas.

The Santa Cruz County Planning Division is intensifying efforts to combat unpermitted vacation rentals, aiming to alleviate housing availability issues by actively identifying non-compliant properties in collaboration with law enforcement and implementing escalating fines and penalties for violations.

We are now offering free pre-designed plans for residents interested in building ADUs in the unincorporated county. (Review and permit fees will still apply)

August 19, 2020 - Acceptance of an Application for Solid Waste Facility Permit Modification for the Ben Lomond Transfer Station.