Planning Announcements

Many of our permit technicians, plan checkers and inspection staff will be participating in professional training from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1. During this time, staffing will be limited and some services or response times may be impacted. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Santa Cruz County has launched a new RHNA Housing Production webpage to track progress toward meeting its Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) and help the community understand how the County is progressing toward its housing goals.

Santa Cruz County has released studies evaluating the County’s affordable housing inclusionary requirements and Affordable Housing Impact Fee. The studies will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on August 11,2026. Learn more at Housing Nexus Studies.

The County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors approved the draft Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Ordinance on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The approved draft ordinance is now available for public review on the County’s BESS webpage.

Our website now features Major Project Applications, a new section where the public can learn more about major development proposals and other projects of community interest.

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

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.  

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!

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.