The information below is for a standalone Demolition Permit. Whenever a dwelling is demolished in order to construct a new dwelling, the demo permit is pulled separately after building plans for the replacement structure are approved and issued.
If your project includes demolition that is part of a larger project, such as when a portion of the home is demolished for a remodel or addition, the demolition is reviewed as a part of the project application submitted through ePlan Review.
Be sure to read the Important Notes below regarding the required pre-demolition Special Inspection for demolition of habitable residential structures and other important considerations.
| Applicant Information |
Residential Demolition
Prior to applying for a permit, demolition of a habitable structure requires a Special Inspection. See information below.
If you are demolishing an existing residence that you will be replacing with a new residence, schedule an appointment with Building staff for an In-person EZ Permit.
If your project is only demolition (no construction), then please schedule a phone or in-person appointment with Building staff to discuss application requirements. Note: demolition permits cannot be issued during a phone appointment.
Commercial Demolition
If this is a commercial demolition and the proposed demolition is non-structural, then schedule an appointment with Building staff to submit two paper sets of floor plans that either state or show the non-structural demolition.
Commercial demolition that includes structural demolition must be submitted through ePlan Review with a plan set.
Commercial demolition requires an MBARD (air district) approval (J number).
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| Submitted Through |
See above. |
| Required Forms |
See forms available under the "Building" section on the ePlan Review webpage. |
| Fees |
The fee depends upon the type and scope of demolition and the permit service used. The EZ Permit base fee is approximately $370. Additional fees may apply depending on scope of demolition. |
| If you need help or have questions |
For application requirements, contact Building staff by email at Planning.BuildingInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov, or by Scheduling an appointment using the Appointment Scheduler . |
| IMPORTANT NOTES: |
Before you apply to demolish a structure, check with Zoning and Environmental Planning for any discretionary permit requirements or resource protection issues. In some cases, a Coastal Permit is required for demolition.
If the property is or has the potential to be considered an historic resource, additional requirements may apply. For more information, see the Historic Resources webpage.
Demolition of a habitable structure requires a Special Inspection to determine whether the structure could be moved to another location where it could continue to be used. See the information below.
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| Additional Information & Resources: |
(1) Information about demolition inspection procedures is available here.
(2) Santa Cruz County Code 12.06.050 requires that reasonable efforts be made by the applicant to provide for the relocation and continued use of habitable residential structures prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. The following procedures shall be followed to insure this:
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(a) Determination of Moveability: Can the SFD be relocated?
Prior to the issuance of a Demolition permit, a Special inspection will take place to determine if the structure is habitable and can be relocated. If said structure is structurally sound, and structurally capable of being relocated, the structure shall be deemed habitable for the purpose of this Section. If the structure is deemed not to be habitable, the requirements of this Section shall not apply.
(b) Public Notice Requirements: If the structure is deemed moveable any individual, firm, business or organization applying for a demolition permit of a habitable residential structure, shall provide proof of publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the community where the structure is located, of the following notice:
"THIS STRUCTURE IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR REMOVAL, ARRANGEMENTS TO PURCHASE OR RELOCATE THE STRUCTURE MUST BE MADE BY_______________________(30 days after the first publication of the notice)"
The notice shall be published for a consistent period of thirty days, and shall contain a photograph of the structure, the address of the structure, and the telephone number and/or address of the owner or authorized person of the structure. The notice shall also contain a statement encouraging persons interested in purchasing or relocating the structure to contact the Building Counter for full information on the procedures applicable to relocation of structures. The notice shall be at least three inches by four inches. In addition, the notice shall be posted on the structure in a conspicuous location.
(c) Relocation Requirements: The owner of a residential structure scheduled for demolition which has been determined to be habitable, (1) shall allow 90 days from the end of the Public Notice period for the relocation of the structure, provided that a good faith offer to purchase or relocate the structure has been received. No demolition of structure which has been determined to be habitable shall be permitted if an offer to purchase or relocate the structure, is received within thirty days after first publication of the notice required by Section 12.06.050(b), and if relocation is accomplished within the period specified in this section. (Ord.3322, 11/23/82; 3427, 8/23/83)
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