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Generator Permits

Are Plans Required? Yes
Submitted Through ePlan Review 
ePlan User Guide
How to Submit a Project in ePlan Overview
Required Forms See forms available under the "Building" section on the ePlan Review webpage.
Fees Intake fees are approximately $600, and inspection fees are about $500.
Additional Forms, as applicable Submit an Environmental Health Building Clearance, if the parcel is served by an OWTS (septic system).
If you need help or have questions Contact Building staff by email: Planning.BuildingInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov, or by Scheduling an appointment using the Appointment Scheduler .
IMPORTANT NOTE Check with Zoning for development standards, including setbacks.
Additional Information & Resources:

Generator Information

Anchorage of Appliances:
Appliances designed to be fixed in position shall be securely fastened in place in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Supports for appliances shall be designed and constructed to sustain vertical and horizontal loads within the stress limitations specified in the building code. [CMC 303.4]


Earthquake-Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves:
Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves designed to automatically shut off the gas at the location of the valve in the event of a seismic disturbance and certified by the State Architect as conforming to California Code of Regulations. Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 12-16-1, shall be provided for buildings when such installation is required by local ordinance. Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves which have not been certified by the State Architect shall be prohibited in buildings open to the public under mandatory installation by local ordinance. Installation of the valves shall be in accordance with local ordinance, and in the absence of such per the manufacturer's installation instructions. [CPC 1211.8]


Special Local Conditions:
Where local conditions include earthquake, tornado, unstable ground, or flood hazards, special consideration shall be given to increased strength and flexibility of piping supports and connections. [CMC 1308.14.1]


Gas Pipe Sizing:
The addition of the generator set creates a significant increase on the demand of the gas pipe system.  Please provide a gas line schematic that indicates BTU values of all existing and proposed gas appliances the developed length from the regulator to the first branch, length of each section, and length of each branch to appliance outlets, the minimum pipe size and the proposed and existing gas pipe materials.  [CPC 1208.1.1] [CPC 1215.0]


General noise regulations and unlawful noise:
Please identify distances from the proposed generator location to all property lines. Residential generator installations shall meet the minimum property line setbacks based on a generator’s decibel rating at 23 feet. A reduction of these setback requirements may be approved if noise attenuation measures are included to reduce noise levels to a maximum exterior noise level of 65 dBA at the nearest property line. In no case shall the generator be located closer than the minimum property line setbacks in the zone district. [SCCC 13.15.050(B)]

Please contact Zoning staff (Planning.ZoningInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov) for specific information regarding yard setbacks as they relate to the submitted proposal documents and the specific parcel associated with this application. [SCCC 13.15.050(B)]

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