Senate Bill 13

• Schedule your in-person appointment with a building permit technician here. 
• Bring to the appointment:
  • A completed SB 13 Eligibility Application Form - PLG263
  • One (1) paper copy of a Site Plan (11” x 17” minimum size), identifying the parcel property lines, location of the existing primary dwelling, and the unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) you wish to be included in the SB 13 program.  Indicate the distance to property lines from the unpermitted ADU and distance to other structure(s) on the parcel.
• Be prepared to pay the Special Inspection fees of $518.15.
• Retain a copy of the permit card and a stamped site plan, and have both documents available onsite for the inspector during the Special Inspection (see Step 2).

To be eligible for the SB 13 program, the ADU must meet the minimum Life Safety & Health Standards. This is evaluated via a Special Inspection.

• Schedule the Special Inspection here. Note that SB 13 Special Inspections may not be scheduled for Fridays.
• The results of the inspection will determine the next steps:
  • Structure complies: If the unpermitted ADU meets the minimum Life Safety & Health Standards and is substantially compliant with the current California Building Code, please skip to Step 3 (optional) and/or Step 4 below.
  • Structure does not comply: If the Special Inspection reveals additional issues that require minor repairs to meet minimum Life Safety & Health standards, a correction notice will be issued by the Building Inspector. This will require you to apply for an in-person EZ Permit and complete the necessary minor repairs within one year of the special inspection date. 
• The Special Inspection permit will remain open until the completion of the SB 13 process or, if not completed, five years from the date of the Special Inspection permit application (Step 1).

Although this step is recommended, it is optional. This step is recommended to inform you of any feasibility issues related to your project prior to preparing a full plan set, paying for any required technical reports, and building permit fees.

Prepare an ePlan Review package that includes:

APP File (application file):

1. ePlan Submittal Checklist form PLG-230 must be the first page.
2. Building Permit Application form PLG-200 must be the second page. Indicate in the scope of work section that this is a “SB 13 Preliminary Review” application. 
3. Owner-Agent Authorization form PLG-210 must be the third page if someone other than the property owner is applying on their behalf.

PLN File (plan files): Prepare a set of plans that includes:

1. Site plan - The site plan must be formatted 18" x 24" minimum, and clearly identify the parcel property lines, location of the existing primary dwelling, and the ADU. Indicate the distance to property lines from the ADU, and distance to other structure(s) on the parcel.
2. Floor Plans and Supporting Information - The plan must be drawn to scale with all rooms labeled, showing interior partitions, doors and windows, stairs, etc.  Plans must include the square footage of the ADU, number of stories, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, number of kitchens, current utility connections (either gas and/or electric), the foundation type (concrete slab, continuous perimeter footings or pier-and-block, etc), the potable water source (private well, private provider, or County source), and the sanitary connection (onsite septic or public sanitation).

Submit to ePlan Review for Routing and Comments:

1. Submit your application through ePlan Review.
2. The application package will be routed to the following agencies:
   • Zoning
   • Building
   • Environmental Planning (EP)
   • Code Compliance
   • Fire Department
   • Environmental Health (EH) if served by an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), e.g., septic system.

Note: No review fees will be charged for Building, Zoning, Code, and EP; however, the applicant may have to pay EH and Fire fees independently. 

Results: The reviewing agencies will provide the applicant with a List of Required Information (LORI) that is necessary to submit in the formal application (see Step 4). Once the LORI is provided, the permit will be closed.

Submit your application to the ePlan Review portal. 

1. This package must include the items described in Step 3 above, and address / include any items identified by the Preliminary Review and LORI.
2. The project will be reviewed and, if corrections are required, a resubmittal will be necessary.
3. Once all agencies have approved the application, a permit will be issued.  
4. Additional notes:
   • Once all required inspections are completed, any outstanding Code Enforcement (CE) fees relative to the structure(s) involved shall be paid. Please contact Aaron Landry, Aaron.Landry@santacruzcountyca.gov, Code Compliance Manager, for information concerning CE fees and payment.
   • Environmental Health (EH) shall have provided approval and clearance for any property with septic systems affected by the unpermitted structure(s). Relative to EH approval, contact CE for any required notice of violation condition(s) or extension(s).

After finalizing your building permit (Step 4) and paying any outstanding Code Enforcement fees, contact your Building Inspector to complete the Special Inspection permit initiated in Step 2. SB 13 projects that do not complete the program (Steps 1 through 5, with Step 4 being optional) become void after five years and will be referred to Code Enforcement for resolution.