Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to these questions on our Zoning Information page as well as instructions for finding your zoning and the related use and development standards.

Using your parcel number(which can be found here), you can access the status of your application via the Application Status and Permit History lookup located at the Unified Permit Center homepage.

Comments from reviewing agencies are not available for discretionary applications because they are advisory to a decision on the project which will be made later. For specific questions contact the project planner assigned to your project.

The County of Santa Cruz does not issue business licenses, but some businesses will need a business license to operate in other jurisdictions which do require business licenses. If you live with the County of Santa Cruz and will be operating out of your home please review our publication on Home Occupations. If the business will be based or operating within city limits, please contact the respective city planning department. Be sure to check with the tax and license division in each city you intend to operate.

• City of Capitola Planning: 831-475-7300 | City of Capitola business license office: 831-475-7300 
• City of Scotts Valley Planning: 831-440-5630 | City of Scotts Valley business license office: 831-440-5610 
• City of Watsonville Planning : 831-728-3050 | City of Watsonville business license office: 831-728-3050
• City of Santa Cruz Planning: 831-420-5110 | City of Santa Cruz business license office: 831-420-5100

Please refer to our brochure concerning parcel buildability: although it is recommended that you email Zoning staff at: Planning.ZoningInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov or self-schedule an appointment using the Appointment Scheduler.

You will find the County Code here:
http://www.codepublishing.com/ca/santacruzcounty/

Please contact the Environmental Health Department. Their phone number is 831-454-2022, and their web site can be found at: scceh.com.

Please visit our Discretionary Permit webpage for an overview of Discretionary Permits. 

Please refer to the Discretionary Permits Fee and Payments page for information about Discretionary Permit fees.