Land clearing must be kept to a minimum. Vegetation removal must be limited to that amount necessary for building, access, and construction.
When is a Land Clearing Permit Required?
When no land development permit has been issued, the following types of land clearing require approval of an erosion control plan according to the procedures in SCCC Chapter 18.10, for a Minor Permit*.
(1) Any amount of clearing in a sensitive habitat, as defined in SCCC 16.32 Sensitive Habitat Protection.
(2) One-quarter acre or more of clearing in the Coastal Zone if the property is also in a least-disturbed watershed, a water supply watershed, or an area of high erosion hazard.
(3) One acre or more of clearing in all areas not included in sections (1) and (2) above.
*A Minor Permit is a discretionary permit reviewed by Environmental Planning staff. To read the land clearing section of the County Code, see 16.22.080 Land clearing approval.
Application Requirements
If your proposal requires a Land Clearing Permit, the following are required to be submitted through ePlan Review.
You may use this list of Local Erosion Control Consultants to find a consultant who can prepare an erosion control plan.
How to Submit Your Application
To submit your application, follow these instructions: Environmental Permit DISC ePlan Instructions.
Questions?
Email staff at: EnvironmentalPlanningInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov or schedule an appointment with Environmental Planning staff using the Appointment Scheduler.