Storm Damage Recovery

We offer free Property Damage Inspections to help determine whether a building permit is required for repairs and whether a structure is safe to enter or occupy.

To request an inspection, please email stormdamage@santacruzcountyca.gov or call (831) 454-3171. Please provide: 

• Your name
• Property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), if available
• Phone number where you can be reached
• Cause of the damage (for example: tree fall, flooding, etc.) and
• Whether there has been any earth movement (for example: landslide or debris flow).

County staff will contact you to schedule the inspection.

After the Property Damage Inspection, County staff will determine whether a permit is required and identify the appropriate permit process. 

• No permit may be required for certain work, such as some clean-up.
• An Emergency Building Permit may be appropriate for certain repairs.
• A Building Permit may be required depending on the extent of the damage. Repairs may be processed through:
  • EZ Permit service (no plans required), or
  • ePlan Review (plans required).

Staff will guide you through the appropriate next steps. 

Meet with Building Staff

Option 1: Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with Building Counter staff through the Appointment Scheduler. 

Option 2: Visit the Building Counter
Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00–9:00 AM. 
Location: 701 Ocean Street, 4th Floor, Santa Cruz.

If a permit is required, use the appopriate process.

Emergency Repairs
Complete the Request for Emergency Permit - PLG282 form. The form explains the steps for obtaining an Emergency Building Permit. 

Non-Emergency Repairs

• EZ Permits (No Plans Required)
  Some storm-related repairs qualify for an EZ Permit, which can be processed quickly online or, or in some cases, in-person with assistance from staff.
• ePlan Review (Plans Required)
  Repairs that do not qualify for EZ Permit, must be submitted through the ePlan Review portal. These are projects that require plans or supporting documents prepared by a designer, architect, or engineer.
  
  Visit our Prepare Your Application Package to learn about required forms and file requirements.

Green Placard– Inspected / No Immediate Safety Hazard

The structure appears safe to occupy.

Repairs may still be required, and a permit could be needed depending on the scope of work.

A green tag does not mean that all repairs can be done without permits.

Yellow Placard – Restricted Use

The structure may be occupied with limitations.

Certain areas may be unsafe or require repair before full use.

Follow the instructions listed on the notice carefully.

Red Placard– Unsafe to Occupy

The structure is not safe for occupancy due to structural, geologic, or life-safety concerns.

Do not occupy the building until the conditions listed on the notice are addressed and cleared by the County.

Re-occupancy depends on the specific conditions noted by the inspector. In many cases, repairs, inspections, or additional approvals are required before re-occupancy is allowed. County staff will guide you through the steps needed.

If no tag is visible, it may have been removed, posted in a less visible location, or not required. If you are unsure, contact the Recovery Permit Center at stormdamage@santacruzcountyca.gov or (831) 454-3171 to confirm your inspection status.

After your assessment, staff will let you know whether a permit is required.

If a permit is required, you may:

• Visit the Building Counter during walk-in hours (Monday-Thursday, 8:00-9:00 AM), or
• Schedule an appointment with a Building Permit Technician for one-on-one assistance using our Appointment Scheduler.

If geologic issues were identified (such as landslide movement, debris flow, or slope instability), you may also need:

• An evaluation by the County Geologist, or
• A geologic and/or geotechnical report prepared by a licensed professional

Staff will clearly explain what applies to your situation. Requirements vary significantly depending on the hazards identified. If geologic hazards are identified that make the structure unsafe to occupy an additional information packet will be provided clarifying requirements to reoccupy the structure.

Some repairs qualify for an EZ Permit, which allows for faster processing and fewer submittal requirements.

EZ Permits may be available for:

• Minor repairs or replacements
• Like-for-like work that does not change the structure
• Certain mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs.

More extensive repairs, structural work, or geologic impacts will require a standard building permit submitted through ePlan. Building Permit Technicians can direct you to the appropriate permit service.

Plans are required when repairs involved:

• Structural elements
• Foundation or framing repairs
• Retaining walls
• Slope or geologic impacts
• Changes to the original design

If plans are required, staff will direct you to instructions for preparing your application package.

You may need a licensed engineer or architect if the repairs involve structural systems, slope stability, or safety-related components. This will depend on the damage identified during the inspection.

Plans should clearly show:

• Existing conditions
• The extent of damage or geolgic hazards
• Proposed repairs
• How the work will comply with current safety and building standards

Please contact us; we want to help you safely repair and recover as quickly as possible.

• Schedule an in-person or phone appointment using our Appointment Scheduler.
• Walk-in Appointments: Monday-Thursday 8:00-9:00 AM at 701 Ocean Street, 4th Floor, Santa Cruz.