Building on your lot in Santa Cruz County

No hedge, shrub or other planting whatever, or fence or similar structure, shall be planted, erected or maintained in a right-of-way without a permit.

Table 13.10.611-2: Table 13.10.611-2: Permit Requirements, Size, Height, Stories, Total Number of, and Locational Regulations for Accessory Structures in Residential Zone Districts Note: In the Coastal Zone, a coastal development permit may be required per Chapter 13.20 SCCC. For regulations governing tiny homes, see SCCC § 13.10.680 and for ADUs, see SCCC § 13.10.681 . | | Non-Habitable | Habitable | | --- | --- | --- | | Height limit | Within the urban and rural services lines (USL/RSL): Detached garages: 16 feet All other accessory structures: 13 feet 1 Attached garages: see zone district height limit Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit | Within the USL/RSL: 13 feet Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit In any area: tiny homes subject to SCCC § 13.10.680 and ADUs subject to SCCC § 13.10.681 | | Size limit | Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet | Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet | | Permit required | Within the USL/RSL: building permit only for structures meeting height and size limits 1 Outside the USL/RSL: building permit only for up to 1,000-square-foot size, in compliance with zone district site development standards 1 | Within the USL/RSL: building permit only for structures meeting height and size limits 1 Outside the USL/RSL: building permit only for up to 1,000-square-foot size, in compliance with zone district site development standards 1 In any area: tiny homes subject to SCCC § 13.10.680 and ADUs subject to SCCC § 13.10.681 | | Permit required if exceeds size limits | Administrative site development permit | Administrative site development permit | | Permit required if exceeds maximum height or story limits | Variance (public hearing required) | Variance (public hearing required) | | Number of accessory structures allowed | No limit, if in compliance with the site regulations of the zone district; however, limits based on parcel size if accessory structure contains plumbing fixtures 2 | One with building permit only; two with conditional use and site development permit; more than two with Planning Commission public hearing and approval, with limits on plumbing fixtures 2 | | Locational restrictions related to the distance from the main residence and access to accessory structures | None, if in compliance with the site regulations of the zone district | In addition to the site regulations of the zone district, shall be no more than 100 feet from the main residence, shall not be accessed by a separate driveway or right-of-way, nor constructed on a slope greater than 30 percent, unless an administrative site development permit is obtained, or as otherwise permitted by County Code/Public Works Director | | 1. Non-habitable structures that do not exceed 120 square feet in size and a height of 10 feet above grade (as defined by the Zoning Ordinance) do not require a building permit. However, a plumbing or electrical permit is required for any plumbing fixtures and electricity, and a zoning permit may be required pursuant to Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. | | --- | | 2. On parcels less than 10 acres, a maximum of one habitable or non-habitable accessory structure with any combination of toilet, lavatory sink, shower, and/or bathtub may be permitted consistent with Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. On parcels 10 acres or larger, a maximum of two accessory structures with any combination of toilet, lavatory sink, shower, and/or bathtub may be permitted consistent with Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. When two or more habitable accessory structures exist on a parcel, the second habitable accessory structure and any additional habitable accessory structures shall be considered bedrooms for the purpose of calculating fees and determining parking requirements. ADUs are regulated by SCCC § 13.10.681 . |

Within the urban and rural services lines (USL/RSL): Detached garages: 16 feet All other accessory structures: 13 feet 1 Attached garages: see zone district height limit Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit

Within the USL/RSL: 13 feet Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit In any area: tiny homes subject to SCCC § 13.10.680 and ADUs subject to SCCC § 13.10.681

Table 13.10.611-2: Table 13.10.611-2: Permit Requirements, Size, Height, Stories, Total Number of, and Locational Regulations for Accessory Structures in Residential Zone Districts Note: In the Coastal Zone, a coastal development permit may be required per Chapter 13.20 SCCC. For regulations governing tiny homes, see SCCC § 13.10.680 and for ADUs, see SCCC § 13.10.681 . | | Non-Habitable | Habitable | | --- | --- | --- | | Height limit | Within the urban and rural services lines (USL/RSL): Detached garages: 16 feet All other accessory structures: 13 feet 1 Attached garages: see zone district height limit Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit | Within the USL/RSL: 13 feet Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit In any area: tiny homes subject to SCCC § 13.10.680 and ADUs subject to SCCC § 13.10.681 | | Size limit | Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet | Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet | | Permit required | Within the USL/RSL: building permit only for structures meeting height and size limits 1 Outside the USL/RSL: building permit only for up to 1,000-square-foot size, in compliance with zone district site development standards 1 | Within the USL/RSL: building permit only for structures meeting height and size limits 1 Outside the USL/RSL: building permit only for up to 1,000-square-foot size, in compliance with zone district site development standards 1 In any area: tiny homes subject to SCCC § 13.10.680 and ADUs subject to SCCC § 13.10.681 | | Permit required if exceeds size limits | Administrative site development permit | Administrative site development permit | | Permit required if exceeds maximum height or story limits | Variance (public hearing required) | Variance (public hearing required) | | Number of accessory structures allowed | No limit, if in compliance with the site regulations of the zone district; however, limits based on parcel size if accessory structure contains plumbing fixtures 2 | One with building permit only; two with conditional use and site development permit; more than two with Planning Commission public hearing and approval, with limits on plumbing fixtures 2 | | Locational restrictions related to the distance from the main residence and access to accessory structures | None, if in compliance with the site regulations of the zone district | In addition to the site regulations of the zone district, shall be no more than 100 feet from the main residence, shall not be accessed by a separate driveway or right-of-way, nor constructed on a slope greater than 30 percent, unless an administrative site development permit is obtained, or as otherwise permitted by County Code/Public Works Director | | 1. Non-habitable structures that do not exceed 120 square feet in size and a height of 10 feet above grade (as defined by the Zoning Ordinance) do not require a building permit. However, a plumbing or electrical permit is required for any plumbing fixtures and electricity, and a zoning permit may be required pursuant to Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. | | --- | | 2. On parcels less than 10 acres, a maximum of one habitable or non-habitable accessory structure with any combination of toilet, lavatory sink, shower, and/or bathtub may be permitted consistent with Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. On parcels 10 acres or larger, a maximum of two accessory structures with any combination of toilet, lavatory sink, shower, and/or bathtub may be permitted consistent with Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. When two or more habitable accessory structures exist on a parcel, the second habitable accessory structure and any additional habitable accessory structures shall be considered bedrooms for the purpose of calculating fees and determining parking requirements. ADUs are regulated by SCCC § 13.10.681 . |

Table 13.10.611-2: Table 13.10.611-2: Permit Requirements, Size, Height, Stories, Total Number of, and Locational Regulations for Accessory Structures in Residential Zone Districts Note: In the Coastal Zone, a coastal development permit may be required per Chapter 13.20 SCCC. For regulations governing tiny homes, see SCCC § 13.10.680 and for ADUs, see SCCC § 13.10.681 . | | Non-Habitable | Habitable | | --- | --- | --- | | Height limit | Within the urban and rural services lines (USL/RSL): Detached garages: 16 feet All other accessory structures: 13 feet 1 Attached garages: see zone district height limit Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit | Within the USL/RSL: 13 feet Outside the USL/RSL: see zone district height limit In any area: tiny homes subject to SCCC § 13.10.680 and ADUs subject to SCCC § 13.10.681 | | Size limit | Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet | Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet | | Permit required | Within the USL/RSL: building permit only for structures meeting height and size limits 1 Outside the USL/RSL: building permit only for up to 1,000-square-foot size, in compliance with zone district site development standards 1 | Within the USL/RSL: building permit only for structures meeting height and size limits 1 Outside the USL/RSL: building permit only for up to 1,000-square-foot size, in compliance with zone district site development standards 1 In any area: tiny homes subject to SCCC § 13.10.680 and ADUs subject to SCCC § 13.10.681 | | Permit required if exceeds size limits | Administrative site development permit | Administrative site development permit | | Permit required if exceeds maximum height or story limits | Variance (public hearing required) | Variance (public hearing required) | | Number of accessory structures allowed | No limit, if in compliance with the site regulations of the zone district; however, limits based on parcel size if accessory structure contains plumbing fixtures 2 | One with building permit only; two with conditional use and site development permit; more than two with Planning Commission public hearing and approval, with limits on plumbing fixtures 2 | | Locational restrictions related to the distance from the main residence and access to accessory structures | None, if in compliance with the site regulations of the zone district | In addition to the site regulations of the zone district, shall be no more than 100 feet from the main residence, shall not be accessed by a separate driveway or right-of-way, nor constructed on a slope greater than 30 percent, unless an administrative site development permit is obtained, or as otherwise permitted by County Code/Public Works Director | | 1. Non-habitable structures that do not exceed 120 square feet in size and a height of 10 feet above grade (as defined by the Zoning Ordinance) do not require a building permit. However, a plumbing or electrical permit is required for any plumbing fixtures and electricity, and a zoning permit may be required pursuant to Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. | | --- | | 2. On parcels less than 10 acres, a maximum of one habitable or non-habitable accessory structure with any combination of toilet, lavatory sink, shower, and/or bathtub may be permitted consistent with Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. On parcels 10 acres or larger, a maximum of two accessory structures with any combination of toilet, lavatory sink, shower, and/or bathtub may be permitted consistent with Tables 13.10.611-1 and 13.10.611-2. When two or more habitable accessory structures exist on a parcel, the second habitable accessory structure and any additional habitable accessory structures shall be considered bedrooms for the purpose of calculating fees and determining parking requirements. ADUs are regulated by SCCC § 13.10.681 . |

If built in coastal high hazard areas, be less than 100 square feet in area and constructed with breakaway walls.

Non-habitable structures that do not exceed 120 square feet in size and a height of 10 feet above grade (as defined by the Zoning Ordinance) do not require a building permit.

The home occupation shall be limited for the gross parcel area, to be measured based on 35% of the total floor area of the single-family dwelling(s), and the floor area of the home occupation cannot exceed 2,000 square feet in total area, unless a conditional home occupation use permit is obtained.

A home occupation involving personal services (e.g., hairdresser, barber shop, personal fitness trainer) or training (e.g., swimming lessons, musical instrument lessons, yoga classes, cooking classes, art lessons) may involve no more than two persons at a time, unless a conditional home occupation use permit is obtained.

The home occupation shall be carried out primarily by one or more full-time inhabitants of the dwelling, with one or two employees who are not inhabitants also allowed to work at the home occupation site.

No larger sign, and no outdoor storage, operations, or activity is allowed unless a conditional home occupation use permit is obtained, in which case the allowed outdoor use shall be reasonably screened from the street and adjoining properties.

Sales of goods are allowed only if the goods to be sold are produced or assembled entirely on the premises, or if sales are by mail order, unless a conditional home occupation use permit is obtained.

Only one vehicle, which is no larger than a three-quarter-ton pickup truck, in addition to other vehicles equal to the standard number of required parking spaces for the subject home, may be used for the home occupation unless a conditional home occupation use permit is obtained.

Home occupations involving the handling of hazardous materials, as defined by SCCC § 7.100.020, or of any amount of an acutely hazardous substance, as defined by State or Federal law, shall require a conditional home occupation use permit and approval of other applicable permits such as those issued by the County's Environmental Health Services Division.

The home occupation shall be carried on entirely within the dwelling, or in an accessory structure normally allowed in the zone district in which the site is located, unless a conditional home occupation use permit is obtained to authorize outdoor unenclosed activities.

Commercial weddings and similar celebrations, community events, and fundraisers are not eligible to be permitted as home occupations.

A commercial firewood operation, where wood is cut, processed, and/or stored for sale to the public, is prohibited as a home occupation.

No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle, shall park such vehicle upon any County-maintained road for more than a consecutive period of 72 hours.

Applicants must submit the completed checklist application and associated documentation to the Department with any required permit processing and inspection fees.

Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the checklist application and supporting documentation are complete, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.

Applications that do not satisfy the requirements in the checklist will not be accepted for the streamlined process and applicants will be required to either resubmit an application that does satisfy the requirements or apply for plan review under the standard building permit process.

For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for the streamlined process described in this chapter, only one inspection shall be provided for and the inspection will be completed in a timely manner.

The County's checklist application will include all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply in order to be eligible for the streamlined permitting process. The checklist application shall be published on the Department's website.

Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the checklist application and supporting documentation are complete, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.

A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum height for the zone district.

Except for those exempt activities as enumerated in SCCC § 16.34.090, no person shall do, cause, permit, aid, abet, suffer, or furnish equipment or labor to remove, cut down, or trim more than one-third of the green foliage of, poison, or otherwise kill or destroy any significant tree as defined in this chapter within the Coastal Zone until a significant tree removal approval for the project has been obtained pursuant to Chapter 18.10 SCCC, Level II.

They shall be confined at all times to the owner's property and be provided a suitable house or coop with an enclosed runway. Free range animals are permitted, but must remain on the owner's property.

Persons owning or having care, custody or control of any ox, steer, bull, cow, horse, calf, sheep, goat, hog, or other livestock animal, including any wild animal as defined in California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 that is kept as livestock, shall not: