Recovery Permit Center

Starting January 1, 2025, the Recovery Permit Center operations will be handled by the Unified Permit Center staff.  Please see the information below for updates to our procedures.

  1. Appointments – We will continue to have staff and reserved appointment times.  Please schedule your in-person or phone appointment by utilizing the following link (click here). 
  1. Pre-Clearances – Apply for your Pre-Clearance by emailing documents to recoverypermitcenter@santacruzcountyca.gov. Pre-Clearance Information Package and Application forms can be found online (click here). 
  1. Building Permits - Building Permit Applications must be submitted to the ePlan Review portal (link here).  Please create an account and upload all relevant files.  After your application has been accepted and paid for, you can expect the same expedited service – ten working days for your first review, and five working days for subsequent reviews. You can find the required forms here.
  1. Inspections – Scheduling inspections can be done 24 / 7 with our online Inspection Scheduler, available here.

The RPC serves original property owners impacted by the disaster. Subsequent owners are not eligible for the RPC services and should use the standard permit process available through the UPC.

The Recovery Permit Center provides:

  • A Streamlined Process. We will assist you in completing the necessary tasks needed for a complete building application package. Once submitted, the expected time for first review is ten business days, less for subsequent review if one is needed.
  • Pre-application clearances. Various health and safety regulations can raise complicated issues when rebuilding structures constructed before current regulations were in place. The RPC will assist you to work through technical issues dealing with access for fire protection, septic and water standards, potential geologic hazards, and zoning considerations prior to preparing full plans and making a permit application.

Please follow the Step-by-Step guide for information to help you through the rebuilding process.

Our team is available for phone and in-person pre-application consultation meetings as often as needed to help you make decisions, prepare plans, and submit your package. We will ensure you have a full understanding of the process and know how to check on your progress once you have applied. Make an appointment today or email us at rpc@santacruzcountyca.gov.