Streamline Santa Cruz County

Highlights coming soon.

Comprehensive analysis and streamlining of the County's development codes, including Title 13 (Zoning), Title 16 (Environmental Protection), Title 18 (Land Use Procedures), and Chapter 7.38 (Sewage Disposal). Data gathering on needed code changes has been performed, and a Request for Qualification has been released to identify consultants.

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Pursue integrated technology solutions to improve transparency, customer experience and operational efficiency. EH is launching a new permitting system. The remainder of the project is on hold.

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Review, update and create administrative policies and operational procedures pertaining to all aspects of building permit and development permit process.

Procedures are being drafted, maps are being made and process improvements are being tested.

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Updates to County Code to streamline processes and procedures that do not result in potential environmental impacts. Amendments are being drafted.

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Create a dialogue channel for staff and development community members involved in development to identify and resolve issues (Stakeholder group). Meetings are ongoing quarterly, and staff are working to expand community voices.

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Identify and pursue opportunities to enhance collaboration and to potentially consolidate functions within CDI such as wells, septic, and fire. EH and CDI have created pathways to assess CZU impacted parcels uniformly and are creating standards together. Further work is anticipated in June 2026.

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Develop and implement a robust pre-application process for building permits to assist all applicants, from large developers to homeowners and “do-it yourselfers." An online tool has been developed, and its uses are currently being expanded to enhance transparency into the development process.

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Develop a customer service excellence program that fosters public trust. This project is scheduled to begin in February 2026 depending on staff and resource availability.

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Ensure initial plan reviews thoroughly address all deficiencies to facilitate a “one bite at the apple approach”. Process and procedures have been developed and implemented. Staff are assessing issues in the permit process, as they are identified, to minimize third routings.

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Further refine the CDI website and consolidate the locations of information. This work is underway; staff are making changes to enhance the customer experience.

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Inspection module and streamlined inspection scheduling to improve customer experience. Implementation challenges have delayed the launch of the system, and staff are working to publish the system by mid-June.

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Provide targeted outreach and support to property owners impacted by the CZU Fire who are currently in CNC status. Dedicated appointments are being offered to property owners with CNC status, attended by the County Review divisions, to assess rebuild challenges and identify feasible pathways forward.

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