Santa Cruz County, California Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Santa Cruz County Roofing Permit Requirements

In Santa Cruz County, California, a building permit is generally required for re-roofing all structures located within the unincorporated areas. However, there are exceptions for routine maintenance, sealing leaks, or for structures with a floor area of 120 square feet or less. The county's Building & Safety Division is responsible for reviewing plans and issuing permits to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.

Jurisdiction and Unincorporated Areas

The Santa Cruz County Building & Safety Division has jurisdiction over properties in unincorporated areas of the county. For re-roofing projects in these areas, specific procedures must be followed.

Re-Roofing Permit Specifics

Applicants must specify the type of new roof covering material and its class (Class B or greater is required).
Details on the existing roofing material and whether a replacement or overlay will be used must be provided.
Any alterations to the existing roof sheathing or framing need to be described.
For built-up roofs, documentation proving the proposed assembly meets the required rating (at least Class B) is necessary.
Permit fees are based on the current building inspection hourly rate, with additional charges for larger structures. A plan review fee, if required, is 65% of the building permit fee.

Inspections

Re-roofing projects typically require the following inspections:

Pre-Roofing or Tear-Off Inspection: Conducted after old roofing material is removed and before new material is installed, or before overlay installation. This inspection verifies the structural integrity of the existing roof construction.
Sheathing Inspection: Performed after new sheathing is installed but before it is covered by roofing material.
A "Re-roof Certificate" may be used in lieu of separate tear-off and sheathing inspections.

Inspection requests can be made online. It is the responsibility of the person performing the work to ensure safe access to the roof for the inspector.

EZ Permit Service

Santa Cruz County offers an EZ Permit service for qualifying single-trade projects, which may include re-roofing. This service allows for online application and permit issuance for projects that do not require a plan review. Contractors must create an online account, while property owners can apply directly through the EZ Permit online service. However, certain projects, such as re-roofing of structures over 5,000 sq. ft., may not be eligible for an EZ Permit and might require a full plan review.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within California, including Santa Cruz County.

California Roofing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

California State Roofing Codes and Legislation

Roofing projects in California are governed by the California Building Standards Code, which is Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. This comprehensive set of standards is updated on a triennial cycle to address the state's unique environmental challenges, including wildfire risks, seismic activity, and energy efficiency goals.

The primary codes regulating roofing include:

California Building Code (CBC): Found in Title 24, Part 2, this code provides structural, fire-safety, and material standards for commercial and multi-family residential buildings.
California Residential Code (CRC): Found in Title 24, Part 2.5, this code contains specific requirements for one- and two-family dwellings, including standards for roof coverings, underlayment, and installation.
California Energy Code: Found in Title 24, Part 6, this code mandates "cool roof" requirements for new construction and significant roof replacements (typically when more than 50% of the roof is replaced or recovered). These standards regulate solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) based on the building's climate zone.

While California adopts model codes as a base, it frequently amends them to meet state-specific needs, such as the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) requirements that mandate Class A fire-rated roofing materials in high-fire-hazard zones.

Primary State Agencies

The following agencies are responsible for setting and overseeing these standards:

California Building Standards Commission (CBSC): This commission is responsible for the administration, adoption, and publication of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).
California Energy Commission (CEC): The CEC is responsible for developing and updating the Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6), which dictate the energy performance requirements for roofing materials.
Contractors State License Board (CSLB): The CSLB regulates the licensing of roofing contractors in California, ensuring that those performing the work meet professional standards and adhere to state regulations.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Santa Cruz County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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