Ordinance & Policy Updates

News Content List

Local Coastal Program

Provide Your Feedback on the Local Coastal Program

The Advance Planning Division will be releasing the Public Review Draft of a new LCP Beaches and Bluffs Chapter and will accept feedback from the public before bringing the LCP document to City Council public hearings for adoption, tentatively slated for August, 2025. Stay tuned to this webpage for a link and comment box.

What is the Local Coastal Program (LCP)?

In 1972, California voters passed Proposition 20, the Coastal Conservation Initiative, which established the Coastal Commission and tasked it with making decisions about development within the Coastal Zone. The California Coastal Act was adopted in 1976 to ensure that the public has access to the coast and coastal resources and to protect sensitive marine and coastal habitats. Under the Coastal Act, coastal cities and counties are required to adopt Local Coastal Programs to guide development in the coastal zone. Recently, LCPs have also started to address the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.

The current LCP was originally approved by City Council in 1992 as part of the City's General Plan. With the adoption of a new General Plan in 2013 and environmental issues including climate change and sea level rise to be addressed, the update of the LCP is an exciting opportunity to bring the City's policy documents into alignment and to address issues that are important both locally and globally.

To view the current Local Coastal Program and Coastal Land Use Policies & Maps, please visit the Area Plans and City Zoning Code web page.

Community Meeting/Webinar

A community meeting was held Tuesday, November 9th, 2021. If you were unable to attend, below you will find the slide show that was presented by Advance Planning Staff.

Documents & Resources

Zoning Ordinance Amendment Updates

The latest Zoning Ordinance Update Amendment is intended to clarify and update various zoning code sections, remove obsolete sections and references, streamline application processes, and bring the Zoning Ordinance into conformity with State law.

Update Includes:

  • Removing the public hearing requirement for use permits for low risk alcohol outlets (restaurants);
  • Allow up to 6' for exterior side yard fences with a minimum 3' setback from side property line; add 3'6" height limit for fences facing alleys or rail trail with ADU adjacent for consistency w/ADU ordinance
  • Update relocation requirements for projects that include the demolition of residential units to conform to State law;
  • Updating information about family daycare homes per State law;
  • Clarifying information about use permit modifications;
  • Revising the language and updating the standards for accessory buildings and structures (not including ADUs);
  • Clarifying the process for determining building height.

A complete list of all sections proposed for modification including a brief description of the changes can be found below.

Community Meetings & Webinars

A community meeting was held May 12th, 2022, via Zoom, to review and discuss the upcoming Zoning Ordinance Update Amendment. To watch the recorded meeting please see link below.

Slope Regulation Updates

Current City Rules - Percentage of Slope: Restrictive, Costing Time and Money for Simple Modifications

The City's Municipal Code currently regulates development on or near slopes based on the percent of the slope, with development on or near slopes of 30% or greater allowed with a slope modification permit or slope variance. Development on slopes of over 50% is not allowed without approval of a variance.

Staff has heard from the public that basing construction feasibility and permitting on only the slope percentage neglects potential engineering best practices that could create safe structures in sloped areas where they would currently not be permitted. This is especially true for the smaller and more common projects like expanding a deck or patio only a few feet.

Incorporating Engineering Best Practices and General Plan Suggestions in Existing Rules

The intent of the update is to move from a strict cutoff for development on or near slopes based only on the percent of slope, which may not address the actual conditions of specific properties, to a system where development is based on the individual characteristics of each property, allowing development that can safely be accomplished without restrictions based solely on the percent of the slope of the land.

Several policies in the 2030 General Plan suggest or direct that these provisions be amended so that development is regulated by the geological conditions of the property rather than the percent of slope. This may allow some properties where development is currently prohibited to be developed. It might also prohibit development on properties where such development may currently be allowed, although the more likely outcome for these properties would be that engineering solutions to challenging soil conditions would be required..

The proposed updates would retain findings that limit grading and require buildings to use architectural techniques to blend with the existing topography of the site, minimizing visual impacts from new development.

Public Hearing Information

January 20, 2022
The slope regulation update is scheduled to be heard at a public hearing before the Planning Commission on Thursday, January 20, 2022. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Agenda and meeting materials will be available the Friday prior to date of public hearing and can be accessed through The City of Santa Cruz Agenda Management System.

Public Hearings before the City Council will be scheduled following the Planning Commission hearing.

Community Meeting Information

Virtual community meetings were held on December 9, 2020 and on May 24, 2021 to gather input from the public. For all who could not attend, virtual gathering recordings are coming soon.

Coral Street Visioning Report

Final Visioning Report

The final Coral Street Visioning Report(PDF, 14MB) is now available. This document was accepted by the City Council at their May 9, 2023 public hearing. The edits directed by the City Council at that meeting are reflected in this published document. The Visioning Report sets goals and priorities for the Coral Street Homeless Services Campus, and will help current and future service providers, neighbors, planners and decision makers make choices about development within the project area.

Planning for the future of Coral St.

The City recently acquired the property at 125 Coral Street, adjacent to the main Coral Street campus., and this site will be the focus of planning for a new navigation center and shelter. This area has long been envisioned as a location for additional housing and health and community services. The Santa Cruz City Council has supported the concept of a navigation center with expanded shelter capacity and wraparound services on this site.

The City, County, and Housing Matters currently collaborate on service and investment considerations, and by creating a Visioning Report these entities will be better able to collaborate on future investments as well as land use changes to facilitate creating the buildings, programs, and services that are needed in the community. Establishing a vision for the area ensures that Santa Cruz can compete for relevant state and federal funding opportunities as they arise.

Project Schedule

Bike Parking Update and AB 2097 Compliance

The Santa Cruz Public Works Department is working together with the Planning and Community Development Department to bring forward amendments to the City's regulations for bike and car parking that have become necessary due to changes in state law. Assembly Bill 2097 (AB 2097, 2022) eliminates required car parking for most new development within 1/2 mile of a Major Transit Stop where transit service is available during peak hours at least every 15 minutes.

The proposed ordinance amendments change the way the City determines how much bike parking is required for new development, in order to ensure that even when no car parking is required, bicycle parking facilities are still built. The amendments also bring the City's car parking regulations into compliance with the state law, and also go a bit further, eliminating parking requirements for all parking, while the state law allows requirements for electric-vehicle charging parking spaces and parking spaces for people with disabilities to be required locally. The local proposal would allow the maximum flexibility for site development, while other state and federal laws would ensure that if any parking is built, that a fair share of EV parking and ADA accessible parking is provided for our community.

Resources

Small Housing Units

History and Considered Changes

In 2007, Santa Cruz created a type of housing unit called a Small Ownership Unit (SOU) which is a for-sale housing unit between 400sf and 650sf in size, which can only be built in some commercial zone districts, and requires that developments with SOUs consist of only SOUs and no other type of housing. In the 14 years since it's creation, only one SOU project has been built and one more is in the pre-application stage of development review.

The City also allows a housing unit type called Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) units which allows units to be as small as 120 square feet, and to share use of a kitchen and bathroom. SRO units that are 220 square feet or larger must have a kitchen and bathroom in each unit, and SROs cannot be larger than 400 square feet. These units, both by virtue of their small size as well as the shared amenities, have historically been a resource for single-person households that are in need of lower-cost housing. There are several developments of SROs in various neighborhoods in the City, and at least one more project in the pre-application stage currently.

Because these unit types have not generated the level of production the City expected, in 2018 the Housing Blueprint Subcommittee (HBS) directed City staff to:

"[...] review State laws related to efficiency units and compare those with the City's Small Ownership Unit (SOU) and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) regulations to assess whether City Code changes are needed to help promote the production of smaller units and a variety of housing types" HBS Report, 6/12/18, p. 9

In response to this direction, City staff are considering amendments the SOU and SRO regulations based on research into other jurisdictions' regulations for small units and consulting with developers, lenders, and community members.

Here are the key changes being considered:

  • Amending the SOU code section to allow the units to be either sold or rented;
  • Renaming SOU units to "Flexible Density Units" (since ownership would no longer be required);
  • Allowing the Flexible Density Units to be built in a development project that also includes larger apartments or condos.
  • Making some clarifying amendments to the existing SRO standards, and otherwise retaining the SRO standards in their current form.

The precise language of the proposed amendments is still being drafted, and City staff would like to hear from a broader segment of the Community about how these smaller units should be allowed and regulated.

Beekeeping Ordinance

For more specific and detailed information on how beekeeping is regulated in Santa Cruz, please refer to this section of our municipal code, Section 24.12.650. Below is an abbreviated summary:

  • There is no permit required to keep bees in the City of Santa Cruz.
  • Beekeepers must supply water for beehives. Bee hives can be kept on commercial and public properties with the consent of the property owner, noticing to immediate neighbors, and appropriate labeling of the hive boxes.
  • Bees can be kept on multifamily residential lots with the consent of the property owner, noticing to immediate neighbors, and restrictions for certain properties.
  • Bees can be kept on single family lots following rules regarding setbacks and accommodations to ensure the safety of bees, beekeepers, and neighbors.
    • Minimum of 10' from a public sidewalk or placed behind a fence at least 6' in height.
    • In rear yards, hives must be placed meeting any one of the following criteria:
      • Behind a solid 6' tall barrier (fence, wall, building)
      • 10 feet from the property line.
      • Oriented toward the interior of the property, such that bees are encouraged to fly across it.
      • Elevated to a height at least 8' off the ground.

Resources

To learn more about best practices for beekeeping, contact the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild. Here are more useful resources on how to best keep bees on your property:

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in beekeeping in Santa Cruz, but I don't know where to start.

The Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild is eager to help beginning and experienced beekeepers alike. Consider contacting them, and consider referring to the above resources for urban beekeeping.

Is there a place I can keep bees if I cannot do so on my property? Can I keep bees at my school, my place of worship, or a local garden?

Yes, beekeeping is permitted in Santa Cruz on public land owned by the City, and on commercial properties. Installing apiaries on these properties requires the consent of the owner and noticing to neighbors that will be close to the hives. A Sample Notice is available here. For local beekeeping opportunities, consider contacting the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild.

I am a property owner who allows bees to be kept on my property. What if I change my mind?

The written consent required for beekeeping on multi-family, commercial, or public property can be revoked at any time, but we ask the property owner to be sensitive to the time and effort it takes to move beehives, should they no longer be allowed on a given property.

I have a bee allergy and my neighbor keeps bees on their property. What should I do?

Your first step is to reach out to your neighbor and inform them of your increased sensitivity to bee stings. A responsible beekeeper wants to be a good neighbor and minimize conflicts between their hives and their neighbors. Perhaps there is an alternative location for the hive that will minimize your exposure and address your concerns. If you need help talking with your neighbor, the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, as well as the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild may be able to support this process and help find a solution. If a resolution cannot be reached, consider contacting the Homeowner's Association (where applicable) or, if you are a resident on the same lot as the beekeeper, or a neighbor of a hive placed on commercial or public property, contacting the owner of the property to express your concerns. Property owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their property, is not used in a manner that causes a danger or nuisance to neighbors.

If your neighbor is violating the standards in Municipal Code Section 24.12.650, and has been unwilling or unable to negotiate a resolution with you, you are entitled to submit a Code Compliance Complaint to the City. In the instance of a complaint, Code Enforcement will ensure that beekeepers are following the best practices required by the City's regulations.

Should I be worried about swarming? What should I do if I see one?

Swarming is what happens when bees leave their hive in search of a new home. Don't panic if you see one - Bees are typically harmless in this state, and can be removed by a knowledgeable professional or hobby beekeeper. To report a swarm, and to learn more about swarms in general, please refer to the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild's webpage on swarms.

I want to support bees and native pollinators in the community, but I don't want to be a beekeeper. What can I do?

To help bees and native pollinators in the community, contact the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department and ask how you can get involved with pollinator gardens. Additionally, consider contacting the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild for local opportunities. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety has a helpful resource for how to behave safely around bees.

Help! Bees moved into my attic! Can a local Beekeeper come remove them?

Don't panic! For any help regarding honey bees on your property, please contact the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild for assistance.

Decarbonization

In 2018, the City of Santa Cruz declared a climate action emergency and City leaders specified that urgent action must be taken to combat catastrophic climate change. Part of that action included adopting codes, policies, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address public health and safety concerns by decarbonizing buildings, small off-road equipment, and municipal vehicles. For more details about the City's decarbonization and electrification strategies and goals please read the City's Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP 2030). You can also get more information about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization and electrification at the City's Climate Education Resource page.

Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance

The City of Santa Cruz is taking significant steps to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from existing buildings as part of its Climate Action Plan 2030. City staff are developing a new policy that would mandate energy efficiency improvements for major alterations or additions to residential buildings.

Under the proposed policy, a "major" addition or alteration is defined as:

  • An addition of 350 or more square feet of floor area (in line with the Green Building Program threshold).
  • An alteration affecting 350 square feet or more of an existing building's floor area.

Applicants for such projects would be required to select from a menu of energy efficiency measures, and in some cases, provide outlets for future zero-emission appliances.

This policy will not apply to smaller projects, such as appliance replacements, window projects, roof projects, cosmetic changes, work that doesn't require a permit, kitchen appliances, or gas stoves.

The proposed requirements are current as of July 2024 and may be revised based on community feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

We prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document(PDF, 131KB) to help answer the community's questions about the proposed ordinance. This document will be updated throughout the development of the ordinance.

Community Engagement

We invite the community to provide feedback as City staff develop the new Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance.

June 27, 2024 Virtual Meeting for Developers, Contractors and Designers

  • Developers, contractors and designers were invited to provide feedback during this Zoom meeting.
  • June 27, 2024 Presentation slides.

July 10, 2024 Virtual Community Meeting

  • The community was invited to provide feedback during this Zoom meeting.
  • July 10, 2024 Presentation slides.

August 6, 2024 City Council Study Session

Online Community Survey

Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance

Gas-powered leaf blowers produce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and negatively impact public health. On June 25, 2024, the Santa Cruz City Council approved an ordinance banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in city limits with limited exceptions. This regulation is specified as a CAP 2030 decarbonization action that will help the City meet local and state goals of reducing carbon emissions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2030.

  • Ordinance (Full Text)
  • Ordenanza (Texto completo)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (revised as of May 2024)
  • Preguntas Frecuentes (Revisado el mayo de 2024)

Community Engagement

As City staff developed the new ordinance, we invited all interested parties to share their thoughts on the proposed regulation.

Rebate Programs & Incentives

Incentives for electric landscaping equipment are constantly changing. Residents and businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties are potentially eligible for rebates and incentives programs to help them switch from gas-powered landscaping tools to new, zero-emissions equipment. For information on current rebate programs, please visit: Monterey Bay Air Resources District Rebate Program. Please check the availability of state incentives programs at the California Clean Off-Road Equipment voucher incentive project website.

Suspension of the City of Santa Cruz's Natural Gas Ban Ordinance

The Prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings, Chapter 6.100, went into effect July 1, 2020 with limited exemptions. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has overturned the City of Berkeley's natural gas ban, ruling that it is preempted by federal law. Consequently, in June, 2023, the City of Santa Cruz temporarily suspended enforcement of its natural gas ban on new buildings (SCMC 6.100).

New Buildings Energy Reach Code Ordinance

The City of Santa Cruz will be unable to reach its legal greenhouse gas emissions reduction target without addressing building energy performance as modeled during the CAP 2030 development. Staff has therefore drafted a new ordinance consistent with state and federal law in the form of a source energy reach code for new buildings to provide developers with a range of options with regard to the type of equipment and energy that will be supplied to new buildings and that will help to meet the CAP 2030 GHG emissions target. The proposed reach code increases the compliance margin for the source energy design rating required for compliance with the California Energy Code. The City Council will consider the reach code in November, 2023.

Community Engagement

In 2020 the City Climate Action and Green Building program reached out to Individuals and entities interested or impacted by such reach codes including: developers, realtors, and homeowners. Additional engagement was conducted in 2021 and 2022 to support the Climate Action Plan 2030(PDF, 11MB) development and adoption in September, 2022.

Past Meeting Information (For New Building Energy Reach Code)

Past Meeting Information (For New Buildings Natural Gas Ban Ordinance now suspended)

Informational Handouts

Existing Building Electrification

Pursuant to the CAP 2030, the City of Santa Cruz is considering policy options to accelerate the equitable electrification of existing buildings. The City conducted 4 listening sessions on June 27, 2022 with different sectoral groups to understand concerns, questions and issues related to existing building electrification. City staff will be conducting further engagement and developing policy and/or programs over 2024. Look for more opportunities to engage on this topic at this webpage.

Rebates, Incentives, and Other Programs

Incentives for building electrification and energy efficiency are constantly changing. It is hard to keep up! Please consult the following websites for the best, most up-to-date information about incentives.

Switch is On

  • Best interface and is user friendly
  • Has a few options that won't appear on EnergyStar or DSIRE such as rebates through Comfortably CA and California Energy Smart Homes
  • Doesn't include rebates for commercial buildings, electric vehicles, charging stations, top performing gas appliances
  • Doesn't include loan programs such as the EACS or mortgages

Rewiring America

  • Offers a tool to find out how much money you can get from Inflation Reduction Act incentives such as energy efficient upgrades, electrification, and adding solar + battery storage to your home.
  • The tool can combine incentives to calculate your future savings.
  • The organization also provides research and resources that highlight the economic and environmental benefits of electrifying everything from transportation to buildings

EnergyStar

  • Lays out all available rebates for residential and commercial without having to filter by type of home improvement, but allows you to easily navigate filters with section off to left
  • Plenty of commercial rebates (dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, ovens, etc…)
  • Displays rebates offered through Golden State Rebates, but not MESP, Comfortably CA, California Energy-Smart Homes and TECH Clean California

DSIRE

  • Offers the most diverse options for energy related programs.

Central Coast Energy Services

  • Administers several energy programs to assist people with low incomes.
  • Visit the energy services website or call 1-888-728-3637.

In the market for a new stove?

Consider trying out an Induction Cooktop for free by checking out a kit from the Santa Cruz Public Library!

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