California note
Santa Cruz projects may use eTRAKiT and a business-license portal
Santa Cruz uses eTRAKiT for building, planning, and permit records, while new business license applications and zoning clearance start through a separate online path.
Santa Cruz project questions can split quickly. A storefront, tenant change, sign, remodel, or new business may involve both a building record and a business-license step.
eTRAKiT is the city portal for building permit, planning, and business-license records. Registered users and contractors can view plan-check status with a city-issued login. Public users can search building permit records. They can also check permit status.
New business license applications and zoning clearance start through MyCityofSantaCruz. A change in business use at the same address can also need a Change of Use Zoning Clearance.
For Santa Cruz, save both paths. Use eTRAKiT when you are checking permit or plan status. Use the license portal when the question is about operating a business, renewing a license, or clearing the business use.
Where to see it
Santa Cruz Building & Safety and Licenses, Fees, and Taxes pages.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed July 5, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
Connected places
Open the local directory
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