The County of Santa Cruz, which provides marriage licenses, health inspections, building permits, food support, child protective and health services, has made changes to slow the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19 and protect the health of residents and staff.
County workers at the Emeline complex prepare to screen reporters attending the weekly COVID-19 briefing by the Santa Cruz County health officer. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
These changes include:
- Elimination of walk-up building permit counter hours while maintaining eFiling and permit appointments;
- Providing additional phone and online participation options to limit large internal meetings;
- Providing extra space and electronic comment options during Board of Supervisors’ meetings;
- Compliance with social distancing guidelines at public counters, including potentially limiting the number of persons in public lobbies at one time;
- Having county employees on field visits inquire about the health of persons at a home or facility prior to entry;
- Enhanced cleaning schedule at all county facilities including public spaces;
- Additional screening at county detention and medical facilities.
“We are taking some common-sense steps to comply with the guidelines, and will update these measures as needed.” County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios said.
Many county services, including building permit application and tax payments, are available online and County residents are encourage to use those options.
For Planning Department Services, including applying for an ePermit, submitting building plan applications, scheduling appointments, or making payments, go to www.sccoplanning.com or call (831) 454-2580.
Community guidance and other information can be found at www.healthservicesagency.org/coronavirus. Residents are encouraged to call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211 for state and local public health information.