County extends CZU rebuild directive 4 years, updates streamline permit metrics

County planning staff reported Aug. 25 that the Streamline Santa Cruz work plan is producing better intake completeness for building permits and that outreach to property owners impacted by the CZU fire has re-engaged many stalled rebuilds. Jocelyn Janssen and Stephanie Hansen presented updated metrics and outreach steps and recommended a four‑year extension of the board's CZU rebuild directive.

Janssen said ePlan submissions were up to 313 submissions in the first half of the year with improved completeness: "Thus far, 313 submissions have been received through the online ePlan portal. Of these, 66% had complete application forms, 82% had complete supplemental forms, and 52% had complete plan sets—an improvement of approximately 10% compared with prior years," she said. On rebuilds, staff reported that 177 replacement dwellings have been completed and finaled, 136 permits are under review or construction, and outreach mailers were sent to 173 property owners who had not contacted county staff; the Long Term Recovery Group plans additional outreach to about 84 owners.

The board approved a staff recommendation to extend the CZU rebuild directive for four years to align with Environmental Health allowances and to apply a consolidated definition of "in-kind" for rebuild determinations. Board members and public commenters urged continued personalized outreach and additional supports for owners facing financial and permitting barriers. The motion passed 5–0.