How can I obtain the assessor’s historical building records?
Assessor’s Office historical building records are confidential. Access is limited to:
Records are available for in-person review Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Copies are $1.00 per page. We accept cash or check only.
Is my property buildable?
Questions about what you can build — and the requirements for doing so — are handled by planning and building departments, not the Assessor's Office.
For properties in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, visit the Santa Cruz County CDI Parcel Buildability page for guidance specific to your parcel.
Is my house legal/permitted?
The Assessor's Office assesses all structures on a property — permitted and unpermitted alike. Please contact the respective Planning Department (County or City) for planning department records.
For properties in the unincorporated Santa Cruz County, visit the Santa Cruz County CDI Records & Parcel Research page.
What is my Zoning?
Zoning determines how a property may be used — for example, whether it's designated for residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial purposes.
Zoning is set by the County (for unincorporated areas) or by one of the four cities, not by the Assessor's Office. For zoning questions, please contact the appropriate jurisdiction directly using the links below.