Santa Cruz County officials are offering a program to protect property owners from being penalized for unpermitted construction. The creation of the program has been prompted by the county’s housing crisis, which has led many to convert garages or add rooms without the proper permits. Property owners who do not obtain the right permits will have trouble re-selling a property for its full value. The Legalization Assistance Permit Program reduces fines and waives penalties. Participants must submit an application and pay $470 for a special inspection permit. More than a dozen property owners have applied for the program so far.
