Survivors of the CZU Lightning Complex fires now have until Dec. 19, 2020 to sign up for public or private debris removal services and complete right-of-entry forms. Residents with fire-damaged properties may opt for free, public-option debris removal services, which may include the removal of damaged structures, vehicles and hazardous trees. Private debris removal services are also allowed provided residents first obtain approval from the County.
Property owners may also make call Santa Cruz County Environmental Health at 831-454-2022. (While County offices are closed Saturday, Dec. 19, right-of-entry forms will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m..)
Structural remains and toxic ash pose a significant threat to human (and environmental) health, and must be properly disposed of in order to protect public health and safety.
Property owners with fire-damaged structures must enroll in the debris removal program by Dec. 19 or risk being charged for county-managed cleanup services.
Structures of 120 square feet or less my be subject to exemption from the debris removal process.
Once debris removal is completed, property owners will receive a certificate of
completion from Santa Cruz County Environmental Health. The Santa Cruz County Planning Department will not approve temporary housing permit applications or rebuilding permits unless the property owner can produce a completion certificate.
For more on the rebuilding process, visit the Recovery Permit Center at:
sccoplanning.com
For the free public option, the County will collect from private insurance companies any funds available to cover cleanup costs once the homeowner has been paid for non-covered removal activities (such as retaining wall or swimming pools). Homeowners will not be subject to any out-of-pocket costs.
