Apply for a Permit

Any person who submits a permit application or wants to access permit record information online must register for an ACA account with a valid email address registered with our system.

Register for An Account

Searches may be completed by record number, address, or parcel information without logging in; however, If you are looking to view your project details, download or upload files, pay fees, and more, you must be logged in to your account. If you have not yet created a user account, see Register for An Account.

Even without an account, you can research recent permits for any property.

Lookup Property Information

Search Permit Records

Helpful Search Tips:

1. When searching for a specific Assessor Parcel Number (APN), the format should be 9 digits: “123-456-789”.
2. When searching for an address, enter the street number and a partial street name (e.g., Micheltorena could be searched as Mich or Michel). Remember to only enter the street number and the street name. For example, to search 123 East Micheltorena Street, only enter '123' in the first Street Number box, and only enter 'Micheltorena' in the Street Name box.
3. If no information appears after you've searched by address, the address you entered might be under a different address in the City system, especially if there are multiple units on a lot. Find the property using the City’s MAPS webpage to see the official address on file or to look up the Assessor Parcel Number (APN).
4. ACA record history starts in the 1990s. Review the City’s Property Records Database online for more information on older (paper) permits. Contact City Records & Archives (805) 564-5485 x4548 CDPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov for help searching archive plans and the property records database.
5. If you are the applicant on a record, when you create a new application, make a note of your unique Record Number. The Record Number begins with the record type (i.e., Planning = “PLN”, Building = “BLD”, Public Works = PBW, etc.), then the year (i.e., 2022, 2023, 2024), then the unique 5-digit number for your application (-00123). Knowing this number will make it easier for you to look up the status of your application or contact staff with questions. Examples: “PLN2024-00123” or “BLD2022-04567”

According to Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapter 26.50.070 (Just Cause for Residential Evictions) the owner of a rental unit shall not terminate the tenancy of a qualified tenant unless the owner is able to prove just cause, which must be stated in full in the notice of termination.

Some documents served on the tenants listed above must be filed with Community Development, Building and Safety Division. Filing can be sent via email to CDBuildingCode@SantaBarbaraCA.gov, or by mail to City of Santa Barbara, PO Box 1990 Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990, ATTN: Building and Safety Administration; or dropped off at the Permit Center 630 Garden St. during walk-in hours.

• Please see the City Attorney’s webpage for more information on City Housing Ordinances.
• Contact Rental Housing Mediation for assistance resolving rental housing disputes.

All permit applications must be submitted through ACA, and you must have a username and password before you apply. If you have not yet created a user account, see Register for An Account.

The City uses DigEplan for electronic document submittals. For instructions on how to use DigEplan, please view the "ACA User Guide" below. Even without an account, you can research recent permits for any property. Email PermitPortal@SantaBarbaraCA.gov if you have any questions about the new electronic plan review software.

Submit a New Application

To view the processing status for a permit, you must be logged in with an account linked to the permit. If your account is not linked to the permit, or you cannot view the permit details, please send an email request to the appropriate Permit Counter Staff and allow one business day to receive a response.

Check Status

If an applicant already has a project in process and needs to respond to comments or resubmit plans, the resubmittal must be made through the ACA portal. If your account is not linked to the permit, or you cannot view the permit details, please send an email request to the appropriate Permit Counter Staff and allow one business day to receive a response.

The City uses DigEplan for electronic document submittals. For instructions on how to use DigEplan, please view the "ACA User Guide" below.  Email PermitPortal@SantaBarbaraCA.gov if you have any questions about the new electronic plan review software.

Resubmit Plans

Some permit types (BLD and PBW) are set up with digital comments seamlessly integrated into your ACA record. For detailed step-by-step instructions, please see the “Respond to Digital Comments” section (page 33) of the ACA User Guide.

The following includes the file submission standards when uploading plans as part of your application.

Electronic Document Standards

File Format

• File Type: PDF preferred
• Maximum File Size: 250 MB
• Format: Vector preferred
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Layers: Flattened and full-size
• Plan Sheet Size: Min. 18" x 24"; Max. 36" x 48"
• Supporting Document Size: Min. 8.5" x 11"
• Minimum Font Size: 10 pt.
• Color: Black on white (except for photos)
• Grouping: Multiple sheets within a single PDF 

File Naming

Your file name should describe the file contents and submission order number. Examples:

• Architectural Plans – Submittal 1
• Architectural Plans – Submittal 2

Sheet Numbering

PDF files containing plan drawing sets must contain a PDF Bookmark for each sheet that contains the Sheet Reference Number and a Sheet Title. See Bookmarking Plans for more information. Examples:

• A1.0 – First Floor
• A1.1 – Second Floor

Plan sheet reference numbers must be unique within a Record—two different drawing sheets must not have the same sheet reference number.

Tip: You must name the documents on your computer before beginning the document upload process, as you cannot change the name once you start the upload process.

A PDF bookmark is a feature within a PDF document that allows users to quickly navigate to specific sections or pages of the document. Each PDF compiler software (AutoCAD, Adobe, etc.) has its own way of bookmarking pages or sheets within a file so the specifics of how to do this should be directed to the support functions of the software you are using.  Instructions for adding a bookmark in PDF Adobe Editor are in the link below.

Bookmarking Plans

Tip:  All bookmarks must be on the same level as the topmost bookmark. Bookmarks cannot be indented or nested. To un-nest bookmarks, simply select the nested bookmarks and drag them to the same level

All PDF files must be “flattened” before filing through ACA. Flattening a PDF reduces the file size by removing unnecessary layers and interactive elements, making it faster to share and download. It will also protect your work by preventing others from manipulating or editing the information. Failure to flatten your PDF files may result in rejection of your documents and delays to your application processing. 

Flattening Files

Once your application is submitted, City Staff will follow up electronically with an invoice for the appropriate fee amount. Additional information may be found at Fee Information.

Pay Fees Online

Fee Payment Form (For cash, check, or credit card)

Once a permit is issued, you may schedule your inspections online. Additional information may be found at Building Inspections.

Schedule an Inspection

Troubleshooting Tips

Browser Compatibility

The latest versions of the following browsers are recommended for the ACA Portal: 

• Microsoft Edge
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari

The portal may not function properly if using other browsers. 

Difficulty Logging In?

If you are having trouble with weird bugs, like pages not loading properly or web apps not functioning, try clearing your web browser’s cache and browsing history before trying to login again. 

Contact Us

If you have been locked out after too many attempts, or experience other issues gaining access, send an email to the appropriate Permit Counter Staff and allow one business day to receive a response. 

• For Building Permits: CDBuildingCode@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
• For Fire Permits: FireInspectors@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
• For Planning Applications: PlanningCounter@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
• For Public Works Permits: PWCounter@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
• For Special Events: Venues@SantaBarbaraCA.gov