4Leaf Recovery Permit Center Services Will Transition to Planning Department
The County’s contract with 4Leaf is set to expire at the end of the year. The project management firm has been providing building permit assistance to residents who are rebuilding after experiencing loss or damage to their homes after the CZU fire. The Planning department will resume all Recovery Permit Center services by January 1, 2025. 3rd District Supervisor Justin Cummings said, “Residents have expressed concerns about this transition and whether service continuity, consistency, and timely guidance can be maintained by the County without this third-party buffer. We’re working to ensure the County focuses on providing individualized support to survivors through closer collaboration and coordination with the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG).” The LTRG was formed after the fire to provide private resources and governmental agency support. The County will retain a contract with 4Leaf as a third party plan checker should they not have the resources to address permits in a timely manner.
“While we share concerns regarding the loss of the 4Leaf contract, our County staff have assured us that with increased staffing they are capable of absorbing the 4Leaf work load given that there are fewer rebuild permits coming into the County at this time,” Cummings said.
Background
In response to the August 2020 CZU fires that destroyed over 900 single family homes in Santa Cruz County, the County Board of Supervisors selected 4Leaf, to manage the county’s new Recovery Permit Center (RPC).
The RPC was established to assist residents in navigating the complex rebuilding process, with the intention of providing dedicated support to those affected by the fires. 4Leaf was contracted to streamline permitting services, aiming to expedite recovery for fire survivors. However, despite these efforts, challenges persisted. Obstacles in obtaining preclearances and permits remained, leading to frustration among residents. Many fire recovery residents expressed concerns over the efficiency of the rebuilding process, noting that delays hindered timely reconstruction.
Recognizing the ongoing need for support, the Board of Supervisors extended 4Leaf’s contract to include assistance for residents affected by subsequent disasters, such as the atmospheric river events in January 2023. This extension aimed to provide comprehensive support to all disaster-impacted residents, ensuring access to necessary resources for rebuilding and recovery.
Learn more:
Santa Cruz County’s Permit Recovery Center
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