Welcome To Oakland

Popular Services

Council & Commissions

Find your Councilmember, Join a board or commission

Child & Family Services

Apply to Head Start, Learn about our Summer Food Program

Housing Programs & Support

Tenant and landlord services, Rent Adjustment Program, Homebuyers workshop

Parks & Recreation

Rent a facility or park, Explore recreation centers

Working for Oakland

Apply for city jobs, Training and resources, Employee benefits

Crime Prevention

Ceasefire strategy, Violence prevention, MACRO

Planning & Building

Building Permits, Permit Center, How-To videos

Vehicles & Parking

Pay or challenge parking tickets, Street sweeping, Bicycle parking

Find a Service

Request a Code Enforcement Compliance Extension Request more time to comply with your issued Notice of Violation.
Pay Off a Loan Follow simple steps to complete the Loan Payoff Request process.
Submit Initial Affidavit of Compliance Buildings that are not exempt from the Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program require mandatory evaluation from an engineering professional.
Apply for Change of Compliance Tier A Petition for Change of Compliance Tier allows an owner to show that the building that is subject to the Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program is eligible for the later deadlines of a different Compliance Tier.
Apply for Exemption The Petition for Exemption allows an owner to show that the soft story building in question is not a "subject building" and is therefore exempt from a mandatory retrofit.
Request Zoning Information for Your Project Use our online Zoning tools or call our Zoning Hotline to request zoning information for your activity, building or business.
Explore Campaign Finance Disclosures Answer questions about who is contributing money to Oakland candidates and political campaigns and how that money is being spent.
Government Ethics for Form 700 Filers Training This Government Ethics Training provides a comprehensive overview of local ethics laws in Oakland including: gift restrictions, conflicts of interests, post-employment restrictions, and misuse of City resources/position.
Apply for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment & Charging Stations Oakland's Planning and Building Department offers all the resources you need, including project checklists, permit applications, and submission instructions.
Terminate Your Campaign After the election, campaign committees must fully account for their financial activity before closing the account.
Alternate Materials & Methods Request (AMMR) If you need to request an alternate method or material to meet building codes in Oakland, submit an AMMR to present your case.
Report Internet Choice Denial Report and document the denial of Internet Choice to occupants of multi-unit buildings of 4 or more units.
Redeem your Pet If you do find that your pet is located at Oakland Animal Services (OAS), there are a few things you will need to do.
Participating in Virtual Council and Committee Meetings Participate in City Council and Committee meetings virtually. Join via Zoom, watch on KTOP, or submit public comments electronically.
Foreclosed and Defaulted Residential Property Maintenance Preserve neighborhood livability and the health and safety of Oakland residents by preventing neglect and deterioration of properties involved in the foreclosure process.
Low-Cost Internet The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible Oakland households a $30 monthly discount on internet services, making many plans free.
Apply for an Emergency Window Repair Grant The Emergency Window Repair Grant, part of The Façade and Tenant Improvement Programs (FTIP), is set-aside funding available for businesses to repair windows after an incident of vandalism.
Administrative Hearings This Public Ethics Commission Administrative Hearing Training provides an overview of the administrative hearing process as part of the Commission's enforcement powers and includes the roles and duties of Commission members, the Hearing Officer, and Commission staff.
Submit Lobbyist Activity Reports Lobbyists must submit activity reports each calendar quarter
Starting Your Campaign Follow this step-by-step checklist for candidates preparing to run for office.
Rent a Facility or Park Learn about the facilities Oakland offers for rent and how to apply.
Report an Issue (OAK 311) Request City Services with OAK311: illegal dumping, graffiti, potholes, encampments, building maintenance, and urgent infrastructure issues.
Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens Community gardens and urban agriculture is permitted in most zones to support local food production.
Apply for a Permit Extension or Reinstatement Complete the Issued Permit Extension/Reinstatement Request form to reinstate or extend your inactive or expired permits.
California Accessibilty Building Code Requirement (Chapter 11B) Assess your development project's compliance with accessibility requirements as stipulated in CBC 11B-202.4 - Path of Travel Requirements In Alterations, Additions, and Structural Repairs.
Bollards on Private Property Installation of bollards on private property requires Planning Approval.
Apply for Re-issued Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Follow the steps as outlined below to apply for a Reissued Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for an Expired or Unlocatable CO, or a Revoked CO.
File a Complaint with the Public Ethics Commission Report a violation of government ethics, campaign finance or transparency laws in the City of Oakland.
Facade and Tenant Improvement Grant Small business owners and property owners applied for up to $25,000 through the City of Oakland’s expanded and updated Facade and Tenant Improvement Program to improve the exterior and interior of their commercial properties.
Electric Vehicle Service Equipment & Charging Stations Electrical Permits and Building Bureau review are required.
Retaining Wall Permits Building Permits are required to build, repair or replace retaining walls. Retaining walls are structures designed to restrain soil to a slope that it would not naturally keep to.
Grading Permits Grading Permits are required if a slope or elevation changes from grading.
Generators Generators require Zoning Review, and Electrical and Plumbing Permits are required. Large generators also require a Building Permit.
Termite or Dry Rot Repair Repairing termite or dry rot damage requires a Building Permit.
Re-Roofing & Insulation Certificates Certify your re-roofing and insulation projects with Certificates.
Letter of Determination (Project Zoning Conformity) Developers or business owners may seek to determine if a project meets Zoning regulations.
New Duplex New duplexes require Design Review and a Building Permit.
Commercial Tenant Improvements Permit Building Permits are required for all interior improvements, and Design Review may be required.
Outdoor Dining & Retail in Parking Lots & Private Spaces Outdoor dining & retail may occur in parking lots and private areas with approved plans and permits.
Greywater Irrigation System Simple home gray water irrigation systems require Plumbing Permits.
Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks (CGS) & Driveways Cutting into a curb, gutter, or sidewalk requires Zoning and OakDOT approval.
Rainwater Catchment Systems Installation of a rainwater catchment system requires permits under certain conditions.
Utility Meters Electrical and/or Plumbing Permits are required to add, replace, or relocate a utility meter. Zoning Review may be required.
Project-Related Tree Removal Permits Removing trees as part of an approved project requires a permit.
Ticket Distribution Training This training is intended for all City of Oakland Public Servants who distribute or receive City-issued event tickets.
Single Family Home New homes require Design Review and Building Permits.
Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs Building new or altering or repairing an existing pool requires a Planning Review and Building Permits.
House Stairways and Railings To build, repair or replace your house's stairways or railings, you will need to obtain Planning approval and a Building Permit.
Major Multi-Family Residential, Mixed-Use & Commercial Projects Major multi-family residential, mixed-use or large-scale commercial projects require Planning entitlements and Building Permits.
Multi-Unit Residence (3-4 Units) Multi-unit residences of 3-4 units or more require Design Review and Building Permits.
Creek Protection Permits Creek Protection Permits may be obtained through Zoning Review.
Apply for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Only projects that are new (from ground up), new units, or where a change in occupancy is taking place are issued a TCO. Additions, remodels, alterations, and tenant improvements are not issued a TCO.
Request Mediation of your Public Records Request The Public Ethics Commission conducts mediation of public records requests made by members of the public to City departments for records within the department’s control.
Register as a Lobbyist Register before lobbying activity begins
Transfer a Permit A Permit Transfer can be requested when a property is being sold and the new owner wants to continue work under an existing permit, a contractor changes during a construction project, or a developer or project manager is replaced mid-project.
Stop Work Order Procedures If you received a Stop Work from a City of Oakland Building Inspector, you must stop all construction activities. You must either revise your permits, correct the violations, and/or apply for permits depending on the type of project, as per the three types are described on this page.
Apply to Early Childhood and Family Services Options Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for the City of Oakland Early Childhood and Family Services Options.
Pay a Parking Ticket Pay your Oakland parking ticket easily online, by phone, mail, or in person! Avoid late fees by paying on time.
Join the Public Ethics Commission The Public Ethics Commission seeks community members with a passion for public service to help influence policy toward greater fairness, openness, honesty, and integrity.
Surrender an Animal Learn about your options before you make the decision to surrender your pet.
Special Event Permit Application Ready to host an unforgettable event in Oakland? Our streamlined special event permitting process makes it easy! Whether you’re planning a festival, concert, or gathering, we’re here to help.
Foundation Repair & Replace Building Permits are required to repair or replace a foundation.
Additions, Alterations & Conversions to Habitable Space Additions, alterations or conversions require Building Permits and may require Design Review.
Deck Permits Decks require Building Permits, and Design Review may be required.
Telecom Facilities and Satellite Dishes Telecom facilities and Satellite Dishes require review by both the Planning and Building Bureaus.
Solar Energy Systems & Facilities Solar energy systems require Building Permits.
Apply to the Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program (Contractors) Apply to become a City contractor to help keep our neighborhoods and community clean, safe and free of blight.
Gates Gates require Planning approval and may require Planning and Building Permits.
RVs and Tiny Homes on Wheels RVs and tiny homes on wheels require Zoning approval and Building Permits.
SB-9: Two-Unit Homes and Parcel Subdivisions SB-9 allow more homes to be built on single-family lots or to split the lot.
Ask for a Lobbyist Registration Fee Waiver Lobbyists representing non-profit organizations and small businesses that meet certain tax status and/or income requirements may apply for reduced or waived registration fees.
Housing Projects Eligible for Faster, Streamlined Review Most housing projects are now eligible for faster, streamlined review, from single family homes to multifamily buildings, along with affordable or mixed-income housing projects.
Sign Permits New Business signs require a Zoning Permit and existing signs may require a Design Review.
Fence Permits Fences in front yards require Zoning Review and may require Planning and Building Permits.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Permits All mechanical, electrical & plumbing work requires permits.
Zoning Clearance Permit A Zoning Clearance Permit is needed to approve any proposed business activity in Oakland.
ADU with Single Family Home ADUs require Zoning Review and Building Permits.
Lead-Based Paint Permits A permit is required for projects that disturb lead paint.
Submit Revisions to Your Permitted Project During construction, projects may encounter a need to revise their approved project plans. In most cases*, the building inspector will identify the need for revisions and issue a correction notice with the steps that the project will need to undertake. Below are the different types of revisions and processes to submit revised plans for review and approval.
Accessory Structures: Garages & Sheds (Not ADUs) Accessory structures require Zoning Review and Building Permits.
Report a Property Complaint The City of Oakland's goal is to keep our neighborhoods and community clean, safe and free of blight. You can report blight, housing or zoning violations online or with the OAK311 app.
Check Status of Your Property Complaint The City of Oakland's goal is to keep our neighborhoods and community clean, safe and free of blight. You can report blight, housing or zoning violations online or with the OAK311 app.
Schedule Your Building Inspection Schedule your Building Inspection by downloading our scheduling app.
One-Stop Permit Center: In-Person & Online Services Learn about our in-person and online Permit Center services.
Demolition Permits Building Permits are required when more than half of the exterior walls are demolished.
Legalize Your Unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU Learn how to legalize your unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) A CUP may be required for new activities, special project requirements, and some new facilities.
Replace Windows Building Permits are required for any window replacement.

Latest News

Oakland releases initial speed camera data, citations begin March 15

Published on March 13, 2026

The City of Oakland will start issuing citations this Sunday, March 15, for its automated speed safety camera program. It also released its first report about the program that includes data based on the first five weeks of operation.

Oakland Unveils Five-Year Economic Development Action Plan

Published on February 18, 2026

Strategic plan is designed to foster inclusive growth across Oakland neighborhoods

City of Oakland extends grace period for Sunday parking meters

Published on February 06, 2026

The City of Oakland has extended the grace period for Sunday parking meter operations. The first day of enforcement will now be Sunday, April 12, 2026.