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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

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.
Bollards on Private Property Installation of bollards on private property requires Planning Approval.
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.
Deck Permits Decks require Building Permits, and Design Review may be required.
Accessory Structures: Garages & Sheds (Not ADUs) Accessory structures require Zoning Review and Building Permits.
Grading Permits Grading Permits are required if a slope or elevation changes from grading.
Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs Building new or altering or repairing an existing pool requires a Planning Review and Building Permits.
Legalize Your Unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU Learn how to legalize your unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Termite or Dry Rot Repair Repairing termite or dry rot damage requires a Building Permit.
Fence, Gate, and Freestanding Wall Permits Fences/Gates/Free-Standing Walls in front yards require Zoning Review and may require Planning 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.
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.
Greywater Irrigation System Simple home gray water irrigation systems require Plumbing Permits.
Electric Vehicle Service Equipment & Charging Stations Electrical Permits and Building Bureau review are required.
Demolition Permits Building Permits are required when more than half of the exterior walls are demolished. Planning Review is required.
Rainwater Catchment Systems Installation of a rainwater catchment system requires permits under certain conditions.
Additions, Alterations & Conversions to Habitable Space Additions, alterations or conversions require Building Permits and may require Design Review.
Lead-Based Paint Permits A permit is required for projects that disturb lead paint.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Permits All mechanical, electrical & plumbing work requires permits.
Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks (CGS) & Driveways Cutting into a curb, gutter, or sidewalk requires Zoning and OakDOT approval.
Generators Generators require Zoning Review, and Electrical and Plumbing Permits are required. Large generators also require a Building Permit.
Terminate Your Campaign After the election, campaign committees must fully account for their financial activity before closing the account.
Starting Your Campaign Follow this step-by-step checklist for candidates preparing to run for office.
Pay Off a Loan Follow simple steps to complete the Loan Payoff Request process.
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.
Apply for a Permit Extension or Reinstatement Complete the Issued Permit Extension/Reinstatement Request form to reinstate or extend your inactive or expired permits.
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. This page outlines the different types of revisions and processes to submit revised plans for review and approval.
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.
Ticket Distribution Training This training is intended for all City of Oakland Public Servants who distribute or receive City-issued event tickets.
Report Internet Choice Denial Report and document the denial of Internet Choice to occupants of multi-unit buildings of 4 or more units.
Low-Cost Internet California LifeLine Broadband Pilot provides up to a $20 monthly discount on standalone home internet, or up to $30 per month when internet and phone service are bundled with the same provider.
Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens Community gardens and urban agriculture is permitted in most zones to support local food production.
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.
Telecom Facilities and Satellite Dishes Telecom facilities and Satellite Dishes require review by both the Planning and Building Bureaus.
New Duplex New duplexes require Design Review and a Building Permit.
Multi-Unit Residence (3-4 Units) Multi-unit residences of 3-4 units or more require Design Review and Building Permits.
Zoning Clearance Permit A Zoning Clearance Permit is needed to approve any proposed business activity in Oakland.
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.
Letter of Determination (Project Zoning Conformity) Developers or business owners may seek to determine if a project meets Zoning regulations.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) A CUP may be required for new activities, special project requirements, and some new facilities.
Commercial Tenant Improvements Permit Building Permits are required for all interior improvements, and Design Review may be required.
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.
Surrender an Animal Learn about your options before you make the decision to surrender your pet.
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.
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.
Central Reservations Unit Your Event, Our Backdrop! Discover Oakland's Most Unique Rental Spaces
Submit Lobbyist Activity Reports Lobbyists must submit activity reports each calendar quarter
Register as a Lobbyist Register before lobbying activity begins
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore Campaign Finance Disclosures Answer questions about who is contributing money to Oakland candidates and political campaigns and how that money is being spent.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Creek Protection Permits Creek Protection Permits may be obtained through Zoning Review.
Outdoor Dining & Retail in Parking Lots & Private Spaces Outdoor dining & retail may occur in parking lots and private areas with approved plans and permits.
Replace, Remove, or Add Windows Design Review may be required on window replacements, removals, or additions, depending on your project. Building Permits are also required.
Project-Related Tree Removal Permits Removing trees as part of an approved project requires a permit.
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.
ADU with Single Family Home ADUs require Zoning Review and Building Permits.
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.
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.
Request a Code Enforcement Compliance Extension Request more time to comply with your issued Notice of Violation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
File a Complaint with the Public Ethics Commission Report a violation of government ethics, campaign finance or transparency laws in the City of Oakland.
Re-Roofing & Insulation Certificates Certify your re-roofing and insulation projects with Certificates.
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.
SB-79: Transit-Oriented Housing in Oakland The following page covers Senate Bill 79 (SB-79), the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, and the eligibility criteria for such housing projects in the City of Oakland.
Single Family Home New homes require Design Review and Building Permits.
Utility Meters Electrical and/or Plumbing Permits are required to add, replace, or relocate a utility meter. Zoning Review may be required.
Sidewalk Café Permit Sidewalk cafés are temporary, open-air seating areas that help create vibrant streets. Establishment of a sidewalk café is subject to approval by the Department of Transportation (DOT), zoning review, and the issuance of all required building permits.
Sign Permits New signs require Zoning Review and may require a Building Permit.
Solar Energy Systems & Facilities Solar energy systems are any solar collector, solar energy device, or structural design whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating, electric generation, or water heating. Before installing a solar system or facility, you must submit a completed Building Permit application along with all required documentation as outlined.
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.
Schedule Your Building Inspection Schedule your Building Inspection by phone, online, or by downloading our scheduling app.

Latest News

Oakland Reaches Tentative 3-Year Agreement with SEIU Local 1021

Published on October 30, 2026

The City of Oakland and the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 (SEIU Local 1021) have reached a tentative, three-year labor contract that includes a 9 percent wage increase over three years (2.5% in January 2027, 2.5% in January 2028, 4% in January 2029) within the City Council-directed financial authority.

Oakland Reaches Tentative 5-Year Agreement with Firefighters Local 55

Published on October 27, 2026

The City of Oakland and the International Association of Firefighters Local 55 (Local 55) have reached a tentative, five-year labor contract that includes wage increases (16% over five years) as well as a modest pension pickup agreement to provide some relief from the City’s rising long-term personnel costs. The agreement was reached in mediation.

News: How You and the City of Oakland Can Prepare for El Nino Impacts

Published on October 21, 2026

Like cities across the world, Oakland’s community and local government are preparing for local impacts from El Nino and its corresponding weather. This release includes info about what the City is doing and what residents and businesses can do NOW to prepare and mitigate impacts.

Oakland Joins National 12 Million Calls Initiative

Published on October 05, 2026

Partnership with the 12 Million Calls Initiative will help Oakland learn from communities nationwide and identify opportunities to connect more 911 calls with specialized responders.

View More News

Events & Meetings

Keep Dimond Clean Every Saturday

October 31, 2026

This event is organized by Keep Dimond Clean, a program of the Dimond Improvement Association! Equipment will be provided.

Community Planting Day

October 31, 2026

Join Common Vision to plant trees, build habitat, and tend the soil and our community at Beth Eden Church!

Keep Dimond Clean Every Wednesday

November 04, 2026

This event is organized by Keep Dimond Clean, a program of the Dimond Improvement Association! Equipment will be provided.

MACRO Town Care Café

November 05, 2026

We invite you to check out the Town Care Café, a need-based pop-up care village hosted in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. This is a great opportunity to meet a MACRO responder and learn more about how the Oakland Fire Department program and its partners are supporting Oaklanders every day.

Community Cleanup with Rainbow Community Neighborhood Council 27y

November 07, 2026

Our event takes place on the first Saturday of each month!

Community Cleanup High Street Coalition

November 14, 2026

This event repeats every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month

View More Events City Council Meetings

Get Involved

Oakland By The Numbers

574

Digital Services

542

Affordable housing units created

Housing Policies, Plans, and Data

54,000

Businesses in Oakland

Economic & Workforce Development

201

Miles of bikeways created

Walking and Biking in Oakland

View More Data

Home

Pay a Parking Ticket

Report an Issue / Oak 311

Apply for a Permit

Report a Crime

Apply / Renew Business Tax License

Find Meeting Information

Popular Services

Council & Commissions

Child & Family Services

Housing Programs & Support

Parks & Recreation

Working for Oakland

Crime Prevention

Planning & Building

Vehicles & Parking

Latest News

Oakland Reaches Tentative 3-Year Agreement with SEIU Local 1021

Oakland Reaches Tentative 5-Year Agreement with Firefighters Local 55

News: How You and the City of Oakland Can Prepare for El Nino Impacts

Oakland Joins National 12 Million Calls Initiative

Events & Meetings

Keep Dimond Clean Every Saturday

Community Planting Day

Keep Dimond Clean Every Wednesday

MACRO Town Care Café

Community Cleanup with Rainbow Community Neighborhood Council 27y

Community Cleanup High Street Coalition

Get Involved

Bulky Block Party Events

Adopt-A-Drain

Roadmap to Fiscal Health

Join the Public Ethics Commission

Oakland By The Numbers

City Officials

Barbara Lee

Asha Reed

Rowena Brown

Michael C. Houston

Zac Unger

Charlene Wang

Ryan Richardson

Carroll Fife

Janani Ramachandran

Noel Gallo

Kevin Jenkins

Ken Houston