Appeal a Permit Decision or Submit an Administrative Appeal

For Concerned Community Members

While issued permits cannot be appealed, we welcome community feedback. If you have concerns about a permitted activity or event, please reach out to our office.

We work with permit holders and community members to address issues and find fair resolutions whenever possible.

Contact Us:

Contact information for each Special Activity Permit type can be found at the bottom of its respective webpage.

  

For Applicants

If your permit is denied, suspended, or revoked, you may have the right to appeal. The process and timeline for appeals vary by permit type.

General Permits (Entertainment Venues, Massage, Cannabis)

  • Submit a written appeal within 14 days of the decision.

  • Appeals are heard by an independent hearing officer (for cannabis permits) or the City Council (for other permit types).

  • The decision made after the hearing is final.

Special Event Permits

  • Request reconsideration within 5 days of denial by submitting a written request to the City Administrator.

  • Your request must clearly explain why the denial should be reversed.

Charitable Solicitation Permits

  • Request a public hearing within 5 days of the denial by filing with the Commission.

Sound Permits

  • File a written notice of appeal with the City Clerk within 5 days of the denial or revocation.

Mobile Food Vending Permits

  • Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Learn More:
For detailed information on appeal procedures and requirements for your specific permit type, please refer to the Oakland Municipal Code .

 

Administrative Appeals

If you’ve received an Administrative Penalty, a Declaration of Public Nuisance, or a notice for Nuisance Activity, you may be able to file an Administrative Appeal.

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the notice date and include a $150 non-refundable filing fee.

You can download the appeal form below, or find a copy included with the mailed notice you received.

Administrative-Appeal-Form.pdf(PDF, 212KB)

 

 

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