Additions, Alterations & Conversions to Habitable Space

Planning Review is required prior to submitting for a Building Permit. A Building Permit is required for additions to existing structures or conversion of non-habitable space to habitable space within residential buildings, commercial, institutional or industrial structures.

Check if your project qualifies for Design Review Exemption (DRX) by going to the "How To Apply" section under the "Like for Like Additions or Alterations Equaling 10% or Less of the Total Floor Area or Footprint on Site" tab.

For projects that meet for Small Project Design Review (DS), go to the "How To Apply" section under the "Larger, Not Visually Matching Additions or Alterations" tab.

Faster Approval for Housing Projects!
Get faster approval for your project. We've created a new Ministerial Design Review process to approve housing projects based on clear Objective Design Standards. See if your project qualifies below!

Before you Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

Ready to get started?

First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

Permit Requirements

When is a Permit Required?

Zoning Review is required for any project that includes exterior alteration or conversions to habitable space. A Building Permit is required for all additions or conversion to habitable space. For projects involving less than three units, separate Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) applications are not required, but a full description of any MEP work to be performed must be included in the same application.

Projects that have additions or alterations may include bathroom and kitchen remodels, stucco and siding work, or replacing windows. Please visit those guidance webpages to assist with your project.

EXEMPTIONS FROM DESIGN REVIEW

Additions to existing structures or conversion of non-habitable space to habitable space within residential buildings, commercial, institutional or industrial structures that meet the following criteria are exempt from Design Review:

DRX Alterations:

Minor repairs or replacing pars of a building so they look the same as they did before. Examples include replacing windows and exterior doors as long as the replacements look the same as the old ones and no changes are made to the original window or door frame openings.
Exterior changes that visually match the existing or historic design: Any new work on the outside of the building matches how the building already looks, or how it looked in the past.
The project does not impact character-defining elements of the structure. The project won't change the important features that make the building special or historic.

DRX Small Additions:

Except in zones listed below*, additions that visually match existing design, do not create new housing units, and equal 10% or less of the total floor area or footprint on site (Additions of up to 250 sq. ft. may qualify as DRX if the existing floor area or building footprint is less than 2,500 sq. ft.)

* In the D-DT-JLI, D-CO-5, D-CO-6, CIX-1A, CIX-1B, CIX-1C and CIX-1D Zones, additions to Non-Residential buildings can equal up to 50% of the total floor area or footprint on site or 5,000 sq. ft., whichever is less

SMALL PROJECT DESIGN REVIEW (DS)

Additions to existing structures or conversion of non-habitable space to habitable space within residential buildings, commercial, institutional or industrial structures that exceed the threshold of DRX and meet the following criteria below requires Small Project Design Review (DS):

Small Project Additions or Alterations:

You can repair or replace parts of a building as long as the new parts fit the style of the building. They do not need to look exactly the same.
You can add new floor space outside the current shape of the building that does not create a new home.
You can change store entrances or street-facing areas in commercial, civic, industrial, or mixed-use buildings by:
- Adding or replacing doors, windows, or wall sections
- Restoring documented historic elements
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) qualify for Small Project Design Review (DS) if:
- They do not meet Objective Design Standards and are placed in front or on the side of the main building, or
- They existed before January 1, 2021, and need a waiver to remain.
You can create new housing, live/work, or work/live units inside the existing building, except in some industrial zones (not allowed in CIX, IG, IO, or S‑9 zones). ADUs are not included.

Who Can Apply?

1. Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.

2. Owners of a building or their legal representative.

How to Apply

Select your project type from the tabbed list below. Click on the tab that applies to your project to show the application guidance steps.

Like for Like Additions or Alterations Equaling 10% or Less of the Total Floor Area or Footprint on Site

Step 1.Step One: Check Your Eligibility For Exemption from Design Review

If your project falls under any of the criteria listed below, you may apply for exemption from Design Review for faster, simpler project review. Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Design Review Exemption (DRX) webpage.

DRX Alterations:

Minor repairs or replacing parts of a building so they look the same as they did before. Examples include replacing windows and exterior doors as long as the replacements look the same as the old ones and no changes are made to the original window or door frame openings.
Exterior changes that visually match the existing or historic design: Any new work on the outside of the building matches how the building already looks, or how it looked in the past.
The project does not impact character-defining elements of the structure. The project won't change the important features that make the building special or historic.

DRX Small Additions:

Except in zones listed below*, additions that visually match existing design, do not create new housing units, and equal 10% or less of the total floor area or footprint on site (Additions of up to 250 sq. ft. may qualify as DRX if the existing floor area or building footprint is less than 2,500 sq. ft.)

* In the D-DT-JLI, D-CO-5, D-CO-6, CIX-1A, CIX-1B, CIX-1C and CIX-1D Zones, additions to Non-Residential buildings can equal up to 50% of the total floor area or footprint on site or 5,000 sq. ft., whichever is less.

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Exemption from Design Review

Apply for Design Review Exemption through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit an application
In the application, upload your completed Design Review Exemption (DRX) checklist(PDF, 288KB), project plans (see Zoning Plan Requirements(PDF, 864KB)), a description of work to be performed, and all associated documents. For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines
If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form(PDF, 209KB)
Staff will review your submission
Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits

Once advised by staff, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet
In the Worksheet, upload all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for Additions & Alterations(PDF, 150KB) and a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed (if a house or duplex)
Once we receive your Building Worksheet and associated documents, staff will review your submission for completeness.
Once advised by staff, your permit application will be created and fees will be assessed
Pay your fees
Once fees are paid, your application will be routed for Plan Check review

Step 4.Step Four: Recycling Plan

All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 5.Step Five: Final Check & Permits

After Plan Check has been completed, your application will go to Final Check before the permit is issued.
Staff will with work with you to ensure everything is complete and inform you of any outstanding steps, fees, or documents.
Permits are issued

For the latest permitting estimates, visit our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Larger, Not Visually Matching Additions or Alterations

If your addition or alteration does not meet the Design Review Exemption (DRX) criteria as outlined in the permit requirements box above, follow the steps as outlined below.

Step 1.Step One: Small Project Design Review (As Applicable)

If your project meets one or more of the criteria shown below, it is eligible for streamlined Small Project Design Review (DS):

You are repairing or replacing parts of a building as long as the new parts fit the style of the building. They do not need to look exactly the same.
You are adding new floor space outside the current shape of the building that does not create a new home.
You are changing store entrances or street-facing areas in commercial, civic, industrial, or mixed-use buildings by:
- Adding or replacing doors, windows, or wall sections
- Restoring documented historic elements
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) qualify for Small Project Design Review (DS) if:
- They do not meet Objective Design Standards and are placed in front or on the side of the main building, or
- They existed before January 1, 2021, and need a waiver to remain.

You are creating new housing, live/work, or work/live units inside the existing building, except in some industrial zones (not allowed in CIX, IG, IO, or S‑9 zones). ADUs are not included.

If your project meets one or more criteria in the bullet list above, follow the bulleted instructions as outlined here:

Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You'll need to log in before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet
In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB)**, a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed, and all required plans and documents
** Please note that Additions & Conversions are distinct from new living units.
Complete and upload all relevant Small Project Design Review checklists here:
A planner will review your submission
Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

Once advised by staff, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet
In the Worksheet, upload all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for Additions & Alterations(PDF, 150KB) and a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed (if a house or duplex)
Once we receive your Building Worksheet and associated documents, staff will review your submission for completeness.
Once advised by staff, your permit application will be created and fees will be assessed
Pay your fees
Once fees are paid, your application will be routed for Plan Check review

Step 3.Step Three: Recycling Plan

All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 4.Step Four: Final Check & Permits

After Plan Check has been completed, your application will go to Final Check before the permit is issued.
Staff will with work with you to ensure everything is complete and inform you of any outstanding steps, fees, or documents.
Permits are issued

For the latest permitting estimates, visit our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Other Additions/Alterations Subject to Design Review

If you are adding housing units outside the existing building envelope, your project may qualify for review under a new Ministerial Design Review process, which reviews projects based on Objective Design Standards*. Please visit this page to complete the application process for your project.

*Note: Your project cannot need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Variance, Planned Unit Development (PUD), or Development Agreement (DA) to qualify for faster Ministerial Design Review.

The following projects do not qualify for Ministerial Design Review:

Proposed development projects accessed by Panoramic Way, Panoramic Place, Dwight Way, Dwight Place, and Bancroft Place
One-Family Dwellings proposed within the area mapped as critical habitat for endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Projects proposed on a site with a City or State landmark, listed on the National Register, or within an S-7 or S-20 Zone

If your project has 31 or more housing units and is not one of the types listed above, and it does not need a CUP, Variance, PUD, or DA, it may go through Regular Design Review using Objective Design Standards. This process still reduces subjective decisions by the Planning Bureau.

Otherwise, follow the steps as outlined below for Regular Design Review (DR).

Step 1.Step One: Regular Design Review (As Applicable)

Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You'll need to log in before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet
In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB), and all required plans and documents*
* NOTE: If your project is subject to Objective Design Standards (see criteria in pop-open box above), also upload your completed Objective Design Standards Guide and Checklist(PDF, 1MB) and your completed Equitable Climate Action Plan Consistency Checklist(PDF, 238KB)
A planner will review your submission
Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

Once advised by staff, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet
In the Worksheet, upload all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for Additions & Alterations(PDF, 150KB) and a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed (if a house or duplex)
Once we receive your Building Worksheet and associated documents, staff will review your submission for completeness.
Once advised by staff, your permit application will be created and fees will be assessed
Pay your fees
Once fees are paid, your application will be routed for Plan Check review

Step 3.Step Three: Recycling Plan

All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 4.Step Four: Final Check & Permits

After Plan Check has been completed, your application will go to Final Check before the permit is issued.
Staff will with work with you to ensure everything is complete and inform you of any outstanding steps, fees, or documents.
Permits are issued

For the latest permitting estimates, visit our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

Questions?

Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

Planning & Building

250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor

Oakland, CA

94612

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