Bathroom and Kitchen Remodels

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For bathroom and kitchen remodels, small project Design Review and a Building Permit is required. The application will start with review by the Bureau of Planning.

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 Are Permits Required?

Building Permits are required for any kitchen or bathroom remodels, and must be obtained before any construction, alteration, or addition work begins. If your remodel project is NOT for a house or duplex, separate Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) permits are also required.

Please note that different application requirements and processes apply to the following:

  • Remodels with NO window or wall layout changes
  • Remodels with window replacement, but NO changes to wall layout or window size
  • Remodels WITH changes to wall layout or to window size

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

NO Window or Wall Layout Changes

Apply through our Online Permit Center (you must first login/register and activate your account):

⇒ Remodels in buildings with 3+ dwelling units
⇒ Remodels in houses and duplexes

NEXT STEPS:
Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) and assess whether your project requires a Lead-Based Paint work plan (see below for details).

 

Window Replacement, But NO Changes to Walls or Window Size

Simplified Zoning Review is required, along with a Building Permit.

Apply through our Online Permit Center (you must first login/register and activate your account)
⇒ Remodels in buildings with 3+ dwelling units
⇒ Remodels in houses and duplexes

Upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB), along with photos of the entire exterior or facade of the structure where windows will be replaced

You must also provide the appropriate energy forms for your window replacement work:

NEXT STEPS:
Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) and assess whether your project requires a Lead-Based Paint work plan (see below for details).

 

WITH Change(s) to Wall Layout or Window Size

Simplified Zoning review is required.

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 your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB) , photos of the entire exterior or facade of the structure where windows will be replaced, construction plans (including floor plan and site plan), and structural calculations (as needed)

You must also provide the appropriate energy forms for your window replacement work:

NEXT STEPS:
Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) and assess whether your project requires a Lead-Based Paint work plan (see below for details).

   

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

Lead-Based Paint Work Plan (As Needed)

Projects that disturb paint on pre-1978 structures require a Lead-Based Paint work plan.

Learn More About Lead-Based Paint Work Plans

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