Deck Permits

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.

• Like-for-like deck replacements at any level or size
• Decks less than 30 inches above grade (any size)
• If your deck is 30 inches or more above grade: 10% or less of the total floor area or footprint on site, except for sites with existing floor area or footprint that is less than 2,500 sq. ft., then the qualifying threshold is 250 sq. ft. or less

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

• Apply for Design Review Exemption through our Online Permit Center (first log in, then apply)
• In the application, upload your completed Design Review Exemption (DRX) checklist(PDF, 288KB), project plans (see Zoning Plan Requirements(PDF, 773KB)), 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 you have received Planning approval, 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, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable)
• 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: Application Review

Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. 

Step 5.Step Five: 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 6.Step Six: 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, see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Step 1.Step One: Zoning Review

If your deck meets ALL of the following criteria, follow the steps below.

• Over 30" in height from the ground to the platform or 6' from the ground to the top of the railing and
• More than 10% of the total floor area or footprint on site, except for sites with existing floor area or footprint that is less than 2,500 sq. ft., then the qualifying threshold is more than 250 sq. ft. 

Submit the following:

• Submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through our Online Permit Center
  * NOTE:  You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW
• Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB) and all associated plans and related documents
• A planner will review your submission

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

• Once you have received Planning approval, 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, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable)
• 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: Application Review

Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. 

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, see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.