Deck Permits

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Decks, usually wooden platforms built above the ground and connected to a building, are generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Building Permits are required for all deck projects, and Zoning Review may be required.

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 to construct a new deck, expand an existing one, or repair or replace one in-kind. Decks may be subject to Zoning Review. For decks over 30" in height from the ground to the platform or 6' from the ground to the top of the railing, Zoning regulations must be adhered to.

EXEMPTIONS

Decks that meet ALL of the following criteria are exempt from a Building Permit:

  • Serve a house or a duplex, and
  • Are 200 sq ft or less in overall footprint, and
  • Are not more than 30" above the ground at any point, and
  • Are not attached to the dwelling, and
  • Do not serve a required exit door, and
  • Do not serve as a door landing

 

Who Can Be Issued Permits?

  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

Step 1.Step One: Zoning Review

For NEW decks, deck expansions or repairs/rebuilds, you must 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 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.

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.

Related Resources

 

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Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA
94612
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