Demolition Permits

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Demolition Permits are required when more than half of the exterior building walls are to be demolished, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. They are also required for soft demolitions for commercial spaces. Please review the permit application requirements below, as they vary by the scope and extent of your project.

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?

All demolitions require Planning approval and Building Permit before any demolition work may begin.

IMPORTANT NOTE! If your building is declared an imminent hazard by the City of Oakland, it will be "red-tagged" for demolition. You will be contacted by the Building Bureau outlining demolition requirements and procedures. Do NOT follow any of the application options below in case of imminent hazard. If you believe your building is an imminent hazard, contact Code Enforcement at (510) 238-3381.

If your proposed demolition is related to any other construction, you must apply for permits for the entire project. To see a list of common project types linking to further application guidance, see our Homeowner Projects & Permits directory.

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

  • Soft Demolitions (Interior Non-Structural Commercial) require a Zoning Clearance and Building Permits
  • Alterations within an existing residential building which involve the removal of a living unit. The proposed demolition or removal of any protected units will additionally be subject to the requirements of Planning Code Chapter 17.122
  • Less than or equal to 50% Exterior Wall Demolition are considered alterations by the City of Oakland. Visit our Additions, Alterations & Conversions page for permit application details.
  •  More than 50% Exterior Wall Demolition fall into two subcategories 
    • Demolitions of non-historic properties or the removal of a living unit within an existing building requires for Small Project Design Review (DS)
    • Proposed demolitions of any historic properties such as Potential Designated Historic Properties (PDHPs) or Designated Historic Properties (DHPs) require Regular Design Review (DR)

See the "How to Apply" section below for full details and procedures.

Who Can Be Issued Demolition 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

Select your project type from the tabbed list below:

Soft Demolition (Interior Non-Structural Commercial)

A Building Permit is required to remove the interior non-structural elements of a commercial tenant space*. A Zoning Clearance is also required if the soft demolition is for a new tenant. A Building Permit for Soft Demolition can be issued prior to the issuance of the Building Permit to build out the space. Typically, no plans are needed for this. However, a waste reduction recycling plan needs to be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of the permit.

*NOTE: Residential spaces do not qualify for Soft Demolition Permits

IMPORTANT REMINDER: You must also apply for permits for the entire project. To see a list of common project types linking to further application guidance, see our "Homeowner Projects and Permits" permitting directory.

Step 1.Step One: Zoning Clearance (As Applicable) 

If the Soft Demolition is for a new tenant, submit a Zoning Clearance 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permit 

  • 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)

Step 3.Step Three: Application Review 

  • 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).

Less than or Equal to 50% of Exterior Walls to be Demolished (Alterations)

The Planning and Building Permits required to remodel a building includes the demolition work when no more than half of the exterior walls will be removed. In this case, a separate permit for demolition is not required. These are typically considered alterations. 

Visit our Additions, Alterations & Conversions page for permit application details. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: While a separate permit for demolition is not required in this case, you must apply for permits for the entire project. To see a list of common project types linking to further application guidance, see our "Homeowner Projects and Permits" permitting directory. 

 

More than 50% of Exterior Walls to be Demolished in Non-Historic Property OR Removal of In-Building Unit

Step One: Small Project Design Review (DS) 

If your demolition project meets any of the following criteria, it will be processed under streamlined Small Project Design Review (DS):  

  • Demolition of structures not involving Designated or Potential Designated Historic Properties on sites where exterior design review is required.    

Otherwise, your project will be processed under Regular Design Review (DR).  

Follow the steps as outlined below:  

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center* 
    * NOTE: You must register or log in first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet 

  • A planner will review your submission 

  • Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step Two: Building Permits 

  • Once advised by staff, Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center* 
    * NOTE: You must register or log in first before you can submit a Building Worksheet 

  • In the Worksheet, upload all required documents, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable) 

  • Please upload your signed Demolition Acknowledgment. Be sure to include the square footage of the building that is being demolished in the project description. 

  • Structures (other than single-family dwellings and detached accessory structures) must also submit a PCB Screening Assessment form to the Watershed and Stormwater Management Division for approval prior to the issuance of a demolition permit 

Step Three: Building Permit Application Review 

  • Once we receive your Building Permit 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). 

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 Five: 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 

 

More than 50% of Exterior Walls to be Demolished in Historic Property

Step One: Regular Design Review (DR) 

If your project meets the following criterion, it will be processed under Regular Design Review (DR):  

Follow the steps as outlined below:  

  • IMPORTANT! Review requirements for Demolition of Historic Properties 
    Depending on which Historic Property Category your building falls under, you will need to review and follow the steps as outlined in the relevant Findings document: 

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center* 
    * NOTE: You must register or log in first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet 

  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review, all associated findings requirements (see above), plans and related documents. In the "Type of Permit" section, select "Demolition" and enter the square footage of the portion of the building to be demolished 

  • A planner will review your submission 

  • Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step Two: Building Permits 

  • Once advised by staff, Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center* 
    * NOTE: You must register or log in first before you can submit a Building Worksheet 

  • In the Worksheet, upload all required documents, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable) 

  • Please upload your signed Demolition Acknowledgment. Be sure to include the square footage of the building that is being demolished in the project description. 

  • Structures being demolished (other than single-family dwellings and detached accessory structures) must also submit a PCB Screening Assessment form to the Watershed and Stormwater Management Division for approval prior to the issuance of a demolition permit 

Step Three: Building Permit Application Review 

  • Once we receive your Building Permit 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). 

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. 

Step Five: Lead-Based Paint Work Plan (As Needed) 

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

 

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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