Separate Demolition Permits are required when more than half of the exterior 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 a Building Permit. In addition, separate permits for demolition are required when MORE than half of the exterior walls of a building are to be demolished, and must be obtained before any demolition work may begin.
If you are building a new structure, adding to an existing structure, or conducting repairs or renovations, 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 & Permits directory.
Please note that different application requirements and processes apply to the following:
- Soft Demolition (Interior Non-Structural Commercial)
- <= 50% Exterior Wall Demolition
- > 50% Exterior Wall Demolition
See the "How to Apply" section below for full details and procedures.
Who Can Be Issued Permits?
- 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.
- Owners of a building or their legal representative.
How To Apply
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