Detached Garages or Carports

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Detached garages or carports providing covered parking spaces should be generally located to the rear or side of any primary residential facility. Zoning Review and a Building Permit are required for new detached garages or carports.

Before you Start

Please review Permit Requirements below as they 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.

When Is a Permit Required?

Zoning Review is required for the construction of new detached garages or carport. A Building Permit is required after zoning approval.

For detailed information on Zoning requirements, please see Oakland Municipal Code Section 17.116.300.

 

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

  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

  • 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
  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB), including a description of all proposed work, and all associated plans and documents
  • A planner will review your submission
  • Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning if applicable

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

  • Once advised by staff, 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 as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for Additions & Alterations(PDF, 150KB) and a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed (if associated with a house or duplex)
  • Once we receive your Building Worksheet and associated documents, staff will review your submission for completeness.
  • 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: 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 4.Step Four: 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 processing estimates, please 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.

Additional Resources

 

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
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