Fence 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.

• Residential fences measuring up to 3.5' (42”) tall in a front yard
• Residential fences measuring up to 8' tall in a side yard or backyard
• Fences in commercial and industrial zones that are 8' 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
  * NOTE: Include a photo of the yard, a site plan- with property lines, building footprints, and proposed fence location — along with elevations to scale for design and size.
• If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form.
• Staff will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits (As Applicable)

• 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: Planning 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) (select “Small Project Design Review” or “DS-1” under the "Development Permits" list on the application) and all associated documents. Include a photo of the yard, a site plan — with property lines, building footprints, and proposed fence location — along with elevations to scale for design and size.
• Wooden or metal fences over 7' and retaining walls over 3' also require you to apply for Building Permits (see Step Two)
• A planner will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notification from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits (As Applicable)

• Once you have received Planning approval, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (first log in, then apply)
• 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.