Foundation Repair & Replace

Step 1.Step One: Check Eligibility for Exemption from Design Review (As Applicable)

If your project meets the criterion 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.

• Like-for-like replacements/repairs that do not permanently increase the height of the structure 

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Exemption from Design Review (As Applicable)

If your project is eligible for exemption from Design Review, follow the steps as outlined below.

• Apply for Design Review Exemption through our Online Permit Center (login first, then apply)
• In the application, upload your project plans (see Zoning Plan Requirements(PDF, 864KB)), a description of work to be performed, and all associated documents. For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines
• If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form(PDF, 209KB)
• Staff will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permit

• Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (login first, then apply)
• In the Worksheet, upload your construction plans, structural calculations (as applicable), foundation details (see below), all associated documents, and a description of any MEP work to be performed

Foundation Details:
For one or two-story residential buildings, you may use our Standard Foundation Details below. Depending on the complexity of the project, you may still be required to submit custom foundation plans.

• Standard Foundation Details: Perimeter T Foundation for Exterior Walls with Girder(PDF, 895KB)
• Standard Foundation Details: Concrete Foundation Cap(PDF, 147KB)
• Standard Foundation Details: Perimeter Monolithic Foundation for Exterior Walls(PDF, 831KB)

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: Building Permits & Final Check

• After Plan Check has been completed, your Building Permit application will go to Final Check before the Building 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.

Step 1.Step One: Small Project Design Review (As Applicable)

If your project meets all of the criteria shown below, it is eligible for Small Project Design Review (DS). Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Small Project Design Review (DS) webpage.

• Your foundation work will not permanently elevate the structure above the maximum permitted height and
• The building footprint will not encroach into any required setback.

If your project meets all criteria in the bullet list above, follow the bulleted instructions as outlined here:

• Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (login first, then apply)
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB), a description of work to be performed, and all associated plans and documents (as applicable). For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines
• If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form(PDF, 209KB)
• A planner will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permit

• Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (login first, then apply)
• In the Worksheet, upload your construction plans, structural calculations (as applicable), foundation details (see below), all associated documents, and a description of any MEP work to be performed

Foundation Details:
For one or two-story residential buildings, you may use our Standard Foundation Details below. Depending on the complexity of the project, you may still be required to submit custom foundation plans.

• Standard Foundation Details: Perimeter T Foundation for Exterior Walls with Girder(PDF, 895KB)
• Standard Foundation Details: Concrete Foundation Cap(PDF, 147KB)
• Standard Foundation Details: Perimeter Monolithic Foundation for Exterior Walls(PDF, 831KB)

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: Building Permits & Final Check

• After Plan Check has been completed, your Building Permit application will go to Final Check before the Building 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.

Step 1.Step One: Regular Design Review (As Applicable)

If you are requiring a Variance for your foundation work, follow the steps below:

• Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (login first, then apply)
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB), a description of work to be performed, and all associated plans and documents (as applicable). For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines
• If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form(PDF, 209KB)
• A planner will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permit

• Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (login first, then apply)
• In the Worksheet, upload your construction plans, structural calculations (as applicable), foundation details (see below), all associated documents, and a description of any MEP work to be performed

Foundation Details:
For one or two-story residential buildings, you may use our Standard Foundation Details below. Depending on the complexity of the project, you may still be required to submit custom foundation plans.

• Standard Foundation Details: Perimeter T Foundation for Exterior Walls with Girder(PDF, 895KB)
• Standard Foundation Details: Concrete Foundation Cap(PDF, 147KB)
• Standard Foundation Details: Perimeter Monolithic Foundation for Exterior Walls(PDF, 831KB)

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: Building Permits & Final Check

• After Plan Check has been completed, your Building Permit application will go to Final Check before the Building 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.