Single Family Home

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For new houses, regular Design Review (DR) and a Building Permit is required. The application will start with review by the Bureau of Planning.

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?

Regular Design Review (DR) is required for the construction of one (1) new primary dwelling unit (i.e., a Single Family House), other than an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The project must obtain Design Review approval from the Bureau of Planning prior to submitting the required Building Permit application. The Building Permit for a new single-family house includes all related Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work within the building, and must be obtained before any construction work begins. Separate Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) permits for the project are not required.

Please note that separate permits will also be required from the Oakland Department of Transportation, Oakland Fire Department, and Oakland Public Works depending on the scope of the project.

Who Can Apply?

  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: Design Review

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet
  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB), Design Review Findings, and all required plans and documents
  • A planner will review your submission and will contact you for next steps
  • Please note that public notice of your project will be required
  • Once approved, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning

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 New Construction(PDF, 94KB) and a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed
  • 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: Work Out Utilities

  • Single Family Homes will need a sewer lateral permit to connect sewage service to the unit. For more information email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov. A Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk Permit may also be required.
  • Depending on whether the home appliances are vented appliances, you may also need a separate gas meter for the ADU.
    Refer to the City's General Building Code Requirements checklist to verify and log on to PG&E's online customer service portal to apply for new electric and/or gas service.

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 processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

Questions?

Call (510) 238-3911 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