Stop Work Order Procedures

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If you received a Stop Work Order from a City of Oakland Building Inspector, you must stop all construction work right away. Read the information below to learn how to apply for the permits you need and how to fix the violations.

You can also read the Stop Work Order Informational Brochure(PDF, 301KB) for more details. 

If you received a Stop Work Order from a City of Oakland Code Enforcement officer or Building Inspector, you must stop all construction activities immediately. After that, you will need to revise your permits, fix the violations, and/or apply for new permits, depending on the type of project. The next section explains the three types of situations and what you must do for each one.

Select Project Type

Stop Work for Permitted Project

If the permitted work does not match with the approved plans, Conditions of Approval and/or City Ordinances or regulations.

Step 1.Step One: Building Permits

Submit a Building Worksheet (BW) through the online portal for Revision to your existing plans. If the work is for alterations to the property's exterior, you will also need to submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW). Go to the Oakland Online Permit Center and log in to submit the worksheet(s) and plans. Please be sure to note "Revision-Stop Work" in the description.

Step 2.Step Two: Notifications

You will get an email from our office within 1-10 business days. (Check your spam folder for an email from noreply@accela.com)

Step 3.Step Three: Review & Permits

If the permit revisions are complete, the permit staff will contact you through email for the next steps.

Stop Work for Site Management Violations

If your Stop Work Order was issued because of poor site management or violations of City rules, BMPs, Lead Paint containment, or Construction Management Plans

Step 1.Step One: Correct Violations

Fix all the problems listed in the Stop Work Order.

Step 2.Step Two: Contact Inspector

Reach out to the inspector who issued the Stop Work Order to confirm that the violations have been fixed. 

Step 3.Step Three: Payment Fees

Once you get an invoice, pay the Stop Work Order fees. Contact the cashier at (510) 238-4774.

Stop Work for Unpermitted Project

If the work is unpermitted, follow these steps:

Step 1.Step One: Registration

Sign up on the Online Permit Center. You can register as either a Contractor or Owner-Builder.

Step 2.Step Two: Permit Type

After registering, click All Available Permits to find the permit you need. Click on it and follow the instructions. Be sure to write "Stop Work Order issued" in the description of the work.

Step 3.Step Three: Notification 

You will get an email within 1–10 business days telling you if your application is accepted or if more information is needed. (Check your spam folder for emails from noreply@accela.com.)

Step 4.Step Four: Field Check and Review

Once your application is complete, you must schedule a Field Check inspection when the permit staff emails you. This inspection confirms that all conditions are met and no extra information is needed before your permit can be reviewed or issued. You will get updates from permit staff throughout the process.

Appointments and Hours of Operation

All permit applications are now done online. Visit the Permits page for more information. 

Stop Work Order Penalties

If you get a Stop Work Order, you must pay an immediate fee. There may also be extra fees, charges, and penalties. 

  • If a permit is needed because of unpermitted work, the permit fees can be twice or more the normal amount. 

  • If a structure is demolished without a permit, the fee can be 10 times the normal permit fee, in addition to the Stop Work Order fee. 

Questions?

For more information, contact the Building Services Department at (510) 238-3381 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal.

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3444

Location

Building Inspections
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
2nd Floor
Oakland, CA
94612
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