Impact Fees

Impact fees make sure that new development in Oakland helps pay for its fair share of affordable housing, transportation, and city facilities. These fees are part of the building permit process. 

  • How fees are set: The fee amount is based on the date your complete Building Permit Application is submitted. 
  • When fees are due: Starting September 13, 2025, all fees will be charged per square foot and must be paid when the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued. (Fees will still be calculated when your complete permit application is submitted.) 
  • For more information on Impact Fee Assessment and your right to appeal, read our Impact Fee Assessment and Appeal Information(PDF, 748KB) 

     

2025 Impact Fees Rate Sheet and Zone Map(PDF, 785KB)

Amendments to Master Fee Schedule - Impact-Fees(PDF, 220KB)

Impact Fee Amendments

On July 15, 2025, the Oakland City Council approved major updates to the Impact Fee Program. The goal is to support more housing development and promote fair growth across the city.

The ordinance updated the following Oakland Municipal Code chapters:(O.M.C):  

Impact Fee Nexus Studies & Economic Feasibility Study

Codes and Regulations

Forms and Appeals

Please use the forms below to request a reduction or appeal of impact fees. Any questions should be directed to Susan Olson, Administrative Analyst, at impactfees@oaklandca.gov

Types of Projects That Must Pay Impact Fees

Affordable Housing Impact Fees 

  • New housing units (single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, live/work or work/live units) 

Transportation & Capital Improvements Impact Fees 

  • New housing units (same as above) 

  • New nonresidential projects 

  • Nonresidential projects with extra floor space 

  • Nonresidential projects with a “change or intensification of use” 

Jobs/Housing Impact Fees (25,000 sq. ft. or larger) 

  • New nonresidential office or warehouse buildings or additions 

  • Projects changing use to office or warehouse 

  • Vacant nonresidential buildings (over one year) that get a permit for office or warehouse use 

School Fees 

School fees are collected by the Planning and Building Department on behalf of the Oakland Unified School District.   

  • Residential: $5.17 per square foot 

  • Commercial: $0.84 per square foot 

For more information on Permit Fees contact the following: 

  • Planning Permit Fees: Call the Zoning Hotline at (510) 238-3911 

  • Building Permit Fees: Usually 4–6% of project value; more details available at the Building Permit Counter (250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 2114). 

  • School Fees: Contact OUSD Facilities Planning and Management Department. (510) 879-2700 or ousdfacilities@ousd.org 

 

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