Stop Work Order Procedures

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If you received a Stop Work from a City of Oakland Building Inspector, you must stop all construction activities. Please see below on how to apply for permits to correct the violations.

Stop Work Order Informational Brochure(PDF, 301KB)

If you received a Stop Work from a City of Oakland Code Enforcement or Building Inspector, you must stop all construction activities. You must either revise your permits, correct the violations, and/or apply for permits depending on the type of project, as per the three types below.

Select Project Type

Stop Work for Permitted Project

If the permitted work does not conform 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 receive a notification 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 the project received a Stop Work Order due to poor site management, including violations of Conditions of Approval and/or City ordinances or regulations, including Best Management Practices (BMPs), Lead Based Paint containment, and Construction Management Plans.

Step 1.Step One: Correct Violations

Correct all violations.

Step 2.Step Two: Contact Inspector

Contact the inspector who issued the Stop Work Order to verify the correction of violations. See Stop Work Order for inspector information.

Step 3.Step Three: Payment Fees

Once you receive 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 you will need to:

Step 1.Step One: Registration

Register on our online portal Online Permit Center. You may register under "Full Registration" as the Contractor or Owner-Builder.

Step 2.Step Two: Permit Type

Once registered, click "All Available Permits" under Full Registration and determine the type of permit you will need. Click on the Permit type and follow the instructions. Please place "Stop Work Order issued" in the description of the scope of work.

Step 3.Step Three: Notification 

You will receive an email if your application is accepted or if it is incomplete and more information is needed within 1-10 business days. (Check your spam folder for an email from noreply@accela.com)

Step 4.Step Four: Field Check and Review

Once the application submittal is complete you will be required to schedule a Field Check inspection once permit staff email you to determine that all conditions match and no additional information is required before Plan Check Review and/or Permit issuance. You will received continual communication from the permit staff. (Check your spam folder for an email from noreply@accela.com)

 

Appointments and Hours of Operation

All permit applications are now electronic, please visit the Permits page for more information.

Stop Work Order Penalties

All Stop Work Orders issued shall be assessed an immediate Stop Work Order fee and are subject to additional enforcement fees, administrative charges and penalties.

Permit fees may be assessed at two (2x) or more for permits originated because of a STOP WORK ORDER issued due to unpermitted work. The assessment of two (2x) or more permit fees is in addition to Stop Work fees.

Demolition of structures without a demolition permit shall be assessed a 10X 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.