Code Enforcement Services
The Code Enforcement Services team helps keep Oakland safe, clean, and healthy. We make sure homes, buildings, and properties follow city rules. Our goal is to create safe places to live and work while improving the quality of life for everyone.
Areas Of Focus
- Blight: Trash, graffiti, overgrown weeds, or garbage bins left out too long
- Housing & Building Maintenance: Problems with plumbing, heating, or electricity, mold issues, or building without permits
- Noise Complaints: Ongoing loud construction, loud equipment, or music
- Zoning: Running a business in a residential area or putting up unapproved signs or fences.
City of Oakland Private Property Services
Other City / County Services
Progressive Enforcement Process
Code Enforcement Services uses a step-by-step process to handle complaints.
Property owners are notified by mail through the U.S. Postal Service.
Each notice includes 5 mailing days plus extra business days (Monday–Friday), depending on the type of notice - for example:
5 days for mailing + 30-day notice.
Violation Notices
Each Notice of Violation will include follow-up inspections until the problems are fixed. Different notices may be sent depending on how serious the issue is.
Courtesy Notices
When a small problem is first reported, the City sends a Courtesy Notice.
No inspection happens at this point.
The owner has21 days to return a Property Owner Certification Form with photos showing that the problem is corrected or does not exist.
Stop Work Order
A Stop Work Order is sent when:
Work must stop immediately until it meets safety and planning standards.
Penalties depend on how serious the issue is.
For more details, visit Stop Work Order Procedures.
Violation Notices
When an inspector confirms a violation, a Notice of Violation is sent.
This notice lists what is wrong and what must be fixed.
Compliance Actions
Order to Abate - Habitability
Tells the owner when to get permits and inspections for unresolved violations.
Fees may apply if the problem isn’t fixed.
Substandard Public Nuisance
If a property is unsafe — for example, has landslides, major electrical or plumbing issues, or structural damage— the City may declare it a Substandard Public Nuisance.
Imminent Hazard
If a property has life-threatening dangers, the City can take immediate action to protect residents and the public.
Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program- For Contractors Only
If the owner does not fix blight, the City may hire contractors to clean the property, and the property owner must pay for the cleanup.
Visit the Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program page for more information.
Waiver of Time
This is an agreement allows the City to clean up or secure blighted property. The owner agrees to cover the cleanup costs.
Compliance Plan
An agreement between the property owner and the City that lists repairs, fees, and a timeline for completion.
Inspection Warrant
If City staff need to enter private property and cannot get permission, the City may ask a judge for a warrant to allow an inspection.
Extension to Comply
If you need more time to fix a violation, you may apply for a Code Enforcement Compliance Extension Request.
Appeals
Violation AppealProperty owners who receive a Notice of Violation can appeal by filling out a Violation Appeal Form. The appeal goes to an independent hearing officer.
Administrative Appeal
If an owner misses the Violation Appeal deadline but later receives an Order to Abate or Substandard Public Nuisance notice, they may still appeal.
Billing Appeal
Owners can challenge fees or leins at hearing with an independent hearing officer. (Billing Appeal Form(PDF, 279KB))
Related Forms
Registration & Penalty Appeal(PDF, 256KB)
Property Owner Certification(PDF, 220KB)
Note: For any questions on appeal forms, please contact the Cashier's Office or email
bopb-ceappealhearings@oaklandca.gov.
Property Registration & Improvement Programs
Banks and lenders must maintain properties during foreclosure. The property must be kept clean and secure, and it should display management contact information. If not registered within 30 days of foreclosure, citations may be issued.
New owners of foreclosed properties of up to 4 residential units must register and have the property inspected by the City. The inspector will check if the property meets local building codes or needs work. Properties must meet the following requirements to qualify for registration.
If the owner does not fix blight violations, the City may hire contractors to clean the property, and the property owner will be billed.
The program is to provide for owner-paid relocation payments and assistance to residential tenants who are displaced due to compliance with building, housing, and fire codes.
Safety & Housing Improvement Programs
Codes & Ordinances
Procedures & Forms
Brochures
- Private Property Blight Brochure(PDF, 508KB)
A guide about private property blight and how to maintain property.
- Retroactive Permitting(PDF, 320KB)
A guide to retroactive approval and permitting of Undocumented Dwelling units, additions and alterations.
- Minimum Residential Code(PDF, 414KB)
Provides details to assist Property Owners with the maintenance and livability of their property.
- Mold Brochure for Property Owners(PDF, 365KB)
A guide relating to mold for property owners.
- Mold Brochure for Tenants(PDF, 439KB)
Provides information on what mold is, its sources, and how to prevent, clean, and remove mold.
- Stop Work Order Brochure(PDF, 301KB)
Stop work order brochure and information
- Resource Guide(PDF, 358KB)
List services and contact information within City departments, County of Alameda, and other private resources.
Property Owner Resources