Permit & Services Questions Portal

One or more of your license(s) may show as expired in our system. Please send a copy of your updated license(s) to pbdaccelaregistration@oaklandca.gov.

OWNERS: If you are applying for a permit as the property Owner, you will need to provide the following: 

• A copy of your current California Driver’s License or Identification Card
• A copy of the recorded deed for the property 
• A completed Owner-Builder User Agreement* 

Your Architect or Representative may complete the online registration for you by completing the registration application and by providing copies of information as described above. Be sure that they input their email address for registration access.

CONTRACTORS: If you are applying for a permit as the Contractor, you will need to provide the following: 

• A copy of your current California Driver’s License or Identification Card 
• A copy of your current State of California Contractor’s License 
• A copy of your current City of Oakland Business License 
• A completed Contractor User Agreement* 

If you have staff members pulling permits on your behalf, be sure you add their name(s) under “Authorized Agents” on the User Agreement. Each staff person must register using your license information and their email address. 

* PLEASE NOTE: Once you've submitted the User Agreement form, a signed PDF version of your agreement will be sent to the email account you provide. Save that form to your device and attach it with your other account registration documents noted above. 

Upload and submit your signed User Agreement and other documentation at our Online Permit Center. 

Watch our video for full instructions on how to register for an account.

Thank you for your patience. For basic access, you may activate your account immediately by clicking on the activation link in the email provided. If you've registered as a Contractor or Owner-Builder, please expect to hear a response within 72 business hours after submitting your supporting documents.

Please click here to check your permit status in our Online Permit Center.

You may either type in the address number and street name only, or search by Record Number or Permit Number.

You should be able to find basic information on your project or any project on that property.  For detailed instructions on how to search by these parameters, please watch our Check Your Permit Status instructional video.

Try searching for your property either by the address or parcel number as it appears on your County Tax Bill. Also, try searching by the primary address ONLY; the parcel and owner should be automatically populated. If the system cannot find the address that you are applying for, please create the permit under the primary address (found on your County Tax Bill). You should enter the Unit Number, Apartment Number, or actual address of the project in the Description field.

You must have a licensed professional linked to your account, and it should auto-populate for you once you enter the project address. If it does not, your account may need to be updated. Contractors must submit up-to-date license information and a completed agreement form during the registration process (see "How do I apply for an account?" question for details). Contractors may also experience errors when trying to apply for permits at the beginning of each year. It could be that your City Business License has expired (which it does on December 31 each year) or your State Contractor License has expired. Please contact pbdaccelaregistration@oaklandca.gov so that your license can be renewed in our system. Once that is cleared, you will be able to apply for permits. Owner-builders should select "Non-Applicable" on the <Select License> step of the process.

Please email pbdaccelaregistration@oaklandca.gov to have your account password reset.

Please double check to see if you are attaching the right type of application. If the problem still remains, you can email pbdaccelaregistration@oaklandca.gov and describe the issue you are having. Our staff will look into possible solutions and respond to you within a few hours.

If you created your permit using our Online Permit Center, you may pay your permit fees online. 

From the home screen, simply click the “Pay Fees” circle from the main menu, select the appropriate department that’s issuing your permit(s), enter your permit or record # to search for the permit(s) matching your project, and select all appropriate fees that remain due. 

For other fees due, here are additional options to make payments (please refer your permit number on payment inquiry) : 

• Pay by phone (510) 238-4774 – Visa & Master Card only maximum $20,000 per permit.
• Check delivery in person Mon-Fri - 08:00 am to 04:30 pm, call for an appointment at (510) 238-6433 (24 hours in advance)
• By mail, please mail your check to:  City of Oakland – Planning & Building Attention: Cashier Station 250 Frank H. Ogawa 2nd Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Once your permit has been entered into our system, you may check on its status anytime using our Online Permit Center. 

Watch our video for detailed instructions on how to check your permit status online. 

Please see our Permit Status Updates table for further information on what your status means for your permit application. 

Average Permit Process Turnaround Times (Estimates Only)

What is Final Check? 

Projects that require Plan Check review require Final Check before the permit is issued. Final Check assures plans are stamped by all applicable departments and jurisdictions, required final documents are provided to be sure the record is accurate. Approved plans, permit cards and permits are released to the applicant and secured as part of the permit record.  The following is a list of items checked during the process: 

• Site Information
  • Verify parcel number/address is correct and matches with City system 
  • Verify Address assignment for New Units and ADUs 
• Project Description/Record Information 
  • Verify description matches with approved plans 
  • Add related planning and Code Enforcement record numbers 
  • Reference existing property address for permits creating new units 
  • Verify all permit characteristics is accurate in City system 
  • Apply any additional project specific requirements on plans 
  • Secure all PDFs that are approved by plan checker 
• Fees 
  • Verify all applicable fees invoiced 
• Holds 
  • Place holds for items pending prior to permit issuance 
• Request Documents from Applicant 
  • Request and advise applicant of pending items required for permit issuance 
  • Advise of any payment due 
• Record Documents 
  • Upload all secured documents to permit 
  • Upload any Special Inspection (SI) reports ( not required for C&D and T24 SI) 
  • Upload any recorded documentation 
  • Upload any signed documentation  

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) permits are each separate permits. We do offer a Building Permit for houses and duplexes that includes the related MEP work and does not require separate permits. However, if you do not need a Building Permit for these building types, then separate MEP permits are needed. All projects that are in buildings with three or more residential units or that are non-residential or mixed-use all require separate MEP permits.

For detailed information on what permits are required and how to apply, please visit our Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Permits webpage.

Yes, a water heater replacement requires a Plumbing Permit. For detailed information on what is required and how to apply, please visit our Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Permits webpage.

Permits are required to operate a business or construct, alter, repair, or demolish a building. The permitting process will vary based on your project. You may need to obtain permits from the Planning Bureau, Building Bureau, Fire Prevention Bureau, Department of Transportation, Oakland Public Works, the Alameda County’s Environmental Health Department, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or other governmental agencies.

Depending on the scope of work and the zoning of your property, your project may need to conform with design standards as outlined in one or more of Oakland’s various Neighborhood and Citywide Plans. You can also check the zoning requirements for your property by visiting our Oakland Zoning Map.

EXEMPTIONS: Some work is entirely exempt from needing Building Permits as outlined here.

Want more information about the process? See our Permitting Process webpage for further details and links to resources on the possible Planning and Building Permits you’ll need.

APPLY ONLINE! Registered and activated users of our Online Permit Center can apply online for a select number of Building Permits. Watch our video on how to register for an account.

Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center

In the Worksheet, upload your completed Revision Application form* and the revised plan sheets (if applicable) as attachments. If your plans were NOT issued electronically, please also include a scan of your issued stamped-approved plans. If you are requesting a revision to an MEP permit, please also include an MEP Worksheet(PDF, 661KB) that has the items that you want to be added.

* PLEASE NOTE: Once you've submitted the Revision Application webform, a signed PDF version of your form will be sent to the email account you provide. Save that form to your device and attach it to your Worksheet with your other documents as noted above.

In most cases, the building inspector will identify the need for revisions and issue a correction notice with the steps that the project will need to undertake. This requires a revision to your existing permit. Please visit our Submit a Building or Zoning Revision for Your Permitted Project webpage for complete instructions based on the type of revision you need.

Please contact us at bbstatusinfo@oaklandca.gov.

Please be sure you’ve provided us with all the completed documents required for your permit application. If your project requires Plan Check review, your project may be in the queue for review by one of our engineers. The final check process before issuing your permit requires that all departments have signed off on your project, all fees have been paid, and all submission requirements are complete.

You may check on your permit status anytime using our Online Permit Center.

Watch our video for detailed instructions on how to check your permit status online.

Please see our Permit Status Updates table for further information on what your status means for your permit application.

ON HOLD STATUS: If your permit is still on hold, please be sure you have also performed all next steps as noted on our Construction and Demolition Recycling Requirements page.

 Average Permit Process Turnaround Times (Estimates Only)

Complete a Refund Request Form, which will be sent directly to the Cashier’s Office, along with a copy for your records. Please allow up to 90 business days to review and process your request.

Please provide a notarized Permit Transfer Letter(PDF, 100KB) to the new contractor/owner. They will need to visit our Online Permit Center to submit a Building Worksheet and include the Transfer Letter as an attachment. Also include either a Contractor's Declaration Form or Owner-Builder's Declaration Form depending on who the permit will be transferred to.

Only the person/company to whom the permit was issued can authorize a permit to be transferred and as such they would be the one that would need to complete the Permit Transfer Letter. There are some exceptions to this, so please contact us using the form below to see if it is possible to transfer your permit(s) without the permit holder’s approval.

Please visit our Average Permit Process Turnaround Times webpage for the latest processing estimates (subject to staff capacity).

IMPORTANT: In order to assist in getting your application started AND moving, please note that your application is considered to be completely submitted for processing ONLY after application materials are received and all application fees have been paid.

We are not accepting expedited requests on application intake processing at this time. However, we are accepting expedited requests for Plan Review and issuance processing, depending on staff availability for overtime work. To make a request for expedited review, please fill out an Overtime Plan Check Request Form.

An interactive Zoning Map is viewable on the City of Oakland website to assess your property's zone designation.

Enter the property address, Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), or intersection to locate the site. Hover over the aerial photo to view the property's zoning designation or click on the parcel to view Complete Parcel Information. The map also shows City limits, Port of Oakland zoning jurisdiction, lot size (area and dimensions), etc. Please note: parcels are not surveyed and the Land Use Descriptions are based on Alameda County data that has not been verified by the City of Oakland.

The City's Zoning regulations may be found on our Planning Code (Title 17 of the Municipal Code) webpage.

The Code includes zoning district chapters corresponding to the zoning map, with permitted uses and property development standards (height, setbacks, etc). Other chapters provide definitions, use classifications, and permit information such as for Design Review, Conditional Use Permit (CUP), or Variance permits. Please note, other regulations such as the Building Codes may also apply to select projects.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are generally permitted on residential properties that already have one or more dwellings, as required by California State law. You may submit applications for ADUs on properties with a single-family residence OR multi-family or multi-unit structures. ADUs are classified as "Category 1" for conversions and "Category 2" for new construction.

Check your zoning using the City's online Zoning Map. Please note that ADUs require a Design Review Exemption (DRX) permit from the Planning/Zoning Bureau, along with Building Permits.

TO APPLY, please visit the appropriate page here: Single Family Property ADU | Multi-Family Property ADU

NEW! We now offer Pre-Approved Plans for Detached ADUs, saving you time and money on your project permitting.

More information can be found on our online ADU web portal.

Accessory structures include garages and sheds (but NOT ADUs). Up to one structure measuring less than 120 sq ft per property and used for storage is generally permitted outright and does NOT count towards total lot coverage. If Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing (MEP) work is involved OR if the structure is greater than 120 sq. ft., accessory structures also require a Building Permit.

However, Zoning review is required. No Zoning Permit is required if the structure adds less than 10% new floor area to the property. The maximum height is generally 15’.  Side and rear yard setback requirements may be waived IF the entire structure is within 35’ of the rear lot line, maximum wall height is 9’ and maximum ceiling height is 12’ at its peak, at least 50% of the rear yard remains open, and no bedroom or full bathroom is included. The setback exception regulations in the Planning Code may be viewed online under OMC 17.108.130, Subsection K.

Ready to apply? Please visit our Accessory Structures project application guidance page for details.

Fences measuring 3.5' to 6' in height in a front yard require a Zoning Permit and must be at least 60% transparent. Fences over 6' in residential front yards are NOT permitted. Wood and metal fences over 7' require a Building Permit. Fences made of other materials may also require a Building Permit depending on their height.

Please review page 60 of our Design Review Manual(PDF, 15MB) for design guidelines. As indicated in the manual, if other fences on the same side of the block are pushed back 18" from the sidewalk, please match that distance for consistency.

In commercial and industrial zones, fences may be allowed up to 8' in height or in some cases up to 10' in height, and require Zoning Review. Some fences between 8 and 10' may also require a Zoning Permit.

EXEMPTIONS

For residential properties, the following fences do NOT require a Zoning Permit:

• Fences measuring up to 3.5' (42”) tall in a front yard
• Fences measuring up to 8' tall in a side yard or backyard

For commercial and industrial zones, fences under 8' do NOT require a Zoning Permit, but do require Zoning Review.

Ready to apply? Please visit our Fences project application guidance page for details.

Zoning Review is required to replace or change windows. In most cases, no Zoning Permit or fee is required. Staff will review the style of window for building compatibility (including historic considerations) and to ensure all windows are matching.

To request Zoning review or apply: Please visit our Window Replacement project guidance page for details.

GENERATORS:
Installed generators require a Design Review Exemption (DRX) permit from the Zoning Counter. Generators should be located at the side (not in a required yard “setback”) or anywhere in a rear yard (including setback). Creek and noise considerations may apply to the review.

Ready to apply? Please visit our Generators project application guidance page for details.

UTILITY METERS:
Zoning review is required to relocate a utility meter at or to a street-facing location, though NO Zoning permit or fees are required. Side or rear placement is preferred. However, if it must be located at a street-facing location and may be visible from the public right-of-way, it must be screened (you may propose a large potted plant in front of it, for example). Electrical and/or Plumbing Permits will also be required. New utility meter installations may also require a Creek Protection Permit.

You may view the Planning Code regulations online under OMC 17.124.045.

Ready to apply? Please visit our Utility Meters project application guidance page for details.

Business signage installation typically requires a Zoning Permit, but may only require Zoning review for most refaces (please note that dark lettering on light backgrounds is discouraged).

The sign chapter of the Planning Code is accessible online under OMC 17.104.  Please be sure to review the Commercial Design Review Guidelines(PDF, 96KB) for commercial signage.

To determine your zone and to measure your parcel frontage to determine maximum signage per property, view the City's online Zoning Map. 20 sq ft per tenant is automatically allowed as a minimum; includes all commercial tenants.

Ready to apply? Please visit our Signs project guidance page for details.

PROTECTED TREES:
In order to remove a Protected Tree or build within 10’ of one, a Tree Protection and/or Removal Permit is required. Public notice is also required. For further information, please review the Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB) on page 6, section 5.

For more information, the Tree Protection section of the City's Municipal Code may be found online under OMC 12.36.

Ready to apply? 

• Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB) and a completed tree survey

Applications for tree removal only with no construction are submitted directly to the Tree Division through their Tree Removal page.

PROTECTED CREEKS:
In order to perform construction work within 100’ of a creek (including seasonal waterways), a Creek Protection Permit (Categories I-II-III or IV) is required. Public notice may also be required. For further information, please review the Creek Protection Permits webpage.

Creek Protection Permits are handled by the Planning & Building Department's Zoning staff, who act as liaisons as needed with Oakland Public Works' Watershed Division. For more information, view the Creek Protection section of the City's Municipal Code may be found online under OMC 13.16.

Ready to apply? First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

• Visit our Creek Protection Permits webpage to apply

WHAT'S NEXT? Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If we need further information, we will contact you. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

A Zoning Clearance verifies that a given activity is allowed at a particular location. Zoning Clearances are needed for a Business License and do not expire for the duration of the applicant's use. Zoning Clearances include home-based businesses or home offices (“Home Occupations”). For more information on home occupations, please see the Oakland Planning Code Chapter 17.112. Another common home-based business is a cottage food operation (or CFO), which includes the preparation of food products in a home kitchen. Prior to applying for a Zoning Clearance for a CFO, please obtain preliminary approval from Alameda County Environmental Health Dept. 

Ready to apply? Visit our Zoning Clearance application guidance page for your business.

A Zoning verification letter (Letter of Determination or DET) provides property zoning and/or zoning permit history verification on letterhead, for due diligence and other purposes.

Ready to request Zoning verification? Please visit our Determine Project Zoning Conformity guidance page. A fee is applied for each property.

Project applicants may request a Density Bonus or financially equivalent incentive(s) for a housing development that includes plans to construct a specified percentage of housing for low-income or very low-income households, or senior citizens. Please submit your project application through our Online Permit Center.

For complex projects, a pre-application and meeting with a Planning is recommended. Please see “How do I submit a pre-application?” from the Planning questions for more information.

Follow these steps to apply:

Step One: Planning & Zoning Approval

• Submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through our Online Permit Center*
  * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB), Affordable Housing Density Bonus Supplemental Form(PDF, 323KB), and related project documents
• A planner will review your submission
• Please note that public notice of your project may be required
• Once approved, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning

Step Two: Post-Planning/Zoning Approval - Building Permits

• Submit a Building Worksheet (BW) through our Online Permit Center*
  * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a BW
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Building Permit Application(PDF, 202KB), an MEP Application Worksheet(PDF, 661KB), and all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for New Construction (listed below)

Step Three: Application Review

• Once we receive your application, staff will contact you regarding your intake appointment during which your submittal will be reviewed for completeness. It is recommended that you are available for questions during that appointment, but not required.

Please see our Average Permit Turnaround Times webpage for the latest processing estimates.

The exact process to apply for a project depends on the Senate or Assembly Bill in question.

Review our Streamlined Housing Projects webpage for full details.

For complex projects, a pre-application meeting with a Planner is recommended. This will provide an opportunity for feedback from City staff on complicated projects or proposals. A pre-application meeting could involve a discussion with staff about the scope and complexity of the project or could involve a formal Zoning Pre-Application Review session with a fee.

Submit a Pre-Application (Optional)

• If you would like to schedule a voluntary pre-application meeting, please submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through the Online Permit Center*
  * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Zoning Pre-Application(PDF, 328KB) and your preliminary site plan, photographs, and parcel map
• The City will review your pre-application and during that review will provide guidance on the next steps for your submittal, including (but not limited to) application materials, fees, required plans, etc.

Visit our Multi-Unit Apartment Complexes and Major Development Projects webpages for pre-application guidance and submittal requirements involving common project types.

After you’ve submitted a complete application for your project through our Online Permit Center, a staff member may contact you to schedule an appointment to clarify details or request additional information and documentation. Please be sure you have provided the best email address and phone number for a staff member to reach you as needed.

Homeowners, business owners and developers may visit our Projects and Permits Directory for step-by-step guidance on applying for some of the most common projects.

Projects may require varying levels of Design Review, depending on their type, location, historic status, and other factors. Please review our Design Review Guidelines by category for details.

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) may be required for new activities, special site or design requirements, and some new facilities. A CUP is reviewed by the Bureau of Planning to analyze and, when necessary, impose special conditions of approval. For further details, along with project submittal requirements, please visit our Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) page.

A Variance is permission to depart from development regulations in the Zoning Code. A Variance may be needed to develop a property when strict application of a Zoning regulation, like maintaining a required yard area, cannot be met due to physical limitations on a property. For more information and how to apply for them, review our Variance Findings(PDF, 922KB) document.

For new houses, regular Design Review (DR) and a Building Permit is required. Please visit our New Single Family House or New Duplex project pages for details and application instructions.

A new California law (SB 9) allows property owners to: 1.) construct a second residential unit on a single-family lot and/or 2.) subdivide a single-family parcel into two separate lots, enabling the creation of either a single-family home or two residential units on each resulting parcel. For details, visit: Two-Unit Residential Development and Parcel Subdivision Resulting in Two Lots

Zoning Review is required for any project that exceeds either of these thresholds.

For details, visit our Additions & Conversion to Habitable Space project guidance page.

Once the permit for your project has been issued and construction has begun, you may request a permit inspection. Please use our City of Oakland Building Inspection Request app for your mobile device:

• Apple iOS
• Android

You may also request an inspection for your project by email at bbcode-inspect@oaklandca.gov or by phone at (510) 238-3444.

To help you determine which inspections are required for your permitted project, we provide a guide, What to Expect During Your City of Oakland Building Inspection(PDF, 1MB). Here, you will find the most typical inspections performed for new residential projects (from the ground up) and for additions, repairs, and alterations.

The information contained in this handout is specific to the City of Oakland and no other jurisdictions. It is not intended to be used as a reference or a basis for all residential projects. Each project is different and may require additional, specific, or other methods.

For more detailed permit inspection information, consult the Residential Repair Inspection Manual(PDF, 15MB).

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

Permit Inspections does not offer same-day inspections.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

Typically, when an inspector issues a Correction Notice, the project is responsible for making the necessary corrections and then calling for re-inspection for an inspector to verify that the corrections have been completed.

If there are questions as to any of the correction items, the project has two options:

1. Send an email to the inspector(s) who issued the corrections for further clarification
2. Request a field inspection for informational purposes if further clarification is needed.

Need more info? General code questions and clarifications may also be sent to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

A Special Inspection is the inspection of construction requiring the expertise of an approved Special Inspector to ensure compliance with the building code, project engineer design, and the approved construction documents as per California Building Code (CBC) 202.

Special Inspections are typically prescribed by the design engineer and/or the City of Oakland plan checker as per CBC 1705.

The City of Oakland also has a site dedicated to Special Inspection Information: Special Inspections as Required by the California Building Code and City of Oakland.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

If a Special Inspection is required, it will be noted on the approved plan sets, job card, and permit issuance. It is advised that you inquire about the need for a Special Inspection at your next field inspection.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

If applicable to the project, a PSR is verification that all energy code requirements for that specific project have been met. Projects are advised to consult with their design professional and/or Energy Consultant as to project-specific requirements.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

This document acknowledges that the project has complied with the requirements of the California Green Building Code. The homeowner or project can consult with a Greenpoint rater or fill out the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Residential Mandatory Measures Checklist(PDF, 769KB) to ensure that all items have been completed. The owner can sign on the last page of this checklist.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

The purpose of a Field Check inspection is to obtain field information prior to the issuance of a permit. The need for a field check inspection is determined either by Code Enforcement or the Permit Center based on specific project conditions. The inspector will provide a comprehensive list of items that may apply or determine that the information that has been provided, and the site conditions are acceptable for the project to move forward with the permitting process.

The site must have any plans/construction documents and a person over the age of 18 with knowledge of the work that took place to answer any questions that the inspector may have during a field check inspection.

Please note that inspectors cannot provide design guidance, how-to, or project consultation as an enforcement agency. If the inspector determines that plans with specific details will be required, the permittee is responsible for finding a design professional to provide the necessary plans and specifications.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

Re-Roofing Certification does not require an inspection. Once your application has been approved and your work is complete, you must fill out section 2 of your certificate and upload it to your record in the Online Permit Center.

Ready to Apply for a Re-Roofing Certificate? Please visit our Re-Roofing & Insulation Certification guidance page

Need more info? Call (510) 238-3606 or email us at RecordsInfo@oaklandca.gov

Permit Inspectors can only inspect the building drain, which is two feet from the face of the structure, under issued Plumbing Permits.

Sewer laterals are inspected by the Department of Transportation (OakDOT) under permits issued by them.

Please refer to the Apply for Sewer Lateral Permit guidance page for Sewer Lateral Inspection requests.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

Permit Inspectors can only assist with inspection-related questions once the permit is issued. We cannot assist with design guidance, how-to instructions, project management, or consultation for your project as an enforcement agency.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

Permit Inspectors do not have access to records. The role of Permit Inspections is to inspect permit-issued projects as they undergo construction.

Public record requests can be made on our Open Public Records website, NextRequest. For records-related questions, please visit our Permit & Services Questions Portal and select the "Public Records Requests Questions" question type.

Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

Permit Inspectors are unable to assist with questions concerning the Construction and Demolition Recycling Program, GreenHalo, or CDSR.

For questions concerning the City of Oakland's Construction and Demolition Recycling Program, which is administered by the Department of Public Works, Environmental Services Division, please refer to the Construction and Demolition Recycling Technical Assistance webpage or email recycling@oaklandca.gov.

Email your question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.

Public Records requests can be made online. On the Open Public Records website, click the "Make Request" button. Be sure to describe the records you are requesting and select "Planning & Building" from the department list. 

You may find your records faster by searching records that are already available via this portal's search results. Just type the records you are seeking in the search box on the left-hand side of the page and click enter.

You can view general Building, Code Enforcement & Planning records after 1987 by visiting our Online Permit Center (no login required).

To request residential building records (3-R), submit the online Residential Building Record (3-R) Request form.

Proof of ownership* (copy of the recorded property deed) must be provided for all 3-R Report requests.

*NOTE: If you are not the property owner, you must obtain authorization from the property owner and submit an Authorization From Property Owner form.

The costs is $6,055.25 and can take up to two months to process.

The process starts with a Public Records Request. Please submit a Public Record Request online for your plan request. On the Records Request website, click the "Make Request" button. Be sure to describe the plans you wish to view and select "Planning & Building" from the department list.

Staff will reach out to you directly once the plans have been located.

Please Note: The Planning & Building Department cannot accept service of subpoenas on behalf of other departments.

The Planning & Building Department is accepting service of subpoenas by mail. Please ensure that your service includes the case number, the complete address of the subject property (for records), the complete name of City staff members (for depositions/appearances), and a check for the appropriate fees: $275 for depositions/appearances and $15 for records.

Our mailing address is:

City of Oakland – Planning & Building
Attention: Cashier Station
250 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612

If you have questions or need additional information, please email the Planning & Building Department Subpoena Team at PBDSubpoena@oaklandca.gov. You can also visit our Service of Subpoenas webpage.

If you'd like to view and/or receive copies of building plans for a property:

STEP 1: Submit a Public Records Request. Visit our Open Public Records website, then click on the "Make Request" button. Be sure to describe the plans you wish to view and select "Planning & Building" from the department list.

STOP! Please wait for staff to contact you before proceeding to Step 2.

STEP 2: Once/if the plans have been located, staff will contact you. At that time, please fill out and digitally sign the applicable forms listed below to authorize the duplication of building plans:

• Authorization to Duplicate Building Plans - Requestor Affidavit
• Authorization to Duplicate Building Plans - Professional of Record
• Authorization to Duplicate Building Plans - Property Owner Form

You are not required to include any contact information with a request, however if you submit an anonymous request you will not receive updates about your request or be able to log in to access documents. The only way you will be able to receive responsive documents is if the department posts them publicly on the portal. If the department needs clarification on your request and has no way to contact you your request may be closed out without a response.

Code Enforcement Services uses progressive enforcement to follow up on complaints. Correction timelines vary on a case-by-case basis. The maximum timelines for correcting violations are as follows:

Courtesy Notice: Once a complaint has been filed for a minor violation, a Courtesy Notice is sent to the property owner. The property owner is given 21 days (about 3 weeks) to respond to the notice.

Notice of Violation: Once a violation has been found by a Building Inspector, the property owner has 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) to correct the violation.

Notice of Violation - Graffiti:

• Occupied properties: Property owners are given 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) to correct the violation.
• Unoccupied Properties: Property owners are given 15 days (about 2 weeks) to correct the violation.

Notice of Violation - Garbage/Recycling Receptacles: 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) to correct

Learn more about the Code Enforcement process on our Private Property Complaints and Code Enforcement Services webpage.

If you have received a Courtesy Notice through the mail, you may contact Code Enforcement at (510) 238-3381 to request an extension.

If you have received a Notice of Violation, you must fill out a Code Enforcement Compliance Extension Request Form to your assigned Code Enforcement Inspector that verified the violation on your property. If you do not know the name of the inspector that verified the violation, you may review the property complaint record through our Online Portal. A step-by-step guide on how to search complaint records can be found here (scroll down to Step 6: How to Check the Status of a Complaint).

Contact the Building Inspector that verified the violation on your property to request a copy of your Notice of Violation.

If you do not know the name of the inspector that verified the violation, you may review the property complaint record through our Online Portal. A step-by-step guide on how to search complaint records can be found here (scroll down to Step 6: How to Check the Status of a Complaint).

There are several reasons why property owners may not respond to a Code Enforcement violation. Please check the status of the property complaint to see what violations have been issued and on which date(s). A step-by-step guide on how to search complaint records can be found here (scroll down to Step 6: How to Check the Status of a Complaint).

If the violation is not corrected, a Re-inspection Notice will be issued unless the issue is blight, in which case the City will post the property as blighted and proceed with Clean-Up contracting.

Please refer to our Report or Check Status of a Property Complaint webpage.

Please refer to our Report or Check Status of a Property Complaint webpage.

Clean-up timelines vary on a case-by-case basis. An agreement is entered into with each property owner/agent/buyer to rehabilitate the property, correct housing violations, and pay fee assessments on an agreed timeline.

Visit our Report or Check Status of a Property Complaint webpage to search for more information on a particular case.

The City of Oakland's Encampment Management Team (EMT) handles all homeless encampment complaints. The Team is an interdepartmental working group consisting of representatives from Oakland’s Public Works Department (OPW), Human Services Department (HSD), Oakland Police Department (OPD), Oakland Fire Department (OFD), the City Administrator’s Office (CAO), and other consulted departments as necessary (e.g., the Mayor’s Office, the City Attorney’s Office, Parks and Recreation). Learn more at City of Oakland | Encampment Management (oaklandca.gov).

To report a homeless encampment issue, email Homelessness@oaklandca.gov.

Please refer to our Report or Check Status of a Property Complaint webpage.

To find out why there is a lien on your property, please contact the City of Oakland Cashiering Division at (510) 238-4774 or email them at pbdcashier@oaklandca.gov.