Transfer a Permit

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A Permit Transfer can be requested when a property is being sold and the new owner wants to continue work under an existing permit, a contractor changes during a construction project, or a developer or project manager is replaced mid-project.

Before you Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

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

Permit Requirements

When Can a Permit be Transferred?

1. The original permit is still active (not expired or finaled).

2. Only certain types of permits may be transferred (e.g., Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP), Grading, Demolition)

3. NON-TRANSFERABLE: Lead-Based Paint Permits, SolarAPP+ Permits, Re-Roofing & Insulation Certificates).

Who Can Apply?

  1. Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.
  2. Owners of a building or their legal representative. (Letter of Agency for Property Owner/Payor(PDF, 209KB))

Select Transfer Type

If you can obtain the signature of the original permittee, please select the "Original Permittee Available" tab below for step by step instructions. Otherwise select the "Original Permittee Unavailable" tab.

Original Permittee Available

Step 1.Step One: Submit Transfer Request

Step 2.Step Two: Application Review

  • Once we receive your complete submission, we will review your request. If your request requires corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. If your request is approved, we will contact you with the required fees and to issue your transferred permit. All fees must be paid before inspections can be scheduled
  • As the new permit holder, you may continue approved work and schedule future inspections. Please note during on-site inspections, you will need color copies of the stamped approved plans (as applicable), any special inspection reports (as applicable), and job/inspection card (as applicable)

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Original Permittee Unavailable

Step 1.Step One: Submit Transfer Request

  • 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 Building Worksheet
  • Upload a certified letter from the owner to the original contractor that terminates their legal agreement for the construction of the project
  • If the contractor paid the permit fees, upload proof that the contractor was reimbursed for the fees. Please include all invoices for the fees as well as proof of payment such as images of front and back side of the cashed check(s)
  • Upload the appropriate Declaration form (filled out by the new permittee) from the options below:

Step 2.Step Two: Application Review

  • Once we receive your complete submission, we will review your request. If your request requires corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. If your request is approved, we will contact you with the required fees and to issue your transferred permit. All fees must be paid before inspections can be scheduled
  • As the new permit holder, you may continue approved work and schedule future inspections. Please note during on-site inspections, you will need color copies of the stamped approved plans (as applicable), any special inspection reports (as applicable), and job/inspection card (as applicable)

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

Questions?

Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

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