Design Review Exemption (DRX) Projects

Design Review Exemption (DRX) – A DRX project proposal is exempted from Design Review. While some level of project review is still required, review times are significantly shorter for DRX projects that meet all criteria outlined in Oakland Planning Code Section 17.136.025, summarized below.

Alterations: 

  • Minor repairs or replacing pars of a building so they look the same as they did before. Examples include replacing windows and exterior doors as long as the replacements look the same as the old ones and no changes are made to the original window or door frame openings. 
  • Exterior changes that visually match the existing or historic design: Any new work on the outside of the building matches how the building already looks, or how it looked in the past.
  • The project does not impact character-defining elements of the structure. The project won't change the important features that make the building special or historic.

Small Additions:

  • Except in zones listed below*, additions that visually match existing design, do not create new housing units, and equal 10% or less of the total floor area or footprint on site (Additions of up to 250 sq. ft. may qualify as DRX if the existing floor area or building footprint is less than 2,500 sq. ft.)

    Also, decks less than 30 inches above grade are exempt from design review regardless of overall size.

    * In the D-DT-JLI, D-CO-5, D-CO-6, CIX-1A, CIX-1B, CIX-1C and CIX-1D Zones, additions to Non-Residential buildings can equal up to 50% of the total floor area or footprint on site or 5,000 sq. ft., whichever is less.

Signs: 

  1. Changes to sign faces.
  2. Temporary signs such as Realty Signs, Development Signs, holiday decorations, and displays behind a display window. Changing the words: Changing the text or pictures on an existing sign.
  3. Following a Master Signage Program: Putting up a new sign that follows a pre-approved plan (Master Signage Program) for all the signs on a property. 

Other Projects:

  • Include sidewalk cafes, solar equipment, EV charging stations, small satellite dishes, and certain Vehicular Residential Facilities. 

DRX Project Types:

All exemptions are final and not appealable. 

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