Regular Design Review (DR) Projects

Regular Design Review (DR) – Projects requiring design review that do not qualify for Design Review Exemption (DRX), Small Project Design Review (DS), or Ministerial Design Review will require Regular Design Review (DR). DR projects must meet the criteria outlined in Oakland Planning Code Section 17.136.050. Please review the Design Review Findings as appropriate to your project.

A list of project types with links to corresponding step-by-step application guidance pages is shown at the bottom of this page (see list of projects).

Before submitting a Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB), an applicant may request a pre‑application review to receive early feedback from the Planning and Building Department. For large or complex projects, the Director of City Planning may require this step.

During the pre‑application review, a City representative will explain the relevant design review criteria, procedures, and project requirements.

All projects must follow the City’s General Plan and any design standards or guidelines for that area.

Project Types Requiring Regular Design Review (DR)

  • Any construction, addition or alteration of structures requiring a Conditional Use Permit or variance;
  • Except as indicated below for new Work/Live units in the CIX, IG, or IO Zones, the creation of more than 30 new Residential Live/Work, or Work/Live units outside any existing building, or adding units to a property outside any existing building for a total of more than 30 units on site (not including any permitted Accessory Dwelling Units) In the CIX, IG, or IO Zones, Regular Design Review is required for the creation of any new Work/Live units;
  • New construction of principal nonresidential buildings greater than 5,000 square feet in floor area in select Commercial Zones (CN, CC, CR, HBX, S-1, S-3, S-15, D-BV, D-KP, D-LM, D-CE, D-CO, and D-DT)  and in select Industrial Zones (CIX-1A, CIX-1B, CIX-1C, and CIX-1D).
  • New or modified Signs not qualifying for a design review exemption or Small Project Design Review;
  • Proposals for new or modified Telecommunications Facilities located outside of the public right-of-way, but excluding those alterations to existing Telecom Facilities listed as a Small Project;
  • With the exception of structures declared to be unsafe by the Building Official or City Council, demolition or removal of any Designated Historic Property (DHP) or Potential Designated Historic Property (PDHP);
  • Proposals involving five (5) or more Vehicular Residential Facilities;
  • In the M-40, CIX-2, IG, and IO Zones, the construction, establishment or expansion of facilities within six hundred (600) feet of any Residential Zone boundary accommodating one or more of the following activities:
  • a. Automobile and Other Light Vehicle Gas Station and Servicing Activity;
  • b. Automobile and Other Light Vehicle Repair and Cleaning Activity;
  • c. Freight/Truck Terminal;
  • d. Truck Yard;
  • e. Truck Weigh Stations;
  • f. Truck and Other Heavy Vehicle Sales, Rental, and Leasing;
  • g. Truck and Other Heavy Vehicle Service, Repair, and Refueling.

Web Guidance Pages for Regular Design Review (DR) Projects:

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