Small Project Design Review (DS)
Small Project Design Review (DS) is a streamlined design review process for projects that involve changes to existing buildings or facilities or the construction of new nonresidential facilities less than 5000 square ft. in select zones. If a DS project meets the requirements as outlined in Oakland Planning Code Section 17.136.030, it can be approved administratively by Planning staff. A DS project can not qualify for Design Review Exemption (DRX) or Ministerial Design Review or require Regular Design Review (DR).
Project applicants should refer to our Small Project Design Review Guidelines(PDF, 4MB) and our checklists linked below. A list of DS project types with links to corresponding step-by-step application guidance pages is shown at the bottom of this page.
If one of the following checklists below applies to your project, please submit that checklist with your application:
Small Project Additions or Alterations:
- You can repair or replace parts of a building as long as the new parts fit the style of the building. They do not need to look exactly the same.
- You can add new floor space outside the current shape of the building that does not create a new home.
- You can change store entrances or street-facing areas in commercial, civic, industrial, or mixed-use buildings by:
- Adding or replacing doors, windows, or wall sections
- Restoring documented historic elements
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) qualify for Small Project Design Review (DS) if:
- You can create new housing, live/work, or work/live units inside the existing building, except in some industrial zones (not allowed in CIX, IG, IO, or S‑9 zones). ADUs are not included.
Small Project New Construction:
- You can build a new nonresidential building up to 5,000 square feet in certain commercial or industrial zones:
- Commercial zones: CN, CC, CR, HBX, S‑1, S‑3, S‑15, D‑BV, D‑KP, D‑LM, D‑CE, D‑CO, D‑DT*
- Industrial zones: CIX‑1A, CIX‑1B, CIX‑1C, CIX‑1D*
*Enter your address on Oakland's Zoning Map to identify information on your property such as zoning district, historic significance, General Plan designation, and Impact Fee Zone.
Small Project Demolition:
- Demolition of structures not involving Designated or Potential Designated Historic Properties on sites where exterior design review is required.
- Removal of a dwelling unit within the existing building envelope (must meet Chapter 17.122 requirements).
Small Project Fences, Barriers, and Freestanding Walls:
- Depending on the zone, you may build taller fences or walls with DS approval.
- Residential properties: over 42 inches in front and side yards, up to 6 feet.
- Some nonresidential properties in Residential Zones: up to 10 feet.
- Commercial, OS, S‑1, S‑3, S‑15, D‑CO‑1 zones: Fences/walls over 8 feet within 10 feet of ROW/residential/open space, up to 10 feet.
- Industrial areas: up to 12 feet, and more than 12 feet only with special approval and landscaping.
Small Project Signs:
- You can add or change signs or awnings if they do not need major permits like Conditional Use Permits, Variances, or Regular Design Review.
Other Small Projects:
- Parking requirement exceptions for one‑family and two‑to‑four‑family homes.
- Retaining walls over 8 feet meeting § 17.108.150.
- Modifications to existing telecommunications facilities, including:
- Concealed antennas at existing Micro or Mini facilities
- Repairs/replacement of telecom equipment (cabinets, cables, conduits, connectors)
- Community Education Civic Activities requiring a Pick‑Up/Drop‑Off Management Plan (no CUP).
- Group Assembly Commercial Activities requiring an Operational Noise Plan (no CUP).
Small Project Design Review Types (DS Projects):