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 guidelines 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:
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 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):