Commercial Tenant Improvements Permit

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A Building Permit is required for all tenant improvements on commercial properties or units, and Planning Review may be required.

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.

What to Do

Permit Requirements

When Are Permits Required?

Design Review is only required for tenant improvements on commercial properties or units undergoing exterior modifications or a change of use. In addition to other possible required approvals (such as a Conditional Use Permit), these projects must obtain Design Review approval from the Bureau of Planning prior to submitting for a Building Permit. The Building Permit for commercial tenant improvements and permits for all related Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work within the building must be obtained before any construction work begins.

Please note that separate permits will also be required from the Oakland Department of Transportation, Oakland Fire Department, and Oakland Public Works depending on the scope of the project.

 

When is a Pre-Application Meeting Recommended?

For complex projects that include extensive exterior modifications or a change of use, a pre-application meeting with a Planner is recommended. This will provide an opportunity for feedback from City staff on complicated projects or proposals. Pre-application could involve discussion with staff about the scope and complexity of the project or could involve a formal Zoning Pre-Application Review(PDF, 328KB) session with a fee. Please call (510) 238-3911 for more information.

What is Required for Restaurant & Bar Permits?

If you are applying for a Commercial Tenant Improvements Permit for your Restaurant and/or Bar, you must also obtain approval from the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Your approval will be required prior to receiving any Building Permits.

Click the button below to be taken to an external website for the Alameda County DEH.

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

  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.

 

How to Apply

Step 1.Step One: Design Review (As Applicable)

Many tenant improvements do not require Design Review. Complete this step ONLY IF you are conducting exterior modifications or a change of use:

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet
  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB), Design Review Findings (as applicable), and all associated plans and documents. Refer to the "Related Resources" section for forms that may apply to your project
  • A planner will review your submission
  • Please note that public notice of your project may be required
  • Once approved, you will receive a notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

Step 3.Step Three: Application Review

  • Once we receive your application, staff will review it for completeness and contact you as needed
  • Once advised by staff, your permit application will be created and fees will be assessed
  • Pay your fees
  • Once fees are paid, your application will be routed for Plan Check review

Step 4.Step Four: Recycling Plan

  • All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
  • Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 5.Step Five: Final Check & Permits

  • After Plan Check has been completed, your application will go to Final Check before the permit is issued.
  • Staff will with work with you to ensure everything is complete and inform you of any outstanding steps, fees, or documents.
  • Permits are issued

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.

Related Resources

Related Documents

 

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Email

bbpermit@oaklandca.gov

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
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