Gates

Installing, altering, repairing, or replacing a gate taller than 3.5' in a front yard requires Planning approval. Gates taller than 7' also require a Building Permit. For any electrical work associated with a gate, a separate permit may also be needed.

See below for a list of exemptions and application and permit requirements.

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?

Gates measuring over 3.5' in height in a front yard require Zoning Approval and must be at least 60% transparent. Please review our Small Project Design Review Checklist (1-2 family dwellings(PDF, 111KB) | 3+ dwellings(PDF, 112KB) | commercial(PDF, 84KB)) for design guidelines specific to your project.

One entry gate, trellis or other entry structure may be permitted in the front yard, as long as the maximum height and width does not exceed 10'.

Please note that gates may not be constructed in the public right-of-way. You must provide a site plan showing the proposed location of your gate relative to the verified property lines and other built structures.

Wood and metal gates over 7' also require a Building Permit. Gates will need an electrical permit if it has a powered gate operator. The gate can't block any required stair, ramp, or door landings. Also, if the gate is on an egress path, it needs to be openable without a key, meet accessibility requirements, and will need panic hardware if the occupant load is high enough to require that.

In commercial zones, gates higher than 8' but lower than 10' will be subject to Small Project Design Review.

In industrial zones, gates higher than 8' but lower than 12' will be subject to Small Project Design Review.

EXEMPTIONS FROM DESIGN REVIEW

If your project falls under any of the criteria listed below, you may apply for exemption from Design Review for faster, simpler project review. Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Design Review Exemption (DRX) webpage.

Residential gates measuring up to 10' tall and 10' wide in the front yard
Residential gates measuring up to 8' tall in a side yard or backyard
Gates in commercial and industrial zones that are 8' or less

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

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.
Owners of a building or their legal representative.

How To Apply

Select your project type below:

Short Front Gates or Tall Side or Rear Gates

Step 1.Step One: Check Your Eligibility for Exemption from Design Review

Residential gates measuring up to 10' tall and 10' wide in the front yard
Residential gates measuring up to 8' tall in a side yard or backyard
Gates in commercial and industrial zones that are 8' or less

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Exemption from Design Review

Apply for Design Review Exemption through our Online Permit Center (first log in, then apply)
In the application, upload your completed Design Review Exemption (DRX) checklist(PDF, 288KB), project plans (see Zoning Plan Requirements(PDF, 773KB)), a description of work to be performed, and all associated documents. For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines
* NOTE: Include a photo of the yard, a site plan- with property lines, building footprints, and proposed fence location — along with elevations to scale for design and size.
If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form.
Staff will review your submission
Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits

Once you have received Planning approval, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (first log in, then apply)
In the Worksheet, upload all required documents, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable)
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: Application Review

Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you.

Step 5.Step Five: 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 6.Step Six: 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 permitting estimates, see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Gates Subjected to Design Review

Step 1.Step One: Design Review

Submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW
In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 2MB) and all associated documents. Include a photo of the yard, a site plan — with verified property lines, building footprints, and proposed gate location — along with elevations to scale for design and size.
A planner will review your submission
Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

Once you have received Planning approval, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center(first log in, then apply)
In the Worksheet, upload all required documents, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable)
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 3.Step Three: Application Review

Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you.

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 permitting estimates, see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Related Resources:

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3911

Location

Planning & Building

250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor

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