Multi-Family Residence (3-4 Units) / Apartment Complex

Apartment-Complex.jpg

For new multi-family residences of 3-4 units or more, regular Design Review (DR) and a Building Permit is required. Selected projects are subject to new Objective Design Standards (see below). Project applications will start with review by the Bureau of Planning.

Before you Start

Pre-Application Meeting Recommended:

For complex projects, 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 session with a fee. Please call (510) 238-3911 for more information.

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.

When Are Permits Required?

Regular Design Review (DR) is required for the construction of three or more new primary dwelling units, other than an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), or projects seeking ministerial by-right approvals under Objective Design Standards (ODS). In addition to other possible required approvals, the project must obtain Design Review approval from the Bureau of Planning prior to submitting for Building Permits. Building Permits 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.

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.

NOTE: Some Housing Projects Subject to Objective Design Standards

The following 4- to 8-story multifamily residential and mixed-use project types undergoing “by-right” ministerial review under one or more state or local programs are subject to Objective Design Standards: 

* 100% affordable housing projects 

* S-13 Affordable Housing Combining Zone and S-14 Housing Sites Combining Zone by-right review 

* SB 35, SB 330, SB 684, AB 2162, SB 9, and AB 2011 state-required projects 

For details, see the Applicability section in the Objective Design Standards Guide and Checklist(PDF, 1MB) and our Housing Projects Eligible for Streamlined City Review project guidance page.

 

How to Apply

Step 1.Step One: Design Review

  • 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*, and all associated plans and documents. Refer to the Related Documents section below for forms that may apply to your project
    * NOTE: If your project is subject to Objective Design Standards (see above), also upload your completed Objective Design Standards Guide and Checklist(PDF, 1MB)
  • A planner will review your submission
  • Please note that public notice of your project will be required
  • Once approved, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

  • Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet
  • In the Worksheet, upload all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for New Construction
  • 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: 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 4.Step Four: Work Out Utilities

  • New buildings will need a sewer lateral permit to connect sewage service. For more information email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov. A Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk Permit may also be required.
  • Depending on whether the home appliances are vented appliances, you may also need a separate gas meter for the ADU.
    Refer to the City's General Building Code Requirements checklist to verify and log on to PG&E's online customer service portal to apply for new electric and/or gas service.

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

Step 6.Step Six: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Permits

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.


Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3911

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
View Map
Back to top