Homeowner Projects & Permits

Are you a homeowner, contractor, or developer that needs information or permits for your project? Find your project from the list below to learn about the City's permit requirements, and how to apply! We also have resources designed to help you on your homeowner project journey.

Visit our Commercial Projects & Permits Directory!

Projects

Review guides with steps on how to complete your project.

Single Family Home

New homes require Design Review and Building Permits.

ADU with Single Family Home

ADUs require Zoning Review and Building Permits.

ADU with Multi-Family Home

ADUs require Zoning Review and Building Permits.

Housing Projects Eligible for Faster, Streamlined Review

Most housing projects are now eligible for faster, streamlined review, from single family homes to multifamily buildings, along with affordable or mixed-income housing projects.

New Duplex

New duplexes require Design Review and a Building Permit.

Legalize Your Unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU

Learn how to legalize your unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

Multi-Unit Residence (3-4 Units)

Multi-unit residences of 3-4 units or more require Design Review and Building Permits.

Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens

Community gardens and urban agriculture is permitted in most zones to support local food production.

Bathroom and Kitchen Remodels

Zoning Review may be required, plus Building Permits.

Creek Protection Permits

Creek Protection Permits may be obtained through Zoning Review.

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Permits

All mechanical, electrical & plumbing work requires permits.

Lead-Based Paint Permits

A permit is required for projects that disturb lead paint.

Electric Vehicle Service Equipment & Charging Stations

Electrical Permits and Building Bureau review are required.

Additions & Conversions to Habitable Space

Additions or conversions require Design Review and Building Permits.

Foundation Repair & Replace

Building Permits are required to repair or replace a foundation.

Seismic Retrofits

Building Permits are required to retrofit an existing structure.

Transfer a Permit

A Permit Transfer can be requested when a property is being sold and the new owner wants to continue work under an existing permit, a contractor changes during a construction project, or a developer or project manager is replaced mid-project.

Grading Permits

Grading Permits are required if a slope or elevation changes from grading.

Submit Revisions to Your Permitted Project

During construction, projects may encounter a need to revise their approved project plans. In most cases*, the building inspector will identify the need for revisions and issue a correction notice with the steps that the project will need to undertake. Below are the different types of revisions and processes to submit revised plans for review and approval.

Deck Permits

Decks require Building Permits, and Zoning Review may be required.

Fence Permits

Fences 3.5' to 6' in front yards require a Zoning Permit, and may require a Building Permit.

Gates

Gates 3.5' or taller in front of a property require Planning approval, and if over 7' high, a Building Permit.

Demolition Permits

Building Permits are required when more than half of the exterior walls are demolished.

Project-Related Tree Removal Permits

Removing trees as part of an approved project requires a permit.

Rainwater Catchment Systems

Installation of a rainwater catchment system requires permits under certain conditions.

Utility Meters

Electrical and/or Plumbing Permits are required to add, replace, or relocate a utility meter. Zoning Review may be required.

Generators

Generators require Zoning Review, and Electrical and Plumbing Permits are required. Large generators also require a Building Permit.

Stucco & Siding Work

Stucco and siding replacement or repair requires Zoning Review and a Building Permit.

Termite or Dry Rot Repair

Repairing termite or dry rot damage requires a Building Permit.

Greywater Irrigation System

Simple home gray water irrigation systems require Plumbing Permits.

Re-Roofing & Insulation Certificates

Certify your re-roofing and insulation projects with Certificates.

Replace Windows

Building Permits are required for any window replacement.

RVs and Tiny Homes on Wheels

RVs and tiny homes on wheels require Zoning approval and Building Permits.

SB-9: Two-Unit Homes and Parcel Subdivisions

SB-9 allow more homes to be built on single-family lots or to split the lot.

Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks (CGS) & Driveways

Cutting into a curb, gutter, or sidewalk requires Zoning and OakDOT approval.

Detached Garages or Carports

Zoning Review and Building Permits are required.

Accessory Structures: Garages & Sheds (Not ADUs)

Accessory structures require Zoning Review and Building Permits.

Solar Energy Systems & Facilities

Solar energy systems require Building Permits.

Retaining Wall Permits

Building Permits are required to build, repair or replace retaining walls. Retaining walls are structures designed to restrain soil to a slope that it would not naturally keep to.

House Stairways and Railings

To build, repair or replace your house's stairways or railings, you will need to obtain Planning approval and a Building Permit.

Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs

Building new or altering or repairing an existing pool requires a Planning Review and Building Permits.

Opportunities and Resources

Find helpful information on Oakland housing opportunities below.