Community-Led Traffic Safety (CLTS) Pilot Program

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Community-Led Traffic Safety (CLTS) is a permitted program that lets community members help to make their streets safer, developed in response to community advocacy given limited City resources. This three-year pilot program launches in July 2025, but our work doesn’t end there. The OakDOT team will continue to learn and adjust as we work with applicants. Please visit this page often for up-to-date program information.

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Now accepting Community-Led Traffic Safety Permit Applications!(PDF, 391KB)

CLTS permits are issued as Obstruction (OB) permits. Please submit OB applications and supporting materials by email to DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov or you may make an appointment to drop off your application and supporting materials in person. The OakDOT permit counter is located on the 2nd floor of 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 94612. Click here to book an appointment or to view our walk-in schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may apply for a CLTS project?

Oakland residents, business owners, or community group representatives may apply for a CLTS permit. However, each application should be made on behalf of a group of residents who want to develop and maintain a traffic safety project. The Oakland City Council want Community-Led Traffic Safety to represent the broad wishes of the neighborhood. 

What types of Traffic Safety projects are permitted?

CLTS projects are allowed on "local" streets. Refer to this map to see if your street is eligible. The CLTS program will begin with three types of projects:

  • Curb Extensions
  • Daylighting
  • Traffic Circles

The list of project types will change as we learn through the CLTS pilot. See the Community-Led Traffic Safety Guidelines document for more information.

How do I apply for a CLTS permit?

CLTS permits are issued as Obstruction (OB) permits. Please submit OB applications and supporting materials by email to DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov or you may make an appointment to drop off your application and supporting materials at the Permit Counter. The OakDOT permit counter is located on the 2nd floor of 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 94612. Click here to book an appointment or to view our walk-in schedule.

What documentation is required?

Please plan to submit the following as part of your application for a CLTS permit. Include these in an email to DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov

  • Obstruction Permit Application form
  • A brief description of the traffic safety problem and how your project will help to solve it
  • Plans for your traffic safety project. Label streets; Show trees, light poles, signal poles, hydrants, and other items that are near your proposed project location.
  • Photographs of the area where your project would be installed.
  • A list of your core team members:
    • Team Leader and primary point of contact
    • Installation Volunteers (The names of at least four people who will help to install your project or to beautify it after it is installed by the City)
    • Maintenance Volunteers (The names of at least four people who will help to keep your project clean and in good repair after it is installed)

How long will it take to approve my application?

We expect permit review to take 60 to 90 days. We will update this estimate as we build up experience with the pilot program.

How much will my CLTS permit cost?

Each CLTS permit will cost approximately $1,200.00. In addition to the standard Application Fee and Records Management & Technology fee, this price also covers two hours of review by an OakDOT engineer and one hour of OakDOT inspections. There may be additional materials and installation costs for your project. See the Program Guidelines document for more detail. 

Does the CLTS permit expire?

Yes, CLTS projects are intended to be temporary. Permits will be valid for three months, starting on the day your project is implemented in the right-of-way. After three months, if the project is going well and has been well-maintained by volunteers, it will be renewed for another three months. We expect that all projects will be removed after six months.

Can the City help to fund my CLTS project?

See the Program Guidelines document for more information.