The Planning & Building Department oversees regulations for the City's growth and development. By reviewing project plans, enforcing local ordinances, developing neighborhood plans, and responding to public concerns, we work to create a built environment that supports the health and welfare of all Oaklanders.
Zoning changes that encourage housing, add community benefits and grow revenues for City services are now being considered for downtown. Learn more or take our survey and tell us what you think!
The City of Oakland welcomes you back to 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, our One-Stop Permit Center! We've combined the counter services of the Planning & Building Department, Oakland Fire Department, and Department of Transportation to provide for a "one-stop shop" experience. Most services are by-appointment-only. Please visit our Permit Center Reopening webpage for full details on hours of operation, scheduling your appointments, and services offered.
Ask questions, find the permits you'll need, and get started on your project today!
→ Learn more at our Planning & Building Permits main page.
Find property, building and permit records or schedule an appointment to view project plans for a property
Learn more about the City's General Plan and what zoning rules apply to your neighborhood or project.
→ Learn more at our Planning Code & Zoning main page.
Find out what requirements must be met to ensure your building is safe, habitable and accessible.
→ Learn more at our Building Codes main page.
Report a private property code violation and learn about Oakland's noise and blight ordinances.
→ Learn more at our Code Enforcement Services main page.
Learn about Oakland's major development projects, environmental review, and approval processes.
→ Learn more about other projects and development at our Major Development Projects page.
Attend a Planning Commission or related committee meeting and review upcoming agendas.
→ See our complete Planning Commission & Committee Meetings main page.
Review reports on progress toward making our built environment healthy and safe for all Oaklanders.
The City of Oakland has published preliminary draft proposals to implement several zoning reforms identified in the draft Housing Element's Housing Action Plan.
Twenty (20) young leaders have been selected as inaugural Deeply Rooted (DR) Fellows. These young people will lead DR outreach efforts to engage Oakland’s youth in the update of the Oakland General Plan.
The draft General Plan Housing Element outlines the strategies and
policies the City will implement over the next eight years in order to
meet Oakland’s housing needs. The Housing Element was last updated in
2015 and is now being updated with public input to reflect the recent
housing opportunities, challenges, and approaches that have emerged in
the Oakland community, as well as to comply with new state laws.
Director
Director Gilchrist has 35 years of experience as a planner and designer. He was director of place-based planning in New Orleans where he focused on the city's design and development strategy. He was previously a senior associate at AECOM in Atlanta and planning director in Birmingham, Alabama.
Main Offices & Permit Counters
Planning and Building Department Organizational Chart
