Planning & Building

Quicklinks: Permits & Appointments | Records Requests I Planning & Zoning I Building Services I Code Enforcement I Major Projects I Planning Commission I Reports | News | Staff

NOTICE: Expanded Permit Counter Hours Coming Dec. 1!

ABOUT PLANNING & BUILDING: 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.

One-Stop Permit Center Services

Oakland's One-Stop Permit Center is open for business at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza! We've combined the counter services of Planning & Building, the Oakland Fire Department, and the Department of Transportation to provide a "one-stop shop" experience.

Services are available 24/7 through our Online Permit Center, and in-person by appointment or during walk-in hours.

Schedule an Appointment   Hours of Operation

Permit Center Hours 

Open 5 days/week!

Walk-Ins & In-Person Appointments*
Mon - Thu 8:30AM - 12PM (last morning walk-in ticket issued at 11:30 am)
and 12 - 4PM (last walk-in ticket issued at 3:15 pm)
Appointments will take priority

Virtual Appointments*
Mon - Thu 12 - 4PM
Fri 9AM - 4PM

* Appointment windows vary by service type. See appointment links for details.

Find the permits you need, ask questions, and get started on your project!

• One-Stop Permit Center
• Online Permit Center
• Homeowner Projects & Permits
• Commercial Projects & Permits
• Permit Process Overview
• Permit & Services Questions Portal
• Schedule an Appointment
• Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times

For more information, please visit our One-Stop Permit Center webpage.

Sign Up for Permit Center Updates

Take Our Survey — Tell Us What You Think!

Please complete our short Customer Satisfaction Survey and help us improve our services!

Take Our Survey

Records Unit

Find property and permit records or request a 3R Report or subpoena.

• Search Public Records
• Submit Public Records Request
• Planning & Building Records Requests
• Report of Residential Record (3R Report)
• Subpoena Requests of Planning & Building

Learn more at our Planning & Building Records Unit main page.

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 Planning & Zoning

Learn more about Oakland's General Plan and what zoning rules apply to your home or project.

• City of Oakland General Plan Update
• Neighborhood and Citywide Plans
• Read the Planning Code - Title 17
• See the City Zoning Map
• Active Planning and Zoning Applications
• Policy Projects
• Objective Design Standards and Streamlined Project Review
• Historic Preservation 

Learn more at our Planning Code & Zoning main page.

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Building Services & Codes

Schedule inspections, get your plans checked, and find out what's required to ensure your building is safe, habitable and accessible.

• Schedule Your Building Inspection
• Building Plan Check Services
• Read the California Building Codes
• Read the Oakland Amendments to the California Building Codes
• Read the Oakland Building Maintenance Code (OMC 15.08)
• Summary of Green Building Ordinance Mandatory Requirements & Compliance Standards(PDF, 147KB)
• Access for Persons with Disabilities 

Learn more at our Building & Inspections main page.

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Property Complaints & Code Enforcement

Report a private property code violation and learn about Oakland's noise and blight ordinances.

• Report or Check Status of a Property Complaint
• Review Construction Ordinance Hours & Report a Noise Violation
• Apply to the Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program (Contractors)
• Register for Foreclosed and Defaulted Residential Properties Inspection and Maintenance Program 
• Read Substandard and Public Nuisance Buildings Ordinance 

Learn more at our Code Enforcement Services main page.

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Major Projects

Learn about Oakland's major development projects, environmental review, and approval processes.

• Major Development Projects
• Environmental Review Documents (CEQA/EIR)
• Impact Fees
• Brooklyn Basin (formerly "Oak to Ninth Mixed Use Development")
• Gateway Industrial District (portion of former Oakland Army Base) 

Learn more about other projects and development at our Major Development Projects page.

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Planning Commission & Committees

Attend a Planning Commission or related committee meeting and review upcoming agendas.

• Planning Commission
• Design Review Committee (DRC)
• Residential Appeals Committee (RAC)
• Zoning Update Committee (ZUC)
• Special Projects Committee (SPC)
• Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board (LPAB) 

See our complete Planning Commission & Committee Meetings main page.

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Reports

Review reports on progress toward making our built environment healthy and safe for all Oaklanders.

• General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports
• Impact Fee Reports
• City of Oakland Quarterly Building Code Enforcement Reports

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News

Read the latest news and updates from the Planning & Building Department.

• Oakland Launches Faster Review Process for Housing Projects
• Oakland Releases Options for How We Stabilize and Grow
• Impact Fees Update: City Council Adopts Impact Fee Amendments

Subscribe to our Permit Center and related updates news list!

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Staff Directories

• Planning & Building Senior Managers
• Permitting & Counter Staff Directory
• Operations & Administration Directory
• Building & Infrastructure Plan Check Engineers Directory
• Building Inspectors Directory
• Inspections and Code Enforcement Services Directory
• Strategic Planners Directory
• Development Planners Directory
• Zoning Planners Directory

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