Deck Permits

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Decks, usually wooden platforms built above the ground and connected to a building, are generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Zoning Review will be required for all deck projects. Building Permits may also be required for deck projects.

Before you Start

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.

Permit Requirements

When Are Permits Required?

Building Permits are required to construct a new deck, expand an existing one, or repair or replace one in-kind. For decks over 30" in height from the ground to the platform or 6' from the ground to the top of the railing, Design Review is required and all Zoning regulations must be adhered to.

EXEMPTIONS FROM DESIGN REVIEW

Decks that meet ANY of the following criteria are exempt from Design Review:

  • Like-for-like deck replacements in exactly the same place, at the same level, and with the exact same dimensions as the original
  • New or expanded decks less than 30 inches above grade (any size)
  • If your new or expanded deck is 30 inches or more above grade: 10% or less of the total floor area or footprint on site, except for sites with existing floor area or footprint that is less than 2,500 sq. ft., then the qualifying threshold is 250 sq. ft. or less

SMALL PROJECT DESIGN REVIEW

Decks that meet the following criteria are required for Small Project Design Review:

  • New or expanded decks 30 inches or more above grade and equaling more than 10% of the total footprint on site, except for sites with existing footprint that is less than 2,500 sq. ft., then the qualifying threshold is more than 250 sq. ft.   

EXEMPTIONS FROM BUILDING PERMITS

Decks that meet ALL of the following criteria are exempt from a Building Permit:

  • Serve a house or a duplex, and
  • Are 200 sq. ft. or less in overall footprint, and
  • Are not more than 30" above the ground at any point, and
  • Are not attached to the dwelling, and
  • Do not serve a required exit door, and
  • Do not serve as a door landing

Who Can Be Issued Permits?

  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.

How to Apply

Select your project type below:

Low-Level Decks or Like-for-Like Deck Replacements

Step 1.Step One: Check Your Eligibility for Exemption from Design Review

If your project falls under any of the criteria listed below, you may apply for exemption from Design Review for faster, simpler project review. Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Design Review Exemption (DRX) webpage.

  • Like-for-like deck replacements in exactly the same place, at the same level, and with the exact same dimensions as the original
  • New or expanded decks less than 30 inches above grade (any size)
  • If your new or expanded deck is 30 inches or more above grade: 10% or less of the total floor area or footprint on site, except for sites with existing floor area or footprint that is less than 2,500 sq. ft., then the qualifying threshold is 250 sq. ft. or less

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Exemption from Design Review

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits

  • Once you have received Planning approval, 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, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable)
  • 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 4.Step Four: Building Permit Application Review

Once we receive your Building Permit application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. 

Step 5.Step Five: 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 6.Step Six: 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

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

Decks Subject to Small Project Design Review

If your deck project does not meet the Design Review Exemption (DRX) criteria as outlined in the permit requirements box above, follow the steps as outlined below.

Step 1.Step One: Small Project Design Review (As Applicable)

If your project meets the criterion shown below, it is eligible for streamlined Small Project Design Review (DS):

  • New or expanded decks 30 inches or more above grade and equaling more than 10% of the total footprint on site, except for sites with existing footprint that is less than 2,500 sq. ft., then the qualifying threshold is more than 250 sq. ft.

If your project meets the criterion in the bullet list above, follow the bulleted instructions as outlined here:

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

  • Once you have received Planning approval, 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, including plans and structural calculations (as applicable)
  • 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
  • If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you

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: 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

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

Need to Know

Questions?

Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Related Resources

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA
94612
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