Bathroom and Kitchen Remodels

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For bathroom and kitchen remodels, the application will start with review by the Bureau of Planning. A Building Permit is required for your project.

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?

Design Review may be required, especially if the building envelope is being expanded or external work is being done. Building Permits are required for any kitchen or bathroom remodels, and must be obtained before any construction, alteration, or addition work begins. If your remodel project is NOT for a house or duplex, separate Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) permits are also required.

Please note that different application requirements apply to each the following:

  • Remodels with NO window or wall layout changes
  • Remodels with window replacement, but NO changes to wall layout or window size
  • WITH Change(s) to Wall Layout or Window Size That Are Exempt from Design Review
  • WITH Change(s) to Wall Layout or Window Size That Require Small Project Design Review

Please review these under the "How to Apply" section below.

Who Can Apply?

  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 from the tabbed list below. Click or press on each to tab to show the application guidance for each project type.

NO Window or Wall Layout Changes

Apply through our Online Permit Center (you must first login/register and activate your account):

⇒ Remodels in buildings with 3+ dwelling units
⇒ Remodels in houses and duplexes

NEXT STEPS:
Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) and assess whether your project requires a Lead-Based Paint work plan (see below for details).

Window Replacement, But NO Changes to Walls or Window Size

Simplified Zoning Review is required, along with a Building Permit.

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

If your project meets all of the following criteria, 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.

  • Involves like-for-like remodel/alterations only

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

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits

Apply through our Online Permit Center (log in first, then apply):

You must also provide the appropriate energy forms for your window replacement work:

Step 4.Building Permit Application Review and Next Steps

Once we receive your Building Permit application and have created it in our system, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) and assess whether your project requires a Lead-Based Paint work plan (see below for details).

WITH Change(s) to Wall Layout or Window Size That Are Exempt from Design Review

Simplified Zoning review is required, along with a Building Permit.

Step 1.Step One: Check Your Eligibility For Exemption from Design Review (As Applicable)

If your project meets all of the criteria 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.

  • Involves minor remodel/alterations only (i.e., does not increase the size of the overall building envelope by more than 10% 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 (As Applicable)

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits

  • Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (first log in, then apply).
  • In the Worksheet, upload photos of the entire exterior or facade of the structure where windows will be replaced, construction plans (including floor plan and site plan), and structural calculations (as needed)

You must also provide the appropriate energy forms for your window replacement work:

Step 4.Step Four: Building Permit Application Review and Next Steps

Once we receive your Building Permit application and have created it in our system, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) and assess whether your project requires a Lead-Based Paint work plan (see below for details).

WITH Change(s) to Wall Layout or Window Size That Require Small Project Design Review

Streamlined Zoning review is required, along with a Building Permit.

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

If your project meets one or more of the criteria shown below, it is eligible for streamlined Small Project Design Review (DS). Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Small Project Design Review (DS) webpage.

  • Adding new or altering windows or doors, but not matching existing
  • Altering exterior appearance such as sidings, vents, trim, or other building elements
  • Increase the size of the overall building envelope by more than 10% of the total floor area or footprint on site

If your project meets one or more criteria in the bullet list above, follow the bulleted instructions as outlined here:

  • A planner will review your submission
  • Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

  • Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (first log in, then apply).
  • In the Worksheet, upload photos of the entire exterior or facade of the structure where windows will be replaced, construction plans (including floor plan and site plan), and structural calculations (as needed)

You must also provide the appropriate energy forms for your window replacement work:

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permit Application Review and Next Steps

Once we receive your Building Permit application and have created it in our system, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, you will need to obtain an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) and assess whether your project requires a Lead-Based Paint work plan (see below for details).

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

Lead-Based Paint Work Plan (As Needed)

Projects that disturb paint on pre-1978 structures require a Lead-Based Paint work plan.

Learn More About Lead-Based Paint Work Plans

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.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

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