Q: How do I schedule an inspection?
Answer:
Once the permit for your project has been issued and construction has begun, you may request a permit inspection. Please use our City of Oakland Building Inspection Request app for your mobile device:
You may also request an inspection for your project by email at bbcode-inspect@oaklandca.gov or by phone at (510) 238-3444.
Q: Which inspections are required for my project?
Answer:
To help you determine which inspections are required for your permitted project, we provide a guide, What to Expect During Your City of Oakland Building Inspection. Here, you will find the most typical inspections performed for new residential projects (from the ground up) and for additions, repairs, and alterations.
The information contained in this handout is specific to the City of Oakland and no other jurisdictions. It is not intended to be used as a reference or a basis for all residential projects. Each project is different and may require additional, specific, or other methods.
For more detailed permit inspection information, consult the Residential Repair Inspection Manual.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: May I obtain a same-day inspection?
Answer:
Permit Inspections does not offer same-day inspections.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: I received a correction notice. What do I do now? Who do I contact if I have questions about my corrections notice?
Answer:
Typically, when an inspector issues a Correction Notice, the project is responsible for making the necessary corrections and then calling for re-inspection for an inspector to verify that the corrections have been completed.
If there are questions as to any of the correction items, the project has two options:
- Send an email to the inspector(s) who issued the corrections for further clarification
- Request a field inspection for informational purposes if further clarification is needed.
Need more info? General code questions and clarifications may also be sent to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: What is a Special Inspection? How can I get a Special Inspection?
Answer:
A Special Inspection is the inspection of construction requiring the expertise of an approved Special Inspector to ensure compliance with the building code, project engineer design, and the approved construction documents as per California Building Code (CBC) 202.
Special Inspections are typically prescribed by the design engineer and/or the City of Oakland plan checker as per CBC 1705.
The City of Oakland also has a site dedicated to Special Inspection Information: Special Inspections as Required by the California Building Code and City of Oakland.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: How do I know if a Special Inspection is needed?
Answer:
If a Special Inspection is required, it will be noted on the approved plan sets, job card, and permit issuance. It is advised that you inquire about the need for a Special Inspection at your next field inspection.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: What is a Project Summary Report (PSR)?
Answer:
If applicable to the project, a PSR is verification that all energy code requirements for that specific project have been met. Projects are advised to consult with their design professional and/or Energy Consultant as to project-specific requirements.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: The inspector says I need a GreenPoint rater and/or CalGreen Checklist. What is this?
Answer:
This document acknowledges that the project has complied with the requirements of the California Green Building Code. The homeowner or project can consult with a Greenpoint rater or fill out the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code Residential Mandatory Measures Checklist to ensure that all items have been completed. The owner can sign on the last page of this checklist.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: What is a Field Check inspection?
Answer:
The purpose of a Field Check inspection is to obtain field information prior to the issuance of a permit. The need for a field check inspection is determined either by Code Enforcement or the Permit Center based on specific project conditions. The inspector will provide a comprehensive list of items that may apply or determine that the information that has been provided, and the site conditions are acceptable for the project to move forward with the permitting process.
The site must have any plans/construction documents and a person over the age of 18 with knowledge of the work that took place to answer any questions that the inspector may have during a field check inspection.
Please note that inspectors cannot provide design guidance, how-to, or project consultation as an enforcement agency. If the inspector determines that plans with specific details will be required, the permittee is responsible for finding a design professional to provide the necessary plans and specifications.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: Does Re-Roofing Certification require an inspection?
Answer:
Re-Roofing Certification does not require an inspection. Once your application has been approved and your work is complete, you must fill out section 2 of your certificate and upload it to your record in the Online Permit Center.
Ready to Apply for a Re-Roofing Certificate? Please visit our Re-Roofing & Insulation Certification guidance page
Need more info? Call (510) 238-3606 or email us at RecordsInfo@oaklandca.gov
Q: How do I request a Sewer Lateral Inspection?
Answer:
Permit Inspectors can only inspect the building drain, which is two feet from the face of the structure, under issued Plumbing Permits.
Sewer laterals are inspected by the Department of Transportation (OakDOT) under permits issued by them.
Please refer to the Apply for Sewer Lateral Permit guidance page for Sewer Lateral Inspection requests.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: Can Permit Inspections answer questions about my project before a permit is issued?
Answer:
Permit Inspectors can only assist with inspection-related questions once the permit is issued. We cannot assist with design guidance, how-to instructions, project management, or consultation for your project as an enforcement agency.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: How do I obtain Inspection Records/Inspection History?
Answer:
Permit Inspectors do not have access to records. The role of Permit Inspections is to inspect permit-issued projects as they undergo construction.
Public record requests can be made on our Open Public Records website, NextRequest. For records-related questions, please visit our Permit & Services Questions Portal and select the "Public Records Requests Questions" question type.
Need more info? Email your follow-up question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.
Q: How do I submit my Recycling information or remove the hold on my permit from Recycling?
Answer:
Permit Inspectors are unable to assist with questions concerning the Construction and Demolition Recycling Program, GreenHalo, or CDSR.
For questions concerning the City of Oakland's Construction and Demolition Recycling Program, which is administered by the Department of Public Works, Environmental Services Division, please refer to the Construction and Demolition Recycling Technical Assistance webpage or email recycling@oaklandca.gov.
Q: I have a question that's not listed. Who should I contact?
Answer:
Email your question with your project permit # to InspectionInfo@oaklandca.gov.