Telecom Facilities

Telecom facilities are commercial facilities designed for transmitting, receiving, and relaying voice and data signals from various wireless communication devices. For telecom facility applications, review by both the Planning and Building Bureaus are required. The application will start with review by the Bureau of Planning.

Date Posted: July 13th, 2021 @ 4:38 PM
Last Updated: March 28th, 2022 @ 1:11 PM

When Are Permits Required?

Telecom facility icon

Permits are required for all telecom applications, including the following:

  • Wireless Facilities in the Right-of-Way (new or modified)
  • Wireless Facilities on Private Property (new or modified)

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

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.

How to Apply

APPLY ONLINE:


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.

Complete the Basic Application for Development Review, supplemental information, Radio Frequency Emissions reports, photo sims, and a plan set that complies with the application submittal requirements.

Find your project below and complete the listed application(s):

  1. Facilities in the Right-of-Way: DRX (Design Review Exemption)
  2. Facilities on Private Property - Modified: DS1 (Design Review)
  3. Facilities on Private Property - New (Subject to Zone): CUP (Conditional Use Permit), DR (Design Review)

STEP ONE: Planning Review (Selected Applications)

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet
  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review and all associated plans and documents as outlined above
  • A planner will review your submission
  • Please note that public notice of your project will be required
  • Once approved, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning
STEP TWO: Building Permit (ALL Applications)
  • After you have received Zoning 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 your completed Building Permit Application, including a description of all work that will be performed, Radio Frequency Emissions reports, and digital plans

STEP THREE (ONLY for Small Facilities in the Right-of-Way): Department of Transportation Review

  • Submit the following to DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov:
    • Traffic Control Plan
    • Plans approved by Utility Company
    • Bond
    • Certificate of Insurance
    • Inspection drawdown deposit

WHAT'S NEXT?

Once we receive your 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. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

For Over-the-Counter permits:

If your plans are approved, we will contact you to issue your permit. Depending on our workload and the complexity of the project, the process may take between 1-2 months from the date we receive your complete application to the date when we issue your permit.

For other projects:

Once we receive your application, staff will contact you regarding your intake appointment during which your submittal will be reviewed for completeness. It is recommended that you are available for questions during that appointment, but not required.

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Additional Resources