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For new major multi-family residential, mixed-use developments or large-scale commercial or industrial projects, you will need Planning entitlements from the City along with Building Permits. The application will start with review by the Bureau of Planning.

Before You Start

Please review Permit Requirements below as they 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.

What to Do

Permit Requirements

How to Apply

  1. Step One: Submit a Pre-Application (Optional)
    • If you would like to schedule a voluntary pre-application meeting, please submit a Zoning Worksheet through the 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 Zoning Pre-Application and your preliminary site plan, photographs, and parcel map
    • The City will review your pre-application and during that review will provide guidance on the next steps for your submittal, including (but not limited to) application materials, fees, required plans, etc.
  2. Step Two: Apply for Planning Approval
    • To get your project into our permitting system, 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, Environmental Review Questionnaire (if applicable), Design Review Findings, Supplemental Planning forms (as applicable) and all associated plans and documents
    • After we've received a complete application and applicable fees have been paid, a planner will review your submission for completeness
    • Your complete application will be assigned to a planner who will manage your case file
    • Please note that public notice of your project will be required
    • Once a decision is made regarding your case file, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning
  3. Step Three: Building Permit
    • 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, an MEP Application Worksheet, and all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for New Construction, Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements, and Survey and Site Plan Checklists for New Construction (listed below)

What's Next

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 be available for questions during that appointment, but not required. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage. Please note that processing times will vary, depending on the capacity and the complexity of your project.

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3911 for Planning/Zoning questions or (510) 238-3891 for Building questions. You can also find quick answers through our Permit Questions Portal.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

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