Apply for Outdoor Dining & Retail in Parking Lots & Other Private Spaces
The City of Oakland is providing opportunities for economic revitalization and community engagement through creative and flexible uses of privately-owned parking lots and other open outdoor areas. The initiative streamlines permitting requirements to provide additional space for Oakland restaurants and retail businesses to operate.
Before you Start
Learn more about the goals and opportunities of this program on our Outdoor Dining & Retail webpage.
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.
What to Do
Permit Requirements
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- Prepare a Site Plan for your café or merchandise display
Plan how many tables and chairs or display stands you can reasonably fit in the portion of the privately-owned parking lot or other private property area dedicated to such use without blocking any pedestrian path. Note any items currently in these spaces. Remember, you must keep six feet of pedestrian path clear for accessibility in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. - Photograph your business
Show all entrances to the business and the private outdoor areas, including parking lots, on the same or adjacent property. Take additional photos as needed.
- Prepare a Site Plan for your café or merchandise display
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- 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.
- Owners of a building or their legal representative.
How to Apply
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Step One: Apply Online
- 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 Outdoor Dining & Retail Application Form, site plans and photos
- Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
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Step Two: Application Review
Once we receive your application, staff will review your documents for completeness. If further information is needed, a planner will contact you at the email address provided. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.
Need to Know
QUESTIONS?
Call (510) 238-3911 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:
- For planning resources and guidelines, please visit the Business Re-opening web page.
- Flex Streets Initiative
- One-Stop Permit Center Reopening webpage
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