Apply for a Grading Permit

Grading includes the removal, import, and/or movement of soil during your project. A Grading Permit is required when the slope or elevation of the site changes as a result of grading.

Grading Moratorium

A City of Oakland Grading Moratorium (Wet Weather Season) is in effect between October 15th to April 15th. No Grading Operations are allowed during this time.

Before you Start

Please review the Grading Ordinance and Permit Requirements below before beginning the application process.

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

Click the button below to be taken to an external site where you can view the Oakland Grading Ordinance.

View Ordinance

Permit Requirements

How to Apply

  1. Step One: Complete Application
    • Download the Grading Permit Application form to your device
    • Fill in all sections of the form and sign. Please follow the Oakland Grading Ordinance (Section 1802B.4) for guidance on how to correctly complete the form

    Click button below to be taken to the downloadable Grading Permit Application.

    Open Application
  2. Step Two: Building Permits
  3. Step Three: Application Review

    Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, we will contact you to issue your permit. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

A separate permit shall be required for each non-contiguous site. One permit may cover both an excavation and a fill on the same site.

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3444 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:

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