Community Survey:

We are working to create a better City of Oakland website. Lend your voice by taking our 5-minute survey.

Schedule Your Building Inspection

Inspections are required to ensure that construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and project conditions-of-approval, and that all current code standards are being met. Call us to schedule your Building Inspection or download our scheduling app.

Before you Start

It is the Projects' responsibility to schedule all inspections. An appointment must be made at least one working day in advance. Inspections are limited to three (3) inspections maximum per permit, per week. Inspectors have 20 minutes of inspection per stop.

The City of Oakland cannot conduct same-day inspections. These include disconnect-reconnect requests for Electrical Meter work.

What to Do

Inspection Requirements

How to Request an Inspection

  1. Step One: Schedule Your Inspection

    Once you know what type of inspection you need, you may schedule your inspection with the following departments:

    Planning & Building Bureau:

    • Inspections for issued permits can be scheduled through our Oakland Inspection Request mobile phone application. Click the button associated with your mobile phone's operating system (OS) to be taken to an external page with instructions on how to download the app
    Download iOS App Download Android OS App
    • Please view this GUIDE as to How to use the Building Inspection scheduling app.
    • You may also schedule an inspection by phone* or by email
    • *NOTE: Field Inspections and Pre-Construction Inspections can only be made by phone

    Fire Prevention Bureau:

    • You may schedule your Fire Prevention Bureau Inspection by email

    Department of Transportation DOT:

    • You may schedule your DOT inspection by phone
  2. Step Two: Pay Fees
    • Call the City of Oakland, 2nd Floor Cashier's Station to make payment by Visa or Mastercard
  3. Step Three: Prepare for Inspection
    • Please have approved plans and documents (including job card) on site. It is your responsibility to have your documents printed in FULL color at the job site prior to inspections.
    • A person over the age of 18 with knowledge of the project must be present for the inspection to take place.

    Click on the button below for more information on what to expect during your Planning and Building Permit Inspection.

    Open Guide

Need to Know

Pre-paid inspection allotment is based on the project valuation. Inspectors cannot add more inspections. If a project exhausts their prepaid allotment, the project may obtain more inspections by calling the cashier at 510-238-4774. Inspections cancelled after 10AM, not passing, or cancellations in the field will count as an inspection.

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3444 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal.

Was this page helpful?

Report a problem with this page

Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.
Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.
Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.