Welcome To Oakland

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Council & Commissions

Find your Councilmember, Join a board or commission

Child & Family Services

Apply to Head Start, Learn about our Summer Food Program

Housing Programs & Support

Tenant and landlord services, Rent Adjustment Program, Homebuyers workshop

Parks & Recreation

Rent a facility or park, Explore recreation centers

Working for Oakland

Apply for city jobs, Training and resources, Employee benefits

Crime Prevention

Ceasefire strategy, Violence prevention, MACRO

Planning & Building

Building Permits, Permit Center, How-To videos

Vehicles & Parking

Pay or challenge parking tickets, Street sweeping, Bicycle parking

Find a Service

Apply to Head Start Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for the City of Oakland Head Start and Early Head Start.
Creek Protection Permits Creek Protection Permits may be obtained through Zoning Review.
Starting Your Campaign Follow this step-by-step checklist for candidates preparing to run for office.
Rent a Facility or Park Learn about the facilities Oakland offers for rent and how to apply.
File a Complaint with the Public Ethics Commission Report a violation of government ethics, campaign finance or transparency laws in the City of Oakland.
Apply for Re-issued Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Follow the steps as outlined below to apply for a Reissued Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for an Expired or Unlocatable CO, or a Revoked CO.
Bollards on Private Property Installation of bollards on private property requires Planning Approval.
Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens Community gardens and urban agriculture is permitted in most zones to support local food production.
Report a Property Complaint The City of Oakland's goal is to keep our neighborhoods and community clean, safe and free of blight. You can report blight, housing or zoning violations online or with the OAK311 app.
Check Status of Your Property Complaint The City of Oakland's goal is to keep our neighborhoods and community clean, safe and free of blight. You can report blight, housing or zoning violations online or with the OAK311 app.
Facade and Tenant Improvement Grant Small business owners and property owners applied for up to $25,000 through the City of Oakland’s expanded and updated Facade and Tenant Improvement Program to improve the exterior and interior of their commercial properties.
Apply for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Only projects that are new (from ground up), new units, or where a change in occupancy is taking place are issued a TCO. Additions, remodels, alterations, and tenant improvements are not issued a TCO.
Participating in Virtual Council and Committee Meetings Participate in City Council and Committee meetings virtually. Join via Zoom, watch on KTOP, or submit public comments electronically.
Apply for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment & Charging Stations Oakland's Planning and Building Department offers all the resources you need, including project checklists, permit applications, and submission instructions.
Surrender an Animal Learn about your options before you make the decision to surrender your pet.
Terminate Your Campaign After the election, campaign committees must fully account for their financial activity before closing the account.
Alternate Materials & Methods Request (AMMR) If you need to request an alternate method or material to meet building codes in Oakland, submit an AMMR to present your case.
Request a Code Enforcement Compliance Extension Request more time to comply with your issued Notice of Violation.
Pay Off a Loan Follow simple steps to complete the Loan Payoff Request process.
Submit Initial Affidavit of Compliance Buildings that are not exempt from the Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program require mandatory evaluation from an engineering professional.
Apply for Change of Compliance Tier A Petition for Change of Compliance Tier allows an owner to show that the building that is subject to the Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program is eligible for the later deadlines of a different Compliance Tier.
Apply for Exemption The Petition for Exemption allows an owner to show that the soft story building in question is not a "subject building" and is therefore exempt from a mandatory retrofit.
Request Zoning Information for Your Project Use our online Zoning tools or call our Zoning Hotline to request zoning information for your activity, building or business.
Register as a Lobbyist Register before lobbying activity begins
Explore Campaign Finance Disclosures Answer questions about who is contributing money to Oakland candidates and political campaigns and how that money is being spent.
Government Ethics for Form 700 Filers Training This Government Ethics Training provides a comprehensive overview of local ethics laws in Oakland including: gift restrictions, conflicts of interests, post-employment restrictions, and misuse of City resources/position.
Report Internet Choice Denial Report and document the denial of Internet Choice to occupants of multi-unit buildings of 4 or more units.
Ask for a Lobbyist Registration Fee Waiver Lobbyists representing non-profit organizations and small businesses that meet certain tax status and/or income requirements may apply for reduced or waived registration fees.
Redeem your Pet If you do find that your pet is located at Oakland Animal Services (OAS), there are a few things you will need to do.
Foreclosed and Defaulted Residential Property Maintenance Preserve neighborhood livability and the health and safety of Oakland residents by preventing neglect and deterioration of properties involved in the foreclosure process.
Low-Cost Internet The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible Oakland households a $30 monthly discount on internet services, making many plans free.
Apply for an Emergency Window Repair Grant The Emergency Window Repair Grant, part of The Façade and Tenant Improvement Programs (FTIP), is set-aside funding available for businesses to repair windows after an incident of vandalism.
Administrative Hearings This Public Ethics Commission Administrative Hearing Training provides an overview of the administrative hearing process as part of the Commission's enforcement powers and includes the roles and duties of Commission members, the Hearing Officer, and Commission staff.
Submit Lobbyist Activity Reports Lobbyists must submit activity reports each calendar quarter
Report an Issue (OAK 311) Request City Services with OAK311: illegal dumping, graffiti, potholes, encampments, building maintenance, and urgent infrastructure issues.
SB-9: Two-Unit Homes and Parcel Subdivisions SB-9 allow more homes to be built on single-family lots or to split the lot.
Multi-Unit Residence (3-4 Units) Multi-unit residences of 3-4 units or more require Design Review and Building Permits.
Major Multi-Family Residential, Mixed-Use & Commercial Projects Major multi-family residential, mixed-use or large-scale commercial projects require Planning entitlements and Building Permits.
Pay a Parking Ticket Pay your Oakland parking ticket easily online, by phone, mail, or in person! Avoid late fees by paying on time.
Join the Public Ethics Commission The Public Ethics Commission seeks community members with a passion for public service to help influence policy toward greater fairness, openness, honesty, and integrity.
Housing Projects Eligible for Faster, Streamlined Review Most housing projects are now eligible for faster, streamlined review, from single family homes to multifamily buildings, along with affordable or mixed-income housing projects.
Special Event Permit Application Ready to host an unforgettable event in Oakland? Our streamlined special event permitting process makes it easy! Whether you’re planning a festival, concert, or gathering, we’re here to help.
Stop Work Order Procedures If you received a Stop Work from a City of Oakland Building Inspector, you must stop all construction activities. You must either revise your permits, correct the violations, and/or apply for permits depending on the type of project, as per the three types are described on this page.
Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs Building new or altering or repairing an existing pool requires a Planning Review and Building Permits.
Gates Gates 3.5' or taller in front of a property require Planning approval, and if over 7' high, a Building Permit.
House Stairways and Railings To build, repair or replace your house's stairways or railings, you will need to obtain Planning approval and a Building Permit.
Single Family Home New homes require Design Review and Building Permits.
California Accessibilty Building Code Requirement (Chapter 11B) Assess your development project's compliance with accessibility requirements as stipulated in CBC 11B-202.4 - Path of Travel Requirements In Alterations, Additions, and Structural Repairs.
Apply for a Permit Extension or Reinstatement Complete the Issued Permit Extension/Reinstatement Request form to reinstate or extend your inactive or expired permits.
Request Mediation of your Public Records Request The Public Ethics Commission conducts mediation of public records requests made by members of the public to City departments for records within the department’s control.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Permits All mechanical, electrical & plumbing work requires permits.
Greywater Irrigation System Simple home gray water irrigation systems require Plumbing Permits.
Termite or Dry Rot Repair Repairing termite or dry rot damage requires a Building Permit.
Accessory Structures: Garages & Sheds (Not ADUs) Accessory structures require Zoning Review and Building Permits.
Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks (CGS) & Driveways Cutting into a curb, gutter, or sidewalk requires Zoning and OakDOT approval.
Additions & Conversions to Habitable Space Additions or conversions require Design Review and Building Permits.
Retaining Wall Permits Building Permits are required to build, repair or replace retaining walls. Retaining walls are structures designed to restrain soil to a slope that it would not naturally keep to.
RVs and Tiny Homes on Wheels RVs and tiny homes on wheels require Zoning approval and Building Permits.
Re-Roofing & Insulation Certificates Certify your re-roofing and insulation projects with Certificates.
Replace Windows Building Permits are required for any window replacement.
Solar Energy Systems & Facilities Solar energy systems require Building Permits.
Fence Permits Fences 3.5' to 6' in front yards require a Zoning Permit, and may require a Building Permit.
Foundation Repair & Replace Building Permits are required to repair or replace a foundation.
Generators Generators require Zoning Review, and Electrical and Plumbing Permits are required. Large generators also require a Building Permit.
Demolition Permits Building Permits are required when more than half of the exterior walls are demolished.
Lead-Based Paint Permits A permit is required for projects that disturb lead paint.
Electric Vehicle Service Equipment & Charging Stations Electrical Permits and Building Bureau review are required.
Grading Permits Grading Permits are required if a slope or elevation changes from grading.
New Duplex New duplexes require Design Review and a Building Permit.
Commercial Tenant Improvements Permit Building Permits are required for all interior improvements, and Design Review may be required.
Sign Permits Business signs require a Zoning Permit.
Outdoor Dining & Retail in Parking Lots & Private Spaces Outdoor dining & retail may occur in parking lots and private areas with approved plans and permits.
Zoning Clearance Permit A Zoning Clearance Permit is needed to approve any proposed business activity in Oakland.
Letter of Determination (Project Zoning Conformity) Developers or business owners may seek to determine if a project meets Zoning regulations.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) A CUP may be required for new activities, special project requirements, and some new facilities.
Telecom Facilities Telecom facilities require review by both the Planning and Building Bureaus.
Legalize Your Unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU Learn how to legalize your unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Rainwater Catchment Systems Installation of a rainwater catchment system requires permits under certain conditions.
Deck Permits Decks require Building Permits, and Zoning Review may be required.
Utility Meters Electrical and/or Plumbing Permits are required to add, replace, or relocate a utility meter. Zoning Review may be required.
Project-Related Tree Removal Permits Removing trees as part of an approved project requires a permit.
ADU with Single Family Home ADUs require Zoning Review and Building Permits.
Transfer a Permit A Permit Transfer can be requested when a property is being sold and the new owner wants to continue work under an existing permit, a contractor changes during a construction project, or a developer or project manager is replaced mid-project.
One-Stop Permit Center: In-Person & Online Services Learn about our in-person and online Permit Center services.
Schedule Your Building Inspection Schedule your Building Inspection by downloading our scheduling app.
Ticket Distribution Training This training is intended for all City of Oakland Public Servants who distribute or receive City-issued event tickets.

Latest News

Oakland Launches Faster Review Process for Housing Projects

Published on September 16, 2025

New process will speed up approvals and help Oakland build much-needed housing.

Enhanced ADU & Building Permit Applications Now Online!

Published on October 01, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Planning & Building's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and large project Building Permit online permit applications!

New Building Codes Take Effect Jan 1, 2026

Published on October 01, 2025

As California prepares to roll out its most ambitious building code update in decades, the City of Oakland is taking decisive steps to align with the statewide standards while tailoring them to the city’s unique needs.

Legalize Your Unpermitted ADU – Improve Your Home Value!

Published on October 01, 2025

Building Owners who have built unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) on their property may legalize their ADUs/JADUs.

View More News

View More Events City Council Meetings

Get Involved

Oakland By The Numbers

574

Digital Services

542

Affordable housing units created

Housing Policies, Plans, and Data

54,000

Businesses in Oakland

Economic & Workforce Development

201

Miles of bikeways created

Walking and Biking in Oakland

View More Data

Home

Pay a Parking Ticket

Report an Issue / Oak 311

Apply for a Permit

Report a Crime

Apply for a Business Tax License

Find Meeting Information

Popular Services

Council & Commissions

Child & Family Services

Housing Programs & Support

Parks & Recreation

Working for Oakland

Crime Prevention

Planning & Building

Vehicles & Parking

Latest News

Oakland Launches Faster Review Process for Housing Projects

Enhanced ADU & Building Permit Applications Now Online!

New Building Codes Take Effect Jan 1, 2026

Legalize Your Unpermitted ADU – Improve Your Home Value!

Events & Meetings

English Classes for Adult Learners

Chinatown Walking Tour

Community Cleanup High Street Coalition

Community Cleanup in the Dimond District

Community Cleanup & Invasive Removal at King Estate Open Space

Walking Tour led by Melrose 27X Neighborhood Council

Get Involved

Volunteer at our annual Creek to Bay Day

CityCamp Oakland: An Open Government Unconference

Join a Board or Commission

Learn about the City of Oakland's budget

Oakland By The Numbers

City Officials

Barbara Lee

Asha Reed

Rowena Brown

Michael C. Houston

Zac Unger

Ryan Richardson

Charlene Wang

Carroll Fife

Janani Ramachandran

Noel Gallo

Kevin Jenkins

Ken Houston