Planning & Building Records Unit

If you want to see or get copies of building plans for a property:

STEP 1: Submit a Public Records Request online. Go to our NextRequest website and click "Make Request." Describe the plans you want to see and choose "Planning & Building" from the department list. 

STOP! Please wait for staff to contact you before proceeding to Step 2.

STEP 2: Wait for staff to contact you. If the plans are found, staff will help you set up a viewing appointment or get copies. You’ll need to fill out and sign the following forms to get copies:

• Authorization to Duplicate Building Plans - Requestor Affidavit
• Authorization to Duplicate Building Plans - Professional of Record
• Authorization to Duplicate Building Plans - Property Owner Form

The Planning & Building Department accepts subpoenas only for the Planning and Building department requests by mail, walk-in, and payments over the phone. Send them to: 

• Pay in Person: Schedule an appointment here 
• Pay by Phone: (510)238-4774, we accept Visa & Mastercard (only a maximum of 20,000 allowed per permit)
• Pay by Mail: make check payable to: the City of Oakland and mail your check to 
  City of Oakland – Planning & Building
  Attention: Cashier Station
  250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor
  Oakland, CA 94612

Please note: There is a $275 fee for depositions and a $15 fee for records. Please include checks made payable to the City of Oakland when the subpoena is served.

For more information, or if you have questions, please email PBDSubpoena@oaklandca.gov.

Q: How do I submit a Public Records Request?

A: Submit a Public Record Request online. Access NextRequest here! 
 

Q: How much does a Residential Building Records (3-R Report) cost?

A: A 3-R Report costs $6055.25 and can take up to two months to process.
 

Q: When can I schedule a plan viewing appointment?

A: The process starts with a Public Records Request. Please submit a Public Record Request online for your plan request. On the Records Request website, click the "Make Request" button. Be sure to describe the plans you wish to view and select "Planning & Building" from the department list. Staff will reach out to you directly once the plans have been located.
 

Q: What records are available in the Online Permit Center?

A: You can view general Building, Code Enforcement & Planning records after 1987 by visiting our Online Permit Center (no login required).