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Planning & Building Records Unit

The Planning & Building Department Records Unit can help you request property building and permit records; Processes 3-R reports; Service of Subpoenas; Issue of Re-roofing and Insulation Certificates. Learn more about our services below.

Request Public Records

In accordance with the City of Oakland's Sunshine Ordinance and the State of California's Brown Act, we offer the following services for requesting and viewing public records kept with the City.

Report of Residential Record (3-R Report)

A Residential Building Record (3-R Report) provides the permit history for a residential property. Click below to submit an application. The cost is $321.30 and there is a 2-month turnaround. A 3-R Report can only be provided to the owner of the property or someone with authorization from the owner. Proof of ownership (copy of a Deed of Trust) must be provided for all 3-R Report requests.

Once the application is received and reviewed, staff will contact you to verify the information and provide your record number. Once you have your record number you may call the cashier to make payment. Please expect a 15-business-day turnaround for staff to review your application.

Please Note: Click "Apply for Report of Residential Record (3-R Report)" to submit the application for a 3-R report. The Property Owner Authorization is ALSO needed when the 3-R Report requester is not the property owner.

Viewing and/or Duplication of Building Plans

If you'd like to view and/or receive copies of building plans for a property:

STEP 1: Submit a Public Records Request. Visit our Open Public Records website, then click on the "Make Request" button. Be sure to describe the plans you wish to view and select "Planning & Building" from the department list.

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

STEP 2: Once/if the plans have been located, staff will contact you. At that time, staff will be able to schedule a plan viewing appointment and/or coordinate duplication of the plans. Please fill out and digitally sign the applicable forms listed below to authorize the duplication of building plans (all three forms are required):

Service of Subpoenas for Records and/or Depositions/Appearances

The Planning & Building Department is accepting Subpoena Requests by mail. Please mail to the following address:

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.

Request Re-Roofing & Insulation Certificates

Building owners may certify that their re-roofing and insulation projects meet safety and code requirements. Re-Roofing and Insulation Certificates are valid for 180 days after issuance.

Find Permit Forms & Project Requirements

Follow the links below to find the Planning & Building forms you'll need to submit permit applications or visit our Projects Directory outlining the permit requirements for common project types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I submit a Public Records Request?

A: Submit a Public Record Request online.

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

A: A 3-R Report costs $307.53 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).

Contact Us

Phone Numbers

Email Address