Starting a construction or trades project in Oakland, California? Getting the right Oakland building permit is important before you begin. Oakland requires permits for most construction work to make sure buildings are safe and follow city rules.
This guide will help you understand which projects need permits, the fees associated with them, and how to get a building permit.
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What requires a building permit in Oakland?
The City of Oakland Building Department requires permits for most types of construction, repair, and system upgrades, including:
- New construction of any structure (homes, garages, accessory buildings)
- Additions: Increasing floor area, height, or volume
- Alterations: Adding/removing walls, replacing windows, remodeling kitchens/baths, changing decks or exterior finishes
- Renovations: Converting spaces or replacing finishes beyond cosmetic work
- Repairs to structural damage (fire, vehicle impacts, fallen trees, termite damage, water leaks)
- Demolition of more than half of a building
- Site improvements: Decks, fences, stairs, parking lots, grading, pools, trash enclosures
- MEP work: Installing/changing Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing systems (including solar)
What doesn’t require a permit?
- Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and decorative floor finishes
- Cabinet refacing or replacement without altering walls, plumbing, or electrical
- Countertop replacement (no structural changes)
- Roof repairs/replacement covering <25% of roof area, no framing work, <1 time per 12 months
- Window replacement in existing openings (no frame or weather-protection changes)
- Driveways, sidewalks, and patios <30 inches above grade, not over basements
- Detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) <120 sq ft, no electrical wiring
- Fences or garden walls <6 ft in height
- Retaining walls <3 ft high measured from footing to top, unless supporting surcharge
To learn more Oakland building permit requirements for your specific project, refer to the Work Exempt from a Building Permit page.
Oakland building permit fees
Oakland permitting fees vary depending on the project type, size, and value.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Additional fees & fines
Find more information on fees for your project on the Master Fee Schedule.
Oakland trade permits
If your project involves system-specific work, you’ll likely need additional trade permits:
Electrical permits
Required for:
- New circuits
- Panel upgrades
- EV chargers or solar hookups
Electric permit costs
Plumbing permits
Required for:
- Water heater installations
- Sewer line work
- Gas piping
Plumbing permit costs
HVAC permits
Required for:
- Furnace or AC replacements
- New ductwork or mini-splits
HVAC permit costs
Roofing permits
Required when structural changes or insulation upgrades are included.
Roofing permit costs
Fence and shed permits
These permits are required for:
- Fences over 6 feet and sheds over 120 sq ft require permitting
- Zoning and property line proximity may trigger extra reviews
Fence permit costs
How it works:
- Determine your project valuation (ICC or applicant value)
- Multiply by the per-$1,000 rates above for plan-check and inspection fees
- If total is below the “Minimum Fee,” you pay that flat amount
All fees can be found on the Master Fee Schedule page.
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How to apply for a building permit in Oakland
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before applying, you need to gather the needed documents:
- Filled out the Oakland building permit application
- Full plan set (single-PDF architectural, structural, energy, MEP drawings) meeting Oakland drafting standards
- Supporting reports: Structural calculations, Title 24 energy forms, accessibility checklist, recycled-material plan
- Proof of compliance: Zoning clearance, disabled‐access requirements, fire‐department review (if applicable)
Step 2: Submit online
- Create an account and log in to Oakland’s Accela‐based Online Permit Center (DevHub)
- Select “Building Permit” (or MEP permit for trade work) and upload your single PDF plan set plus attachments
- Pay the required plan‐check deposit to formally start the review process
Step 3: Plan review
Here, the Intake staff will check your application for completeness. After that, your plans will be routed to technical reviewers (Building, Zoning, Fire, Environmental, MEP).
Step 4: Pay remaining fees and pull your permit
After final sign-off, the portal generates an invoice for:
- Building permit valuation fees
- Trade permit fees (plumbing, electrical, mechanical)
- Any applicable impact or recycling fees
Pay online; once payment settles, you can download/print your permit packet (placard, stamped plans, inspection record).
Step 5: Schedule inspections
At this stage you should post the printed permit card visibly at the job site as well as request inspections (footing, framing, MEP rough-ins, final) via the portal (Accela‐based Online Permit Center) or IVR phone line ((510) 238-3444).
Pro tip: For quick minor projects, check if you qualify for a Same-Day Digital Permit (e.g., re-roofing, simple electrical or plumbing fixes) at the “Rapid ‘Same-Day’ Permits” page.
Oakland permitting resources
- City of Oakland Planning & Building Department
- Address: 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
- Phone: (510) 238-3443
- Permitting Info & Forms
- Accela Permit Portal
- Master Fee Schedule
- Oakland building permit application
- Oakland drafting standards
- Work Exempt from a Building Permit
- Rapid ‘Same-Day’ Permits
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