Building Services

Types of Building and Trade Permits

Building permits are documents which are obtained through the Office of Planning and Building authorizing the start of construction or remodeling of a building in the City of Oakland. There are four types of permits which may be required:

1. Building Permit: New construction, additions, alterations, house moves, demolition, or repairs to either residential or non-residential structures.

2. Electrical Permit: New installations, additions, extension, alterations, changes, and fire and accident repairs of any electrical wiring and electrical equipment associated with a structure or project. Separate permits are required for wiring, fixtur es, furnaces, and construction poles. For convenience, the wiring, fixtures, and furnaces may be combined on one permit if they are included on the original application. Construction poles will require a separate permit in every case.

3. Plumbing Permit: New installation, removal, alteration, repair, or replacement of any plumbing, gas, or drainage piping work, or any fixture or water heater or treating equipment in a building or premise. A separate permit is required for each buildi ng or structure and privies used during construction.

4. Mechanical Permit: New installations; alterations; repair; replacement; remodel; and/or removal of duct work, heating, venting, or air conditioning equipment (HVAC) for each separate building or structure involved in the project.