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Building Services

How to Apply

 

Building permits are issued by the Building Services Department at the Permit Center on the second floor of 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. This location is convenient to many public parking garages, AC bus lines, and the City Center/12th Street BART Station.

On some simple jobs, a permit can be obtained during the first visit. We also have an Express Station open daily to expedite the process of obtaining certain types of permits. However, in most circumstances, more time will be needed to review the plans in detail prior to issuing construction permits.

A minimum of four complete sets of plans are required to obtain building permits for most projects. Additional sets may be needed for projects which require other permits. Staff at the Permit Center can assist you with the requirements for your specific project. Before a permit is issued, a completed application must be submitted.


Building Permit Application Worksheet
Permits by FAX
Submittal Requirements
Brochures

Obtaining a Permit

Building permits can be issued to:

  1. Property owners (for work on owner occupied single family or duplex buildings)
  2. Licensed contractors
  3. Long-term lessees (lease agreement of at least five years)
  4. Certified Agents with a Letter of Agency signed by the owner and notarized

When a permit is issued, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California Driver's License, State of California Identification Card, or other positive identification will meet this requirement.

Contractors are required to have a current City of Oakland Business License and current State of California Contractor's License. If employees are to be used, a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be on file with us.

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