Seismic Retrofits

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Seismic retrofits alter an existing structure to make it more resistant to seismic activity caused by earthquakes. Building Permits are required before any seismic work may be done.

Before you Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

Ready to get started?

First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

What to Do

Permit Requirements

When is a Permit Required?

A Building Permit is required to strengthen an existing building's resiliency to earthquake damage and collapse.

Buildings containing soft stories with 5 or more units, built before 1991, with two stories or more, and constructed with wood may be subject to a mandatory seismic retrofit (click here for a list of potentially subject buildings). For further info, please visit our Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program or refer to Oakland's Municipal Code Chapter 15.27 and Section 17.102.250.

 

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

1. Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.

2. Owners of a building or their legal representative.

How to Apply

Step 1.Step One: Building Permits

  • Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet

  • In the Worksheet, upload all associated plans and documents. If this is a Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit, please indicate that in the description

  • If the retrofit is for a commercial/non-residential building, also include an Accessibility Checklist for Construction Plans(PDF, 3MB)

Step 2.Step Two: Recycling Plan

  • All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
  • Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 3.Step Three: Final Check & Permits

  • After Plan Check has been completed, your application will go to Final Check before the permit is issued.
  • Staff will with work with you to ensure everything is complete and inform you of any outstanding steps, fees, or documents.
  • Permits are issued

Step 4.Step Four: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Permits (As Applicable)

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

Questions?

Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA
94612
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