The Planning & Building Department oversees regulations for the City's growth and development. By reviewing project plans, enforcing local ordinances, developing neighborhood plans, and responding to public concerns, we work to create a built environment that supports the health and welfare of all Oaklanders.
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The City of Oakland's One-Stop Permit Center is open for business at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza! We've combined the counter services of the Planning & Building Department, Oakland Fire Department, and Department of Transportation to provide for a "one-stop shop" experience. Most services are by-appointment-only. Please visit our One-Stop Permit Center webpage for full details on hours of operation, scheduling your appointments, and services offered.
Ask questions, find the permits you'll need, and get started on your project today!
Find out estimated average processing times for a range of permit types
Speak with Planning or Building staff about your permit or project
Learn more about Building Inspections or how to schedule an appointment
Find common Planning or Building application forms and instructions
Learn how to register or apply for permits at our Online Permit Center
Learn about permit requirements and the overall permitting processing
→ Learn more at our Planning & Building Permits main page.
Find property, building, and permit records; Request a 3R Report; Serve a subpoena
Learn more about the Records Unit
Request public records of a City Department or Unit
Search records on our Online Permit Center
Information and Application for 3R Report
Serve a supoena for Records and/or Depositions/Appearances
Apply for Re-Roofing or Insulation Certificate
Learn more about the City's General Plan and what zoning rules apply to your neighborhood or project.
→ Learn more at our Planning Code & Zoning main page.
Find out what requirements must be met to ensure your building is safe, habitable and accessible.
→ Learn more at our Building Codes main page.
Report a private property code violation and learn about Oakland's noise and blight ordinances.
→ Learn more at our Code Enforcement Services main page.
Learn about Oakland's major development projects, environmental review, and approval processes.
→ Learn more about other projects and development at our Major Development Projects page.
Attend a Planning Commission or related committee meeting and review upcoming agendas.
→ See our complete Planning Commission & Committee Meetings main page.
Review reports on progress toward making our built environment healthy and safe for all Oaklanders.
The City of Oakland adopted Objective Design Standards (ODS) as of October 2, 2024 to streamline the review of housing projects, which will help to increase housing density and promote affordability and access throughout Oakland.
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was published for a 60-day review period from January 12 to March 12, 2024. The Final EIR (FEIR) was published on September 20, 2024.
The General Plan Phase 2 Survey is open until October 31, 5 pm.
Director
Director Gilchrist has 35 years of experience as a planner and designer. He was director of place-based planning in New Orleans where he focused on the city's design and development strategy. He was previously a senior associate at AECOM in Atlanta and planning director in Birmingham, Alabama.
Main Offices & Permit Counters
Planning and Building Department Organizational Chart
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