As per Oakland City Council Ordinance, most Planning & Building Department (PBD) service and permit fees will increase on September 3, 2024. These fees rise each year to recover the cost of services provided.
Most PBD services, including Planning approvals, Building Permits, records requests, and plan retrievals, are submitted through our Online Permit Center. PBD has been working to improve our online services. These efforts have led to some efficiencies that are now reflected in lower online service fees compared to in-person services in the 2024-2025 Master Fee Schedule.
Recent improvements to our Online Permit Center include Rapid Permits for electric, plumbing, mechanical, and solar permitting with reduced fees. In the coming year, we will be adding more such permits online, and launch a new website to make applying for online permits much easier. In addition, our friendly Permit Counter staff can answer questions, offer guidance, and assist you with submitting online applications. Schedule an appointment today!
Online Permit Center (Accela) Account Registration Questions?
Need to update your contractor license or register online? Watch Our Video!
Or contact the following departments, depending on your permitting or service needs. Expect a response within 3 business days during business hours.
- Planning & Building Department (PBD)
For Planning/Zoning or Building Permit-related account registration questions, contact pbdaccelaregistration@oaklandca.gov - Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT)
For OakDOT permit-related questions (Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk or Sewer Lateral permits) or help with registration, please contact (510) 238-3199 or DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov - Oakland Fire Department – Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB)
For billing and invoice questions, please contact the Finance Department at 510-238-2252 or FPBilling@OaklandCA.gov
For Fire Inspection and Fire Prevention Plan Review questions, please contact the Fire Department at 510-238-3851 or FPBReceptionist@OaklandCA.gov
Need more help? Get answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal, or schedule an appointment with our One-Stop Permit Center!
Background on Master Fee Schedule
On May 23, 2024, the Oakland City Council approved Ordinance 13799 C.M.S. to update the City's Master Fee Schedule (MFS). All fees collected by PBD provides go into the Development Services Fund, from which PBD receives most of its funding. The Master Fee Schedule documents the fees and charges for all City services. The cost of City services provided is often recovered by charging fees to users as permitted under State law.