Apply for Additions & Conversion to Habitable Space
A Building Permit is required for additions to existing structures or conversion of non-habitable space to habitable space within residential buildings, commercial, institutional or industrial structures. Depending on the scope of the work, review from the Bureau of Planning may be required prior to submitting for a Building Permit.
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
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Zoning review is required for any project that includes exterior alteration or conversions to habitable space. A Building Permit is required for all additions or conversion to habitable space. For projects involving less than three units, separate Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) applications are not required, but a full description of any MEP to be performed must be included in the same application.
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- 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.
- Owners of a building or their legal representative.
How to Apply
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Step One: Zoning Review
- Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet - In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review*, your completed Building Permit Application, including a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed, and all required plans and associated documents
* Please note that Additions & Conversions are distinct from new living units. - A planner will review your submission
- Once approved, your application will be routed to the Building Permit Counter or you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning if applicable
- Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
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Step Two: Building Permits
- Once advised by Building Counter staff, please upload all documents listed in the Submittal Checklist for Additions and Alterations to your ZW (please note: a stamp is required if prepared by a design professional)
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Step Three: Application Review
Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you. If your plans are approved, we will contact you to issue your permit. 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:
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