Apply for Multi-Family Residence (3-4 Units) / Apartment Complex

For new multi-family residences of 3-4 units or more, regular Design Review (DR) and a Building Permit is required. Selected projects are subject to new Objective Design Standards (see below). Project applications will start with review by the Bureau of Planning.

NOTICE: Selected Housing Projects Now Subject to Objective Design Standards (ODS)

The following 4- to 8-story multifamily residential and mixed-use project types undergoing “by-right” ministerial review under one or more state or local programs are subject to Objective Design Standards: 

* 100% affordable housing projects 

* S-13 Affordable Housing Combining Zone and S-14 Housing Sites Combining Zone by-right review 

* SB 35, SB 330, SB 684, AB 2162, SB 9, and AB 2011 state-required projects 

For details, see the Applicability section in the Objective Design Standards Guide and Checklist and our Housing Projects Eligible for Streamlined City Review project guidance page.

Before you Start

Pre-Application Meeting Recommended:

For complex projects, a pre-application meeting with a Planner is recommended. This will provide an opportunity for feedback from City staff on complicated projects or proposals. Pre-application could involve discussion with staff about the scope and complexity of the project or could involve a formal Zoning Pre-Application Review session with a fee. Please call (510) 238-3911 for more information.

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

How to Apply

  1. Step One: Design 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, Design Review Findings*, and all associated plans and documents. Refer to the Related Resources section to your right for forms that may apply to your project
      * NOTE: If your project is subject to Objective Design Standards (see list in yellow notice above), also upload your completed Objective Design Standards Guide and Checklist
    • A planner will review your submission
    • Please note that public notice of your project will be required
    • Once approved, you will receive a decision letter from the Bureau of Planning
  2. Step Two: 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 an MEP Application Worksheet, and all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for New Construction (listed below)
  3. Step Three: Application Review

    Once we receive your application, staff will contact you regarding your intake appointment during which your submittal will be reviewed for completeness. It is recommended that you are available for questions during that appointment, but not required. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

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