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Apply for Re-issued Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
Follow the steps as outlined below to apply for a Reissued Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for an Expired or Unlocatable CO, or a Revoked CO.
For Revoked COs or Condo Conversions
For revoked Certificates of Occupancy (CO), please contact Building Services at bbcode-inspect@oaklandca.gov or (510) 238-3444.
For condo conversion projects needing a reissued CO, please contact your assigned case planner (staff directory).
Eligibility Requirements
The only projects that may receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) include:
- New buildings
- Entire buildings undergoing a change of occupancy
- Residential buildings where new units are being added or removed
The City of Oakland also reissues COs for buildings where a CO cannot be located. Site plans and floor plans will be required.
Only building owners of record or their agents may apply for a reissued Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
What to Do
CO Requirements
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All life safety items for the building or portion of a building -- as applicable for the building type and occupancy classification -- must be functional and verified by a field inspection, including:
- Fire sprinklers and alarms
- Required means of egress including exit signage
- Fire-rated construction elements: walls, floors, corridors, stairs, shafts, etc.
- Minimum Accessibility as required by Chapter 11A and/or 11B of the Building Code
- All dwelling units must meet minimum habitability requirements, heat, light, ventilation, etc.
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The CO application requires approval from all applicable departments, the applicable departments will vary from one building or portion to another, but may include:
- Planning (for legalizing units, and as applicable)
- Building
- Fire Prevention
- Public Works
- Department of Transportation / Engineering Services
- Health Department
Coordination with PG&E is essential. Typically, electrical connection must be made prior to issuing a CO. City policy is to NOT release both Gas and Electric meters until the project is virtually complete.
How to Apply
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Step One: Gather Permit Record or Permit History
- FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS:
Please use the button link below to apply for a Residential Permit Record (3R Report) - FOR NONRESIDENTIAL PROJECTS:
Gather the permit history of the building. Use the button link below for information on how to submit property records requests.
- FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS:
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Step Two: Complete Your Application
- Use the button link below to complete, sign and submit your Application for a Re-issued Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
- Check your email inbox for a PDF copy of your completed form
- Save a completed copy of the form to your computer/device
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Step Three: Submit Your Application & Documentation
⇒ Click below to submit a Building Worksheet via our Online Permit Center*
* NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet- Upload your completed Application for Re-Issued Certificate of Occupancy (CO), 3R Report (for residential projects) or permit history documentation (for nonresidential projects), site plan, floor plan
- SPECIAL NOTE FOR AGENTS: Agents must also provide a letter of authorization to obtain permits or certificates on a property owner's behalf. A notarized version of the letter may be signed and attached to your Building Worksheet, or a staff-verified version of the letter may be signed by the property owner in-person at the Oakland Permit Counter. See button links below for each letter type. Valid up to 180 days only
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Step Four: Schedule Field Inspection
During this inspection, be prepared to provide access to the entire building. Your field inspector will be looking for compliance with Building Codes as well as whether the conditions of the building match the permit history or 3R Report.
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Step Five: Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Issued
If all conditions of the building match the permit history or 3R Report and no code violations are found, you will be issued your CO.
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Step Six: Obtain Additional Permits (As Instructed by Inspector)
In instances where the building conditions do NOT match permit history or 3R Report OR if code violations are found, you must obtain the proper permits, inspections, and approvals for any undocumented work.
Need to Know
QUESTIONS?
Call (510) 238-3444 or send an email to bbcode-inspect@oaklandca.gov
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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