Apply for Seismic Retrofits
Seismic retrofits alter an existing structure to make it more resistant to seismic activity caused by earthquakes.
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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A Building Permit is required to strengthen an existing building's resiliency to earthquake damage and collapse.
Buildings containing soft stories with 5 or more units, built before 1991, with two stories or more, and constructed with wood may be subject to a mandatory seismic retrofit (click here for a list of potentially subject buildings). For further info, please visit our Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program or refer to Oakland's Municipal Code Chapter 15.27 and Section 17.102.250.
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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: 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 all associated plans and documents. If this is a Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit, please indicate that in the description
- If the retrofit is for a commercial/non-residential building, also include an Accessibility Checklist for Construction Plans
- If Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) systems are being altered, a completed Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Application Worksheet will also be required
- Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
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Step Two: 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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