Apply for Telecom Facilities

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

How to Apply

1. Step One: Planning Review (Selected Applications)

   • Submit Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through our Online Permit Center*
     * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW
   • In the Worksheet, upload your complete Basic Application for Development Review, your completed Building Permit Application, including a description of all work that will be performed, any additional forms as outlined below for your project type, supplemental information, Radio Frequency Emissions reports, photo sims, and a plan set that complies with the application submittal requirements for your project:
     1. Facilities in the Right-of-Way: DRX (Design Review Exemption)
        ▪ Design Review Exemption Checklist
     2. Facilities on Private Property – Modified: DS1 (Design Review)
        ▪ Telecommunications – Macro Facilities Additional Design Criteria
     3. Facilities on Private Property – New (Subject to Zone): CUP (Conditional Use Permit), DR (Design Review)
        ▪ No additional applications required

   • A planner will review your submission
     
   • Please note that public notice of your project will be required
   • 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
2. Step Two: Building Permits (ALL Applications)

   If Planning Review is required:

   • Once advised by Building Counter staff, please upload all associated Building Permit documents to your ZW

   If Planning Review is not required:

   • 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 your Radio Frequency Emissions reports and digital plans. Please include a description of all work that will be performed
3. Step Three: Department of Transportation Review (ONLY for Small Facilities in the Right-of-Way)

   • Submit the following to DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov:
     • Traffic Control Plan
     • Plans approved by Utility Company
     • Bond
     • Certificate of Insurance
     • Inspection drawdown deposit
4. Step Four: 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. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.
   
   For Over-the-Counter permits:

   If your plans are approved, we will contact you to issue your permit. Depending on our workload and the complexity of the project, the process may take between 1-2 months from the date we receive your complete application to the date when we issue your permit.
   

   For other projects:

   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.
   

Need to Know

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3911 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:

• City of Oakland Municipal Code - Title 17 Planning
• Building Permits
• Design Standards for Small Facilities in the Right of Way
• Telecommunications Facilities (Monopole Facilities)
• Telecommunications Facilities (Micro Facilities)
• Telecommunications Facilities (Mini Facilities)
• Telecommunications Facilities (Tower Facilities)