Apply for New Single Family House
For new houses, regular Design Review (DR) and a Building Permit is required. The application will start with review by the Bureau of Planning.
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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Regular Design Review (DR) is required for the construction of one (1) new primary dwelling unit (i.e., a Single Family House), other than an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The project must obtain Design Review approval from the Bureau of Planning prior to submitting the required Building Permit application. The Building Permit for a new single-family house includes all related Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work within the building, and must be obtained before any construction work begins. Separate Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) permits for the project are not required.
Please note that separate permits will also be required from the Oakland Department of Transportation, Oakland Fire Department, and Oakland Public Works depending on the scope of the project.
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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: 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 required plans and documents
- 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
- Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
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Step Two: Building Permit
- Once advised by the Zoning Division, 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 required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for New Construction and a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed
- Once advised by the Zoning Division, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
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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) 238-3891 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:
- City of Oakland Municipal Code - Title 17 Planning
- City of Oakland Interactive Zoning Map
- Building Permits
- City of Oakland Municipal Code - Buildings and Construction
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