Planning & Building

The Planning & Building Department oversees regulations for the City's growth and development. By reviewing project plans, enforcing local ordinances, developing neighborhood plans, and responding to public concerns, we work to create a built environment that supports the health and welfare of all Oaklanders.

Sign Up for Permit Center Updates!

PHONE SYSTEM OUTAGE: The City of Oakland's phone system is currently experiencing service disruption, which may prevent calls or voicemails from going through to staff. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please visit our team directories for staff emails or find common answers at our Permit & Services Questions Portal.

Take Our Downtown Zoning Survey — Tell Us What You Think!

Frank Ogawa Plaza rendering after proposed downtown zoning changes

Zoning changes that encourage housing, add community benefits and grow revenues for City services are now being considered for downtown. Learn more or take our survey and tell us what you think!

Take Our Survey!

One-Stop Permit Center Now OPEN!

City of Oakland One Stop Permit Center Black on White Graphic

The City of Oakland welcomes you back to 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, our One-Stop Permit Center! We've combined the counter services of the Planning & Building Department, Oakland Fire Department, and Department of Transportation to provide for a "one-stop shop" experience. Most services are by-appointment-only. Please visit our Permit Center Reopening webpage for full details on hours of operation, scheduling your appointments, and services offered.

Permit Center Services

Ask questions, find the permits you'll need, and get started on your project today!

Start Your Project

Permit & Services Questions Portal

Online Permit Center
Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times Building Inspections Planning & Building Forms

→ Learn more at our Planning & Building Permits main page.

Records Requests

Find property, building and permit records or schedule an appointment to view project plans for a property

Planning & Zoning

Learn more about the City's General Plan and what zoning rules apply to your neighborhood or project.

City of Oakland Current General Plan City of Oakland General Plan Update | Oakland 2045 General Plan Policy Projects See the City Zoning Map Apply for Zoning Clearance Permit Active Planning and Zoning Applications Historic Preservation Neighborhood and Citywide Plans Planning Codes

→ Learn more at our Planning Code & Zoning main page.

Building Codes

Find out what requirements must be met to ensure your building is safe, habitable and accessible.

2019 Building Standards Code Changes Read the California Building Codes Read the Oakland Amendments to the California Building Codes Read the Oakland Building Maintenance Code (OMC 15.08) Summary of Green Building Ordinance Mandatory Requirements & Compliance Standards Access for Persons with Disabilities

→ Learn more at our Building Codes main page.

Private Property Complaints & Enforcement

Report a private property code violation and learn about Oakland's noise and blight ordinances.

Report a Property Complaint Review Construction Ordinance Hours & Report a Noise Violation Apply to the Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program Read Substandard and Public Nuisance Buildings Ordinance Code Compliance Relocation Program

→ Learn more at our Code Enforcement Services main page.

Major Projects

Learn about Oakland's major development projects, environmental review, and approval processes.

City of Oakland Major Development Projects List Environmental Review Documents (CEQA/EIR) Impact Fees Oak Knoll Mixed Use Community Oakland Waterfront Ballpark District at Howard Terminal Lake Merritt BART Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Project

→ Learn more about other projects and development at our Major Development Projects page.

Planning Commission & Committees

Attend a Planning Commission or related committee meeting and review upcoming agendas.

Planning Commission Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board (LPAB) Design Review Committee (DRC) Residential Appeals Committee (RAC) Zoning Update Committee Special Projects Committee (SPC)

→ See our complete Planning Commission & Committee Meetings main page.

Reports

Review reports on progress toward making our built environment healthy and safe for all Oaklanders.

Housing Element Annual Progress Reports City of Oakland Impact Fee Reports City of Oakland Quarterly Building Code Enforcement Reports

News

Related News »

Leadership

Portrait of William Gilchrist
Planning and Building Senior Managers Planning Commissioners Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board Members

William Gilchrist

Director

Director Gilchrist has 35 years of experience as a planner and designer. He was director of place-based planning in New Orleans where he focused on the city's design and development strategy. He was previously a senior associate at AECOM in Atlanta and planning director in Birmingham, Alabama.

Contact Us

Addresses

Main Offices & Permit Counters

Map image for Planning & Building, located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza in Oakland, CA 94612
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Suite 2114
Oakland, CA 94612

Permit Questions Portal

Permit Questions Portal

Planning and Building Department Organizational Chart

Planning & Building Organizational Chart

Phone Numbers

Open Hours

Permit Counter Walk-In Hours

Monday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Permit Counter Scheduled Appointment Hours

Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed