Please review Permit Requirements below as they 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.
If you are planning a new major residential, mixed-use development or large-scale commercial or industrial project, you may need one or more Planning entitlements from the City, in addition to Building Permits. Depending on the size, nature, and zoning district of your property, your project will likely require a multi-step review process and public hearings.
In addition to other possible required approvals, the project must obtain Design Review and related approvals from the Bureau of Planning prior to applying for a Building Permit. The Building Permit and permits for all related Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work within the building must be obtained before any construction work begins. Please note that for new business activities that will be approved as part of this project, either a Zoning Clearance (Over the Counter) and/or a Conditional Use Permit (multi-month approval) may be required.
Learn more about Who Can Apply, Who Can Be Issued, Environmental Review and Public Notification
If your project meets any ONE of the following criteria, a Pre-Application is recommended:
For projects meeting any of the above criteria, please submit a Pre-Application through our Online Permit Center (see Step One below).
Pre-Application Meeting:
A pre-application meeting is a formal inter-departmental review process with an application and fee. This meeting provides an opportunity for applicants to receive feedback from City staff on complicated projects or proposals. As noted above, some projects require a pre-application meeting; however, a pre-application meeting is strongly recommended for complex projects. Please call (510) 238-3911 for more information.
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 be available for questions during that appointment, but not required. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage. Please note that processing times will vary, depending on the capacity and the complexity of your project.
QUESTIONS?
Call (510) 238-3911 for Planning/Zoning questions or (510) 238-3891 for Building questions. You can also find quick answers through our Permit Questions Portal.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Was this page helpful?
Report a problem with this page