GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Oakland, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error

This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.

Where to apply

Department
Building Bureau
Permit portal
City Online Portal System
Contact
510-238-3891bbpermit@oaklandca.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Prepare Zoning materials and submit Planning application

    Confirm zone Prepare Zoning plan set/checklist Submit Planning materials through Online Permit Center Planning review intake

  2. 2

    Obtain written Planning/Zoning approval

    Respond to requests for missing or unclear information Written Planning approval

  3. 3

    Submit Building application and plan package

    Submit Building worksheet/application and required documents Pay applicable fees Building application created

  4. 4

    City reviews plans and requests corrections or information

    Respond to City correction/information contact Meet applicable utility requirements Final Zoning and Building approval path

  5. 5

    Complete Final Check before permit issuance

    Provide outstanding final documents and fees Permit-ready record

  6. 6

    Receive and print issued permit, inspection card and plans

    Print permit, inspection card and plans Keep documents on building site Issued permit and job documents

  7. 7

    Schedule inspections, correct issues and complete final inspection

    Schedule inspections by City app or call Correct failures before reinspection Submit recycling final report before final inspection Passed inspections and final approval

  8. 8

    City processes Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection

    Certificate of Occupancy mailed to owner address

What you need to submit

  • Zoning/application materials: existing/proposed site plans, floor plan, elevations and cross sections
  • Building plan requirements and Building Criteria Checklist
  • Recycling final report / Green Halo summary report

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Oakland’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.

View pre-approved plans

Project-specific next step

Build your Oakland permit report

Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.

Start my permit report

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages