GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Oakland, California

Last verified August 28, 2026

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Oakland's Planning & Building Department reviews ADU applications in two stages - a Zoning/Planning Permit followed by a Building Permit - both submitted online through the Online Permit Center. Most ADUs on single-family and multi-family lots are reviewed ministerially. State law requires the city to act on a complete application within 60 days, though Oakland cites typical review of about 4-11 weeks depending on complexity.

Typical timeline

Permit review typically 4-11 weeks depending on complexity; zoning clearance may add 10-20 days. State law requires action within 60 days of a complete application.

Where to apply

Department
Oakland Planning & Building Department
Permit portal
Online Permit Center (Accela Citizen Access)
Contact
(510) 238-3891 (Building); (510) 238-3911 (Planning/Zoning)oakplancounter@oaklandca.gov (Planning/Zoning); bbpermit@oaklandca.gov (Building Permits)

Step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm zoning and choose ADU category

    Confirm the property is in a residential or mixed-use zone using the Zoning Map, and pick a category: Junior ADU (JADU, conversion, owner-occupied), Category One (conversion of existing space/structure), or Category Two (new attached or detached construction).

  2. 2

    Design the ADU

    Design using the Zoning Plan Requirements, either from scratch, by modifying one of the city's pre-approved studio/1-bedroom/2-bedroom plans, or by hiring a licensed architect, designer, or contractor.

  3. 3

    Review zoning checklist and submit zoning/planning permit

    Complete the Zoning Criteria Checklist, then create an account and submit the Zoning & Planning Permit application online through the Online Permit Center.

  4. 4

    Await planning approval

    City staff review the application and contact you if information is missing; written planning approval is required before applying for building permits.

  5. 5

    Prepare and submit building permit application

    Review the Building Plan Requirements and Building Criteria Checklist, then submit the Building Permit application online, upload plans, and pay the application fee to receive a permit number.

  6. 6

    Submit recycling plan (WRRP)

    Complete a Green Halo Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan and pay the associated fee before the building permit can be issued.

  7. 7

    Coordinate utilities

    Arrange a sewer lateral permit for detached ADUs and any other needed utility connections.

  8. 8

    Construction, inspections, and final approval

    Build per approved plans, complete required inspections tracked through the Online Permit Center, and pass final inspection before occupancy.

What you need to submit

  • Zoning Plan Requirements documents (site plan, floor plan, elevations, cross sections, topographical/tree survey, grading plan as applicable)
  • Zoning Criteria Checklist
  • Owner & Applicant Authorization Form (if applying on behalf of the owner)
  • Building Plan Requirements documents
  • Building Criteria Checklist items (fire separation distance, room dimensions, damp proofing, boundary survey, structural calculations as applicable)
  • Green Halo Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan (WRRP)

Oakland ADU rules at a glance

JADU
JADU up to 500 sq ft, converted from space within an existing or proposed single-family home; requires proof of ownership and owner-occupancy of the JADU or primary residence.
Max size
Detached ADU up to 1,200 sq ft; attached ADU capped at 50% of the primary home's square footage; JADU up to 500 sq ft; Category One conversions can add up to 150 sq ft for an entrance/exit.
Owner occupancy
Required for Junior ADUs (JADU); not required for Category One or Category Two ADUs.

Pre-approved ADU plans

Oakland publishes pre-approved plan sets, which can shorten plan check.

View pre-approved plans

Practical tips

  • Up to three ADUs are allowed on one single-family lot (one Category One + one Category Two + one JADU), but you cannot add a second ADU of the same type once one exists.
  • Using a pre-approved plan (studio, 1-bedroom, or 2-bedroom) speeds up the building permit process since the design already conforms to current code.
  • Detached ADUs require a separate sewer lateral permit - email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov for that process.
  • A Green Halo recycling plan and fee is required before any Oakland building permit is issued, including ADUs.
  • If you have an existing unpermitted ADU, check Oakland's Legalize Your Unpermitted ADU/JADU program (AB 2533 amnesty) before starting a new application.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages