Oakland assesses various permit fees on development projects to ensure that they meet the design, public safety, and local planning objectives of the city. Below, please find resources for assessing permit fees for your project; learn about zoning, design review guidelines and code requirements; find forms and applications; and understand how fees are being used to further equitable community development.

Permit Fees

Zoning and City Plan Requirements

Design Guidelines
By Neighborhood Area

By Project Type

Commercial and Corridor Areas Design Guidelines(PDF, 13MB)
Historic Projects Design Guidelines
Housing and Business Mix Design Guidelines Manual(PDF, 1MB)
One- and Two-Unit Residences Design Review Manual(PDF, 15MB)
Small Project Design Review Guidelines(PDF, 4MB)
Small Project Design Review Criteria Checklist for Facilities with 1-4 Dwelling Units(PDF, 361KB)
Small Project Design Review Criteria Checklist for Facilities with 5+ Dwelling Units(PDF, 353KB)
Small Project Design Review Criteria Checklist for Facilities with Commercial, Civic, Industrial or Non-Residential Portions of Mixed-Used Developments(PDF, 257KB)
Objective Design Standards for One Family and Two to Four-Family Residential and Mixed-Use Developments(PDF, 1MB)
Objective Design Standards for One to Three-Story Multifamily Residential and Mixed-Use Developments(PDF, 3MB)
Objective Design Standards for 4 to 8-Story Multifamily Residential Developments(PDF, 2MB)

By Specific Project

* Also, follow this link to Design Review Findings by Project Application Type, Zone or Use.

Forms and Codes

Impact Fee Reports

Additional Permits and Fees

Depending on the project, additional permits and related fees may be required from other city departments and local agencies, including but not necessarily limited to:

From the Department of Transportation


Sewer lateral permit – For adding, replacing, extending or repairing the main sewage drain line that runs from the City’s main line to the building
Excavation permit – For digging in the City Right-of Way such as the street.
Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk permit – For installing, replacing, modifying or repairing the curbs, gutters, sidewalks and driveway entrances at the street.
P-Job permit – For public improvements in the City Right-of Way.
Encroachment permit – For construction in the City Right-of Way.
Obstruction permit – For temporarily blocking spaces in the City Right-of Way such as installing scaffolding on sidewalks and reserving street parking spaces.

From Non-City of Oakland Agencies