No matter which category of ADU you choose, you need the applicable permits. All ADUs require Planning Permits and Building Permits. When preparing to apply, take the following steps first.

Substep 1: Confirm Your Zone

The City of Oakland typically permits ADUs on properties located within residential or mixed-use zones.


View our Zoning Map to confirm your property’s zone.
Once you confirm your zone, view the Zoning Plan Requirements.(PDF, 832KB)



If your property is zoned properly continue on to the next step, designing your ADU.
If you want to build an ADU, but it is not allowed in your zone, please review your zone’s requirements for possible exceptions and alternative plans.

Substep 2: Design Your ADU(s)

General Requirements

There are set requirements for size, location, and facilities that must be included in your plan. For example, you must provide the location, height and building materials of all existing and proposed fencing and walls.
Please review the Zoning Plan Requirements(PDF, 832KB). These requirements differ from project to project but may include:

Topographical survey
Existing and proposed site plans
Floor plan
Elevations
Cross sections
Tree survey
Grading plan

Design Methods

Before you start building your ADU, you must create and get your ADU design approved. You can design your own ADU, or you can choose another way to design your ADU.

Although not required, a designer, licensed architect, or engineer is recommended to design the ADU and a licensed contractor to build it. Some companies provide both services. It is helpful when professionals have worked in Oakland and know the local permitting process. Contact references and look at the candidate’s previous work before making your selection.


Use pre-approved designs: We now offer “off-the-shelf” ADU pre-approved designs for use with properties that have Single-Family or Multi-Family homes. These permit-ready plans are complete construction drawings that conform to the latest codes. Using these pre-approved designs means the building permit process is quicker if your lot can house the ADU.
Upgrade pre-approved designs: You can also use pre-approved designs as a starting point for your project. Take a plan for an ADU studio(PDF, 3MB), ADU one bedroom(PDF, 2MB) or ADU two bedroom(PDF, 3MB) and customize it for your needs and lot.

Substep 3: Review Zoning Criteria Checklist


Please review the Zoning Criteria Checklist(PDF, 779KB). These requirements include:

Independent entrances
Minimum square footage
Making sure the ADU will not be used as a short-term rental

Once you have completed the Zoning Criteria Checklist(PDF, 779KB), continue to the next step.