City of Oakley

Oakley states that most construction projects require a permit before work starts. The city specifically says all new construction requires a building permit, and permits are commonly required for replacement of existing construction, additions, remodeling, commercial tenant improvements, and trade work regulated by the electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing codes.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not over 120 square feet
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain soils
• Exempt Water tanks on grade not over 5,000 gallons and within the stated height-to-width ratio
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops without fixtures, and similar finish work
• Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets/scenery
• Exempt Certain above-ground prefabricated pools accessory to one- and two-family dwellings that are less than 24 inches deep and not greater than 5,000 gallons
• Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings
• Exempt Certain window awnings on one- and two-family dwellings
• Exempt Certain detached decks accessory to one- and two-family dwellings that do not exceed 200 square feet, are not more than 30 inches above grade, are not attached to the dwelling, and do not serve the main exit door
• Exempt Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Exempt Repair or replacement of parts within existing equipment such as water heaters, furnaces, and air-conditioners
• Exempt Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes or fixtures when the work does not involve fixture replacement or rearrangement of pipes

Note: Oakley instructs applicants to contact the Building Division before starting exempt work. The city also warns that Planning and zoning rules such as setbacks, lot coverage, driveway rules, and fence-height limits may still apply even when a building permit is not required. Oakley's FAQ also specifically says flat concrete work in a backyard does not need a building permit, but front-yard concrete should be checked with Planning first. One item on the city Building FAQ list reads "Fences over 7 feet in height" under exempt work, but Oakley's Planning Division fence guidance says fences over 6 feet require a building permit, so fence projects should be verified directly with Oakley before relying on the exemption list.

Building code

As of March 21, 2026, Oakley states that the 2025 California Building Codes took effect on January 1, 2026, and all permit applications submitted after December 31, 2025 must be designed to and reference the 2025 California code set. Oakley's code page still lists links to the 2022 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Existing Building, Energy, Green Building, Referenced Standards, and Elevator codes, but the city expressly says the 2025 code cycle applies for current submittals.

Permit validity

Oakley's public permit pages reviewed do not publish a separate local expiration rule. Because Oakley administers the California building codes, confirm the current permit expiration and extension terms with the Building Division before filing.

Owner-builder

Oakley says permits may be issued to the property owner, an owner-authorized agent, or a licensed contractor. The city publishes separate application forms for property owners and authorized agents, so owner-builder applications are allowed when the owner is the applicant.

Contractor requirements

Oakley says permits can be issued to contractors licensed by the California State License Board (CSLB). The city also states that anyone conducting business in Oakley must hold an active City of Oakley business license.

1. 01
   Confirm whether the project needs a permit and whether plans are required by contacting the Building Division at 925-625-7005 or inspections@ci.oakley.ca.us.
2. 02
   Complete the correct Oakley permit application form from the Building Permits page. Oakley publishes separate forms for owners, authorized agents, contractors, ADUs, reroofs, HVAC, water heaters, pools/spas, solar, windows/doors, and other common project types.
3. 03
   Submit the completed application and any required plans/documents by email to inspections@ci.oakley.ca.us. Oakley states that all building permit applications and applicable plans are processed electronically.
4. 04
   Respond to plan-check comments if the project requires review. Oakley charges additional processing fees for incomplete follow-through or significant revisions.
5. 05
   Pay permit and plan-check fees once the permit is ready for issuance.
6. 06
   Receive the permit card/permit number and schedule inspections by calling 925-625-7005.

Typical processing time: Oakley says permits that do not require plans, such as many reroofs, water heaters, and electrical service upgrades, can typically be issued the same day as over-the-counter permits. For eligible SolarAPP+ projects, the city says inspections are typically carried out the next business day after request. No general plan-review turnaround is posted on the city pages reviewed.

Source: City of Oakley Community Development Department, Building Division ↗

Oakley's published fee schedule is a master fee schedule effective November 9, 2025. The city pages reviewed do not publish detailed online payment instructions, so confirm accepted payment methods with the Building Division when the permit is ready to issue.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• 925-625-7005 (phone)
• https://gosolarapp.org/ (online)

Scheduling deadline

Oakley says inspection requests must be made by 4 pm the day before the desired inspection.

Inspection hours

Oakley says inspection requests must be made by 4 pm the day before the desired inspection. Inspections are performed Monday through Friday, except the 1st and 3rd Fridays when the division is closed, with morning windows from 8 am to noon and afternoon windows from 1 pm to 4 pm. Walk-in permit counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 4 pm; by appointment on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Fridays, 7:30 am to 4 pm.

Time windows

Oakley says inspection requests must be made by 4 pm the day before the desired inspection. Inspections are performed Monday through Friday, except the 1st and 3rd Fridays when the division is closed, with morning windows from 8 am to noon and afternoon windows from 1 pm to 4 pm. Walk-in permit counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 4 pm; by appointment on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Fridays, 7:30 am to 4 pm.

Typical sequence: Oakley says new construction generally requires foundation, framing, insulation, and final inspections. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work usually follow three-step inspections. Roofing inspections consist of tear-off and final. Reinspection note: Reinspections are charged when return trips to the site are necessary. An adult age 18 or older must be present for inspections inside occupied buildings. For exterior inspections at occupied buildings, leave a note authorizing entry if no adult will be present, and provide OSHA-compliant ladder access for roof inspections. Inspectors will not enter yards with loose dogs or without posted permission notes.

Source: City of Oakley Community Development Department, Building Division ↗