If your business is located in the City of Oakland, even if it’s based in your home, you will need a Zoning Clearance Permit to approve the business activity in your proposed neighborhood. If you are changing location or ownership of an existing business, you will also need a Zoning Clearance. Please note you will need a separate Zoning Clearance for each location where your business plans to operate.
PAYMENT IS DUE at time of submittal. This Clearance covers Zoning Permits ONLY. Other permits such as Building, Fire, Special Activity, or Alameda County/State of California permits may be required prior to commencing your business. Contact the appropriate agency to determine if further permits are needed.
The Zoning Clearance Permit is a prerequisite for your business tax certificate. In some cases, your business may also need to complete a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process before receiving this clearance.
This permit is valid as long as your business remains the same and stays at the same address. You’ll need to obtain the Zoning Clearance Permit before applying for your business tax certificate.
Any business that’s proposing to operate within the City of Oakland. However, you do not need a Zoning Clearance Permit if your business operates outside the City of Oakland or if you only rent out property. Family daycares are exempt for fourteen or fewer children in the caregiver’s home for part of the day while parents or guardians are away.
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Be prepared to fully describe the nature of your business, what products or services you will be offering, and a detailed description of your business activities.
Complete your application using our Online Permit Center. No login or registration is needed.
Once your submission is complete and all fees paid, you will receive a TEMP (temporary) number for your records. Staff will review it to ensure it is complete. If additional information is required, we will reach out to you.
Once your Zoning Clearance is approved, you will receive a confirmation message by email from the City that includes your final approved Zoning Clearance (ZC) Permit number.
To see current processing times, please visit our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.
If your business is open to the public, please ensure you are meeting all local, state, and federal accessibility laws for people with disabilities.
Check if your business is a Special Activity here.
For multi-tenant buildings, the principal address can be different than the property address.
The one-time Zoning Clearance Permit states your business is permitted at a specific location and remains valid as long as your business operations and location do not change. The business tax certificate is required for your business to operate.
QUESTIONS? Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.
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