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Planning & Development
Permit Service Center
2120 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
TEL: (510) 981-7500 TDD: (510) 981-7474,
Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Th, & Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 Email: planning@ci.berkeley.ca.us
Building & Safety Toxics Management
Permit Service Center Redevelopment  

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Permit Service Center: Permit Requirements for Accessory Structures

When do I need a permit?

Any structure greater than 120 square feet requires a building permit. Accessory structures, including storage sheds, workshops, gazebos, cabanas, garages, carports, wheelchair ramps and similar structures, may be exempted from building permit requirements if the structure does not exceed a floor area of 120 square feet and is not more than one story.

Even though a building permit may not be required, all structures must meet zoning requirements for use, placement on the parcel, height and size, and building code requirements.  If the structure meets all zoning requirements no zoning permit is required. If a zoning permit is required, talk to a planner at the Permit Service Center or call 981-7410.

Electrical, mechanical or plumbing work associated with any accessory structure, regardless of size, requires electrical, mechanical , or plumbing permits.

How do I get a permit?

If a permit is required, please apply at the Berkeley Permit Service Center.

Bring: 

  • The site address in Berkeley, 
  • 4 sets of :
    • dimensioned  site plan
    • floor plan,
    • elevations
    • and construction details

How much does it cost?

Please visit our Fees page for a complete listing of costs associated with this permit.

How long will it take to get this building permit?  

It takes an average of one week to go through the initial plan check process. Then the application is available for corrections or approval. If the project is complex it may take longer than one week.

What do I do once I get this permit?

1) For exempt structures, you may proceed with the work once you have received zoning approval.   

2) For all other structures, you may begin work once you have received  zoning approval and the building permit is issued.  The building permit, approved plans, and inspection record must be at the job site and available for the inspector to review.  Inspections are required at certain phases of the construction project and the owner and/or contractor are responsible for requesting these inspections and meeting the inspector at the site at the agreed upon time(s). 

Disclaimer

This permit information can change at any time. Please contact the Permit Service Center at (510) 981-7500 for the most current information.


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City of Berkeley Logo

Planning Department
Permit Service Center

2120 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 981-7500
Email: planning@ci.berkeley.ca.us