COVID-19: Building services

For information about construction, inspections, and permit applications during this period, see guidance on allowed construction activities and ways to get building and safety services online.

The City of Berkeley Health Officer has ordered residents to shelter in place, leaving only for essential needs. Most City facilities are closed to the public. Read the latest changes to City services and COVID-19 information from Berkeley Public Health.

While the Permit Service Center is closed to the public, customers can continue to access the City of Berkeley Building and Safety services in several ways.

Apply for a new building permit

1. Email permits@cityofberkeley.info with a description of the proposed project, the applicant’s phone number, the applicant’s email address, and a completed permit application.
2. Staff will reply within 24 to 48 hours to get more information and provide you with a link to upload required documents.
3. When your documents have been accepted for plan review, we will email you an invoice, and a cashier will call you for payment of plan review fees. Only debit or credit cards can be accepted.
4. All communications and responses during the plan review process will be electronic only.
5. When plan check comments are issued or the plans have been approved you will receive additional electronic notifications.

Resubmitting documents in response to plan review comments OR to resubmit revisions to the previously approved plans

1. Email the Building and Safety Division at permits@cityofberkeley.info with your building permit application number, and your cell number.
2. Staff will return your email within 24 to 48 hours provide you with a link to upload revised documents.
3. Following your resubmittal, ongoing communications and responses will continue to be electronic only.
4. When a building permit is ready for issuance or re-issuance, a cashier will call you for payment. Only debit or credit cards can be accepted.

Obtaining a permit which does not require construction documents

1. Email permits@cityofberkeley.info with a description of the proposed project, the applicant’s phone number and email address, and completed permit application and permit declarations.
2. Staff will reply within 24 hours to obtain additional information if needed, and to process the application.
3. We will email you an invoice, and a cashier will call you for a payment of a permit fee. Only debit or credit cards can be accepted.
4. Once payment is made we will send you the permit and job card by email.
5. All communications will be by phone or email only.

Obtaining a Minor Permit

Minor Permits are available only for projects on One- and Two-Family Dwellings (Group R-3 Occupancy) and are limited to the six categories listed below.

Minor permits can only be issued to Licensed Contractors. Owner-builders should follow instructions above for “permit which does not require construction documents.”

For Minor Permits please visit minor permits online webpage for:

1. replacement of furnaces
2. replacement of water heaters
3. re-roofs
4. seismic gas shut-off valves
5. solar photovoltaic systems
6. electric vehicle charging stations

For all permits

Please note that issuance of a building permit does not relieve the permit holder from the requirements of the City of Berkeley Health Officer’s shelter-in-place order.  It is important to read the Order and comply with safety protocols for small construction projects and large construction projects before beginning work.

Asking general and code questions

General questions for the Building and Safety Division may be emailed to permits@cityofberkeley.info. Staff will reply within two business days.

Last updated May 1, 2020