Construction and development during shelter in place

While City offices are closed, the Berkeley Planning & Development Department is working to keep both essential projects and regular business moving forward.

The City of Berkeley Health Officer has ordered that Berkeley residents remain at home, except for essential activities, through at least April 7.

During this period, all City offices are closed to the public, including the Permit Service Center. Online permit center services remain fully operational. Building inspections and any other work the City schedules will only take place while observing appropriate social distancing measures and with suitable personal protective equipment.

Construction & Inspections

Consistent with other Bay Area counties, the City’s shelter in place order allows limited construction projects to continue. Work must be considered “essential,” as defined by the order. The types of projects for which construction is allowed include:

• healthcare facilities
• housing
• public infrastructure such as streets, sewers, water, gas, public transportation, and telecommunications

For non-essential construction projects that are already in progress, you may send employees to the construction site to secure the site and protect previously completed construction from damage. For example, you could tarp an open roof or implement similar temporary protective measures to ensure there is proper water protection and drainage.

See the City website for more information on what construction is allowed and how to request an inspection.

Building Permits

We have set up ways to work on new and continuing building permit applications remotely while City offices are closed.

From home, you can now:

• apply for new building permits
• submit construction drawings and revisions to previously approved drawings
• pay fees with credit cards via telephone
• obtain permits
• ask general construction and permitting questions

See step-by-step instructions on accessing building and safety services while City offices are closed on the City’s website.

Land Use Applications

At this time, we are not accepting new land use applications, including Administrative Use Permits, Use Permits, Design Review, and Landmarks submittals.

We are working on a process to accept land use applications electronically. We will post instructions on the Planning Department homepage when available.

Staff are working remotely to review land use applications submitted before March 17, including those for Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits, business licenses, ADUs, and short term rentals. Case planners are available by email.

Appeals

Projects which are already approved and subject to appeal will have their appeal periods extended until the City is able to conduct public hearings. All meetings of Boards, Commissions and subcommittees for Land Use matters have been canceled through at least April 7.

Visit cityofberkeley.info/covid19 for additional information on COVID-19, recommendations from Berkeley Public Health, and information on other changes to City services.