Address Assignments

Berkeley homeowners and property developers constructing a new building or units on their property can apply for a new or changed address through the City of Berkeley. 

New addresses are required by law when:  

• Building a new apartment or office building
• Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in your backyard
• Dividing an existing tenant space into two or more units
• Changing an existing address
• Removing a prior address 

A new address will also help the U.S. Postal Service deliver mail accurately, utility companies such as PG&E provide services, and allow police officers and firefighters to respond quickly during an emergency. 

Apply for an Address Assignment

To add, remove, or change an address in Berkeley:

1. Fill out the Address Assignments Application
2. Prepare required documents, including a map showing the current and nearby addresses, site plan, and active building permit application (for new construction)
3. Submit the application, documentation, and a $250 non-refundable fee by email or in person:
   1. Email the application to buildingandsafety@berkeleyca.gov
   2. Schedule an in-person appointment at the Permit Service Center, 1947 Center Street, 3rd Floor (Monday-Thursday 8:30am – 2:30pm). Payment accepted by card, check, or cash. 

Applications move forward in three steps:

1. Staff will check that your application is complete and verify property ownership with Alameda County.
2. Staff will visit the site to confirm that permanent construction has started with proper permits, and to recommend a new address number that fits with existing nearby addresses.
3. Once the recommended address is approved, staff will notify the applicant, the Alameda County Recorder, the U.S. Postal Service, local utility providers, and relevant City departments including Police and Fire.

Applications may take 6 to 8 weeks to process after a building permit has been issued. This timeline starts only after the City confirms your application is complete.  

Once the new address is delivered, the building owner is responsible for notifying their tenants and posting the new address in a visible location on the building. 

Please email the Planning Department mailbox, Planning@berkeleyca.gov, to check your application status. Staff will provide an update as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours.

Address number decided by the City

Applicants may ask for a particular address, but the City makes the final decision. The decision is based on the existing addresses of nearby properties, City rules, and BMC Section 16.28.10. Units within a property will generally use letters, such as:

• 1234-A Main Street;
• 1234A Main Street;
• Or 1234 Main Street Unit A

We no longer issue addresses with fractions (like 1234½) or spatial indicators (like 1234 Lower Unit).

If your address assignment is delayed

Your Address Assignment application may be delayed if it is incomplete or if construction has not yet started.

Incomplete application

Your application will not move forward if it is missing required documents or information, or if you have not submitted payment. See the application form and instructions for all requirements. If incomplete, staff will contact you by email. Some specific ways applications may be incomplete include: 

• Applications must be signed by the property owner and by the project applicant (if different).
• Applications may also require executed deed restrictions for new ADUs (filed with Alameda County), floor plans for multi-unit dwellings and non-residential tenant spaces, and other documents specific to the type of application and use. 

Construction has not started

The City cannot approve address assignments for new construction or new tenant spaces until significant permanent construction has begun under an issued building permit. For new buildings such as ADUs, this generally means that the foundation has been completed and framing work is underway, as verified by a City of Berkeley building inspector.

Posting the new address

Once your new address is approved, you must install signage that is visible from the street. To help tenants, mail deliverers, and police and fire officers find your address, you must follow these guidelines:

• All numbers must be at least 2 inches in height
• Placed them on or immediately above the entrance(s) to the building. If not possible, place them in other visible locations around the entrance.
• In rare cases where a structure is on a private road and not visible from the public street, use a monument, pole, or other approved sign to display the address.