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Walk-Ins: Welcome until 11:30am (for limited services)
Visit the Permit Service Center to apply for permits for development and building projects.
The Permit Service Center is a one-stop shop for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, and some public works permits. Staff are also available to answer questions about the permitting process and building, fire, public works, environmental health, and zoning and land use code requirements.
The Permit Service Center is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (last customer sign-in is 2:00 pm), excluding holidays. Our office is closed to the public on Fridays, with services provided remotely. Permit processing services are limited on reduced service days. To limit the spread of COVID-19, face masks and social distancing are required when visiting our offices in person.
If you're new to the process or would like more information, read about the permit process and various permit types.
In-Person Submittals
Appointments are required and can be scheduled online for in-person permit processing, including the following services:
- New permit applications (all Building, Fire, Public Works, and Zoning permits)
- Resubmittals in response to plan check comments
- Revisions to approved plans and Deferred Submittals
Schedule in-person appointment
New zoning permit applications can be scheduled through Land Use. Download the Guide to Submitting Zoning Applications to find out how to apply.
Before you visit the Permit Service Center, ensure you have all the necessary forms for your transaction.
Documents must be submitted in PDF format on a USB thumb drive for all in-person submittals. (The Permit Service Center does not accept physical printouts.)
Permit Service Counter Hours
- Building, Permit Processing, and Zoning: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–2:30 pm (last customer sign-in is 2:00 pm)
- Fire Prevention: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–12:00 pm (last customer sign-in is 11:30 am)
- Public Works Engineering: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–12:00 pm (last customer sign-in is 11:30 am)
- Traffic Engineering: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–12:00 pm (last customer sign-in is 11:30 am)
Please note that counter appointments are available during limited hours and counter services are limited to 30 minutes.
You can pay permit fees in person at the Permit Service Center by cash, Visa or Mastercard, or check.
Online Submittals
You can apply for building permits digitally, except for zoning permits, using the Permit Online portal.
Please note a registered account is required to upload all documents.
You can also apply for zoning permits electronically (Pre-Application, Administrative Use Permits, Use Permits, Landmarks, and Design Review). Please visit Zoning Permits and read the “Apply for a Zoning Permit” section to learn more or download our Guide to Submitting a Zoning Project Application for instructions on how to apply.
To submit a response to plan check comments, revisions to approved plans, deferred submittals, or extensions, please upload documents to the associated permit record at the Permits Online portal by selecting "Record Info > Attachments > Add".
You can pay permit fees online using Visa, MasterCard, or e-Checks.
For support with using Permits Online, please email permits@cityofberkeley.info with account information, project address, and description of problem.