Construction permits for businesses

You must get permits for building construction work including tenant improvements, or any changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. These rules apply to both owners and renters of business spaces.

Plan changes to a physical business location

Check Berkeley's building and construction rules to see other local requirements.

Team up with a licensed architect or engineer

If you want to change a space for business use, ask a California-licensed architect or engineer. They will help design your project, create your plans, and connect you with other experts you might need.

Before you begin, ask your architect or engineer:

1. Can the building support your business? 
   • Does the existing occupancy classification allow your type of business? 
   • Will your business require a change of occupancy? 
   • Does the building’s construction type allow your proposed use? 
2. What improvements will the building need? Your project may require:
   • Fire sprinklers and alarms 
   • Accessibility upgrades 
   • Exits and fire-resistant construction 
   • Work in public areas next to the building 
   • Private sewer lateral work 
3. What will the approval process require? 
   • Preparing and submitting plans 
   • Getting permits and other approvals 
   • Estimating the project’s cost and timeline

Check other requirements for your project

Depending on your project, you may also need to meet requirements for:

Private sewer laterals

If your construction costs are over $60,000 and the property does not have a valid sewer certificate, you must test the property's private sewer lateral line and may need to replace it. This applies to both owners and renters.

To check the certificate:

1. Open the City’s online permit portal. 
2. Select “Public Works.” 
3. Search by address or property number. 

An “Active” result means the certificate is valid. No results mean it is not.

For forms or help, visit the Private Sewer Lateral webpage, call (510) 981-6423, or email PSLProgram@berkeleyca.gov.

Construction and demolition waste materials

Your project may need to recycle or reuse construction and demolition materials. Review Construction and Demolition Recycling Requirements to determine whether they apply to your project and how to comply.

Food facilities

If you are building or remodeling a food facility, check the Construction and Design Standards for more requirements.

Prepare and submit your plans 

Work with your design team to prepare the plans and documents your project needs. Your team might include structural, mechanical, or electrical engineers, architects, plumbers, and/or energy, or environmental, health & safety (EH&S) experts.

You or your design team can submit the plans and supporting documents online or make an appointment to bring them to the Permit Service Center.

Once you have submitted plans and pay the fees, City departments will review the parts of the project they oversee. These may include Fire, Public Works, Environmental Health, Land Use, Zero Waste, and Toxics.

Complete the plan review process

City staff may ask for changes or more details. Work with your design team to answer every comment and send your updated plans. Missing a comment may delay the project. 

Your projects may go through several rounds of review. Each round usually takes three to six weeks.

After all reviewers approve your project, staff will tell you which final documents and fees to submit. The City will then issue your permits.

Once you have your permits in hand, construction can begin. As your project progresses, your contractor will arrange the necessary inspections to keep everything on track.