ZONING & BUILDING PERMITS
Every business must find out whether the location has the proper zoning for their activity. A Zoning Clearance is required for every business as part of its Business Tax Certificate (license). In some cases additional permits may be required, including Conditional Use Permits or Design Review for building alternations in addition to Building Permits for construction. A Fire Department review of a business’s activities is required if the business will be using, processing, or storing chemicals, and if the business is located within 300 feet of a residential zone. Both maybe obtained by a visit to the Planning Department and/or the Fire Department at 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza (2nd and 3rd floors). For your businesses recycling needs, look to the Alameda County Waste Management Authority at www.stopwaste.org.
BUSINESS LICENSE
A Business Tax Certificate (license) is required for any business conducted in Oakland, including contractors doing work on any structures in Oakland, home occupations, and anyone deriving income from self-employment within Oakland. Visit the first floor of 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza for an application.
LOCATION ASSISTANCE
City staff can generate customized reports for clients using a commercial database with the latest information on properties available for lease or sale, whether or not a client has already selected a broker. Staff can also provide up to date information about City projects and improvements in various business districts, and contacts for merchant or business improvement districts.
WEST OAKLAND
Find out what’s happening in your District and subscribe to the District Three list serve by contacting Brigitte Cook, Community Liaison/Scheduler for Councilmember Lynette McElhaney at BCook@oaklandnet.com. (510) 238-7003.
CRIME AND SECURITY
See the City’s mapping of the latest crime statistics and get Oakland Police Department tips at Crime Watch. Join your local Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council by contacting your local Neighborhood Service Coordinator at (510) 238-6372.