Green Remodeling Guide
The purpose of the Green Remodeling Guide is to help homeowners, builders and architects navigate the residential building permit process and to help make your project as healthy, energy-and resource-efficient as possible. In 2001, Berkeley City Council adopted the Green Building Initiative, developed in collaboration with community groups, to help green building become "business as usual" for new construction and major remodels in Berkeley.
The Green Remodeling Guide walks through the steps to getting permits for a remodel. For more information about green building, please see the links for Green Building Program & Requirements and Green Building Resources. In addition, the City of Berkeley provides free consultations through the Berkeley Best Builders program to assist in the design and construction of green buildings.
See below to learn what permits are required when conducting a residential remodel:
Where do I go to get the permits I need for remodeling?
The Permit Service Center (PSC) has a consolidated permit counter offering services from four separate agencies in one centralized location to issue permits for Building, Zoning, Fire Prevention and Public Works/Engineering. The Permit Specialists at the PSC coordinate review of building permit applications with other City agencies as needed and issue permits when approved.Permit Service Center (PSC)
Location: 2120 Milvia Street (at Center)
Hours: Check Permit Service Center website for updated schedule.
Phone: 510.981.7500
How do I get a Zoning Permit?
The first step for a residential remodel is to check the site-specific zoning requirements. Zoning staff will help you determine what kind of zoning permit you will need based on your project scope and location. Zoning permits ensure that the location and proposed uses of a building are in accordance with zoning ordinances to minimize negative impacts on neighbors. Many proposed projects require some level of "discretionary review", meaning they are subject to notice to neighbors and in some cases a public hearing.Zoning Permits
Land Use Planning
Phone: 510-981-7410
Do I need a Use Permit?
Review project location, scope and plans with Land Use Planning staff to determine type of permit needed. If your project does not require a discretionary use permit, Land Use Planning staff can issue a Zoning Certificate over the counter. Drop by the Zoning Counter in the Permit Service Center (no appointments) or call to verify specific requirements.
Staff determines YES:
- Review project plans with Land Use Planning staff to determine whether an Administrative Use Permit or a Use Permit with Public Hearing is required.
- Obtain Zoning Project Submittal Requirements document from Permit Service Center.
- Consult with the City's Green Building Inspector through the Berkeley's Best Builder program for a Green Building Consultation prior to submitting the permit application.
- Complete a Green Building Checklist.
- Submit Application.
- Hearing through the Zoning Adjustments Board, if applicable.
- Use permit issued.
- Apply for Building Permit.
Staff determines NO:
- Submit Zoning Certificate application over the counter.
- Zoning Certificate is issued.
- Apply for Building Permit.
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How do I get a Building Permit?
All new building and most remodeling projects require a building permit to protect health, saftey and general welfate of the public and building occupants. Staff from the Building and Safety Division review building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical plans for conformance with the California Building Codes, inspect construction projects to ensure they are constructed in conformance with approved building plans and permits, and manage programs to mitigate seismic risk.Building Permits
Building and Safety
Phone: 510-981-7440
Do I need a Building Permit? All new buildings and most remodeling projects require a building permit to protect health, safety and general welfare of the public and building occupants. Check the Planning Department website for a list of exceptions.
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Who Do I Call?General Information, Customer Service Center: 510-981-CITY
Permit Service Center
2120 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 510-981-7500
Faxed permit applications: 510-981-7505
Appointment scheduling: 510-981-7502
Land Use Planning
Obtain Use Permits or Administrative Use Permits: 510-981-7410
Building & Safety
General information: 510-981-7440
Public Works
Sewer laterals: 510-981-6423 Stormwater: 510-981-6394 Refuse & Recycling: 510-981-7270
Energy and Sustainable Development
General Information: 510-981-7439
Build It Green Green Building products, guidelines and GreenPoint Rating: 510-845-0472 ext. 2
Construction Phase Inspection telephone line: 510-981-7444, or schedule an inspection online at http://www.CityofBerkeley.info/BuildingInspections. If you need to speak with an inspector directly, they are available from 8:00-9:00AM and 4:30-5:00PM.
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Additional Links:
Green Building Program & Requirements
Green Building Resources