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e-Permits Portal
E-PERMITS PORTAL HELP CENTER

Step-by-step videos and how-to documents in one convenient location!

NEED ADDITIONAL E-PERMITS HELP? EMAIL:

e-permits@hayward-ca.gov

 

e-Permits Help

Development Process

We know we’re the only game in town – there is no other place to acquire City building permits or land use/zoning approvals. Follow our step-by-step process for property development. Together, we'll build an attractive place to live work and visit.
Development Process

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Define Your Project

What type of permits does your project need?
Permits are required whether you are remodeling your bathroom or building a new high rise, our Permit Center is a "one-stop" location to answer questions about what type of permits your specific project requires.

You can estimate your permit fees using our calculator. 

EXEMPTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL AND MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS

 

Cabinets and Countertops in Commercial Buildings: Only cabinets and countertops in private units or individual offices are exempt from permits. Cabinets in public use areas or common use areas will require a permit (reception lobbies, staff break rooms, service counters and similar spaces) since these are subject to accessibility requirements.
*Building Division review is required to confirm exemption.

 

Fences 7’tall or less: *Planning Division and Fire Prevention review is required.

 

Concrete Driveways and walkways on private property: Concrete driveways and walkways may require a permit if they are part of a wheelchair accessible route.
*Planning Division approval is required and Building Division review to confirm exemption.

 

Finishes: Carpet, paint, tile and wood flooring. Tile in wet interior locations will require a permit.

 

Retaining walls that are not over 4’ tall: (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) In order to be exempt from a permit, the retaining wall must not be supporting a steeply sloped surface called a surcharge.
*Planning Division approval is required. Building Division review is required to confirm exemption.  

 

Nonfixed Moveable Fixtures: Moveable cases, racks, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches tall do not require a permit. 

 

Shade Cloth Structures: Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes do not require a permit.
*Planning Division approval is required. Building Division review is required to confirm exemption.

 

Water Tanks < 5,000 gallons: Water tanks supported directly on grade do not need a permit if the height to width ratio does not exceed 2:1.
*Planning Division approval is required. Building Division review is required to confirm exemption.

MINOR WORK and REPAIRS

Fixing plumbing leaks, repairing equipment, removing and replacing small portions of non-structural dryrot and the installation of data or low voltage wiring does not require a permit. If you are not sure if the work requires a permit or not, feel free to call the Permit Center at 510.583.4140.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

When equipment replacement, gas leaks or other similar work must happen on an emergency basis, a building permit shall be obtained from the City by the next working day.

Zoning

The City of Hayward has numerous zoning districts which set forth the allowable uses and provide development standards for each lot within the City. To find the zoning on your property, use the City's webmap or contact the Planning Division at 510-583-4216.

Discretionary Review

Discretionary Review is a higher level review of the proposed property use and architectural and design plans. New construction or establishment of a new use may trigger the need for approval of a disctretionary Site Plan Review application or an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit. A subdivision of land will require approval of a discretionary parcel or tentative map. Please contact the Planning Division at 510-583-4216 to inquire about whether your project will require a discretionary review process.