Oakland Sidewalk Ordinance
Selling your home or doing a renovation? The New Oakland Sidewalk Ordinance requires all property owners to inspect and certify that their sidewalks are free of cracks or depressions greater than 1/4 inch. Any larger cracks need to be repaired and certified before a permit is issued or a property is sold. We can keep your sale or project on track. Call us today 510-981-2015.
On July 9, 2019, the Oakland City Council adopted a new ordinance dealing with sidewalk repair. Specifically, all Oakland property owners must inspect and certify their sidewalks whenever the property is bought or sold, or when undertaking a renovation exceeding $100,000. The city requires that all certifications be completed by an Oakland base licensed contractor. If any cracks or depressions are greater than 1/4 inch (the width of a No. 2 pencil) then sidewalk must be repaired and then certified. For more information or help with compliance please call 510-981-2015 or send an email to info@quest-world.com.
What the Ordinance Says
Effective July 9, 2019: Before a title transfer may be completed, property owners must complete an inspection, and any necessary repairs and upgrades, to bring abutting sidewalks into compliance. (Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 12 Section 12.04.380)
All property owners must apply for a Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance at the OakDOT Permit Office, 250 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, 4th floor; (510) 238-3199; prior to the first close of escrow on the property, or concurrent with the permitting process for a $100,000+ renovation. The compliance process will depend on the condition of your sidewalk.
The City of Oakland’s Ordinance FAQ further states:
If your sidewalk requires repair, you will need to hire a licensed contractor permitted by the City to complete the repairs. After repairs are completed, the licensed contractor (or professional engineer or licensed architect) self-certifies that the work has been performed per code and completes a Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance through the DOT Permit Counter. Note: You do not need to wait for a City inspection to receive your Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance.
If your sidewalk does not require repair, you will need a licensed contractor (or professional engineer or licensed architect) to inspect the sidewalk and to apply for a Sidewalk Certificate of Compliance at the OakDOT Permit Counter. Again, you do not need to wait for a City inspection to receive your Certificate of Compliance. For more information please see Oakland’s website –https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/sidewalk-certification-faq