San Leandro permit search

San Leandro permits at a glance

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How to search a permit by address in San Leandro

The San Leandro Citizen Portal uses Accela. Its Building search has fields for a street and for a complete permit number. For a property-history search, the portal instructs you to select Search All Records, enter the street number in both number boxes, omit the street type, and choose the desired date range.

To search permit history for a property, first click the box next to “Search All Records” on the right side of the page. Enter the Street Number in both boxes, the Street Name (do not enter the street type), and the desired Date range in the General Search below. To check on Permit Status for one permit, enter the complete permit number in the “Permit Number” box. Click the blue “Search” button below when ready.

Source: Accela Citizen Access, read 2026-11-01

Open the Accela record-search form: Building.

The city FAQ describes an account-based route for access to the project description and other details. It directs users to create an account before opening those details. Keep that distinction when using the public search: finding a record and accessing its additional information are separate parts of the city’s instructions.

To conduct a building permit history search for a property in the incorporated section of San Leandro, please visit www.SanLeandro.org/PermitPortal. In order to access the project description and other details, you will need to create an account. Please review these instructions on How to Create an Account in our Online Permit Portal.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

San Leandro permit requirements

The city FAQ identifies the Building Official as the recipient of a permit application. The requirement covers specified work on a building or structure and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems. It also names a change of occupancy. Read the complete statement below alongside the city’s exemption list; the list includes conditions for the work it describes.

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first apply to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

Do I need a permit for a fence in San Leandro?

The San Leandro exemption is specifically for a fence in the rear yard setback area as defined by the Zoning Code, with a height condition. Its municipal-code citation is Title VII, Chapter 5, Section 105.2. This item describes a particular fence location and height; use those conditions when reading the exemption.

Fences not over 7 feet (2.13 meters) high when located in the rear yard setback area as defined in the Zoning Code.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

The exemption statement also says that an exemption from a permit requirement does not authorize work that violates the code or other laws and ordinances. The rear-yard condition therefore belongs with the fence item; the city’s wording does not describe an unrestricted fence exemption.

Start my request for a fence in San Leandro

do i need a permit for a shed in San Leandro

For sheds, the San Leandro FAQ names one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses. The floor-area condition appears in the same item. The FAQ cites San Leandro Municipal Code Title VII, Chapter 5, Section 105.2 for this exemption list.

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 meters squared).

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

The city’s exemption list separates this accessory-structure item from the tree-house item. The tree-house entry has its own area, height, dwelling and setback conditions. Those conditions describe a different listed structure; they should be read with the tree-house entry rather than substituted for the shed item.

Start my request for a shed in San Leandro

Can a homeowner pull their own permit in San Leandro?

The city’s general permit requirement names an owner or authorized agent as the applicant to the Building Official. Its FAQ also explains how a property owner can be linked to a building permit application for work at that property. Linking an account to an application is the specific purpose of that separate owner-access guidance.

For repairs following a Notice and Order to Repair or Vacate, a separate FAQ says the type of repairs may mean a contractor needs to apply. Read that repair-specific answer when the project involves such a notice. The general owner-or-agent wording and the notice-related guidance address different circumstances.

First create an Online Permit Portal account using these instructions: "How to Create a San Leandro Online Permit Account". Please make sure you enter the same email whenever prompted for an email.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

What work does not need a permit in San Leandro?

San Leandro publishes its exemption list in the Unpermitted Work part of the city FAQ. Along with sheds and fences, the list covers specified retaining walls, tanks, sidewalks, finish work, temporary stage sets, above-ground pools, shade structures, playground equipment, awnings, movable fixtures and tree houses. Several entries include dimensions, uses or location conditions.

The opening caveat is part of the city’s explanation: the exemption does not authorize work in violation of the code or other laws and ordinances. The complete captured list follows so that the limitations stay attached to each item. Its citation is San Leandro Municipal Code Title VII, Chapter 5, Section 105.2.

Exemptions from permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 meters squared). Fences not over 7 feet (2.13 meters) high when located in the rear yard setback area as defined in the Zoning Code. Oil derricks Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1.22 meters) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 liters) and the ratio of height to diameter or story below and are not part of an accessible route. Sidewalks, platforms and driveways not more than 30 inches (0.76 meters) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar finish work in R-3 occupancies. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (0.61 meters) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 liters) and are installed entirely above ground. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 millimeters) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) in height. A tree house, provided that: It does not exceed 64 square feet (5.95 meters squared) in area or more than 15 feet (4.57 meters) in height and is accessory to a detached one- or two-family dwelling. The structure does not encroach into the setback requirements established by the City of San Leandro Zoning Code Section 2-546. (San Leandro Municipal Code Title VII, Chapter 5, Section 105.2 (PDF))

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

San Leandro permit status

For a particular permit, Accela instructs you to enter its complete permit number in the Permit Number box and then select Search. The city also says permitted projects can be confirmed and tracked in its Citizen Portal. Its FAQ directs users to the Building tab and the street-address boxes when searching that way.

Permitted projects can be confirmed and tracked via the San Leandro Citizen Portal (Accela). Select the Building tab at the top of the page, then enter the street address in the boxes.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

The city FAQ says that access to a project description and other details requires an account. Its history instructions describe opening a record number from the results to reach permit or case information. Use that account guidance when the information you need is beyond the public search fields.

How much is a permit and how long does it take in San Leandro?

For initial plan review, the San Leandro FAQ tells applicants to allow 15 to 20 business days, depending on project complexity. This guidance concerns the initial review of plans and documents. It does not state a total elapsed time from application to permit issuance, so the two stages should remain distinct.

Typically, plans, specifications, energy calculations, soils reports and other data are required whenever new construction work is proposed. The documentation is reviewed by all pertinent City departments to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations before building permits are issued. Permit applicants should allow between 15 to 20 business days, depending on the complexity of the project, for initial plan review activities to be performed.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

The city’s forms page lists its Building / Fire Permit Fee Schedule for 2026–27. That schedule is the city’s published fee reference. The initial-review guidance above describes review time rather than a permit price.

Before you apply in San Leandro: checklist

The city says design information for a complete plan review depends on the proposed project. Its Permit Center provides Plan Submittal Guidelines for commercial and industrial work, and for residential work including new construction, remodels, alterations, solar and electric vehicle chargers. Use the guidelines for the project type you are submitting.

Design information needed for a complete plan review depends on the nature of the proposed project. The Permit Center staff provides applicants with comprehensive "Plan Submittal Guidelines" for the following project types: Commercial / Industrial - new construction, tenant improvements, repairs and alterations Residential - new construction, remodels, alterations, solar, and electric vehicle (EV) charger Please visit our Fees, Forms, and Facts webpage to review our various Submittal Guidelines.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

For proposed new construction, the city lists plans, specifications, energy calculations, soils reports and other data as typical requirements. The documentation goes to pertinent city departments for review against applicable codes and regulations before a building permit is issued. That document review is the context for the published initial-review allowance.

San Leandro permit application

The city directs online applicants to create an account in its Online Permit Portal. After signing in, use Home near the top left to reach the main screen, then choose Building’s Create an Application link at the bottom left. These are the city FAQ’s application steps, rather than the record-search steps used for existing permits.

Please apply online in San Leandro's Online Permit Portal. To create an account, please first follow these instructions on "How to Create an Account". Once you create an account, please log in and click the "Home" link near the top left of the screen. This will take you to the main screen where you will find Building's "Create an Application" link at the bottom left.

Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ, read 2026-11-01

Sources

• Accela Citizen Access (aca-prod.accela.com), read 2026-11-01
• FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ (sanleandro.org), read 2026-11-01
• Accela Citizen Access (aca-prod.accela.com), read 2026-11-01
• Building Fees / Forms / Submittal Facts | San Leandro, CA (sanleandro.org), read 2026-11-01