Oakland, CA · Alameda County
Letter of Agency for Property Owners
A one-page authorization a property owner signs before a notary to let an agent pull permits, make payment inquiries and handle code-enforcement matters with the Oakland Planning and Building Department for up to 180 days.
- California-licensed notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Oakland's Planning and Building Department accepts this Letter of Agency when someone other than the owner will obtain permits, ask about payments, communicate on code enforcement, or sign compliance plans for a property. The owner names the agent, describes the work, and attaches a copy of the deed or a current tax bill as proof of ownership. The authorization is valid for up to 180 days, and the owner's signature must be acknowledged before a notary public.
Who needs it
Oakland property owners who want a contractor, architect, expediter, family member or property manager to deal with the Planning and Building Department on their behalf.
Why it needs a notary
The form states the property owner's signature must be signed before a notary public and includes a California acknowledgment, so the City can verify the person granting agency is the owner of record.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Download the Letter of Agency for Property Owners/Payor from the Oakland Planning & Building Forms page.
- 2
Complete the Authorization
Enter the agent's name, the property address, a brief description of the work, and your name and phone number. Leave the signature line blank.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote online notarization with Rush Notary and upload the completed PDF.
- 4
Sign on Video
Appear on the video call with valid photo ID, sign the form, and the notary completes the California acknowledgment.
- 5
Submit to the City
Give the notarized letter, plus a copy of your deed or current tax bill, to your agent or submit it to the Planning and Building Department at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Oakland. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed California online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Oakland Letter of Agency for Property Owners?
- It is a Planning and Building Department form that lets a property owner authorize another person to obtain permits, make payment inquiries, handle code-enforcement communications and sign compliance plans for a specific property. It is valid for up to 180 days.
- Do I need to get the Letter of Agency notarized?
- Yes. The form says the property owner's signature must be signed before a notary public, and it includes a California acknowledgment certificate for the notary to complete.
- How do I get the Letter of Agency notarized online?
- Fill in the agent's name, property address and description of work, then book a remote online notarization session. You sign on video with an online notary and receive the notarized PDF to submit with your deed or tax bill.
- Will Oakland accept a remote online notarization on this form?
- California recognizes acknowledgments taken by out-of-state notaries under Civil Code Section 1189(b). Check with the Oakland Planning and Building Department if you are unsure before submitting.
- What proof of ownership goes with the Letter of Agency?
- Attach either a copy of your property deed or a current property tax bill that identifies you as the owner, as the form requires.