There are 14 cities within Alameda County that each have their own unique requirements and resources for contractors. Finding contact information for each department can be challenging, so we've assembled a list of relevant departments, contact information and brief descriptions to help you navigate the administrative labyrinth and find the right contacts to help move your contracting goals forward. Click on the links below to visit the respective websites:
The City of Alameda (Population: 80,000)
Planning, Building, and Transportation Department
Located at City Hall, Ground Floor, 2263 Santa Clara Ave., Room 190, Alameda, CA 94501, and open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 3:30 PM (with a lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and closed on Fridays), this is the main city office where most contractor activities take place: permits, plan review, inspection, scheduling, zoning questions, etc. Their phone number is (510) 747-6800.
Business License
Contractors must have a City of Alameda business license – you can contact their Business Support Center at (510) 250-1889, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, or apply online.
Permits
The permit center's phone number is (510) 747-6800, email is permits@alamedaca.gov. Most permit applications are handled online. You will need to register for an account, have a current Alameda business license, upload plans, pay fees, and track reviews online. Once submitted, you may still need to visit the Permit Center for follow-ups or inspections.
Bid Opportunities
Open bids are listed on the City's website. If you want to engage in public works with the City (bid on projects up to $175,000), you can also apply online to become a prequalified City of Alameda vendor.
The City of Albany (Population: 20,000)
Community Development
This is the main city department that handles building permits, planning, inspections, and related contractor services. The department is located at 1000 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA 94706. They are open Mondays from 8:30 AM to 7PM, Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Their email is com-dev@albanyca.gov and phone is (510) 528-5760.
Business License
File by phone at (510) 292-4619 or online. You can email them at Albany@hdlgov.com
Permits
Building permit applications and supporting documents, such as plans and site drawings, are processed online or via email to permits@albanyca.org.
Bid Opportunities
Public works contracting opportunities are listed on the City Clerk's website.
The City of Berkeley (Population: 121,000)
Construction and Development
This is the main page for construction-related projects.
Business License
The Finance department oversees business licenses, which all contractors must have before pulling building permits in the city. Review or download their Berkeley Business License How-to Guide to walk you through the licensing steps. Their phone number is (510) 981-7200, and their email address is finance@berkeleyca.gov.
Permits
The first stop for contractor permits related to building, fire, public works, environmental health, and zoning, and located at 1947 Center Street, 3rd Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704. Their phone number is (510) 981-7500. They are open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and closed on Fridays. Contractors with appropriate City licensing can apply for building permits online.
Vendors
Vendors can sign up to receive bid notifications from the City of Berkeley. Local businesses receive a 5% preference on bidding contracts.
Economic Development
Reach out to a commercial district association to connect with other business-owners in your area. Gain an understanding of Berkeley's economy by reading economic dashboards. Get help with your business, including advice, help navigating City requirements, financing, and Green Business Certification.
Commercial Districts
Berkeley's commercial district associations support local businesses by enhancing the neighborhood shopping experience. Each association provides different services, but may include marketing, event planning, holiday decorations, policy advocacy, and other activities that improve neighborhood safety, cleanliness, and walkability. If you want to start a new association or have questions about an existing one, contact the Office of Economic Development at oedmailbox@berkeleyca.gov. Their phone number is (510) 981-7530.
Bid Opportunities
City contracting opportunities are listed on their website.
The City of Dublin (Population: 74,000)
Community Development
Located at 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, this is the department encompassing building and safety, code enforcement, housing and planning. They are open Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. Their phone number is (925) 833-6610.
Business License
Apply online. For more information call (925) 833-6650 or email BusinessLicense@dublin.ca.gov, visit their website, or for assistance with the application process call (925) 359-2952 or email Dublin@HdLGov.com.
Permits
The Dublin City Building Inspector is the main contact for building permits, inspections, and building safety questions. Their email is plansubmittals@dsrsd.com and the phone number is (925) 828-0515. If you have the appropriate city business license, you can apply for construction-related permits online.
Business Incentives
The City of Dublin has developed several business incentives to attract new business. Some of the incentives include a Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program, a Sales Tax Reimbursement Program, and a Small Business Assistance Program.
Bid Opportunities
City contracting opportunities are listed on their website, however better yet, contractors can sign up to receive bid postings from three city departments.
The City of Emeryville (Population: 13,000)
Building Division
This is the main office for building permits, plan review, inspections, and compliance. They are located at 1333 Park Ave., Emeryville, CA 94608, open Mondays from 9 AM to noon on a drop-in basis, Tuesday to Thursday from 1 PM to 4 PM by appointment only, and all day Friday by appointment only. Their phone number is (510) 596-4310.
Business License
You must apply for a business license to legally operate as a contractor in Emeryville, regardless of where you live. Apply through their online portal. For projects over $500 in labor/materials, the city also requires you have the appropriate California Contractors State License Board license for your scope of work.
Business Incentives
Some small business incentives are offered.
Bid Opportunities
To find contractor bid opportunities in Emeryville, click on the link above. The City's also offers a dedicated planroom site: emeryvilleplanroom.com.
The City of Fremont (Population: 230,000)
Development Services Center
Located at 39550 Liberty St., First Floor, Fremont, CA 94538, and open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 3:30 PM (with a lunch break from 12 PM to 1 PM), and Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM, this is the source for everything construction-related in Fremont, including building permits, planning permits, engineering permits, inspection scheduling, and plan review questions and submittals. Their email is bldinfo@fremont.gov, and their phone number is 510-494-4443.
City Business Tax Certificate
Fremont requires all contractors doing business in the city to get a Business Tax Certificate, even if your company is based outside of the city. Apply online.
Bid Opportunities
View bids by scrolling down on Purchasing Department Bids page. Better yet, register to bid on public works construction to receive emailed bid notifications for projects.
The City of Hayward (Population: 163,000)
Building Division
Located at 777 B Street, 1st Floor Lobby, Hayward, CA 94541, the Building Division is your main point of contact for permits, plan reviews, and compliance. They are open Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM to 1 PM for walk-ins and virtual appointments, and from 1 PM to 5 PM by appointment, both in-person and virtual, as well as Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM for virtual appointments only.
Business License
To apply for a required city business license, complete and download the appropriate PDF online (depending on whether your business is located in or outside of Hayward), then email it to the City of Hayward Revenue Divisions at BusinessLicense@hayward-ca.gov. Call them at (510) 583-3644 with any questions.
Permits
Appropriately licensed contractors can use their e-permits online portal, and they offer helpful information via their online e-permits help center on how to do so. Their phone number is (510) 583-4005 and email is e-permits@hayward-ca.gov.
Vendors
Register as a vendor with the city, which can be done online, to be considered for services or be notified of bidding opportunities.
Bid Opportunities
Hayward posts their construction bids on their website and on open.gov. If you have questions or need additional information regarding the bidding process please contact the Engineering Department at (510) 583-4730.
Capital Improvement Plan Projects
This is both a fiscal and planning tool which identifies projects, provides a schedule for projects, and identifies funding sources. It includes projects necessary to support the General Plan, Specific Plans, and Neighborhood Plan areas. You can view all of their current projects online by clicking on the “Projects in Construction,” “Projects in Design,” and “Future Projects” headers.
Bid Opportunities (General)
This page provides information regarding public projects currently out to bid, recent bid opening results, and Requests for Proposals /Qualifications. Project information may also be found on BidNet as part of the California Purchasing Group. You will need to register as vendor with BidNet. Note that Bidnet makes it appear like you have to pay to access bids, but this is not the case – you can register, reject Bidnet’s attempt to upsell, and still access participating cities’ bids.
The City of Livermore (Population: 87,000)
Building Division
Located at City Hall, 1052 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore, CA 94550, the Building Division oversees everything related to construction. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Their phone number is (925) 960-4410.
Business License
Learn about and apply online for a required City business license.
Permit Center
The permit counter is closed on Fridays, but this is your first stop for construction permits and plan submittals. Their email is permitcenter@LivermoreCA.gov and phone is (925) 960-4410.
The City of Newark (Population: 48,000)
Administration Building
Located at 37101 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560, this is the main municipal building where you can begin most processes, ask questions, and obtain a business license, permits, etc. They are open Monday through Thursday, from 8 AM to 2 PM and are closed every other Friday. Their phone number is (510) 903-4695.
Business License
All construction contractors, including those located outside of Newark, are required to have a business license. Construction contractors located outside of Newark with project values less than $100,000 have the option of purchasing a quarterly license that is based upon the calendar year. If the project value is greater than $100,000 then the contractor is required to purchase an annual business license. Contractors can apply online or by mail, and those based outside of Newark can learn more online. For related questions, call (510) 578-4264.
Permits
Before engaging in construction or renovation projects—including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC—you must obtain a building permit from the Building Inspection Division. Some work, such as minor repairs, may not require plans, but you are advised to check with staff. Their phone number is (510) 578-4261 and email building.inspection@newarkca.gov.
Bid Opportunities
City contracting opportunities are listed on their website, with newest bids at the bottom of the list.
The City of Oakland (Population: 438,000)
Planning and Building
This website is the jump-off point for all your construction needs, but you can also get help in person at Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Their phone number is (510) 238-3443.
Business License
You can apply for a business license online, and reach out with questions by email to btwebsupport@oaklandca.gov or by calling (510) 238-3704. They also offer a list of business resources and tips online.
Permits
You can apply online for most permits and inspections. Visit their One-Stop Online Permit Center for details and to view an instructional video – from here, you can also schedule for an in-person appointment at their 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612 location, with some options available for walk-ins. Start by preparing project details and necessary documents, register for an account if needed, then apply and pay online or in person. Their email is pbdaccelregistration@oaklandca.gov, and their phone number is (510) 238-3443.
Public / Private Development Project Agreements
Visit this page to learn more about major development projects on City sites, including project descriptions and links to Council legislation.
Bid Opportunities
Visit the Contracting Page for more details, register with iSupplier to access the most up-to-date bid information. City contracting opportunities are also listed on their website; make sure to select “All” under Type and use the “open date” header to organize by most recent date.
The City of Piedmont (Population: 11,000)
Planning & Building Department
Located at 120 Vista Ave., Piedmont, CA 94611, and open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM (closed Friday), this department oversees everything related to construction. The phone number is (510) 420-3050 and general email is ondutyplanner@piedmont.ca.gov.
Business License
If you operate a business in Piedmont or do business in Piedmont, you need to get a business license, which you can apply for online, and pay business tax annually.
Permits
Apply online for a permit through eTRAKiT.
Bid Opportunities
For Public Works projects, find complete bid documents and submit proposals through the Piedmont Plan Room.
The City of Pleasanton (Population: 80,000)
Community and Economic Development
Located at 200 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton, CA 94566, this department oversees a range of services pertinent to business, planning, permits and building. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM for phone and email services, and for in-person visits, they are available on Monday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM (no in-person visits accepted on Friday). Reach them by phone at (925) 931-5630. Visit their website to view an interactive map of ongoing projects and recently-approved projects.
Business License
Getting a business license is required of any person conducting business in the city. You can apply online. Reach the business licensing department at (925) 931-5440.
Permit Center
Learn on their website how to apply for a permit online and watch their video on the building application process. Permit Center hours are the same as those listed above and the Center staff can be reached by phone at (925) 931-5300 and email at plancheck@cityofpleasantonca.gov.
Bid Opportunities
In addition to listing bid requests on their website, Pleasanton also places listings on BidNet. Questions about bids can be directed by email to pleasantoncityclerk@cityofpleasantonca.gov or by phone to (925) 931-5508.
The City of San Leandro (Population: 85,000)
Community Development
This department houses everything related to planning, permits and building and is located at 835 E 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94577.
Business License
A business license is required for anyone conducting business within the city, and their website explains how to apply online. Questions about the process can be directed to sanleandro@hdlgov.com or (510) 809-3133.
Permit Center
Visit the website to learn about fees and process details for a wide range of building projects, as well as how to create an account to be able to submit a permit application online. Appointments with the Permit Center can be scheduled online. Questions can be directed by email to permitsbyemail@sanleandro.org or by phone at (510) 577-3405.
Bid Opportunities
Bidding opportunities are listed on their website, where contractors can also sign up to be notified when new bids are added.
Union City (Population 64,500)
Development Services
Located at City Hall, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587, this department oversees everything related to construction. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and every other Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Reach them by phone at (510) 471-3232
Business License
A business license is required to conduct business within the City, regardless of where your business is headquartered. Visit their website to learn how to apply for a license online or by email. Questions can be directed to them by email at biz-license@unioncity.org, or by phone at (510) 675-5312.
Permits
With the same location and hours as those listed above, permits are issued by the Building Division, which can be reached by email at building@unioncity.org or by phone at (510) 675-5313. A downloadable Construction Permit PDF is available online.
Bid Opportunities
All RFPs and bids are listed on their website.
Unincorporated Communities
The unincorporated areas within Alameda County are Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Hayward Acres, San Lorenzo, and Sunol, and news about them can be found on the Alameda County website. Requests for proposals for these areas will go through Alameda County, details for which are listed below.
Alameda County
General Services Agency
As the sponsor of the Alameda County Contractor Technical Assistance Program, the General Services Agency helps small local contractors qualify for public works construction opportunities. Start out by registering as a qualified construction contractor through their online Qualified Contractor List registration portal, which will place you on a list of contractors who will be the first notified of any requests for proposals. This list is also available on their website for anyone seeking qualified contractors. You have to apply every year to remain on this list.
Vendor Tips
Learn the best ways to prepare for construction contracting with Alameda County by reviewing their vendor tips.
Bidding Opportunities
The County lists requests for proposals on its open.gov procurement portal. Learn how to create an eGov account to get advance notice of contracting opportunities.