If you are seeking to rebuild an existing deck or porch, you may be exempt from Planning Permits, but a Building Permit will still be required. In order to be exempt from Planning Permits, you will need to demonstrate in project plans submitted to the Building Division that the deck/porch is a replacement in kind. A replacement in kind means you are seeking to rebuild the whole or a replace a section of the deck/porch in the same footprint, size, and material as the existing deck/porch. If you wish to expand the area of the deck/porch, or change the layout or design, the project would not be a replacement in kind and a planning permit will be required before applying for Building Permits. Please contact the Building Division at (510) 620-6868 to determine the permit submittal requirements for the associated building permit.