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Animals, Noise, & Parking

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1. What are the allowed construction hours?

Monday to Friday - 8am to 6pm. 

Saturday - 10am to 5pm. 

Sunday - 10am to 5pm. Only minor maintenance and improvement projects conducted by no more than 2 people, one of whom resides on the property full-time. 

Weekends - Heavy equipment usage on residential construction is prohibited. Two one-day exceptions may be requested per year.

2. What are the allowed hours for yard maintenance?

Weekdays. Monday through Friday between the hours of eight a.m. and six p.m. 

Saturdays and Sundays. Saturday and Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and five p.m., except that use of a chainsaw, wood chipper or gas powered leaf blower is prohibited on Sundays

3. What can I do about my neighbor's dog barking all the time?

Submit a request for a noisy animal to Contra Costa County Animal Services.

4. Can I have horses on my property?

Horses are only allowed on properties of at least 40,000 square-feet. One horse is allowed for each 20,000 square-feet of net lot size.

5. Can I have chickens on my property?

Chickens are only allowed on properties of at least 20,000 square-feet.

6. Can I build a chicken coop on my property?

Yes, chicken coops are allowed. First, confirm that your property is permitted to have chickens. Chickens are only allowed on properties of at least 20,000 square-feet. The chicken coop must be set back not less than sixty (60) feet from the front property line or any street line, and shall be not less than forty (40) feet from any side or rear property line.

7. Can I store my RV, trailer, camper, or boat on my property?

It may only be stored on your residential property if the vehicle or equipment is adequately screened from view. For vehicles over six (6) feet high, at least seventy (70) percent of the height shall be screened. No vehicle or equipment may be placed within the minimum side yard setback area unless it maintains a minimum five-foot setback from the property line.

8. What are the parking requirements?

Residential properties are required to provide two enclosed parking spaces and two unenclosed parking spaces. Each parking space must have a minimum 9'x19' dimension. The enclosed parking spaces are typically provided in a two-car garage and the unclosed enclosed spaces are typically the driveway spaces in front of the garage. If a project proposes to reduce the number of required parking spaces, an Exception Permit will be required. If the project includes an ADU, per state law, conversion of a garage into an ADU does not require the parking spaces to be replaced.

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Become an Instructor

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1. What am I, the Instructor, responsible for?

As an independent contractor, you are responsible for creating your curriculum, providing your own supplies and equipment, and staffing your activity entirely on your own. Instructors are also responsible for submitting invoices each new session and completing Course Proposals.

2. How are instructors paid?

At the completion of the course session Instructors must submit an invoice for payment. The instructor will receive a percentage of the resident registration fee.

3. Are there any prerequisite items required before my proposed class(es) begins?

After completing the “New Instructor Process,” instructors are required to agree to a Contract of Recreation Services and provide required liability insurance. Instructors working with minors, 18 years and younger, must be fingerprinted and cleared with the Orinda Police Department prior to instruction beginning. To read the “New Instructor Process,” visit our Become an Instructor page.

4. Do I need to re-apply if not chosen in the first round?

New courses and instructors who are not selected or cannot be currently accommodated are placed on an instructor wait-list to be contacted at an appropriate time.

5. How are new classes and programs selected?

Once course proposals are received, an initial interview is held and references are checked. The City selects courses based on uniqueness, community demand, and high-quality instruction.

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Building Permits

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1. Do I need a permit for a fence?

A permit is not required for a fence if it meets the following requirements: 

1. A fence located within five feet of a property line/right-of-way boundary with street frontage must be constructed completely of an open material, such as lattice or wrought iron, and shall not exceed a height of four feet. 
2. Elsewhere, a fence shall not exceed six feet in height. 

An Exception Permit is required for a fence that would exceed the maximum height requirements. 

2. Do I need a permit to install a electric vehicle (EV) charger?

Yes, submit your building permit application to Contra Costa County here. Planning review is not required for an EV charger.

3. Do I need to submit my building permit revisions to the Planning Department?

Depending on the scope of the revisions, your project may or may not require Planning Department approval. Typically, any exterior changes will require Planning approval. Minor interior changes such as room reconfiguration, structural changes, or relocation of plumbing connections do not require Planning approval.

4. Do my plans need to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer?

The Planning Department does not require plans to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. See Contra Costa County Building Department's handout for When Is A Licensed Professional Required.

5. How do I renew an expired building permit?

Submit a Building Permit Renewal Request to Contra Costa County.

6. How do I check if my neighbor has building permits for the work they are doing?

Visit Contra Costa County's ePermits website to view the current and past building permit history of any address in Orinda. Note that some projects do not require a building permit. See the list of projects exempt from a building permit here. If you believe work is being done without an active building permit, submit a Code Enforcement Form.

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City Clerk

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1. How do I make a claim against the City

You would fill out a claim form and send it to the City Clerk

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Home & Property Development

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1. What are the requirements for a deck?

A deck under thirty (30) inches above existing or finished grade, whichever is lower, may encroach into any required setback. A deck greater than 30 inches above grade must maintain a minimum 20' setback from any street frontage and a minimum 5' side and rear yard setback. A deck that is greater than 6' above greater and more than 200 square-feet in size will require an Elevated Deck Permit .

A deck does not require a building permit if it meets all of the following criteria: Decks pertinent to R3 and U occupancies not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30” above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by code. See the Construction Work Not Requiring A Building Permit list for more information.

2. What are the requirements for a shed?

A shed is referred to as an accessory structure in the Orinda Municipal Code. A shed must meet the accessory structure setbacks, based on the setbacks for the primary residence. See the Development Standards Handout to determine what your property's setbacks are. A shed less than 120 square-feet with no plumbing or electricity does not require a building permit. All sheds, even those that do not require a building permit, must conform to the setback requirements.

3. What are the requirements for a retaining wall?

A retaining wall greater than 3' in height will require a building permit. A retaining wall shall be limited to four feet if it is: (1) within ten feet of any property line; or (2) in the minimum required yard setback for the subject lot, whichever is greater. Elsewhere, a retaining wall shall be no higher than eight feet. Unless there is a minimum horizontal separation of at least four feet between individual retaining walls or fences and retaining walls, a grouping of walls and a grouping of one or more walls and fences shall be seen as a single structure for determining height limits. A retaining wall that will exceed the maximum height requirements will require an Exception Permit. 

4. What are the requirements for a pool?

A pool must maintain a minimum 5' side and rear yard setback. Pool equipment must be located closer to the subject property than adjacent properties. A building permit is required for a pool.

5. What are the requirements for a tennis court or basketball court?

Sports courts must meet the following requirements: 

1. Minimum setback from any street frontage is fifty (50) feet. 
2. The side yard setback at the side and rear of the lot shall be at least five feet. 
3. The sports court shall be at least five feet from the main structure. 
4. The maximum fence height of the portion built within the minimum setback of the subject lot shall be twelve (12) feet. 
5. The installation of outdoor lighting at a height of seven feet or more requires use permit approval.

6. Can I add a second story to my home?

Yes, you may add a second story to an existing single-story residence. A new second story requires Design Review.

7. Do I need a permit to repave my driveway or expand my driveway?

Yes, you will need a Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department if your property is on a public street.

8. How close can I build next to a creek or water channel?

Depending on the type of creek or water channel, there will be a 0-45' setback measured from the top of bank. See Orinda Municipal Code Section 17.4.6 for a description of the creek types and applicable setbacks. If you have a potential project, you may request a Creek Setback Determination.

9. How do I know what zoning district my property is in?

Follow the instructions in the Zoning District Handout to determine what zoning district your property is in. 

10. How do I determine what my property setbacks are?

Use the Development Standards Handout to determine what your property setbacks are. 

11. What is the maximum size I can build my home?

For properties of 20,000 square-feet or greater, the maximum floor area is 20% of the total property size up to a maximum of 7,000 square feet. For properties under 20,000 square-feet in size, see Orinda Municipal Code Section 17.6.8 to determine the maximum floor area based on the lot size. See Orinda Municipal Code Section 17.6 for more information on how floor area is calculated. If a proposed project will exceed the maximum floor area for the property, Design Review will be required. 

12. What is the maximum building height for my home?

There is a maximum 27' building height and a maximum 35' aggregate building height. See Orinda Municipal Code Section 17.4.19 for graphics of how height is measured. If your project will exceed the maximum building height or aggregate building height, an Exception Permit will be required.

13. I own multiple properties. How can I confirm these were legally created parcels?

A Certificate of Compliance is required in order for the City to confirm if the parcels were legally created through the Subdivision Map Act.

14. How do I connect my property to the sewer system?

Contact Central Contra Costa Sanitary District for questions regarding the sewer system.

15. Can I put a septic tank on my property?

Contact Central Contra Costa Sanitary District for questions regarding septic tanks. 

16. How do I connect to electricity on a vacant property?

Contact PG&E for setting up gas or electric service to a vacant property. 

17. How do I get water service or a water meter on a vacant property?

Contact EBMUD to set up water service. 

18. Why is a vacant property labeled "unbuildable"?

Some properties in Orinda are categorized as "unbuildable" by the Contra Costa County Assessor's Office. This designation is made by the County Assessor’s office and does not impact whether a site is actually buildable from a planning and zoning perspective. These sites are legal, potentially buildable lots.  

19. Can I build a pre-manufactured or modular structure?

Yes, there is no limitation on the type of construction. Contact Contra Costa County Building Department for building code requirements related to manufactured homes. 

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Neighborhood Watch

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1. What does it involve

- Getting to know your neighbors and working together.
- Implement crime prevention techniques and strategies in your home and neighborhood.
- Help to solve neighborhood problems through a partnership between you and your police department through community policing.
- Learn about other public and private agencies and resources to help solve neighborhood problems.

2. How do I get involved

If you know your neighborhood has an active Neighborhood Watch Group already formed, join it!

If there is not a group in your area and you would be interested in starting one, then contact the Police Department.

3. What happens at a meeting

Your neighborhood organizes and contacts the police department to set up a time and day. Meetings may be scheduled for any time of the day or evening and last about two hours. A police officer assigned to your area will attend your meeting. Meeting topics can be tailored to your group or the officer will cover general safety and crime prevention techniques.

You and your neighbors can plan to hold future meetings when you feel it is necessary. You can plan to hold a meeting on your own or invite a police officer to attend - it's up to you! For more information, contact the Police Department.

4. Neighborhood Watch Signs

Residents are responsible for the research and cost of Neighborhood Watch Signs. Residents must acquire approval for the placement of the signs from the Public Works Department. Public Works will, however, install the sign at no charge for labor. For more information contact Public Works at 925-253-4231.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Where is the Orinda Community Center?

The Orinda Community Center is located at 28 Orinda Way, in between the Orinda Community Park and the Orinda Library.

2. How do I get to the Orinda Community Center?

From Walnut Creek: Take CA-24 W and take exit 9 from CA-24 W. Keep right, follow the signs for Orinda Village/Richmond and merge onto Camino Pablo. Turn right onto Santa Maria Way, and then take your first left onto Orinda Way. The Orinda Community Center will be on your right-hand side, just past the Orinda Library.

From Oakland: Take CA-24 E to Walnut/Creek and go through the Caldecott Tunnel. Take exit 9 toward Orinda/Moraga. Turn left onto Camino Pablo. Turn right onto Santa Maria Way, and then take your first left onto Orinda Way. The Orinda Community Center will be on your right-hand side, just past the Orinda Library.

From El Sobrante: Take San Pablo Dam Road and continue onto Camino Pablo. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Orinda Way. You will pass Safeway on the right and you will need to continue down Orinda Way just past the Orinda Community Park. The Orinda Community Center will be on your left-hand side, right next to the park.

3. Where do I register for classes, programs and/or sports leagues?

To access online registration, click on the following link and search for the age and program, and/or if you know the barcode assigned to the program, place that barcode in the search and select search.

Click Here

4. Are dogs allowed off leash in public parks or sports fields?

Under the City of Orinda's Municipal Code: (6.08.050), no person owning, possessing, harboring or controlling any animal shall allow such animal to be at large. "At large" means an animal, which either in this case, a dog, is not under effective restraint by a leash. (12.28.230) It is a violation to permit a dog on a sports field or to go into tot lots or sand play areas.

5. How do I reserve a facility?

1. Take a moment to review the policies and procedures provided in the Parks and Facility Rental Guide.

2. Check availability. Once the page opens select Facility availability on the left hand side of the screen and search the desired complex.

3. Complete/submit Facility Use Application and pay the appropriate deposit.

4. After a Rental Contract and Permit has been issued, sign and submit it back to the Parks and Recreation Office.
Please visit the Facility Reservations page.

6. How do I find out if a Sports Field is closed?

Field conditions are posted on the following webpage, http://ca-orinda.civicplus.com/229/Fields. Staff update this page if fields are closed due to wet weather during the work week (M-F), this page will be updated by 12:00 p.m. Staff also post Field Closures to the Department's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityOfOrindaParksandRec/).

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Planning Department

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1. How do I determine where my property lines are?

A property survey is the most accurate way to determine exactly where the property lines are. Contact a licensed land surveyor or licensed engineer to prepare a property survey. The Planning Department will only have a copy of a property survey if a survey was submitted as part of a Planning application.

2. Are there any easements on my property?

Please review the title report for your property. The City does not maintain a list of all easements on properties in Orinda. 

3. How do I get a copy of my title report?

Contact a title company to obtain the title report for your property. The Planning Department would only have a copy of the title report if it was submitted as part of an application.

4. How do I obtain a copy of the original plans when my home was built?

To obtain approved building permit plans for your home, submit a Records Request with Contra Costa County. Building services are provided by Contra Costa County and the City does not maintain copies of approved building permit plan sets.

5. How do I apply for a new address or change my existing address?

Addresses are assigned by the Moraga Orinda Fire District (MOFD). Submit an Application for New Address or Change in Address to MOFD. 

6. What are the rules for leaving out garbage or trash bins?

Garbage cans must be reasonably screened, where practical, from a public street or the vicinity of the property, except during times allocated for regularly scheduled collection.

7. What can I do if my neighbor has a neglected swimming pool?

Submit a service request to Contra Costa County Vector Control.

8. Can I place a storage pod or container on the street in front of my property?

Please contact the Public Works Department for more information.

9. When is a soils report required?

The Planning Department requires a soils report for all new homes. Certain projects may also require a soils report if soil stability is a concern. Contact Contra Costa County Building Department to determine what projects will require a soils report as part of a building permit application. 

10. How do I apply for a business license?

The City does not have a business license requirement, but a business registration program. Apply for a business registration at https://orinda.hdlgov.com/.

11. How do I display a banner at the BART overpass?

Submit a BART Banner Application by clicking here.

12. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

No permit is required for a garage sale. A maximum of two garage sales are allowed per calendar year. Any signage for the garage sale shall be removed after the event.

13. Can I run my business out of my home?

You are allowed to conduct limited commercial or professional activities on a residential property if you comply with all of the home occupation requirements. Complete the Home Occupation Application and submit it to orindaplanning@cityoforinda.org.  

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Police Department

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1. Fingerprinting (Livescan) Services ?

Mondays and Wednesdays, by appointment only. Please call (925) 254-6820. 

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Public Works Department

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1. How can a resident request pothole repair?

Requests for pothole repair should be directed to the Public Works Department at 253-4231. Please include the exact location and nature/extent of the problem. You can also send an email request through the Public Works Department.

2. What can the City do regarding overgrown vegetation along the roadside?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining minimum clearances on trees and shrubbery. Concerns regarding vegetation may be reported directly to the Public Works Department at 253-4231. The maintenance crew will be dispatched to assess the situation and will issue trimming notices if necessary. For more information, refer to our Vegetation Maintenance page.

3. Is a permit required to remove a tree?

Permit requirements depend upon the species and size of the tree, location, or development status of the parcel in question. Obtain further information from the Planning Department at 253-4210. If work is being done in the street or right-of-way, an Encroachment Permit may be required. To obtain an Encroachment Permit, contact the Public Works Department.

4. Is a permit required to replace/install a driveway?

An Encroachment Permit is generally required whenever a driveway is replaced or installed. To obtain an Encroachment Permit, contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231 or for more information refer to our Public Works Permits page.

5. Does the City repair or replace drain pipes/storm drains on private property?

With rare exceptions, drain pipes/storm drains on private property are the property owner's responsibility. Unless the deed specifies that a Drainage Easement for this facility was offered to, and accepted by the City (or County prior to 1985), maintenance of the drainage structure is the property owner's responsibility. To obtain further information, contact the Public Works Department.

6. Who is responsible for cleaning driveway culverts?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining clear-flowing driveway culverts. If a neighbor's culvert is obstructed and causing flooding, contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231.

7. Will the City investigate flooding caused by water flowing from a neighboring property?

The Public Works Inspector investigates such situations and will notify the property owner of City requirements regarding drainage.

Note that neighboring properties may have the right to drain water onto your property if it is part of a natural watercourse or an approved system of drainage.

Contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231. For full Contact information view the Public Works Department directory.

8. What agency issues sewer permits?

Sewer permits are issued by the Contra Costa Central Sanitary District at 925-228-9500. Permits must be obtained before installing or doing any work on the sewer line from your property to the main line.

If the work requires excavation in the street or right-of-way, an Encroachment Permit will also be required. Contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231, or for more information on Encroachment Permits view our Public Works Permits page.

9. What agency handles street light outages?

Report outages to the Public Works Department at 253-4231 or click here to email the information. Please provide the exact street location, the pole number, the type of pole, and any impediments to access. This information will be forwarded to PG&E, the agency responsible for maintaining the majority of streetlights for the City. For full contact information to the Public Works Department visit their directory.

10. How does a resident request traffic calming in their neighborhood?

The Orinda Neighborhood Traffic Management Program defines the process that residents can use to initiate requests for traffic calming measures in their neighborhood. View the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (PDF).

11. Does my project require a Drainage or Grading Permit?

Drainage and grading permits are issued by the Lamorinda office of the Contra Costa County Building Department in coordination with the City of Orinda Engineering Department.

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Trees & Landscaping

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1. When do I need a permit to remove a tree?

A tree removal permit is required to remove the following trees: 

1. On Vacant Property - Any tree species 6 inches or more in diameter.
2. On Developed Property - Any oak species 12 inches or more in diameter. 
3. Riparian trees - Trees 4.5 inches in diameter within 30 feet of the bank of a water course. 
4. Any tree required as condition of development approval, regardless of species. 

See the Tree Ordinance Handout for more information.

2. Do I need a permit to remove a tree that fell down?

No, a tree that has fallen down does not need a tree removal permit for removal.

3. Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?

No, a dead tree is not a protected tree and does not require a tree removal permit.

4. Do I need a permit to remove a tree that is dying or in danger of falling?

If the tree is determined by a certified arborist to be in imminent danger to health or property, the Planning Department will issue an Emergency Tree Removal Letter that exempts you from the tree removal permit. There is no fee for an Emergency Tree Removal Letter. Please send your arborist report and photo(s) to orindaplanning@cityoforinda.org.

5. My neighbor's tree is leaning over my property. Can the City contact my neighbor?

Tree concerns between private properties such as a leaning tree is a civil issue that the City is not involved with. 

6. My neighbor's tree is blocking my view. Can the City require my neighbor to trim their tree?

View preservation is a civil issue. While the City will not get involved in a civil issue, guidance for property owners can be found in Orinda Municipal Code Section 17.22.

7. Are there certain trees or plants that are not allowed to be planted in Orinda?

Yes, the City maintains a list of disallowed plants due to the risk of wildfires. See the disallowed plant list in the Tree Ordinance Handout.