Permitting Process | Permitting process for conversion

[Robert Ortiz]

Apologies for the double post. I posted the first one in the wrong group.

Hello Everyone,

I have a duplex that I like to turn into a triplex and I was thinking of going through an architect to help me with the process. I reached out to Bay Area Design Consultants LLC and told me they can take care of everything that needs to be done with city of Oakland. One of the reason why I want to go this route is because I live in the third unit without a permit and it appears like the previous owner used part of the neighboring unit to make the third one. Bay Area Designs told me they needed to measure all 3 units since the third unit appears to be using a portion of the other unit; they need to update the city of the measurements.

My goal with this property is to use the 2 car garage and the existing space to create a permitted third unit.

My concerns:

- Not being able to permit a third unit at the property due to space and/or measurements.

- Needing to vacate the tenant in the neighboring unit to either give back the space taken from the third unit or vacate to make major changes.

- City telling me that I need to revert everything back to the original duplex; leaving me with a duplex.

- Going though a company to help me with the process vs. dealing with the city myself.

Any help is greatly appreciated it!
Robert