City of Alameda - Building a Structure In Your Backyard

Question: We have found a home that we love, but the only issue is that there is no garage. There is a driveway that leads into the backyard and there is a carport at the end of the driveway. The carport was built with permits. Can we convert the carport into a garage?

Answer: According to the planner that I spoke with at the City of Alameda, the structure would have to go through the design review process. All homes within 100 feet would be notified of the proposed building and would have an opportunity to speak up against it. So, the answer is "maybe".

However, strucutures smaller than 120 square feet (shed, play house) do not need a permit in the City of Alameda. In fact, I recently saw a beautiful tree house that was done without permits. Click here to view the list of construction projects that can be completed in the City of Alameda without any permits.