Welcome!

This EngagePGH page presents a proposal for new zoning in North Oakland. The proposal further advances several of the plan's strategies by establishing zoning and land use policies that help ensure new development promotes Oakland's Vision Statement. The proposal also aligns with the guidelines of the Oakland Plan's Land Use Strategy.

Aerial View of North Oakland

Highlights of zoning proposal:

  • Majority Mixed-Use: The majority of North Oakland is proposed for the Urban Center – Mixed Use (UC-MU) zoning district. The goal is to provide a diversity of affordable housing options, neighborhood amenities, and local businesses, as well as accommodate employment uses.
  • Employment: A small area along Melwood Ave (north of Baum Blvd) is proposed for the Urban Center – Employment (UC-E) zoning district, aimed at providing space for new research and development buildings in sectors such as life sciences and healthcare.
  • Inclusionary/affordable housing: Since its adoption in 2023, portions of Oakland, including North Oakland, are within an Inclusionary Zoning Overlay District. Development projects providing 20+ residential units for sale or rent must price 10% of those units affordably. Learn more here: Inclusionary Zoning
  • Building Form & Height: Form-based standards, such as step-backs, open space, and green buffers, ensure that new buildings fit within the context of the existing neighborhood. The maximum heights proposed, including height bonuses, are based on recommendations of the community-informed Land Use Strategy as well as the scale and character of existing buildings.

Learn More

View Proposed Zoning Map open in new window

View presentation from Sept. 9th Development Activities Meeting


Dig into the Details

The proposed zoning districts were developed and adopted in conjunction with the Oakland Plan in 2022-23. The UC-MU and UC-E already exist in portions of Central and South Oakland. (Note: as part of this proposal, no text revisions are proposed). To fully understand the proposed zoning, you are welcome to review the adopted code language:

View code: 904.08 Urban Center – Mixed Use (UC-MU)

View code: 904.09 Urban Center – Employment (UC-E)


Look for the following key items of interest:

  • Green buffer standards
  • Height bonuses via performance points - earned by providing community benefits
  • Building step-backs
  • Urban open space standard
  • Electric vehicle readiness standards for new structured parking
  • Whole Building Life-Cycle Assessment

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Christian Umbach

Oakland's Neighborhood Planner, Department of City Planning

Christian is leading this effort by engaging with Oakland stakeholders and residents to communicate the North Oakland zoning proposal. Hs is a Senior Planner in DCP's Strategic Planning Division and has been working in Oakland for nearly 2 years.

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