Street Name Commemorative Plaque Permit and Name Change Application

Commemorative Street Name Plaques are honorary designations, while a Street Name Change officially changes the name of a street. Both processes are initiated by City Council.

Commemorative Street Name Plaque

  • A Commemorative Street Name Plaque is an honorary street name that is installed as a plaque or sign above the existing street name and which honors an exemplary Oaklander.
  • The existing street name remains that same for official purposes such as mailing addresses, mapping, and emergency services.
  • Commemorative Street Name Plaques are initiated by City Council.
  • Typically, the Councilmember determines the location of the Commemorative Street Name Plaque and brings a resolution to City Council for a decision.
  • Once City Council approves the Commemorative Street Name Plaque, the Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) can review the application.
  • The application for commemorative street name plaque is included above.

Street Name Change

  • A Street Name Change officially changes the name of the street.
  • Street Name Changes may not cause confusion or be similar to another street name in Oakland or nearby cities.
  • Street Name Changes cannot impact traffic flow or emergency access or cause hardship on residents and/or businesses.
  • Name Changes cannot disrupt sequential numbering of streets.
  • Street Name Changes require a signed petition by affected residents and businesses with 67% supporting the name change.
  • Street Name Changes are initiated by City Council.
  • Once City Council approves the Street Name Change, OakDOT can review the application
  • The application to formally rename a street is included in the links above.

Apply By Email: email your completed application to DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov.

Apply In Person: The Transportation Permit Counter is open to the public on the 2nd Floor of 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Click here to schedule an appointment on Tuesday or Thursday. Drop-in on Monday or Wednesday.

If you have questions about the Obstruction Permit, please call the DOT Permit Counter at 510-238-3199 or email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov.

Transportation Permit Counter Hours

Scheduled Appointments:

  • Tuesday, Thursday 9 am - 4 pm (slots vary by type)

Walk-in Hours:

  • Monday: 9 am - 3 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am - 3 pm
  • Friday: Closed
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