Oakland SB 721 & Design Review Exemptions: 2026 Landlord Guide

Three-story apartment building with peach-colored walls, wooden balconies and stairs, and leafy trees in front under a clear blue sky—professionally cared for by SLPM Oakland Property Management.

The City of Oakland expanded its Design Review Exemption (DRX) on February 11, 2026. Like-for-like deck replacements now skip discretionary review entirely, cutting weeks off your permit timeline right when SB 721 compliance pressure is at its peak.