Berkeley, CA · Alameda County

No notary required

Application for Alternative Materials, Design and Methods of Construction

Property owners and project applicants use this application to request approval for alternative construction materials, designs, or methods for a Berkeley project.

What this form is

This application requests consideration and approval of alternative materials, design, or construction methods for a project in Berkeley. It asks for project and permit details, a description of the proposed alternative, the code requirements it would replace, and justification. Applicants should attach supporting references, test reports, or expert opinions; the form explains that approval may require further evaluation and may need validation during plan review.

Who needs it

Owners or project applicants proposing alternative construction materials, design, or methods for a Berkeley project can use this application to request review.

How to submit it

Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.

About notarization

This application is signed without a notary; the owner and applicant sign and date it, and an architect or engineer must stamp and sign where indicated.

How to submit this form

  1. 1

    Download The Application

    Download the application for alternative materials, design, and methods of construction.

  2. 2

    Complete The Project Details

    Provide the project address, description, construction details, alternative proposal, code requirements, and justification.

  3. 3

    Gather Supporting Attachments

    Attach references, test reports, expert opinions, or other documentation supporting the proposed alternative.

  4. 4

    Sign And Submit

    Have the owner and applicant sign and date the form, obtain an architect or engineer stamp and signature where indicated, and submit it to the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the alternative construction application for?
It requests consideration and approval of alternative materials, design, or construction methods for a Berkeley project, with supporting documentation and justification.
What information and attachments does the application ask for?
It asks for project details, the proposed alternative, relevant code requirements, and justification. Attach references, test reports, expert opinions, or other supporting documentation.
Do I need a notary for this application?
No. The owner and applicant sign and date the application without a notary; an architect or engineer must stamp and sign where indicated.
How do I submit the alternative construction application?
Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.

Need something notarized?

This Application for Alternative Materials, Design and Methods of Construction doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Berkeley form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.