How to respond to Alameda’s Hold Letter
How to resubmit to the City of Alameda after plan check corrections, in the words of Alameda’s own page. Each fact links to its source.
From Alameda’s own page, read October 30, 2026: alamedaca.gov
What the City of Alameda calls it
The City of Alameda calls its correction letter “Hold Letter”.
Click on the file names that are described as Hold Letters to download.
How to resubmit after Alameda plan check corrections, at a glance
In our words, from Alameda’s own page. The exact steps are on the page linked below.
- Schedule an appointment with your assigned Permit Technician after uploading the response.
- The technician checks the package during the appointment before it goes to plan review.
From Alameda’s own page, read October 31, 2026: alamedaca.gov
What to include
- Plan check submittals and resubmittals are only accepted digitally through ACA.
From Alameda’s own page, read October 30, 2026: alamedaca.gov
Codes its letters cite
Local amendments to the building code
None listed by the California Building Standards Commission as of 2026-10-31. The Commission is still posting 2025 filings, and a place that adopts the state code without changes does not file, so check the city's own adoption ordinance.
Official links
- Resubmittal instructions
- Accela Citizen Access Portal
- Building department page
- Building Division: (510) 747-6800 (alamedaca.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 2263 Santa Clara Ave., Room 190, Alameda, CA 94501 (alamedaca.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
Links and facts checked on October 28, 2026.
California rules every plan check here follows
These come from California law and state agencies, so they apply in Alameda as well. Each links to its source.
Building code in force
The 2025 edition of Title 24, the California Building Standards Code, has been in effect since January 1, 2026.
Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026
Energy code
If your permit application was filed on or after January 1, 2026, the project has to meet the 2025 Energy Code.
Source: California Energy Commission, checked October 31, 2026
Energy forms with the application
A building permit application covered by the energy code (Part 6) must include at least one copy of the required energy compliance documents.
Source: California Energy Commission, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, checked October 31, 2026
Green building code (CALGreen)
The 2025 edition of CALGreen, the state green building code (Part 11), took effect on January 1, 2026.
Source: California Building Standards Commission, checked October 31, 2026
ADU decision deadline
If the city or county has not approved or denied a complete application for an ADU or junior ADU within 60 days, the application is treated as approved (Gov. Code § 66317).
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026
ADU denials must explain the fix
When a city or county denies an ADU or junior ADU application, it must send written comments within 60 days that list each problem and explain how you can correct it.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook, checked October 31, 2026
Building permits for approved housing projects
For housing projects that already have planning approval, the city or county has 15 business days to say whether a building permit application is complete, then 30 or 60 days, depending on how many units are proposed, to decide whether it meets the standards.
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, Housing Law Fact Sheets, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to Hold Letter has
General guidance, not the City of Alameda’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other California city guides
How we help
Send us the whole Hold Letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of Alameda yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of Alameda and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
What does the City of Alameda call its correction letter?
The City of Alameda calls it “Hold Letter”.
What should a resubmittal to Alameda include?
In general: a response letter answering each comment, the revised drawings with changes marked, and any new calculations or reports the comments ask for. The City of Alameda may ask for more, so check with it before you send.
How long does Alameda take to review a resubmittal?
For housing projects that already have planning approval, the city or county has 15 business days to say whether a building permit application is complete, then 30 or 60 days, depending on how many units are proposed, to decide whether it meets the standards. Ask the City of Alameda for its current review times.
Does Alameda charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Building Division at (510) 747-6800 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can Alameda send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Building Division at (510) 747-6800 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of the City of Alameda?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of Alameda or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.