It is three stories high and houses the mayor's office, the city council chamber, hearing rooms, and a police station with a firing range below in the basement.

Clad in California granite, the surface is adorned with subdued glazed terracotta embellishments depicting a blend of classical and Californian motifs.

The architectural excellence of Oakland City Hall encompasses its strategic placement, distinctive form, arrangement of ceremonial areas, and the meticulous craftsmanship evident in its decorative elements, particularly the intricate terra cotta work, including the imposing ornamental torches and the frieze on the ground floor.

The Council Chamber, renovated in 1957, exudes elegance, while the vestibule and rotunda leading to it serve as exemplary illustrations of the American Beaux-Arts style.

Noteworthy historical figures, including President William Howard Taft and Hiram Johnson, among others, graced the cornerstone-laying ceremony in 1911.

Additionally, the esteemed Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Earl Warren, briefly occupied an office within its walls in 1920.

Throughout its extensive history, Oakland City Hall has welcomed many distinguished guests, standing tall as a symbol of civic pride and prominence.

Though overshadowed by taller structures in the surrounding skyline, its commanding presence in the heart of the city remains undeniable, anchoring its central urban space with enduring significance.