A. Many homeowners, during the sale of a house, are confronted with additions that have never been permitted.  They are now faced with the task of obtaining a building permit.  In order to obtain a building permit, detailed building plans must be submitted to the Development Service Center (DSC) for a plan check engineer's approval.  Depending on the size and type of addition, the plans may be approved directly over the counter.  For example, additions that are 500 square foot or less and meet conventional construction criteria may be reviewed over the counter by appointment only.  Keep in mind that all illegal additions are reviewed under the 2001 California Building Code, the current adopted code.  Associated trade codes include plumbing, mechanical and electrical.  Also, the current local zoning ordinance will be enforced while determining use, setbacks, floor area ratios and height limitations.

 

For specific building and planning information, please contact the DSC staff at 510-494-4460.  You will then be directed to a specific staff member based on your inquiry. 

 

Please understand that not all illegal additions can be approved and that those additions, which are approved, will be subject to the opening or removal of concealed construction areas for inspection of materials and methods of construction.

 

 

 

A. The City of Fremont, under the 2001 California Building Code, has adopted appendix chapter 4, which covers barriers for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.  A copy is available in the Development Services Center (DSC).  If you would like a copy faxed or e-mailed to you, please use the information listed above.

 

By definition, a Swimming Pool is considered to be any structure that's intended for swimming or recreational bathing and contains water that's over 24 inches deep, including spas and hot tubs.  This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground swimming pools, and fixed-in-place wading pools.  A Barrier is a fence, wall, building wall or combination thereof that completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

 

During construction of new pools, spas or hot tubs, the City inspector will enforce the barrier regulations by checking fence heights, gate operations, door alarms and other associated requirements.  A copy of the barrier requirements will be attached to the approved plans for his review.

 

Again, a copy of these requirements is readily available to you by fax or mail.  You can voluntarily make your pool, spa or hot tub environment a safe one for family and friends by putting these requirements into play.  Development Assistants within the DSC will issue building permits for voluntary barrier upgrades for existing pools.  Please stop by our office or call for more information.

 

 

 

A. Some homeowners in Fremont have already converted their garages to habitable space.  However, provisions must be made for the parking spaces that have been eliminated.  For a two-car garage, two covered parking spaces must be provided elsewhere on the property according to the City's local zoning ordinance.  Additions also have restrictions in terms of maximum area and height.  Only a certain percentage of the rear yard area can be covered.  For specific information about setbacks, architecture, and general site plan requirements, please contact a Planning staff member at 510-494-4455 or e-mail them at planinfo@ci.fremont.ca.us

 

The building inspection staff located in the Development Services Center (DSC) will require three sets of plans for the initial review.  The plans shall include both the garage area conversion and the new parking facility (carport or garage).  If additional footprint is to be added elsewhere, include this information on the plans.  For a copy of the plan requirements, visit us in person or contact staff at 510-494-4460 and a copy will be sent. 

 

 

 

A. According to the City of Fremont's current code (2001 California Building Code), fences that are six feet or less in height do not require permits.  Fences over six feet high require permits.  According to the local Zoning Ordinance, fences located within residential districts may be permitted if they meet the minimum setbacks.  For example, on corner lots, fences are restricted to thirty-inches nearest the radius of the street corner.  To verify fence height requirements on your property, contact a Planning Department staff member at 510-494-4455 or e-mail them at planinfo@ci.fremont.ca.us.  Once the height requirements have been established and a permit is determined necessary, contact a Development Assistant at 510-494-4460 for plan requirements.  There is a sample plan of the fence requirements within the DSC.  A copy can be faxed at your request.

 

Inspections for new fences generally take place in two stages.  The first stage of inspection is conducted after all the postholes are drilled and cleaned.  The second stage, the final inspection, is conducted after the entire fence is completed.  The owner or the contractor must request the inspections through our automated inspection request system; instructions for inspection requests will be discussed at the time of permit issuance. 

 

 

 

A. Generally work of this nature does not require a building permit; it's considered flat work.  However, the Planning Division should be contacted, especially if your home is located within a Planned District.  You can reach a staff member at planinfo@ci.fremont.ca.us or you can call direct at 510-494-4455. 

 

Contact the Engineering Division (510-494-4700) if the driveway improvement extends into the public right-of-way, beyond the property line; the established property lines are generally measured six-inches behind the rear edge of the sidewalks.  An encroachment permit may be required for this work.

 

 

 

A. If you are seeking information about a certain contractor and would like to verify his/her license and/or workers compensation status, call the State Contractors Licensing Board at 1-800-321-2752.  You can also verify this information through their web site at http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/license+request.asp.  In addition to licensing and workers compensation information, you will be able to verify the contractor's classification and bonding requirements.  The City staff will check the active status of a contractor when he/she obtains permits over the counter.  If the contractor's license is inactive, a permit will not be issued.

 

 

 

A. Because a bathroom is not defined as habitable space, requirements for a minimum room dimension are not required by code.  However, required dimensions must be maintained for the plumbing fixtures within the room.  For example, a water closet (toilet) compartment must be centered within a 30" or larger space and a 24" clearance must be maintained directly in front.  A shower pan requires a minimum area of 1024 sq. inches.  Generally a 36" x 36" or larger shower pan is acceptable as long as it's capable of encompassing a 30" circle within it.  If a glass enclosure is proposed, a 22" minimum door width will be required.  The enclosure must be tempered, and the door must swing outward from the enclosure.  The use of a shower curtain is an acceptable alternative.  In addition to these requirements, one luminary with lamps meeting an efficiently level of 40 lumens/watts, generally met by installing fluorescent lighting, is required as the primary lighting source within this full bath.  However, there are alternates as to the location of this required lighting.

 

Please obtain a building permit prior to construction.  If you have additional questions, please call us at 510-494-4460 or e-mail us at bldinfo@ci.fremont.ca.us. 

 

 

 

A. The building code is very specific in describing the type of work that can be done without a permit.  For example, a one-story detached accessory building (storage shed, playhouse, and similar uses) that does not exceed 120 square feet does not require a building permit.  A wooden deck that is not over 30" above grade at any point and is not over any basement or story below is exempt from a permit.  There are several other exemptions in section 106.2 of the 2001 California Building Code, and a copy of the exemptions are available to you upon request.  Contact a Development Services Staff member at 510-494-4443 for a copy of the current exemptions.

 

 

 

A. Yes, it is possible to order copies of commercial and residential plans through the Development Services Center (DSC).  However, if the plans are stamped and/or signed by a licensed engineer or architect, a letter of release from the licensed professional must be provided to a DSC staff member for approval.  In addition to this letter of approval, a written approval from the current building owner will be required.  Both letters must be received and approved prior to ordering the plans.  Plans without licensed professional stamps and/or signatures can be readily ordered.  Please contact the Development Services Center for cost related to copies.