The City of Fremont contains areas which are designated Earthquake Fault Zones, Fire Hazard Zones, Special Flood Hazard Areas and State Seismic Hazard Zones. Prior to purchase, construction or modification of a building, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and standards of construction required for these special hazard zones and whether they apply to your property. The zones may have a major impact on your project and your decision.

• Earthquakes
• Fire
• Special Flood Hazard Areas
• State Seismic Hazard Zones

Earthquakes

The Hayward Earthquake Fault crosses the City of Fremont. Areas close to the Fault are designated by the State as part of the Alquist Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. The intent of the Act is to prohibit the location of developments and structures for human occupancy across the trace of an active fault. Construction in this area is subject to certain limitations and requires special geotechnical investigations. The fault map is available for review in the Self-Help Center (1st floor, Permit Center) at 39550 Liberty Street   or may be accessed on the Internet from the Association of Bay Area Governments.

Fire

Special Flood Hazard Areas

• Community Rating System (CRS): In March 2001, FEMA accepted the City into the Community Rating System, with a rating of Class 7. The Class 7 rating provides owners of property in special flood hazard areas, a 15% reduction on premiums for flood insurance required under the National Flood Insurance Program. Property owners should review their insurance policies to make sure the 15% discount has been applied to the flood insurance premium.
• Flood Maps, Elevation Certificates, and other documents: As a community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, the City of Fremont is the repository for maps, letters of map revision (LOMR), letter of map amendment (LOMA), and elevation certificates, on file, are available at the Engineering Division offices at 39550 Liberty Street.
• Other Sources of Information:  The FEMA website has been revised to include more tools for property owners, lenders, insurance professionals, and government agencies. The following links provide more information about flood zones, maps, and insurance:
  • Flood Map Search: Search by address for the flood insurance rate maps.  Maps can be viewed and purchased from the Flood Map Store.
  • National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): This is a good starting point for property owners, lenders, insurance agents, surveyors and other professionals, who have questions about flood insurance.
  • Flood Hazard Mapping: Information, including a FAQ, on mapping of flood hazards.
  • Fremont Municipal Code: Title 8, Chapter 8, Flood Damage Prevention.

The Engineering Division administers the City's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and the National Flood Insurance Program for the community.

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NOTE:  If a street or storm drain is flooding, please see Flooding under Public Safety.

State Seismic Hazard Zones

State Seismic Hazard Zones identify areas more susceptible to earthquake induced landslides or liquefaction. These state maps may be viewed on-line at gmw.consrv.ca.gov/shmp/index.htm. The state requires site-specific geotechnical investigations be conducted identifying the hazards and formulating mitigation measures prior to permits being issued.

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