The City retains microfilm copies of plans, permits, calculations, specifications, and soil/geotechnical reports from as far back as 1956 when the city was incorporated. Requests are made for copies of plans and calculations prepared by an architect and/or engineer registered in the State of California. Drawings not signed by a certified professional (architect or engineer) may be duplicated upon payment of copying fees. Calculations and soils reports as well as many Planning Department Reports may also be duplicated without the consent of the original professional. For signed drawings please see below.

 

POLICY FOR SIGNED DRAWINGS:

Section 19851 of the Health & Safety Code of the State of California requires that building departments not release plans or documents prepared by a licensed, registered or certified professional, unless one of the following conditions exists:

1. The written authorization from the original certified professional, or his or her successor AND from:

   1. the original or current owner of the building

      OR-

   2. if the building is part of a common interest development, from the Board of Directors or other governing body of the association established to manage the common interest development.

2. The records are subpoenaed for use in civil court cases.

PROCEDURE:

STEP 1:
COMPLETE THE RESEARCH REQUEST FORM AND CHOOSE EITHER OPTION "A" OR "B" AS FOLLOWS:

Option A -

The applicant can request written authorization by:

1. Contacting the certified professional, or his or her successor AND

   1. the original or current owner of the building

      OR

   2. if the building is part of a common interest development, from the board of directors or other governing body of the association established to manage the common interest development.

2. Provide the authorization to:
   City of Fremont, Development Services Center
   39550 Liberty Street/P.O. Box 5006
   Fremont, California 94537-5006

OPTION B -

A "Request for Duplication of Plans/Affidavit" form and a research request form shall be completed by the applicant. If an applicant is different from the owner or the Board of Directors per above items 1(a) or 1(b), an applicant must also obtain the owner's permission.

Once the applicant has paid the "Request for Duplication of Plans/Affidavit" fee, [per the current fee schedule, ($60.00)], staff shall send a copy of the affidavit to the certified professional via certified mail (return receipt requested).

IF THE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL, (1) AUTHORIZES RELEASE OF DRAWINGS - OR - (2) DOES NOT RESPOND WITHIN 60 DAYS, THE DRAWINGS MAY BE RELEASED BY THE CITY.

STEP 2 -

Complete the City of Fremont Microfilm Work Order Form and pay copying fees. You will be notified when your copies are ready, usually within 24 hours.