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Residential Projects and Resources
If you are considering an addition, remodel, or home upgrade, you have come to the right place. The City answers your questions below and provides the resources you need to complete your residential project.
Who do I contact to get started on my residential project?
The Community Development Department is responsible for the coordinated review of all building construction projects within the City. The review typically involves the Planning division and, within the Building and Safety division, Plans and Permits and Building Inspection. All of the divisions are located at the City's Development Services Center at 39550 Liberty Street in Fremont.
For projects that involve a second story or a second story addition, please contact Planning at 510-494-4440 or by email. You can also visit our Additions webpage for further information. A Planner will most likely be your point of contact (team leader) throughout the review process.
For all other projects, please contact a Community Development Technician in Plans and Permits at 510-494-4460 or by email. A Community Development Technician or Plan Checker will most likely be your point of contact (team leader).
Who will I interact with when submitting my project?
Please see the different City staff members below and their role in the review process.Who will coordinate my review process?
Your team leader (Community Development Technician, Planner, or Plan Checker) will coordinate project reviews with other City departments like Fire and Public Works and, as needed, with outside agencies such as the Alameda County Water District and the Union Sanitary District.
Are there projects that do not require a building permit?
Yes. Some residential projects do not require a building permit. Please refer to this list for those projects.
What are the benefits of obtaining a building permit?
Staff will examine your plans and drawings for compliance with local zoning codes as well as the California and local building codes. City inspectors will visit the residence or job site to inspect the work to ensure that the construction matches the plans and is compliant. These services can help prevent potentially fatal fires, leaks that cause damage, inadequate structural conditions, and other hazards caused by not complying with the minimum standards in the codes. Note: Building Inspectors do not get involved in disputes between contractors and property owners and are not authorized to comment on the quality of work performed by the contractor.
How long is the review process?
Timelines are dependent on the scope of work to be done and are typically specified on planning handouts for various permits. If your project involves only interior work, a building permit may be issued the same day or may take multiple cycles of review if plans are not correctly detailed or complete. A Community Development Technician can help you with the appropriate permit applications and provide you with anticipated timelines.
Where do I find information on the general requirements for my project?
- Design Guidelines: Citywide
- Design Guidelines: Glenmoor Gardens
- Design Guidelines: Mission Ranch
- Find Your Zoning District
- Home Based Business
- Residential Parking Requirements
- Zoning Requirements
Home Additions and One New/Reconstructed Single Family Home
- Accessory Dwelling Units
- Accessory Dwelling Units - Over the Counter
- Accessory Structures (Sheds)
- Application Forms
- Construction Hours
- Demolition (Also see Waste Handling Requirements)
- Design Guidelines: Citywide
- Design Guidelines: Glenmoor Gardens
- Design Guidelines: Mission Ranch
- Fence Heights
- Fences
- Fire Sprinkler Requirements
- Flood Zone Information
- Green Building Information
- Historic Evaluations
- Landscaping Requirements and Resources
- Public Improvement Requirements
(Streets, Sidewalks, etc.) - Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Solar Access Preservation Ordinance
- Stormwater Requirements
- Tree Removal/Pruning Permits
- Waste Handling Requirements
- Zoning Requirements
Exterior Improvements
- Accessory Structures
- Air Conditioning
- Construction Hours
- Fence Heights
- Fences
- Gray Water - Clothes Washer Systems (Coming Soon)
- Pool and Spa Installation
New Residential Developments
- Affordable Housing Requirements
- Application (Planning) and Submittal Handouts
- Building and Code Requirements
- Construction Hours
- Demolition
- Design Guidelines
- Fire and Local Code Requirements
- Flood Zone Information
- Fremont Municipal Code
- General Plan Land Use Changes
- Green Building Information
- Historic Evaluations
- Landscaping Requirements and Resources
- Noticing Requirements
- Parking Requirements
- Plans and Guidelines
- Public Works/Engineering Permits
- Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Solar Access Preservation Ordinance (Draft)
- Street Naming and Addressing
- Stormwater Requirements
- Universal Design
- Waste Handling Requirements
- Zoning (Refer to Title 18)
What are the fees associated with residential projects?
- Building Permit Fee Schedule
- Development Impact and Affordable Housing Fees (applicable to new residential units only)
- Development and Permit Fees in Master Fee Schedule
- Electrical Code Review and Permit Fee Schedule
- Fire Code/Alarm/AFES Application and Permit Fee Schedule
- Mechanical Code Review and Permit Fee Schedule
- Plumbing Code Review and Permit Fee Schedule
Are there other fees associated with residential projects?
- Alameda County Water District Fees
- Fremont Unified School District Fees
- For current rates visit Fremont Unified School District website
- Union Sanitary District Fees