Development Services Center

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Development Services Center


The Development Services Center (DSC) is a one-stop shop for accepting, reviewing, and approving permit applications and construction documents for all types of projects. Zoning, Planning, Engineering, and Building Inspection staff members are available to answer questions and assist you.

**Important Notices**

  

Development Services Center Remains Temporarily Closed


The City’s Development Services Center remains closed to continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of employees and the community. The Center will remain closed until further notice, and the majority of City staff will be working remotely. Updates on reopening will be made available on this webpage. Since construction projects are still allowed to proceed in Fremont per State and County guidelines, the City is encouraging the public to use online permit services available on Citizen Access, the City's public permit portal. Building Inspection and Code Enforcement services will not be impacted by the closure of the Development Services Center. For more information, please contact the Center at 510-494-4443 or by email.

Online Permits and Payments Using Citizen Access

The City has implemented an online submittal process for all new permit requests using the City's Citizen Access portal. The online submittal process should be used for all new permit requests including planning permits, building/fire permits, solar permits, and engineering permits. This includes building permits for basic home upgrade projects like water heater replacements, roof replacements, and minor kitchen/bathroom remodels. The City is also accepting online payments for permit fees through Citizen Access. For more information, please visit the City's Online Permits webpage.

Electronic Plan Review Launching March 1


On March 1, 2021, the City will be launching Electronic Plan Review (ePR) for planning permits, building/fire permits, solar permits, and engineering permits. When requesting one of these types of permits, applicants will be able to use the City’s online permitting portal, Citizen Access, to submit their project plans and connect with City staff on the review process. The new process will eliminate the need for applicants to provide resource-intensive paper plans and documents and allow for a more efficient and transparent permit processing system. The City will continue to issue reminders about this upcoming launch. For more information, please visit the City's ePR webpage. 

Building Inspection Services


To align with the revised Alameda County Shelter in Place Order, the City is expanding building inspection services for construction projects that comply with the Order and follow the Construction Project Safety Protocols included in the Order. Building inspections are available for all projects. Inspections can be scheduled online through the City’s Citizen Access portal or by phone at 510-494-4885. 

New Remote Procedures for Design Review Inspections


All new buildings, additions to buildings, and building site improvements require design review inspections by City staff. Design review inspections for buildings under construction are now being handled remotely using photographs provided by the project contractor. Applicants should send an email with their permit number, project address, and photographs. For more information, please contact design review staff at 510-494-4480 or by email.

Remote Video Building Inspections


The City is now offering remote video building inspections for the following single family residential projects: reroofs, water heater replacements, air conditioning upgrades, and furnace replacements. Inspections are performed using the FaceTime (iOS) or Google Duo (Android) app. For more information, please visit the Video Inspections webpage or contact Building Inspection at 510-494-4400 or by email.

Building Permits

 
Building permits are needed for all new construction or alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, or repair of existing homes, buildings, or structures.

To apply for a building permit, use the online submittal process through the City’s Citizen Access portal. For more information, please visit the City's Online Permits webpage or contact the Plans and Permits Division at 510-494-4460.

Business Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Citizen Access


Citizen Access is the City's online portal for submitting a new permit request, paying permit fees, looking up permitting information on a specific property, checking on the status of a permit, requesting a building inspection, and submitting a concern to Code Enforcement. Citizen Access is quick, convenient, and easy to use. Visit Fremont.gov/CitizenAccess to get started.

Self-Help Center


The permitting Self-Help Center within the City’s Development Services Center offers computers for the public to be able to research properties in Fremont. The public can look up permit records using the City’s public permitting portal, Citizen Access, and review microfilm of plans and documents. To use the Self-Help Center, visitors must schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit the City's Self Help Center webpage.