Fremont residents planning simple upgrades to their home can obtain the necessary building permits online using the City's Citizen Access online portal. For more information, please visit the City's Online Permits webpage. 

Residential Express Permits

Residential Express Permits are available online for the following projects. View the steps for obtaining these types of building permits. These permits are issued automatically.

• Residential Electrical Upgrades: This includes residential electrical upgrades including repair, replacement, or new installation of electrical panels, electrical fixtures, and receptacles.
• Residential Furnace and Air Conditioning Replacement: This includes residential furnace and air conditioning replacement, including repair and installation of furnaces/heaters, air conditioning units, and ducts.
• Residential Plumbing: This includes residential plumbing repairs and alterations, including the installation or repair of water heaters, gas lines, and water lines.
• Residential Reroof: This includes residential reroof projects.

Other Basic Home Upgrade Building Permits

Other home upgrade building permits are available for the following residential projects:

• Window or patio door replacement 
• Minor bathroom remodels (non-structural)
• Minor kitchen remodels (non-structural)

To submit a new building permit request, please visit Citizen Access. Once on the website, create an account, log in to your account, select "Apply for a Permit" and "Building," complete the online form, upload plans/documents, and continue the request until you receive the online confirmation. For more information, please visit the City's Online Permits webpage or send staff an email. 

Once submitted, you will see the permit application in your Citizen Access account under "My Records." Permitting staff will review your application and contact you if they have questions.

To learn more about Citizen Access and how to use it, please view the following:

• City's Online Permits Webpage
• Citizen Access User Guide
• Citizen Access FAQs

Remote Video Building Inspections

The City is now offering remote video building inspections for limited types of building permits for single family residential projects as an alternative to an inspector completing an in-person inspection. Video inspections are limited to the following projects: reroof, water heater replacement, air conditioning upgrade, and furnace replacement. Inspections are performed using either the FaceTime (iOS) or Google Duo (Android) app. For more information, please visit the City's Video Inspections webpage.

For more information, please contact Plans and Permits by email or at 510-494-4460.