Overview
Fremont is located in Alameda County in California. Fremont has a total
population of 214089 over a land mass of 77.46 Square Miles. When it comes to
ADUs, the city allows for 1+ ADUs on a given property, and a square footage of
850-1,000 sf
Types of ADUs Allowed
Detached, Junior, Attached
Number of ADUs allowed
According to state law, all single-family homes are allowed at least one ADU.
Additionally, single-family parcels which are owner-occupied may create one ADU
and one JADU. Also, multi-family parcels may now add one ADU per every four
existing residential units, so long as they were legally established.
Property Requirements
Single-family and multi-family Parcels will be allowed to create up to 850
square ft. for a one bed ADU or up to 1,000 square ft. for a two bed ADU,
regardless of the underlying zoning standards of the property. A JADU up to 500
square ft. is allowed. The minimum size of any living unit (including ADUs and
JADUs) is 150 square ft. according to Califronia Residential Code. ~ AB68 &
AB881 Update
Types of ADUs Allowed
Attached ADU
An attached ADU is one that is attached to your house. Also know as Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs. These types of ADUs can be accessed from the primary house with a door in the connection point, but also can be independent of the main home.
Detached ADU
A detached ADU is not connected to your primary house. The dwelling needs to be within your property setbacks and allowable building size (both height and square footage).
Junior ADU
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are named this way because they are small (up to 500 square feet).
In California, the recent state bills
AB68 and
AB 881 permits both an ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on the same lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. This means you can have two units on your lot: ADU, and JADU.
Property Requirements
Ownership
Between between 2020 and 2025, owner occupancy requirements will not apply to
new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s. (applicable to new construction and
conversion units) ~ SB-13
Number of ADUs Allowed
According to state law, all single-family homes are allowed at least one ADU.
Additionally, single-family parcels which are owner-occupied may create one ADU
and one JADU. Also, multi-family parcels may now add one ADU per every four
existing residential units, so long as they were legally established.
ADU Size
Accessory Dwelling Unit projects on single family or multi-family residential
parcels will not be subject to the minimum lot size of the underlying local
zoning code or by special ordinance. ~ AB-68
Parking
Properties which convert an existing garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
or JADU will not be subject to replacement parking requirements. ~ According To
AB68
Height
ADUs may not exceed the building height limits applicable to the principal
residence.
Fire Safety
If a detached structure, the ADU must be separated from other habitable
structures on the lot by at least 10 feet. This may be reduced to eight feet if
one structure is equipped with fire sprinklers or six feet if both structures
are equipped with fire sprinklers. Other exceptions may apply.
Utility Connections
Permits from the Alameda County Water District (ACWD) and Union Sanitary
District (USD) may also be required. A fee is required for the building permit
and may be required for other permits.
Aesthetic
ADUs shall incorporate architectural features, building materials and colors
that are compatible with the principal residence. 1. Outside stairways to the
ADU shall not be in the front of the principal residence. 2. A continuous paved
pathway from the street to the front door of the ADU (called a “passageway”) may
be added, but is not required.
Set backs
The maximum required setback for a detached new construction ADU shall be no
more than 4 ft. from the rear and side property lines. Setbacks will not be
required for ADUs and JADUs converted from existing space that was legally
eastablished. Attached ADUs and conversions from existing space to be expanded
will be required to comply with the setbacks of the underlying zone. ~ AB68 &
AB881 Update
Design Review
An application for an ADU that meets the applicable standards in the Fremont
Municipal Code (FMC) is subject only to ministerial review and approval. This
means that the application may be approved by staff and no public hearing is
required. Where design review requirements are applicable (for example, for an
addition or a new detached structure), a Ministerial design review Permit is
required.
Next Steps
To get started on your ADU, here are some first steps.
Call Your City
Search Google for your city’s contact number. eg “City of {Phoenix} Residential Permits Contact Number”
You can call the main line and get directed to the permitting department.
Ask these questions...
1) Can I put a secondary home on my lot (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
2) What are my livable setbacks, and ADU size regulations?
3) Can I put a prefabricated guest house on my property?
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