ADU rules in Fremont, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Fremont follows CA Gov Code 65852.2: ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed on most residential lots, plus Junior ADUs. Ministerial 60-day review. No owner-occupancy through 2025.
Fremont adopted a state-compliant ADU ordinance implementing California Government Code 65852.2 and 65852.22. Every single-family and multi-family residential lot in Fremont may add at least one ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU). Detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet or 50 percent of the primary dwelling size (whichever is greater) are permitted by right. Attached ADUs follow the same size limits. Garage conversions and 800 square foot detached new ADUs are allowed even when zoning setbacks would otherwise prohibit them (4-foot side/rear setback minimum). Maximum height is 16 to 18 feet for detached units, 25 feet for second-story attached. No parking is required within 1/2 mile of public transit (most of Fremont qualifies due to BART and AC Transit). Owner occupancy cannot be required through January 1, 2025. Permit review is ministerial within 60 days.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits leaf blower use to daytime hours and must comply with California AB 1346 banning sales of new gas blowers statewide as of 2024.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits industrial noise to 70 dBA at commercial property lines and 55 dBA at abutting residential lines under FMC Chapter 5.30.
Fremont, CA
Fremont treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under FMC Chapter 6, with Animal Services investigating complaints and issuing citations.
Fremont, CA
Fremont permits wood, masonry, vinyl, and metal fences but restricts barbed wire, electric fencing, and combustible materials in fire-hazard zones.
Fremont, CA
Retaining walls over 3 feet high require engineered permits in Fremont, with extra scrutiny for Mission Peak and Hayward Fault slope areas.
Fremont, CA
Fremont prohibits exotic and wild animals under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and FMC Chapter 6, preempting most exotics.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle adu rules.
See how Fremont's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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