ADU Permits: Fremont vs San Leandro
How do adu permits rules compare between Fremont, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Fremont.
Fremont, CA
Alameda County
Fremont processes ADU permits ministerially under Fremont Municipal Code 18.190.005 (effective August 11, 2023) and California Government Code 65852.2. Applications are filed through the Community Development Department / Planning and Building Permit Services. State law requires the city to act within 60 days of a complete application.
View full Fremont rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
ADU and JADU permits in San Leandro are issued ministerially by the Building Division within 60 days of a complete application, separate from any main-house permit.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fremont | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | FMC 18.190.005 | - |
| Review Type | Ministerial (no hearing) | - |
| Decision Window | 60 days from complete app | - |
| Allowed Units | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per SFR lot | - |
| Effective Date | August 11, 2023 | - |
| Reviewing body | - | Building Division (ministerial) |
| Decision deadline | - | 60 days from complete application |
| Permit type | - | Building permit (separate from main house) |
| Fee schedule | - | FY 2025-2026 Adopted Master Fee Schedule |
| Planning contact | - | (510) 577-3325 / planner@sanleandro.org |
| Address | - | New separate address required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fremont FAQ
How long does an ADU permit take in Fremont?
California Government Code 65852.2(b)(1) and FMC 18.190.005 require Fremont to act on a complete ADU application within 60 days. Actual time depends on correction cycles - budget 3-6 months from submittal to final permit issuance through Planning and Building Permit Services.
Does Fremont hold a public hearing on ADU permits?
No. FMC 18.190.005 follows California Government Code 65852.2 and makes ADU and JADU review strictly ministerial. The planner applies objective standards without discretionary review, public hearings, or neighbor notification.
San Leandro FAQ
How long does ADU permit review take?
By state law (Gov. Code §65852.2(b)) and Zoning Code §2.04.388, San Leandro must act on a complete ADU application within 60 days.
Do I need a planning permit and a building permit?
Only a building permit. ADUs that meet §2.04.388 standards are reviewed ministerially with no discretionary planning permit, public hearing, or design review.
Where do I submit?
The San Leandro Building Division in the Community Development Department. See the Building Fees & Forms page for current submittal requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Fremont and San Leandro compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool