Fremont encourages California native and Bay-Friendly landscaping through rebates and simplified permits. Native oak preservation applies. ACWD Bay Save lawn conversion programs available.
Fremont supports California native and drought-tolerant landscaping as the preferred alternative to high-water turf. ACWD and the StopWaste Bay-Friendly Landscaping program offer periodic lawn-to-garden conversion rebates of roughly 2 dollars per square foot with a per-household cap. Native gardens using coast live oak, toyon, California lilac (ceanothus), manzanita, yarrow, salvia, and sages are fully permitted in all residential zones. Front yard landscape conversions do not require a permit as long as grade, drainage, and driveway footprints are unchanged. HOA restrictions on native gardens are limited by California Civil Code 4735 which voids HOA rules that prohibit low-water landscaping. Native oaks at 10 inches DBH or greater are protected Heritage Trees and must be retained in landscape design.
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 native plants.
See how Fremont's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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