Building & Safety

Building and Safety is a division of the Community Development Department and performs the following services for the Fremont community: Plans and Permits, Building Inspection, and Code Enforcement.

**Important Notices**


Development Services Center Open for Business


To help construction projects move forward in Fremont and provide an alternative to online services, the City’s Development Services Center is open to the public; however, staffing is limited.

To enter the Development Services Center, all visitors are required to fill out a COVID-19 Screening Form. If you plan to visit the Center, please fill out this form before you enter the building. This requirement is part of the City's efforts to implement safety protocols that help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Online Permits Using Citizen Access

The City has implemented an online submittal process for all new permit requests using the City's Citizen Access portal. The online submittal process should be used for all new permit requests including planning permits, building/fire permits, solar permits, and engineering permits. This includes building permits for basic home upgrade projects like water heater replacements, roof replacements, and minor kitchen/bathroom remodels. For more information, please visit the City's Online Permits webpage.

Online Payments for Permits Using Citizen Access

The City is accepting online payments for permit fees through Citizen Access. Payments can be submitted for planning permits, building/fire permits, and engineering permits. For more information, please read this City news article.

Citizen Access FAQs

View the Citizen Access FAQs to learn all about Citizen Access, the City's public permit portal, including how to submit a new permit request, resubmit plans/documents, link different records into one account, pay permit fees, etc.

Building Inspection Services


To align with the revised Alameda County Shelter in Place Order, the City is expanding building inspection services for construction projects that comply with the Order and follow the Construction Project Safety Protocols included in the Order. Building inspections are available for all projects. Inspections can be scheduled online through the City’s Accela Citizen Access portal or by phone at 510-494-4885.

New Remote Procedures for Design Review Inspections


All new buildings, additions to buildings, and building site improvements require design review inspections by City staff. Design review inspections for buildings under construction are now being handled remotely using photographs provided by the project contractor. Applicants should send an email with their permit number, project address, and photographs. For more information, please contact design review staff at 510-494-4480 or by email.

Remote Video Building Inspections


The City is now offering remote video building inspections for the following single family residential projects: reroofs, water heater replacements, air conditioning upgrades, and furnace replacements. Inspections are performed using the FaceTime (iOS) or Google Duo (Android) app. For more information, please visit the Video Inspections webpage or contact Building Inspection at 510-494-4400 or by email.
For more information and updates to City services, please visit the City's Coronavirus webpage.

Plans and Permits


The Plans and Permits team processes permits, reviews plans, and issues permits for construction projects within the City of Fremont. Plans and permit applications can be submitted online at Citizen Access or in person at the Development Services Center.

Plans and Permits

Building Inspection


Inspections are performed to ensure that each construction project is in compliance with the approved plans, specifications, and codes. Inspections are required for all building permits and can be scheduled online or by calling 510-494-4885. For commercial AFES, fire alarm, and fire code inspections, contact us via email or by calling 510-494-4428. 
Building Inspection
Code Enforcement
The Code Enforcement team enhances safety within the community and protects property values. Residents can report issues like blighted properties, dangerous buildings, and unsanitary homes. Concerns can be submitted online or by calling 510-494-4430.
Code Enforcement
Citizen Access
Citizen Access is the City's online permit portal for new permit requests, looking up permitting information on a specific property, checking on the status of a permit, paying permit fees, requesting a building inspection, and submitting a concern to Code Enforcement. Citizen Access is quick, convenient, and easy to use. To get started, visit Fremont.gov/CitizenAccess.
Accela Citizen Access
Civic Insight
Civic Insight is the City's interactive map that plots major development (vertical construction) permit activity citywide over the past 10 years. For minor permit activity (e.g., solar, home occupation, encroachment permits), use Citizen Access
Civic Insight