Fremont ADU rules are a set of rules by the city of Fremont used to regulate zoning to comply with the state mandate and accommodate ADUs. Since then, there’s been high demand from Fremont homeowners looking to maximize their property.
There are many things to look out for before setting up your ADU in Fremont but worry not for we’ve got you covered with Fremont ADU Rules.
ADU Guidance in Fremont
The information of Fremont ADU regulations will help you learn about ADUs and get more detailed information that’s specific to your property. Some of the things you should be aware of are:
ADU Rules on Quantity
On lots with one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) are permitted.
ADU Rules on Occupancy and Rental
The Fremont ADU Rule was allowed between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, the property owner may rent out both the ADU and the principal dwelling. Before this time, ADUs were necessary to have the owner dwell in either the ADU or the principal house.
Some more rules you may want to look out for before making any steps include:
An ADU may not be rented for a term of fewer than 30 days.
A deed restriction banning the sale of the ADU or as a separate dwelling and proving that the unit conforms with the City’s standards for minimum rental time and owner occupancy, as applicable, must be recorded on your property. Following the permit submission, your Project Planner will offer instructions on how to carry out the deed limitation.
Location Rules for ADU
Choosing the best position to set up your ADU may be a bit tricky, especially if you are not aware of Fremont’s ADU rules on location. That’s where we Done Right Home Remodeling come in because we care so much about you.
Here are some of the rules to look out for:
Attached garages, storage facilities, similar purposes, or additional construction may be attached to or positioned within a planned or existing principal house.
ADUs can be separate from the intended or existing principal residence.
An ADU that entails the building of new floor space must have a minimum setback of four feet from the side and rear lot lines.
Unless the ADU is subject to the restricted criteria, the underlying zoning district’s minimum front yard setback requirements shall apply to an ADU that entails the building of new floor space.
The ADU shall not be placed over any easements
Size Regulations for ADU
The Fremont ADU Regulations depend on type and size of ADU you’re interested in building. Example:
Minimum lot size. The good news is that your property can be any size and be eligible for an ADU. There are no minimum lot size restrictions.
Attached ADUs are limited in size to 50% of the floor area of the primary residence, except that the maximum size allowable shall be no less than 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom ADU or 1,000 square feet for an ADU with two bedrooms or more.
ADUs are limited in size to 1,000 square feet on lots less than 10,000 square feet and 1,200 square feet on lots 10,000 square feet or larger.
Lot coverage standards do not apply to any connected or detached ADU that is less than 800 square feet in size. Any ADU larger than 800 square feet must adhere to the underlying zoning district’s lot coverage regulations (usually 40% maximum lot coverage).
Parking Rules for ADU
Conversion ADUs and junior ADUs, in general, do not require parking. Unless your project qualifies for an exemption from the parking requirements, attached and detached ADUs will require one parking space.
Development Standards ADU Regulations
Attached ADUs must not exceed the one- and two-story building height restrictions for the primary dwelling, or 16 feet in height, whichever is larger.
Unless the ADU is subject to the reduced requirements, attached ADUs are subject to the same back nd side yard exclusions and modifications as the primary dwelling.
The height of new detached ADUs is limited to 16 feet.
Multi-Family Lots Regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units
The number of ADUs permitted through the conversion of existing floor area is limited to 25% of the number of existing dwelling units. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs can be constructed on a lot with a multi-family dwelling. These ADUs can be located as close to four feet from the side and rear property lines and must be less than 16 feet in height. An ADU that is on a lot with a primary two-family dwelling or multiple dwelling shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.
Building Safety Regulations for ADU
All ADUS must meet fire safety standards. A carbon monoxide detector and a smoke alarm are necessary. If a private sewage disposal system is employed, the county health officer must approve it. A solid foundation is essential.
ADUs must not be subjected to a higher standard for fire sprinklers than the primary dwelling. Fire sprinklers are only necessary if an equal addition or alteration of space on a residential property that is not related to an ADU would be required.
For standards regarding fire separation distance and fire resistance rating for outside walls of a detached ADU, see California Residential Code (CRC) Tables R302.1(1) and R302.1(2).
Garage Conversions and Accessory Structures
Subject to fire and life safety regulations, an attached garage can be converted into an ADU.
No replacement parking is required for current parking lost due to the conversion or partial conversion of a garage or carport parking area.
A legally existing ancillary building (such as a detached garage, barn, shed, or carport) may be converted into an ADU without regard to setbacks, as long as the final construction meets fire and life safety criteria.
An ADU established by converting a lawfully existing auxiliary building, with no increase in floor space beyond a 150-square-foot extension to enable entrance or egress is not subject to the maximum size limitations that would apply to a new, detached ADU.
A detached ADU can be built on the same lot as a legally existing auxiliary construction. Other than an enlargement of up to 150 square feet to facilitate access or egress, further development beyond the footprint of what was previously lawfully existing is subject to the height and setback requirements applicable to a new detached ADU (i.e., 16′ height, 4′ rear, and side setbacks).
Conclusion
You will realize that getting to finally set up your ADU may be a bit of a hassle straining you to give up on your dreams. We at Done Right Home Remodeling won’t stand by and watch that happen, we provide ADU construction service, and we help people to construct ADU while maintaining all the latest ADU rules.
