Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex Plans
Background
The County of Fresno encourages the development of Duplexes, Triplexes, and Fourplexes by offering pre-approved plans at no cost to homeowners. The plans offer a variety of designs that will match the diversity of Fresno County and the needs of households throughout the county.
Additional Information
The County of Fresno Department of Public Works and Planning encourages housing development in the unincorporated area of Fresno County. The Department is offering County pre-approved plans for Duplexes, Triplexes, and Fourplexes at no cost to homeowners interested in constructing on their property. If you live in an eligible County unincorporated area and have an appropriately zoned parcel, choose a design and size that fits your needs and contact our team to see if it can be built on your property.
For information on properties, zoning ordinance, and allowed uses, please contact our Zoning department at (559) 600-4540 or ZoningEnforcement2@fresnocountyca.gov.
Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex Plan Options
Plans are separated by options within an approximate size. Each size has 3 options available. Our department will provide a watermarked set for applications — once your application has been approved, we will provide you with the properly approved set for inspections.
Additional Considerations When Building a Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex.
Fresno County is offering pre-approved Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex building plans but be advised that there are many additional items to consider beyond permit fees.
Even when several projects are built from the same plans, they will all be unique in a variety of ways: location, orientation (north, south, east, west facing), source of power supply, sewage disposal connection, general access and/or vehicle parking, etc.
Consultation with an industry professional is highly recommended. Complete scope of work and total project cost can be drastically impacted by requirements that may not have been considered.
Carefully consider the items below prior to undertaking a new Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex project.
Solar
Solar systems are a requirement for any new construction of residential property in the State of California. The size of the solar system required will be based on the size of the unit to be built. The required size of solar is shown in kilowatts (Kw) and can be found on the front sheet or Title 24 section of the plan set.
To calculate the required solar production, refer to 2022 California Energy Code Joint Appendix JA11 and Equation 150.1-C.
Fire Sprinklers
Fire sprinklers are required.
The local fire protection district should be consulted as they have the authority to implement all aspects of the 2022 California Fire Code.
Sewer/Septic
Consult with the local utility provider for further information and costs.
Water Connection
Contact your local service provider for further information if needed.
Trusses
Trusses are manufactured by several companies. As Fresno County will not recommend a certain manufacturer, it will be the responsibility of the property owner or contractor to choose a manufacturer and provide truss calculations to Fresno County Public Works and Planning for review and acceptance.
Electrical Power Supply
Consult the local utility provider for all requirements and costs regarding this option.
School Fees/RTMF
School fees may be required. Our office will provide a school fee form for all units to be taken to the school district for determination if fees are applicable.
A Regional Transportation Mitigation Fee may be required by the Fresno Council of Governments. A form will be provided at permit issuance to take to their office to determine if they will require the fee to be paid.
** If an individual project may be exempt from a certain requirement, submit proof to Fresno County Public Works and Planning during the zoning review process for verification and acceptance.
Download a Copy of This Information as a PDF Here(PDF, 192KB)
Additional Documents Required
While the County will provide you with structural/electrical plans, we will still require a site plan and grading/drainage plan. Please see the below documents that detail what is required for both.
Plot Plan Example(PDF, 1MB)
Grading & Drainage Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 1MB)
Other plans/documents will be required depending on what is already existing on your property or what you will need to do on your specific site. These can include:
- Roof Trusses
- Fire Sprinklers
- Solar PV
- HVAC
- Septic System (separate permit)
When you are ready to submit an application, please visit our Citizens Portal to submit all of your documents:
Citizens Portal