New Home Construction in Castro Valley, CA
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New Homes in Castro Valley
Castro Valley review: because Castro Valley is unincorporated, the County applies the Castro Valley General Plan and its Residential Design Standards and Guidelines, which are mandatory inside the Castro Valley Urbanized Area; departing from a standard requires discretionary review or a variance. Larger homes on a given lot size can trigger Site Development Review, and the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council, which meets on the second and fourth Mondays, reviews those projects and recommends to the Planning Director.
Hazards: the Hayward Fault runs through western Castro Valley, with Alquist-Priolo zones requiring a geologic investigation. Landslide risk is highest in the northern and eastern uplands, and development on sites with slopes over 30% must be located outside the steep area. Very High fire hazard areas include wooded slopes near Lake Chabot, Cull Canyon, Crow Canyon and Five Canyons, where wildfire-resistant construction applies.
Construction in Progress
Ask us about recent new-home and rebuild projects during your consultation.
Requirements
Alameda County Fire requires access roads at least 20 feet wide with grades no steeper than 14%, turnarounds on dead ends over 150 feet, and adequate fire flow.
Other agencies: Castro Valley Sanitary District (21195 Center Street, (510) 537-0757) for sewer, Alameda County Fire for access and water supply (roads at least 20 feet wide and no steeper than 14%), and Castro Valley Unified for school fees on additions over 500 sq ft.
399 Elmhurst Street, Room 141, Hayward, CA 94544 · (510) 670-5480 · pe*******@***wa.org
Permit processing Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; over-the-counter plan check by appointment at (510) 670-5440. Inspections online, at (510) 670-5434, or by email.
Alameda County Planning (CDA): 224 W. Winton Avenue, Room 111, Hayward · (510) 670-5400.
Applications run through the Alameda County Permit Portal.
Explore More
Other Castro Valley services: ADUs · Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · Castro Valley overview
Same service nearby: Hayward · Dublin · San Ramon
See our custom home builder page.
Castro Valley New Home Construction FAQ
Who approves a new home in Castro Valley?
Alameda County Planning and Building, with CVMAC input on larger projects.
Are there design standards?
Yes, the County’s Residential Design Standards and Guidelines are mandatory in the Urbanized Area.
What fire access is required?
Roads at least 20 feet wide and no steeper than 14%.
Can I build on steep slopes?
Development must be located outside areas over 30% slope.