Residential Infill Design Guidelines 

Established in July, 2005, the Residential Infill Design Guidelines are intended to ensure that new home and/or additions to existing homes are compatible and conform with the existing built environment.  These guidelines apply to all new homes in established neighborhoods on infill parcels. Infill parcels are parcels that have either been bypassed, are vacant, and/or are parcels that are largely surrounded by urban uses.  In short, the guidelines require that projects incorporate design measures, such as variations in the building footprints with indentations, projections and offsets and in the exterior walls by utilizing a variety of materials, colors, fenestration and features such as balconies, bay windows, verandas and entryways and varied roof forms with slopes, ridges and valleys.  Projects are reviewed by Planning staff for their consistency with the guidelines as well as the neighborhood of the proposed project. 

In an effort to encourage infill development, the City  promulgated the design of a single family home that meets the criteria of the infill design guidelines, which may be used on the majority of infill parcels throughout the City.  The City offers the plan free of charge, however, the home may only be constructed in the City.  To review the plans and/or to pick up a copy, please visit the Planning Division.

For additional information, please call (559) 621-8277 or click on the link below to review the guidelines.

• Residential Infill Design Guidelines
• Residential Infill Process

Design Guidelines

The City of Fresno Planning Division has several guidelines and policies that dictate the design of new or remodeled buildings. These design guidelines are intended to facilitate development that is compatible with existing land uses and that foster certain activities (i.e. pedestrian friendliness, safety, passive open space, etc.). The design guidelines are most commonly implemented by staff, however, the Planning Commission also reviews design. It should also be noted that the 2025 Fresno General Plan, the Community Plans and the Specific Plans contain design guidelines for residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use projects.

The following are links to several of these guidelines:

• 2025 Fresno General Plan Design Guidelines
• Tower District Design Guidelines
• Parking Lot Shading Standards
• City of Fresno Redevelopment Agency Industrial Development Design Guidelines

For additional information please call (559) 621-8277.