Cal State Fullerton's 40,000+ students drive enormous and consistent rental demand. Diverse lot sizes from hillside estates to flatland residential parcels offer flexibility, and a strong young professional population supports premium rents near downtown.
Fullerton is a vibrant north Orange County city of approximately 140,000 residents, defined by its relationship with Cal State Fullerton — one of the largest universities in the CSU system with over 40,000 students. The city features diverse neighborhoods ranging from the walkable downtown core with its restaurants, bars, and live music venues, to the upscale hillside homes of Sunny Hills and Raymond Hills, to established flatland neighborhoods near the university. Fullerton's Metrolink and Amtrak station connects to Los Angeles and San Diego, and the city enforces a 31-day minimum rental period on ADUs, effectively prohibiting short-term vacation rentals while supporting the long-term housing market.
Check your property on the City of Fullerton zoning map. Determine whether your parcel is in a Preservation "P" zone or on the local historic register, as this affects parking requirements. Hillside properties may have additional grading and geotechnical requirements.
Create architectural plans including site plan, floor plan, elevations, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. Consider the target rental market — student housing near CSUF vs. young professional housing near downtown vs. family housing in Sunny Hills.
Submit your complete plan set to the Planning & Zoning Division at 303 W. Commonwealth Avenue. Include structural engineering, Title 24 energy calculations, and a soils/geotechnical report if on a hillside lot.
The city reviews plans for compliance with building codes and ADU regulations. State law mandates a 60-day maximum review period for compliant ADU applications.
Once permitted, begin construction with your licensed contractor. Schedule required inspections at each milestone — foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation, and final.
Request final inspection from the Building Division. Once passed, receive your Certificate of Occupancy. Remember: 31-day minimum rental period applies — no short-term rentals.