1–Make your home look as though it’s occupied. Use timers on lights, inside and outside lights.

2–Ask a friend to neighbor to pick up mail and newspapers while you’re away.

3–Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway.

4–Keep your yard clean. Mow the grass before you leave and prune hedges so that they do not block windows.

5–Lock all doors and windows. Do not leave any spare keys outside.

6–Make sure you activate your alarm system…many people actually forget.

The interim ordinance also allows Fremont city staff to apply more scrutiny to proposed additions. Previously, the city was essentially approving all second-story addition requests, which resulted in the construction of very large homes in predominantly single-story neighborhoods. The interim ordinance will allow second- story additions but also require more design work to better integrate them into the existing neighborhood style.

The council action also prohibits additions greater than 35 percent of the existing home’s first floor area. The prohibition, which only applies to the Glenmoor and Mission Ranch neighborhoods, will be in effect until the city finalizes the second- story addition design standards.

The adoption of the interim ordinance strikes a compromise between private property rights and preserving neighborhood character. Property owners in these areas will now have a better understanding of what types of additions will be allowed in these neighborhoods. This approach is much better than a proposal last year that could have led to an outright ban on second-story additions.