Frequently asked questions

Find an answer by searching for keywords, or choosing a relevant category or regulation.
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QuestionTags
Where are the Open Space areas for the Tiscornia Estate Specific Plan??
Zoning
What kind of permits are required for a Special Event?
Events
How do I get a fence permit?
ProcessAccessory Structures & Buildings
How do I apply for a building permit?
Process
How do I get started on a new planning project?
Process
How do I apply for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?
ProcessAccessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
How do I apply for a business license?
Process
How do I find my zoning and other information for points of interest?
Zoning
How do I report an issue or concern?
Process
How do I pay required fees through eTRAKiT?
Process
How do I schedule or cancel an inspection?
Process
How do I find a permit on record?
Process
How do I attend a Board or Commission meeting?
Process
How do I request a zoning verification letter?
ProcessZoning
How do I find affordable housing in the City of Richmond?
Affordable & Workforce Housing
How do I get a subordination agreement?
Legal Property AgreementsProcess
How do I learn more about the Safe Parking Pilot Program?
Parking
How do I get a permit for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)?
ParkingRenewable Energy Systems
Can I build an ADU on a historical property?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)Historic Resources
§ 15.04.610.020
Does state law override the Richmond Municipal Code (RMC) on electrified fences?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.601.060
What does "proposed walls" mean for JADU's?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
§ 15.04.610.020
Is design review required for two-story new construction detached ADUs featuring a non-ADU-related floor?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
§ 15.04.805.010
Can 2 ADUs be attached to each other but detached from primary dwelling?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
GOV 7.1.13.2
Can ADUs converted from an existing accessory structure expand in floor area?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
GOV 7.1.13.2
§ 15.04.610.020
How many ADUs allowed on a lot with multiple detached residential units?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)Multifamily Housing
GOV 7.1.13.2
How many ADUs allowed on lots with 2 detached single-family dwellings?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
§ 15.04.610.020
Does another story independently accessible of the ADU count towards floor area?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
§ 15.04.610.020
What is a historical resource evaluation, and who can conduct the assessment?
Historic Resources
§ 15.04.303.010
What type of vegetation/existing site features are permissible for screening of exterior wall-mounted equipment?
§ 15.04.601.110
Do retaining walls require a planning permit?
§ 15.04.601.060
§ 15.04.104.020
Do I have to renew the permit for my food truck?
Mobile Food Vending
§ 15.04.610.320
How does the California Density Bonus Law apply to the City of Richmond?
Multifamily Housing
SDBL
What are the different rules and standards regarding sheds?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.601.010
Where can I build a shed?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.601.010
Is a permit needed to replace an old fence?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.601.060
Who owns the fence between neighboring properties, and who is responsible for obtaining a permit for it?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.601.060
How do I resolve disagreements about property lines or determine where my property boundaries are?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
What are the various requirements regarding fences proposed in commercial, mixed-use, or industrial zoning districts?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.601.060
How are retaining walls permitted?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.201.100
Can I install a fence on top of a retaining wall?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
§ 15.04.601.060
§ 15.04.103.050
My property is a corner lot. Which side of my property is considered the "front yard"?
§ 15.04.103.120
Are 2 ADUs allowed on a lot with multiple single-family dwellings?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
GOV 7.1.13.2
What is a legally nonconforming use ("grandfathered in")? How do I determine if a business is legally nonconforming?
Legal Non-Conforming Uses
§ 15.04.606.010
§ 15.04.606.020
§ 15.04.606.030
§ 15.04.606.040
§ 15.04.606.050
§ 15.04.606.060
§ 15.04.606.070
§ 15.04.606.080
§ 15.04.606.090
§ 15.04.606.100
Do legal non-conforming uses ever expire?
Legal Non-Conforming Uses
§ 15.04.606.060
Can non-conforming uses be expanded, and do they have the right to continue in the City of Richmond?
Unknown
§ 15.04.606.010
§ 15.04.606.020
§ 15.04.606.030
§ 15.04.606.040
§ 15.04.606.050
§ 15.04.606.060
§ 15.04.606.070
§ 15.04.606.080
§ 15.04.606.090
§ 15.04.606.100
What's the definition of legal non-conforming?
Automobile Uses
Where are auto-related businesses allowed to operate in Richmond?
Automobile Uses
§ 15.04.606.060
§ 15.04.104.020
Why can't my property have an auto related use when my neighbor is allowed to?
Automobile Uses
§ 15.04.606.060
Where can I park my commercial vehicle?
Automobile UsesHome OccupationsOutdoor Storage
§ 15.04.104.020
§ 15.04.610.230
Series 200
§ 15.04.601.070
What business activities can I do from my home?
Home Occupations
§ 15.04.610.230
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