Frequently asked questions

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Question (124)Tags
How do I report unpermitted construction or construction concerns?
Process
How do I apply for a business license?
Process
How do I get a fence permit?
ProcessAccessory Structures & Buildings
How do I apply for a building permit?
Process
How do I apply for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?
ProcessAccessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
How do I find a permit on record?
Process
How do I get started on a new planning project?
Process
What's the definition of legal non-conforming?
Legal Non-Conforming Uses
How does the City review applications to legalize an unpermitted ADU built prior to 2020?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
Where are the Open Space areas for the Tiscornia Estate Specific Plan??
Zoning
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 attend a Board or Commission meeting?
Process
How do I learn more about the Safe Parking Pilot Program?
Parking
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 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 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
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 are the setbacks, height, and size limits for ADUs?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 15.04.610.020
Can I convert my attached garage into habitable space/ a room?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 15.04.607.030
Can I convert my garage or shed into an ADU?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 15.04.610.320
How can I legalize my ADU?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
How many ADUs can I have on my property?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 15.04.610.020
What are the height limits for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City of Richmond?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 15.04.610.020
When applications feature a detached structure with a non-ADU related first story and an ADU on the second story, what is the height limit for the entire structure and the ADU?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 15.04.610.020GOV 7.1.13.2
Who should I talk to about Building Permits for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City of Richmond?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)§ 15.04.610.020
Can I widen my driveway?
Easements & Right-of-Way§ 15.04.201.040
Can building projections extend into required yards in the City of Richmond?
Accessory Structures & Buildings§ 15.04.601.020
What is the permitting process for building projections?
Accessory Structures & Buildings
Where are building projections allowed to be?
Accessory Structures & Buildings§ 15.04.610.020
Can decks and porches be replaced in kind without permits?
Accessory Structures & Buildings§ 15.04.601.020
Why can my neighbor do something that I cannot do for my own property?
Legal Non-Conforming Uses
How much do Building Permits for ADUs cost?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
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