Frequently asked questions

Find an answer by searching for keywords, or choosing a relevant category or regulation.
Email planning@ci.richmond.ca.us if you don't find what you're looking for.
QuestionTags
Can I operate a home-based day care in the City of Richmond?
What is the definition of a peddler business? Is my food truck considered a peddler business?
Where can I place my food truck?
What's the process to get a mobile food vendor permit on private property?
How can I renew my food truck permit?
What are the setbacks, height, and size limits for ADUs?
Can I convert my attached garage into habitable space/ a room?
Can I convert my garage or shed into an ADU?
How can I legalize my ADU?
How many ADUs can I have on my property?
What permits are required to build a new driveway on my property?
What are the height limits for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City of Richmond?
Can ADU's be over 16 feet in height?
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?
Who should I talk to about Building Permits for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City of Richmond?
Can I widen my driveway?
Can building projections extend into required yards in the City of Richmond?
What is the permitting process for building projections?
Where are building projections allowed to be?
Can decks and porches be replaced in kind without permits?
Why can my neighbor do something that I cannot do for my own property?
How much do Building Permits for ADUs cost?
How long does it take to get a building permit for an ADU?
What's the process to legalize unpermitted structures?
How does the City determine if a structure was constructed with the benefit of a building permit?
Which department is in charge of managing trees?
Who is authorized to maintain or remove street trees?
How do I know if my property contains private easements?
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness and how does it relate to historical properties?
What determines planning fees? Why do they cost what they cost?
What is zoning?
What does the Richmond Zoning Ordinance regulate?
How do I determine the Zoning District of my property?
How do Specific Plans function in California’s planning process, and what role do they play in implementing the General Plan?
What is an Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)?
How do I determine what my Accessor's Parcel Number (APN) is?
Who do I contact for help on properties outside of Richmond?
How do I contact the Residential Rental Inspection Program?
Who owns the utility pole located on my property?
Where do I make payments for planning permit fees?
Where can I make a public records request?
What should I do if I have been operating without a business license?
What is the role of the Planning Commission?
What is the role of the Design Review Board?
What are the duties of the Zoning Administrator?
How do I report unpermitted construction or construction concerns?
What are the potential penalties/fines associated with Code Enforcement Actions?
Where is outside storage allowed on commercial properties?
How is outside storage regulated?
How is temporary storage (like trailers, shipping containers, etc.) regulated?