Richmond, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Richmond, CA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- RMC § 15.04.610.020
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required for ADU; required for JADU within SFR
- Max Size (Studio/1BR)
- 850 sq ft
- Max Size (2+ BR)
- 1,000 sq ft
- JADU Max Size
- 500 sq ft
- Detached Height
- 16 ft (18 ft near transit)
- Side/Rear Setback
- 4 ft (detached new construction)
- Review Timeline
- 60 days (ministerial); 30 days with City pre-approved plans
- Short-term Rentals
- Prohibited (must be 30+ day rentals)
- Parking
- 0 spaces required when near transit, in historic district, or other Gov. Code § 66322 conditions
Summary
Richmond permits ADUs and JADUs ministerially in all residential zones, with no owner-occupancy requirement for the ADU. Studios/1-bedroom units may be up to 850 sq ft and 2+ bedroom units up to 1,000 sq ft; detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet (18 feet near transit).
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are residential dwellings with complete independent living facilities. ADUs may be attached or detached from primary construction, or it may be converted from existing space within a primary residence or a detached structure. No owner occupancy is required.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) are residential dwellings that are converted from existing space contained within a single-family residence and may be up to 500 sq. feet. Owner occupancy is required within single-family residence or JADU.
Zoning: ADUs and JADUs are allowed in all residential areas zoned for single-family or multi-family housing.
Max Floor Area (sq. ft.) Studio or 1bd: 850. Max Floor Area (sq. ft.) 2bd+: 1,000.
Max Height (ft): 16 or 18 if near transit (for detached units).
Minimum side setback (ft): 4 (for detached additions). Minimum rear setback (ft): 4 (for detached additions).
The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit. The ADU or JADU may not be used as short-term rentals.
Approval: The ADU process is ministerial, meaning it will be considered without discretionary review or a public hearing. Timeline: Review will take up to 60 days. Projects that use the City of Richmond pre-approved plans will be reviewed in 30 days.
Full Breakdown
2 by SB 477, effective March 25, 2024). The City's official ADU Info Sheet (effective January 1, 2025) confirms ADUs are allowed in all residential areas zoned for single-family or multi-family housing, with no owner-occupancy required for the primary ADU. Maximum floor area is 850 sq ft for studios/1-bedroom and 1,000 sq ft for 2+ bedroom units. Detached ADUs are capped at 16 feet (or 18 feet within one-half mile walking distance of a major public transit stop or high-quality transit corridor under Public Resources Code § 21155), with an additional two feet permitted to accommodate a roof pitch matching the primary dwelling.
Attached ADU additions may reach 25 feet or the zoning district height limit, whichever is lower. Side and rear setbacks for detached new-construction ADUs are 4 feet. ADUs may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling and may not be used as short-term rentals (rental terms must be 30 days or longer per Gov. Code § 66315 and § 66323). The approval is ministerial, with review within 60 days (30 days if using City pre-approved plans). No impact fees may be imposed on an ADU under 750 sq ft. On lots with single-family dwellings, up to one JADU, one attached ADU, and one detached ADU are allowed.
Violations & Fines
Construction without a building permit is a Code violation under RMC Chapter 15.04.950 and California Building Code 2025 Section 105. Unpermitted ADUs are subject to abatement, fines, and may not be rented or sold. The City may require removal or retroactive permitting at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU in Richmond?
How tall can my detached ADU be in Richmond?
Can I rent my Richmond ADU as a short-term rental on Airbnb?
Do I have to pay impact fees on my ADU?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
How Richmond compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·California rules heatmap·Compare Richmond to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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ADU Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle adu rules.