Richmond's Unified Development Code defines accessory dwelling units as secondary dwellings on the same lot as the principal home, with separate cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities and specific dimensional requirements.
Under the City of Richmond Unified Development Code, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary dwelling located in a separate accessory building on the same lot as the principal dwelling, or as an independent unit within the principal building. ADUs must provide complete, independent living space with cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping facilities. ADUs are treated as accessory structures and must comply with the ten-foot separation rule from the primary dwelling. Permits and zoning compliance review are required through the Planning and Zoning Department before construction or conversion.
Constructing an ADU without a permit or in a district where it is not allowed can result in stop-work orders, code enforcement citations, and a requirement to remove or modify the structure to comply with the UDC.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle adu rules.
See how Richmond's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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