Richmond, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

California Building Code requires attached garages to have a 1/2-inch gypsum board separation between the garage and dwelling, with a self-closing 20-minute fire-rated door. Detached garages are subject to zoning setback rules (commonly 5 feet from side/rear property lines, 18–20 feet from front property line to allow a driveway parking space). Maximum height is typically 15 feet for detached garages. Richmond's zoning code requires a minimum of one to two off-street parking spaces per single-family dwelling, often accommodated by garage or driveway. Under California Government Code 65852.2, garage conversions to ADUs are expressly facilitated: the city cannot require replacement parking if the home is within 1/2 mile of a transit stop, which covers most of Richmond given BART (El Cerrito del Norte, Richmond station) and AC Transit routes. Zoning rules also generally prohibit using a garage for non-vehicular storage to the point that cars cannot park inside — if street parking congestion results from garage storage, neighbors may complain and code enforcement can cite. Construction of new garages requires a building permit. Electrical for EV charging is increasingly common; Title 24 requires EV-ready wiring in new single-family construction. Converting an attached garage to a bedroom/office without ADU permitting creates an illegal unpermitted conversion, which affects property value and insurance. Sale disclosure (Civ Code 1102) requires reporting unpermitted garage conversions. Garage sales are regulated under home-business and nuisance rules; typically 2–3 per year are allowed without a permit.