Richmond's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Richmond, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Shed Rules

Under the California Building Code 2025 (adopted by Richmond), one-story detached tool and storage sheds 120 square feet or less are exempt from building permits. Zoning setbacks and accessory-structure rules under the Richmond Zoning Ordinance still apply regardless of permit exemption.

Key details: Permit Exemption Threshold: ≤120 sq ft, one-story, detached. Code: California Building Code 2025 § 105.2 (item 1). Zoning Still Applies: Yes — setbacks per base district. Planning Contact: (510) 620-6706. Fence Permit: Required if over 7 ft high.

Sheds that exceed 120 sq ft or violate setbacks are subject to enforcement under RMC § 15.04.950 and § 15.04.990 (revocation/modification). Construction without required permits is a code violation; the City may order removal or retroactive permitting. Repeat violations may be charged as misdemeanors under RMC § 1.04.100.

Richmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to shed rules. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Conversions

Richmond permits conversion of an existing garage into an ADU as a ministerial process under RMC § 15.04.610.020 and California ADU Law. JADUs may be created within attached garages because state law treats them as part of the single-family residence. Demolished parking need not be replaced.

Key details: Code Section: RMC § 15.04.610.020; Gov. Code § 66323. Min Floor Area (Conversion): 150 sq ft. Max Floor Area (Conversion): 850 sq ft (studio/1bd); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bd). Setbacks: Same as existing structure. Parking Replacement: Not required when demolished/converted.

Unpermitted garage-to-living-space conversions are a code violation and create unsafe occupancy. Enforcement under RMC § 15.04.950 includes orders to vacate, fines, and required restoration or retroactive permitting. The City may also impose a lien on the property under RMC Chapters 1.04 and 2.62. Unpermitted conversions create resale and insurance problems.

The rules around garage conversions in Richmond lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

ADU Rules

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).

Key details: 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.

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.

Richmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to adu rules. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Richmond gives residents more room on accessory structures. 3 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Richmond can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.