Building Safety in Richmond, CA (2026)
5 verified building safety rules for Richmond, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Smoke Alarms
Every dwelling in Richmond must have working smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, as required by California Health & Safety Code §13113.7 and the California Residential Code. Alarms installed since 2015 must be 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired models, and sellers must certify compliance at transfer.
Building Safety: Smoke Alarms
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health & Safety Code §13113.7
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after Janu...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
California Health & Safety Code §17926 requires carbon monoxide alarms in every Richmond dwelling that has a fossil-fuel appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. Alarms must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level, and sellers must certify compliance at the point of sale.
Building Safety: Co Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsElectrical Permits
Most electrical work in Richmond requires a permit from the Building Regulations Division and must comply with the California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), based on the National Electrical Code. Homeowners may pull owner-builder permits for their own primary residence, but licensed C-10 electrical contractors are required for most rental and commercial work.
Building Safety: Electrical Permits
Heavy RestrictionsPlumbing Permits
Richmond requires plumbing permits for water heater replacements, repipes, sewer lateral work, gas line modifications, and fixture additions under the 2022 California Plumbing Code, with mandatory sewer lateral compliance at point of sale.
Building Safety: Plumbing Permits
Some RestrictionsRoofing Permits
Richmond requires building permits for all roof replacements and repairs exceeding 100 square feet, enforced by the Building Regulations Division under the 2022 California Building Code and California Residential Code as adopted by the city.
Building Safety: Roofing Permits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Richmond city rules.
Building Safety in Contra Costa County →