Permit Requirements: Concord vs Richmond
How do permit requirements rules compare between Concord, CA and Richmond, CA?
Concord and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
Concord, CA
Contra Costa County
Concord has no short-term rental-specific ordinance, but Municipal Code Ch. 3.15 requires any operator of transient lodging (occupancy of 30 days or less) to register with the city Finance Director within 10 days of commencing business, and a city business license is also required.
View full Concord rules →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
Richmond requires a business tax certificate for STR hosts under RMC Chapter 7.04.020. STRs are classified as Class E (Hotel/Motel) under Measure U (approved Nov. 2020). Host must be primary resident and live at property 185+ days per year.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Concord | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| STR-specific ordinance | None adopted | - |
| TOT registration required | Within 10 days of operation (CMC 3.15.260) | - |
| Business license required | Yes (CMC 5.05.040) | - |
| Threshold defining 'transient' | Stays of 30 consecutive calendar days or less | - |
| Hotel/Motel in residential zones | Not permitted (CMC 18.30) | - |
| Bed & breakfast inn | Use Permit required in residential zones | - |
| Business License | - | Required — Class E (Measure U) |
| Primary Residency | - | Required — 185+ days/year |
| ADUs | - | Cannot be used as STRs |
| Apply | - | eTrakit or 450 Civic Center Plaza |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Concord FAQ
Does Concord have a short-term rental ordinance?
No. Concord has not adopted a vacation-rental or short-term rental-specific ordinance. STRs are governed by the city's broad transient-occupancy tax provisions (Ch. 3.15), business license rules (Ch. 5.05), and the zoning code.
Do I need a permit to host on Airbnb in Concord?
You must register as a transient-lodging operator with the Finance Director within 10 days of starting (CMC 3.15.260), obtain a Concord business license under CMC 5.05.040, and collect and remit the 10% TOT. Because residential zones do not list short-term rentals as a permitted use, contact the Planning Division to confirm zoning compliance.
Is a short-term rental considered a 'home-based business' in Concord?
Concord's home-based business standard (CMC 18.200.100) limits client visits and prohibits exterior business indicators, which does not fit overnight lodging. Staff treat transient lodging under the hotel/TOT definitions rather than as a home-based business.
Richmond FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Richmond?
Richmond requires a business tax certificate for STR hosts under RMC Chapter 7.04.020. STRs are classified as Class E (Hotel/Motel) under Measure U (approved Nov. 2020). Host must be primary resident and live at property 185+ days per year.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Richmond?
Business License: Required — Class E (Measure U). Primary Residency: Required — 185+ days/year. ADUs: Cannot be used as STRs. Apply: eTrakit or 450 Civic Center Plaza.
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