Before You Build in Richmond, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Hedges in Richmond are treated as fences for height purposes: 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards. Hedges within the corner vision triangle are limited to 3 feet. Hedges must be maintained trimmed; overgrown vegetation can trigger nuisance abatement under RMC Chapter 9.22.

Retaining walls up to 4 feet in exposed height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) do not require a building permit in Richmond unless they support a surcharge. Walls over 4 feet, or any height if supporting a surcharge, require engineered design and a permit. Drainage is required behind all walls.

Swimming pool barriers in Richmond must comply with California Building Code and Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act). Pools built or remodeled after 2007 require a minimum 60-inch (5-foot) barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates plus at least two additional safety features. Inspections are required.

Richmond fence height limits are 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards without a permit. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Corner lots have additional vision clearance requirements restricting fence height within 15 feet of intersections to 3 feet for traffic safety.

All swimming pool and spa drains in Richmond must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and California HSC §115928, requiring anti-entrapment drain covers meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standards. Single-drain pools generally require a second safety device such as a safety vacuum release system.

All residential swimming pools and spas in Richmond must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929), requiring a minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing and self-latching gates, plus at least two drowning-prevention safety features for pools installed or remodeled after January 1, 2018.

Above-ground pools in Richmond CA are regulated under California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §§115920-115929). Permitted pools and spas must include at least two of seven drowning-prevention features, with a 60-inch enclosure as the most common option.

Garages in Richmond must comply with California Building Code structural and fire-separation standards, zoning setbacks, and Richmond parking requirements. Garage conversions to ADUs or habitable space are permitted under state law and do not trigger replacement parking within 1/2 mile of transit. Using garages for long-term storage only can violate municipal parking rules.

Richmond allows ADUs in all residential zones under RMC §15.04.610.020 and CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, attached up to 50% of primary or 1,200 sq ft. JADUs up to 500 sq ft. Height limit 16 ft for detached. Ministerial approval (no public hearing). Pre-approved plans available free of charge.

Sheds and similar one-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet are exempt from building permit requirements under California Building Code Section 105.2. Larger sheds require a Richmond building permit and must comply with zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot-coverage rules.

Open burning is prohibited in Richmond under Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Regulation 5 and Richmond Municipal Code fire provisions. Residential yard-waste burning, trash burning, and agricultural burning are not permitted within city limits. Violators face BAAQMD fines and Richmond Fire Department enforcement, with additional scrutiny given proximity to the Chevron refinery.

Residential fire pits in Richmond must use gas or manufactured logs due to BAAQMD restrictions. No open wood fires. Portable fire pits must be at least 25 feet from structures. Use prohibited on Spare the Air days.

Richmond receives water from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which enforces permanent water-waste prohibitions and drought-stage restrictions. The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted permanent statewide conservation rules, including no watering during/within 48 hours after rain, no runoff, and no hose-washing of hard surfaces.

Richmond regulates removal of protected and heritage trees on private property. Permits are typically required before removing native oaks, heritage-designated trees, or trees of specific size/species on developed or subdivision lots. Street trees are city-owned and require Public Works authorization for any work.