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 requires a Planning Department permit for every residential fence regardless of height, plus a separate building permit for any fence 6 feet or taller. Contractors must hold an appropriate California license.

Richmond limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 3 feet 6 inches in sight triangles, with exceptions up to 6-8 feet under specified conditions.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 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.

Richmond is in the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) service area. EBMUD's Section 29 (Water Use Restrictions) permanently prohibits outdoor watering that causes runoff, watering during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall, washing sidewalks/driveways with potable water, washing vehicles with a hose that lacks a shut-off nozzle, and use of potable water in non-recirculating decorative fountains. New and rehabilitated landscape projects in Richmond must also comply with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), 23 CCR Section 490 et seq.

Richmond requires the branches of any tree extending over a public sidewalk, street, or other public way to be trimmed so they do not obstruct vision or the travel of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Right-of-way maintenance - including trees and shrubs in the planter strip - is the responsibility of the abutting property owner. Street trees themselves are City property and pruning of City-maintained street trees is coordinated with the Parks and Landscaping Division at (510) 620-6921.