Richmond, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Must be
- Incidental to residence
- Location
- Dwelling, garage, accessory
- Where allowed
- Base zoning districts
- Code section
- RMC 15.04.610.230
Summary
Richmond allows home occupations only where permitted by the base zoning district and only as an activity incidental to the principal residential use, conducted within a dwelling unit, garage, or accessory building.
Home occupations must be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards, where allowed by the 200 Series, Base Zoning Districts: Applicability. The standards of this Section apply to an occupation... conducted in a dwelling unit, garage or accessory building in a residential or mixed use district that is incidental to the principal residential use.
Full Breakdown
Richmond Municipal Code section 15.04.610.230 requires home occupations to be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the zoning standards, where allowed by the base zoning districts. The standards apply to an occupation conducted in a dwelling unit, garage, or accessory building in a residential or mixed-use district that is incidental to the principal residential use, keeping the home's residential character primary.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home occupation that is not incidental to the residence, or outside the district and standards, violates RMC 15.04.610.230 and is enforced by the Planning Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my Richmond home?
Where can the home occupation operate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
How Richmond compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Richmond to another location·View the California home business overview
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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle zoning & home occupation permits.