Short-term rental permit rules in Richmond, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
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.
Under Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 7.04.020, every person conducting business in the city must obtain an annual business tax certificate. STRs fall under Class E: Hotel/Motel for Measure U tax purposes. The host must use the property as their primary residence (185+ days/year). ADUs may not be used as STRs. Apply via eTrakit or in person at City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor.
Operating without business license: citation and fines. Unlicensed STR operation: cease and desist.
Richmond, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle permit requirements.
See how Richmond's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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