ADU Regulations in Richmond, California
Contra Costa County · CA · Pop. 115,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$160,000 – $330,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. Richmond is experiencing rapid gentrification driven by Bay Area spillover; Chevron refinery and BART/ferry access to San Francisco create a diverse, stable renter base.
Source: City of Richmond — Accessory Dwelling Units · Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 (Zoning Ordinance)
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,200
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling
side
4 ft
rear
4 ft
Max height: 16 ft (detached single-story); up to 24 ft with second story where allowed
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; state law limits local coverage restrictions that would prevent an 800 sq ft ADU
Garage conversions are common in Richmond's older bungalow neighborhoods; existing side setbacks may be retained where structure already exists.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
Richmond Planning and Building Services
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$7,000 – $14,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold
Required Documents
- ›Site plan (to scale)
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance (CalGreen)
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Soils report if new foundation
Richmond has historically had a streamlined ADU process. West Contra Costa USD school fees may apply for ADUs over 500 sq ft. Ministerial review — no public hearing required.
Visit Richmond Planning and Building Services →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in Richmond
Typical Build Cost
$160,000 – $330,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$225 – $295
Monthly Rental
$1,600 – $2,600/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $200,000 – $380,000 to property value
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000 pre-development)
- ★Contra Costa County CDBG funding may apply
- ★Bay Area Housing Finance Authority programs
Richmond ferry terminal provides car-free access to San Francisco; ADUs near the ferry terminal or BART command premium rents. Rapidly rising property values improving ROI outlook.
Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →Free Service
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Nearby Cities in Contra Costa County
Richmond Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$160,000 – $330,000
- Rental income$1,600 – $2,600/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Richmond — Accessory Dwelling UnitsRichmond Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 (Zoning Ordinance)
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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ADU rules change often.
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