Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

An ADU is a residential dwelling unit with complete independent living facilities. ADUs are permitted on lots with single-family or multi-family housing as its primary use. ADUs have a few variations:

  • Detached: New construction that is built separately from the primary structure.
  • Attached: New construction that is attached to the primary structure.
  • Conversion: A conversion of existing space within a primary residence or a detached accessory structure.
  • Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU): A conversion of existing space, up to 500 square feet, contained entirely within a single-family residence.

Why build ADUs?

ADUs provide a wide range of benefits for homeowners, renters, and neighborhoods, advancing environmentally friendly housing options in our community:

  • ADUs can provide homeowners with an additional source of income , as well as increase property values, supporting wealth building.
  • ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members, including elderly parents, adult children, or loved ones with special needs. 
  • ADUs provide an affordable rental option for households of different sizes, ages, and incomes.
  • ADUs require less time and money to build than other forms of affordable housing, increasing the number of available housing units in our communities more quickly.
  • ADUs are an important urban infill strategy, an environmentally friendly approach to housing construction, which helps limit urban sprawl and utilize existing infrastructure more efficiently. 
  • ADUs create socioeconomic integration while respecting neighborhood characteristics.

How many ADUs have been built in the city of Richmond?

For the past decade, the State of California has passed numerous legislations to facilitate and encourage the construction of ADUs. Since 2019, the city of Richmond has permitted the construction of 372 ADUs, adding critical housing for our residents (data as of January 1, 2025).

ADUs 2019-2024

  • Entitled units are those that have received all the required land use approvals necessary for the issuance of a building permit. The Planning Division is responsible for issuing permits in this stage.
  • Permitted units have been found to comply with all health, safety, and building code standards. The issuance of a building permit signals that construction on a project may begin - at this time, the unit is considered “permitted”. Only building permits issued for construction, may be counted as progress towards the goals established by the Regional Housing Needs Allocation. The Building Division is responsible for issuing permits in this stage. 
  • Completed units have passed a final building inspection, which checks to ensure that the unit is in compliance with building code and standards and is ready for someone to move in. The Building Division is responsible for issuing the occupancy permit at this stage once construction has been completed by builder. 

Where can I get more information about building ADUs?

Review the City of Richmond ADU Info Sheet for a quick overview and the City of Richmond ADU Guidebook for comprehensive information regarding requirements to build an ADU.

The full ADU law can be found in the California Legislative Code and in the Richmond Municipal Code, Section 15.04.610.020.

What is the permitting process for building an ADU/JADU?

The ADU approval is “ministerial,” meaning it will be considered without discretionary review or a public hearing. The Planning Division will review the permit application to ensure it meets all applicable objective standards. Refer to the ADU Application Checklist to ensure you are submitting a complete application.

The first step in the permitting process to develop an ADU/JADU is to obtain approval from the Planning Division. Once approved, you can then obtain a building permit from the Building Division.

After submitting the initial application, how long is the Planning review process?

The Planning Division will review and determine compliance within 60 days from the date the application is received, after all fees have been paid. 

Does Richmond have pre-approved plans? 

Yes! The City of Richmond offers pre-approved ADU plans that are available for you to use free of charge, saving you time and money. 

See our ADU pre-approved plans webpage to gain access.

Note: Applicant must still hire a general contractor or civil engineer to prepare site-specific foundation details. Please review the plans to ensure they are suitable for your site.

How can I submit my application?

You may submit your permit application through the City’s online permitting portal, IMS, or in person at 450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804.

What funding is available to assist homeowners in building an ADU?

Although there is currently no funding from the City of Richmond available to assist homeowners in constructing an ADU, there are other resources that homeowners may review for funding assistance. The California Department of Housing and Community Development has an ADU webpage with a section on ADU Funding for Homeowners that the State updates.

Further Questions

For further inquiries regarding the Planning Division’s permit process, please call 510-620-6706 or email planning@ci.richmond.ca.us. 

For further inquiries regarding the Building Division’s permit process, please call 510-620-6868 or email permittechs@ci.richmond.ca.us. 

Refer to our new permitting portal, IMS, to submit your application. This modernized platform will offer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for submitting and managing permit applications.