Attachment 1 - RAD_Richmond ADU Guidebook.pdf — Richmond City Council, December 2, 2025

City of Richmond
Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU) Guidebook
June 5, 2025
This guidebook is aligned with state and local law as of June 5, 2025 but there are continual updates and revisions to the code, which you can find on the City’s website. 2 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 What’s
Inside?
A
B
C
ADU Basics
■ Introduction
■ Options
■ Regulations
■ Community benefits
Bringing ADUs to Life
■ Step-by-step guide through the process of ADU
design and permitting in Richmond
Compiled ADU Resources
■ Richmond’s pre-approved ADU plans
■ ADU design resources: brainstorming checklist,
garage conversions, ADUs on multifamily lots,
legalizing unpermitted ADUs, and cost estimates.
■ Additional helpful resources for ADUs
■ Frequently-asked questions
Prepared For: City of Richmond
450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804
Opticos Design, Inc.
2100 Milvia Street, Suite 125, Berkeley, California 94704 510.558.6957
This guidebook is intended as a brief summary of City of Richmond-specific requirements. Accessory Dwelling Units are governed by state law, and local law found in the Richmond Municipal Code. In the event of any omission or inconsistency in the guidebook, state and local law will govern.

Prepared By:

D Definitions
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 3 Part A
ADU Basics
4 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Introduction
What is an ADU?
What is a JADU?
What is a Statewide
Exemption ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential
dwelling unit that provides independent living
facilities and is located on a lot with a proposed or
existing primary residence or multi-unit building.

These units are sometimes referred to as “in-law
units” or “granny flats.”
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a
residential dwelling unit that is no more than 500
sq. ft. and contained entirely within a single-family
residence, but with its own separate entrance. The
JADU may share a bathroom, but not a kitchen, with
the primary residence to which it is attached.

A Statewide Exemption ADU is an ADU of up to
800 sq. ft., 16 feet in height, as potentially limited by a local agency, and with four-foot side and rear yard
setbacks.

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 5 Throughout this guidebook, we’ll refer to three different types of ADUs, which each have their own variations and requirements. Those three types are:

Detached ADU
An ADU that is physically separate from
the primary building. The Detached ADU
may be one or two stories.

Attached ADU
An ADU that is physically attached to
the primary building. Although the unit
is attached, it must be accessible via
a dedicated entrance that is separate
from the primary unit. The Attached
ADU may be attached on the first or
second floor.

Junior ADU (JADU)
A residential dwelling unit that is no
more than 500 sq. ft. and is entirely
contained within a single-family
residence, but with its own separate
entrance. The JADU may share a
bathroom, but not a kitchen, with
the primary residence to which it is
attached.
1 3
2 Options
What are the different types
of ADUs?
ADU Type Construction Options
1 JADU
2 Attached ADU
3 Detached ADU
6 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 You can choose from several construction approaches to build your ADU, including:
■ Conversion of an existing space such as an existing master bedroom, attached garage, storage area, or an existing lawfully established accessory structure.

Conversions of illegally established accessory structures may also be eligible for legalization. Contact the Planning Division for additional guidance. ■ Addition to your primary dwelling
■ Building a new structure
Conversion
No expansion of existing building footprint.

Addition
Expansion of existing building footprint.

Conversion
No expansion of existing building footprint.

Conversion
May involve expansion of an existing structure.*
Options
How can I add an ADU to my property?
New Structure
A new structure separate
from the existing house.
*Expansions may have square footage limitations if the existing structure is nonconforming. See California State Law for details.

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 7 The table on the next page provides a general comparison of ADU types based on select factors. Each ADU project will be unique and may not reflect the values in this table. Consider what factors are most important for your ADU project.

Options
Which ADU type should I choose?
Converting an existing
attached or detached
garage into an ADU can
be a cost-effective way
to add an ADU to your
lot, with less construction
disruption than may be
necessary for other ADU
types. Parking spaces lost
as a result of converting
a garage into an ADU do
not have to be replaced.

For more information,
see Design Resource B,
Garage Conversions,
on pages 26-28 of this
guidebook.

GARAGE

CONVERSION
Cost Trade-offs
Cost factors to consider when selecting
an approach for your project include
the complexity of the design and
architectural drawings, the construction
or upgrade costs whether the ADU
is new construction or a conversion,
and the size of the ADU which impacts
construction costs as well as permitting
fees (ADUs under 750 sq. ft. can waive
impact fees except for school developer
fees).

Primary Dwelling or
Multifamily Unit Trade-offs
ADUs that are contained fully or partially
within the primary dwelling unit will
reduce the overall square footage
available within the primary dwelling
unit. Impact on multifamily dwelling units
is minimal since ADUs cannot be built
within existing habitable area.

Yard Space Trade-offs
Additions to primary dwellings and new
detached dwellings may reduce the
amount of usable outdoor space. For
example, ADUs may affect the amount
of sunlight reaching the yard space or
the amount of garden space available.

Thoughtful placement of an ADU on the
lot can reduce impact.

Parking Trade-offs
Many new ADUs do not require
additional parking. Conversion of
existing enclosed parking spaces such
as a garage or carport may reduce the
amount of parking available if space for
additional parking cannot be located on
the site.

Privacy Trade-offs
Different ADUs might impact sight,
sound, and physical privacy differently.

ADUs that are contained fully or partially
within the primary dwelling, or which
share a wall with the primary dwelling
may be less private in terms of noise and
proximity than fully detached ADUs.

Left: A detached ADU. Photo
Courtesy City of Oakland
Right: A detached ADU and
a two-story primary dwelling.

Photo Courtesy The Small House
Catalogue
8 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Options
Comparison of ADU Types
JADU Attached ADU (Conversion) Attached ADU (Addition)
Cost
Trade-offs
Cost may be lower than other
types since new foundation,
roof, and exterior walls are not
needed. JADUs are exempt
from requirement to install
new or separate utilities and
any associated fees.

Costs may be lower than other types
since new foundation, roof and exterior
walls are not needed. New plumbing
may be required for separate bathroom.

Conversions are exempt from requirement
to install new or separate utilities and any
associated fees.

Costs may be higher than
a conversion since new
foundation, roof and exterior
walls are needed. You may need
to install new or separate utilities
and pay associated fees.

Primary
Dwelling or
Multifamily
Unit
Trade-offs
The JADU will occupy space
within the primary dwelling
and an existing bathroom may
be shared with the JADU. N/A
for multifamily units.

The ADU will occupy space within the
building footprint of the primary dwelling,
but will be physically separate from the
interior space of the primary dwelling.

The ADU cannot be added within existing
habitable space for multifamily buildings.

Some space within the primary
dwelling may be occupied by the
ADU and modifications may be
necessary. The ADU cannot be
added within existing habitable
space for multifamily buildings.

Yard
Space
Trade-offs

No yard space will be used for
the JADU, since it is contained
entirely within the footprint of
the primary dwelling.

No yard space will be used for the ADU,
since it is contained entirely within the
footprint of the primary dwelling or
multifamily building.

Some yard space may be used
for the ADU addition to the
primary dwelling or multifamily
building.

Parking
Trade-offs
If an existing garage is
converted to a JADU, parking
will be eliminated or will be
located elsewhere on the lot.

If an existing attached garage is converted
to an ADU, parking will be eliminated or will
be located elsewhere on the lot.

Existing parking is not likely to be
impacted.

Privacy
Trade-offs
Shared interior walls and the
option to share a bathroom
will impact privacy between
JADU and primary dwelling.

Shared interior walls may impact privacy
between the ADU and the primary dwelling.

Shared interior walls may impact
privacy between ADU and
primary dwelling.

Key Negligible Impact Lower Impact Medium Impact Higher Impact City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 9 Detached ADU (Conversion) Detached ADU (New Construction) Cost
Trade-offs
Assuming the structure was built with permits and it is legally in existence, costs may be lower than other types if new foundation, roof and exterior walls are not needed.

Costs may exceed expectations if there is a need to upgrade existing walls, electrical, plumbing, or other Building Code requirement. Conversions are exempt from requirement to install new or separate utilities and any associated fees.

Costs may be higher than other types since
the ADU will be built from scratch and you may
need to install new or separate utilities and pay
associated fees.

Primary
Dwelling or
Multi-Family
Unit
Trade-offs
The ADU is completely separate from the primary dwelling or multifamily building.

The ADU is completely separate from the primary
dwelling or multifamily building.

Yard
Space
Trade-offs

No yard space will be used for the ADU, since it is
repurposing an existing accessory structure.

Yard space will be reduced since a detached ADU
will be constructed within the existing yard.

Parking
Trade-offs If an existing detached garage is converted to an ADU, parking will be eliminated or will be located elsewhere on the lot.

Existing parking is not likely to be impacted.

Privacy
Trade-offs
Since the ADU is separate from the primary dwelling or
multifamily building, visual privacy will be the primary impact depending on location of building openings (e.g. window, door, etc.).

Since the ADU is separate from the primary
dwelling or multifamily building, visual privacy will
be the primary impact depending on location of
building openings (e.g. window, door, etc.).

Key Negligible Impact Lower Impact Medium Impact Higher Impact 10 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Regulations
Summary of Zoning Standards
for ADUs
JADU Attached ADU (Conversion) Attached ADU (Addition)
Zoning Zoning districts where single-family
dwellings are permitted
Zoning districts where single-family or
multifamily dwellings are permitted
Zoning districts where single-family or
multifamily dwellings are permitted
Location of ADU
Entirely within a proposed or
existing single-family dwelling
structure.

Within a proposed or existing single-family or
multi-family structure.

Attached to a proposed or existing single-
family or multi-family structure.

Max. # ADUs per Lot 1 JADU per lot 1
On a lot with a single-family structure: 1 ADU
per lot.1 On a lot in a multi-family zone:
multiple attached ADUs up to 25% of the
number of dwelling units onsite, but at
least 1, per lot. Only spaces that were not
previously used as livable area may be
converted to ADUs.

On a lot with a single-family structure: 1
ADU per lot. 1 On a lot in a multi-family
zone: multiple attached ADUs are allowed
up to 25% of the number of dwelling units
onsite, but at least 1.

Min. Lot Size None (ability to satisfy setbacks
may be impacted by lot size)
None (ability to satisfy setbacks may be
impacted by lot size)
None (ability to satisfy setbacks may be
impacted by lot size)
Max. Floor Area (sq. ft.) 500
No square footage limit unless the
conversion includes an expansion over
150 sf (for egress or ingress); then same as
Attached ADU (Addition)
850 for studio/1 bed and 1000 for 2+ bed
Min. Floor Area (sq. ft.) 150, excluding bathroom n/a n/a Max. Height (ft) n/a n/a
25 or height limit in zoning ordinance
applied to primary dwelling (which ever
is lower).

Max. # Stories for Unit n/a n/a 2
Min. Front Setback (ft) Same as zone 3 Same as zone 3 Same as zone 3 Min. Side Setback (ft) Same as existing structure Same as existing structure 4 Min. Rear Setback (ft) Same as existing structure Same as existing structure 4 Max. Total Lot
Coverage Exempt from max. lot coverage Exempt from max. lot coverage Exempt from max. lot coverage Unit Entrance Separate Unit Entrance Required Separate Unit Entrance Required Separate Unit Entrance Required Parking None None 0 or 1 space 4
Kitchen Efficiency Kitchen5 Full Kitchen Full Kitchen
Bathroom Full Bathroom or Access to Existing
Full Bathroom in Primary Dwelling Full Bathroom Full Bathroom Facilities Living, Sleeping, Eating, Cooking Living, Sleeping, Eating, Cooking, Sanitation Living, Sleeping, Eating, Cooking, Sanitation
Design Standards n/a n/a
Exterior design must be consistent with
primary dwelling’s architectural design
including materials, colors, roof slope,
doors and windows. 6

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 11 Detached ADU (Conversion) Detached ADU (New)
Zoning Zoning districts where single-family or
multifamily dwellings are permitted
Zoning districts where single-family or
multifamily dwellings are permitted
Location of ADU
Within an existing accessory structure
on the same lot as an existing or
proposed single-family or multi-family
dwelling.

Within a new accessory structure on the
same lot as an existing or proposed
single-family or multi-family dwelling.

Max. # ADUs per Lot
On a lot with a single-family structure: 1
ADU per lot. 1 On a lot in a multi-family
zone: 2 ADUs per lot.

On a lot with a single-family structure: 1
ADU per lot. 1 On a lot in a multi-family
zone: 2 ADUs per lot.

Min. Lot Size None (ability to satisfy setbacks may be
impacted by lot size)
None (ability to satisfy setbacks may be
impacted by lot size)
Max. Floor Area (sq. ft.)
No square footage limit unless the
conversion includes an expansion
over 150 sf (for egress or ingress); then
same as Detached ADU (New)
850 for studio/1 bed and 1000 for 2+
bed
Min. Floor Area (sq. ft.) n/a n/a
Max. Height (ft) 162 162
Max. # Stories for Unit n/a n/a
Min. Front Setback (ft) Same as zone 3 Same as zone 3
Min. Side Setback (ft) Same as existing structure 4
Min. Rear Setback (ft) Same as existing structure 4
Min. Setback From
Primary Structure (ft) Same as existing structure 5 (no min. setback required for Statewide Exemption ADUs)
Max. Total Lot
Coverage Exempt from max. lot coverage Exempt from max. lot coverage Unit Entrance Separate Unit Entrance Required Separate Unit Entrance Required Parking None 0 or 1 space 4
Kitchen Full Kitchen Full Kitchen
Bathroom Full Bathroom Full Bathroom
Facilities Living, Sleeping, Eating, Cooking,
Sanitation
Living, Sleeping, Eating, Cooking,
Sanitation
Design Standards
Exterior design must be consistent with
primary dwelling’s architectural design
including materials, colors, roof slope,
doors and windows. 6
Exterior design must be consistent with
primary dwelling’s architectural design
including materials, colors, roof slope,
doors and windows. 6
Footnotes
11 JADU and 1 ADU allowed if ADU is a
Statewide Exemption ADU (Refer to
definition on p. 42.) or ADU is contained
within existing primary residence + up to
150 sq. ft. expansion.
2Up to 18 feet for a lot within 1/2 mile
of a major transit stop or a high-quality
transit corridor or for a lot with an existing
or proposed multistory, multifamily
dwelling. Two additional feet allowed to
accommodate a roof pitch that aligns with
the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
3Not permitted within any portion of an
established front yard, as defined by
RMC §15.04.610.020. Except front yard
setbacks cannot preclude a Statewide
Exemption ADU (up to 800 square
feet) and must not unduly constrain the
creation of all types of ADUs.
4No parking spaces required if the ADU
is located within 1/2 mile of a public
transit stop, within an historic district, or
within one block of a car share vehicle,
or entirely within a proposed or existing
primary dwelling or accessory structure
with no net floor area increase; or where
on-street parking permits are required but
not offered to the ADU occupant; or when
an ADU permit application is submitted
with an application for a new primary
dwelling on the same lot and satisfies any
other criteria above. Also, when a garage,
carport, or covered parking structure
is demolished in conjunction with the
construction of an ADU or converted to an
ADU, no replacement of off- street parking
is required.
5Refer to definition of Efficiency Kitchen
on p. 42 (from current California Building
Code).
6Exception for Statewide Exemption ADUs
(Refer to definition on p. 42)
12 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Benefits
How can ADUs help the
Richmond community?
Below: A detached ADU. Photo
courtesy City of Pasadena.

The current production of housing in California is not enough to meet people’s needs. The lack of housing is causing average housing costs to rise, forcing people to either find affordable housing further from their workplace, or settle for smaller shared spaces that reduce their quality of life.

Accessory Dwelling Units can help address the need for affordable housing by providing livable units in walkable contexts that can be developed easily, quickly, and affordably. Recent changes to State ADU Law make developing ADUs easier to help address the community's housing needs and deliver the benefits described below:

Housing Choice
■ Adds to variety of available housing options
■ Can provide options for independent living and
aging in place
Neighborhood Context
■ Suitable in a variety of locations and contexts
■ Provides additional housing in a building form that
is compatible with single-family neighborhoods
Livability
■ Can provide greater privacy for multi-generational
households
Financial Benefits
■ Does not require purchase of new land or
development of new infrastructure since units
will fit on most single-family lots (ADU) or within
existing dwellings (JADU)
■ Utilize standard building materials, which may be
sourced from local vendors
■ Option to utilize prefabricated units and/or
modular units
■ Opportunity to earn supplemental income
for homeowners through long-term rental
agreements/programs
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 13 Part B
Bringing ADUs
to Life
14 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025

DESIGN PHASE
(2-4 Months)
Process + Timeline
A Step-by-Step Guide
Months 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Design Phase
City Review + Permitting
Construction Phase
ESTIMATED TIMELINE (for planning purposes, individual projects may take more or less time) Typical
Months 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Design Phase
City Review + Permitting
Construction Phase
ESTIMATED TIMELINE FOR PROJECTS USING CITY’S PRE-APPROVED PLANS (for planning purposes, individual projects may take more or less time) Typical
Development Timeline for ADUs in Richmond
ADUs need time for design, city review and permitting, and construction. The design phase typically requires two months, but can take up to four months. The city review and permitting phase typically requires two months, but can take up to eight months. The construction phase typically requires six months, but can take up to eight months.

Longer
Longer
Typical
Typical
Typical
Typical
Longer
Longer
Longer
Longer
1 2
3 Step 1: Possibilities and Goals
ADUs are allowed in all of Richmond’s zoning districts
where single-family and multi-family dwellings are
permitted. Use the City’s online interactive zoning
map or speak to a city planner to determine your
zoning district.

Familiarize yourself with the different types of ADUs
(See “What are the different types of ADUs?” )
Brainstorm and write down project goals
• Will the ADU generate income? What are your
financial goals (return on investment)?
• Will the ADU be used for “aging-in-place”?
• What will the accessibility needs be?
• How many people will live in the ADU? Will you live
there or will a tenant?
Determine who you will
need on your project
team, which could
include an architect,
designer, design/build contractor or pre-fabricated
ADU vendor.

Determine your budget (how much can you afford
to spend to build the ADU) and consider how you
are funding the ADU (cash, loans, grants, or other
financial assistance). See “Helpful Resources for
ADUs” for links to resources that can help with
funding, or contact contractors to help estimate
what your ADU would cost. Review Design
Resource E for an example of different cost
scenarios.
4 5
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 15

DESIGN PHASE (CONTINUED)
(2-4 Months)
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 5
6 7
4 5
See the “ADU Brainstorming Checklist” to
identify what type of ADU can fit on your lot.

Decide what type of ADU you want to build.

See "Summary of Zoning Standards for ADUs"
to review the development standards for ADUs.

Work with an architect, designer, design/build
contractor or pre-fabricated ADU vendor as
needed to develop and finalize ADU design.

Consult §15.04.610.020 - Accessory Dwelling
Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units in the
Richmond Municipal Code and applicable City,
State and Federal building codes.

OR
Use one of the City of Richmond’s free-to-use
pre-approved ADU designs. See page 18 in this
guidebook for more information on the pre-
approved design, and visit the City’s website to
download the plan set.

Develop a cost estimate, working with your
architect, designer, design/build contractor
or prefabricated ADU vendor as needed.

Note that constructing an ADU may
increase your property taxes due to a higher
assessed property value.

Utility bills such as electricity, gas, water,
sewer, and trash may increase as a result of
an ADU.

Step 3: Evaluate Budget
If additional modifications need to be made
to the site to accommodate the ADU, such as
grading and/or construction of retaining walls to
provide flat space for the ADU, you must submit
these plans to the Building Division for review and
approval. This review is subject to Building permit
fees.

Determine whether the existing sewer and/or
water has the capacity to support the ADU. If
you decide to connect your ADU sewer and/or
water directly into public infrastructure, then you
may be subject to impact fees. Fees will vary on a
case-by-case basis.

See the City’s ADU Info Sheet for information
and tools and consult with the city staff
in the Planning, Building, and Engineering
Divisions as needed. Contact information:
• Planning: [email protected]
(510) 620-6706
• Building: [email protected]
(510) 620-6868
• Engineering: [email protected]
(510) 307-8091
Step 2: Design Your ADU
It may be necessary to
refine the ADU design
created in Step 2 based
on available budget.

Secure funding to fund
the development of the
desired ADU(s).
16 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025

CONSTRUCTION PHASE
(6-8 Months)
Step 5: Construction + Inspections
1 2
3With your building permits issued, you can start
construction of your ADU!
Your contractor or pre-fabricated ADU vendor will
need to schedule inspections as required.

Final Inspection and
Occupancy Permit
is required to move in and use
the space.

Step 6: Move into Your ADU!
Building occupancy is allowed only after Final Inspection is complete.

If renting the ADU, fulfill landlord obligations for habitable premises per California Civil Code §1941. Find more resources on Richmond Rent Program.

Perform regular maintenance of ADU as needed.
1 2
3 Finalize building design and prepare construction
plans for review by the City’s Community
Development Department.

Obtain a planning and building permit.

Submit your permit application through
the City’s online permitting portal, IMS or
in person at the permit center:
• Scan the QR code or click the link above and
register for a free account.
• Apply for a new application under Planning/
Zoning and/or Building Permits. Applicants using
pre-approved plans will submit directly to the
Building Division.
• Submit all required documents and pay online
via credit or debit card
Pay fees. All fees, including plan check, permit
fees, applicable impact fees, and those collected
by external agencies, must be paid before the
permit can be issued. See Appendix B for a
breakdown of typical fees applicable to ADUs.

Plan check comments will be sent to you or
whoever you have designated as your agent
within 30 days of receiving
a complete application. You
will need to revise your plans
to address all your plan check
comments before the City
issues a building permit for
your ADU.

CITY REVIEW + PERMITTING PHASE
(2-8 Months)
1 2
3 4
Step 4: Prepare and Submit Permit Application
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 17 Part C
Compiled ADU
Resources
18 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Permit Application Resource
Richmond’s Pre-Approved
ADU Plans
The City of Richmond partnered with local architects to create a pre-approved ADU plan available for you to use free of charge, saving you time and money in designing an ADU for your backyard. All you need to do is download the pre-approved set, add a site plan on the designated page, and apply for a building permit. Note that while this plan was designed to be suitable for most homeowners in Richmond, the City does not guarantee that it will be suitable for your site. This plan set does not include site specific foundations. Site specific foundation details are required for ADUs in the City of Richmond. The applicant must hire a general contractor or civil engineer to prepare site specific foundation details and include the details with the application for approval from the City of Richmond.

Key Specifications
• Detached ADU
• 493sf
• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Compact in-unit washer
and dryer
• Compliant with California
energy code requirements
Design Features
• Open living, dining, and
kitchen space
• Window placement
increases natural light and
cross-ventilation
• Narrow plan designed to fit
on typical lots in Richmond
• Optional overdoor to
increase visual interest and
provide entryway cover
Scan QR code to
access the plan
Plan A
Both plans come in four style variations typical to the Richmond area:

Bungalow, Spanish, Tudor, and Contemporary.

Key Specifications
• Detached ADU
• 745sf
• 2 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• In-unit washer and dryer
• Compliant with California
energy code requirements
Design Features
• Large windows illuminate
an open living, dining, and
kitchen space
• The two bedrooms do not
share a wall, enhancing
privacy
• Option for second
bedroom to open from the
living room for use as flex
space or office
Plan B
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 19 Permit Application Resource
How to Draw
a Site Plan
What is a site plan?
A site plan is a bird’s eye view sketch of your property that shows where your new ADU will be located.

Can I draw my own site plan?
It is strongly recommended you engage an architect,
designer, design/build contractor or prefabricated ADU
vendor to prepare a site plan. It may be appropriate for you to draw your own site plan if your property is flat and does not contain any special features like a creek.

Example Site Plan
Do I need to draw/add a site plan if I use the
Pre-Approved ADU Plan?
Yes. Page 2 of the downloadable permit set has a space
set aside for you to draw or paste your site plan.

What am I required to show
in a site plan?
Property boundary lines
Existing structures (labeled,
with square footages and dimensions)
Proposed structures (labeled, with square footages,
and dimensions)
Arrow pointing north
Setback lines for all existing and proposed structures
(refer to Chapter 15.04.200 of the Richmond
Municipal Code for required setbacks)
Easement location(s) (refer to a recent Title report to locate any easements)
Driveway location

Property address

Fire Separation lines adjacent to exterior walls*
Location of paths, landscaping, mechanical
equipment, fences, and exterior trash

*A minimum of 5’ is needed to eliminate the need for fire-rated construction. The distance is measured from the building face to one of the following: To the closest interior lot line; To the centerline of a street, an alley or public way; To an imaginary line between two buildings on the lot. The distance shall be measured at a right angle from the face of the wall. If fire protection is required, provide a different graphical representation for the fire-rated walls, and note the requirements for openings and projections.
20 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Determine number and type of ADUs
allowed
What is the primary structure on your lot?
Single-family house: You may have one JADU or one ADU (unless the ADU is a Statewide Exemption ADU; see pages 10-11 Summary of Zoning Standards).

Multifamily structure: You may have multiple attached ADUs (up to 25% of the number of dwelling units onsite, but at least 1) or two detached ADUs (which can be attached to each other).

Measure backyard size
(If you’re building an attached ADU or JADU through conversion, skip to step 4.) Y ard width = _______
Y ard depth = ______
Determine ADU buildable area
An ADU cannot be located within a setback and cannot interfere with existing easements unless it is through the conversion of a legal existing structure. (Refer to a recent Title report or reach out to the Engineering Division to determine the approximate locations of any public easements on your property.) Side and rear setbacks are 4 ft, and a detached ADU must be at least 5 feet from the primary structure. To determine buildable area for your ADU, subtract these setbacks from your backyard dimensions.

BUILDABLE
WIDTH

BUILDABLE
DEPTH

BUILDABLE
AREA
Buildable area:
_______ x ______ = ______
Design Resource A
ADU Brainstorming Checklist
1 2
3 BUILDABLE
WIDTH

BUILDABLE
DEPTH

YARD WIDTH
(from Step 2)

YARD DEPTH
(from Step 2)
Buildable width: _______ - 8 ft = ______
Buildable depth: _______ - 9 ft = ______
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 21 4 5
Determine maximum allowed ADU
footprint
The City’s zoning standards set a maximum square footage (floor area) for each type of ADU. If your buildable area (for an addition or new construction) is bigger than this, then this rule tells you the maximum size of your ADU. If your buildable area is smaller than or equal to this, then you may build on your entire buildable area.

I’m building a JADU: Maximum allowed size is 500 sq ft
I’m building an ADU: See zoning standards on pages 10-11 Choose construction approach and
determine ADU unit type(s)
See pages 6-9 of this guidebook for more information on construction options.

Choose a unit type that would fit within the maximum ADU footprint indicated in step 4 and the buildable area determined in step 3.

Unit Type
Studio
1-bedroom
Unit Type
Studio
1-bedroom
2-bedroom +
Unit Type
Studio
1-bedroom
2-bedroom +
Construction Strategy
Conversion
Construction Strategy
Conversion
Addition
Construction Strategy
Conversion
New Structure
JADU
Attached ADU
Detached ADU

CLOSER LOOK
See below for typical sizes
of different unit types:

Studio
150 - 400 sq ft
1-bedroom
400 - 750 sq ft
2-bedroom+
750 - 1000 sq ft
For example, if your
buildable area was 400
sq ft, then you could
build a large studio or a
small 1-bedroom, so long
as you are also meeting
the zoning standards (pg
10-11) for that unit type.
22 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Indicate parking approach
No parking for ADU/JADU is required if any one of these is true:

The unit type is a JADU
The ADU will be located within 1/2 mile of a transit stop (see AC Transit for current bus stop locations and BART for current train stations)
The ADU will be located within one block of a carshare vehicle (see the City’s website for carshare options and vehicle sharing locations)
The ADU will be located within a historic district (see the City’s Zoning District Map)
The ADU will be located where on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the ADU occupant
You created your ADU/JADU by converting an area previously used for parking (for example, you converted your garage into a dwelling unit)
One parking space is required If none of the above apply to your ADU/JADU.

Indicate number of required parking spaces: ______
SPACES
Indicate proposed changes to parking on development lot:

Parking removed ______ Parking added ______

SPACES SPACES Indicate proposed total parking:

Parking for primary dwelling _____________
NEW + EXISTING SPACES
Parking for accessory dwelling(s) _____________
NEW + EXISTING SPACES
6 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 23 7 Meet floor plan room layout
requirements
The following room layout requirements and considerations are meant to provide an overview of the required entrance, bathroom and cooking facilities for JADUs and ADUs. Consult §15.04.610.020 - Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units in the Richmond Municipal Code and applicable building codes for specific requirements.

All ADU types require a separate entrance from the primary dwelling, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

JADUs may have access to a full bathroom in the primary dwelling in lieu of a private full bath and an efficiency kitchen in lieu of a full kitchen.

Consider solar system
installation
According to the California Department Housing and Community Development’s ADU handbook “newly constructed ADUs are subject to the Energy Code requirement to provide solar panels if the unit(s) is a newly constructed, non-manufactured, detached ADU.” This means unless you are doing a garage conversion, using modular or prefabricated units, or building an addition to the primary dwelling, you will need to provide solar panels.

Identify where you will place the solar panels. They may be installed on the ADU or on the primary dwelling.

Consider the orientation of the ADU and the slope of the roof to best maximize the efficiency of the solar panels.
8 24 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Incorporate design recommendations
Access to Unit
Shortest, clear, and obvious pedestrian connection to sidewalk/street Shortest, clear, and obvious pedestrian connection to parking area Route of access and interior spaces that are accessible to people with limited mobility
Design for universal access, providing access to all people to the greatest extent possible, especially if to be used for aging in place
Privacy
Locate windows and doors away from primary dwelling and neighbors to maximize privacy
Use skylights, light tubes, and clerestory windows to provide light and air without compromising privacy
Privacy for outdoor spaces – will Accessory Dwelling Unit and primary dwelling share an outdoor space or will outdoor spaces be separated?
Consider landscaping buffers such as trees or hedges as privacy screens and to absorb noise
9 A garage converted to a JADU provides direct pedestrian access to the sidewalk. Photo courtesy Consulting & Construction Services, Inc.

An attached ADU with screening to provide privacy from neighboring buildings. Photo courtesy Hammer and Hand.

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 25 Quality of Life
Locate windows to maximize light and airflow
Maximize efficiency of closets and cabinets to accommodate storage needs in a small space
For JADUs and Attached ADUs, place compatible activities on either side of shared walls to avoid noise pollution between units (for example, a kitchen or bathroom should avoid sharing a wall with a bedroom)
Site Design
Access to laundry facilities, either within the unit or shared with the primary dwelling
Building placement and unit layout relative to location of existing utilities (such as water, sewer and electricity)
Consider providing private open space in backyard for tenants living in a backyard ADU
26 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Getting your garage conversion permitted
You are required to obtain a building permit to change the use of your garage to an ADU.

The permitting process follows the same development timeline as listed on pages 14-16 and is contingent on bringing the structure up to building code for the new residential use. No pre-construction inspections are required. Floor plans need to show existing and proposed configuration as well as how the proposed portion will conform to the applicable code requirements. However, you will not have to provide any replacement parking and can build the ADU to the existing footprint regardless of ADU floor area maximums and setbacks.

Bringing your garage up to code
Building codes make sure structures are safe for their intended use. Changing uses from vehicle storage to residence might involve significant changes. See below a table of applicable buildings codes organized by topic and a list of commonly required upgrades to help inform what you will need.

Design Resource B
Garage Conversions
Applicable Building Codes
Topic Code Services
General construction standards
(structure, fire safety, electrical
systems, plumbing, ventilation)
RMC Article 6 Building Regulations -
Building Code of the City of Richmond
Health and safety RMC Article 6 Building Regulations -
Housing Code
Building envelope energy
performance
California Building Energy Efficiency
Standards - Title 24
Fire safety RMC Article 8 Fire - Fire Prevention Code
Zoning, program and design
standards
RMC Article 15 Zoning and Subdivision -
ADU Ordinance
Utility Requirements IRC 2024 Regulations PG&E Requirements Note that the recommendations on this spread apply to converting a permitted garage into an ADU. An unpermitted structure converted to an ADU is treated as a new build and must comply with state and local standards rather than conversion standards.

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 27 Commonly required upgrades
Foundations and Floor
■ If slab has insufficient concrete strength and thickness, underpin the foundation ■ If insufficient moisture barrier between slab and flooring, add waterproofing membrane to slab

Walls
■ If structural integrity is compromised (especially in earthquake-prone zones), reinforce studs or add wall bracing
■ If wall R-value (the capacity of insulation within the walls to resist heat flow) does not meet energy code, add insulation

Roof
■ If additional loads from new mechanical equipment, lighting and finishes compromise structural integrity, reinforce structure
■ If roof R-value does not meet energy code, add insulation and make sure to ventilate attic space if not conditioned

Openings
■ If any planned bedrooms do not have direct access to the exterior, add a window with a minimum clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft. to meet egress code requirements ■ If habitable spaces are not meeting lighting and ventilation requirements, add openings as needed with consideration of privacy and sun orientation

HVAC
■ JADUs are not considered separate dwellings and are exempt from HVAC requirements.
■ If structure lacks heating and cooling, add HVAC system (many use a minisplit system separate from primary residence)
28 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Utilities
■ JADUs are not considered separate dwellings and are exempt from separate utility requirements.
■ ADU conversions are exempt from separate utility connection requirements however depending on increased loads, you might consider upgrading water, sewer and electrical lines to a service with greater capacity

Fire Safety
■ JADUs are not considered separate dwellings and are exempt from fire separation requirements.
■ If structure is not compliant with minimum fire setbacks from property line and primary residence (5 feet, IRC 2024), add fire rated walls. ■ Fire sprinklers are not required if the primary dwelling does not have sprinklers; smoke alarms are required in each bedroom
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 29 Can I have ADUs on a multifamily lot?
Yes! State law SB897 allows both attached ADUs and detached ADUs to be built on multifamily lots.

How many?
■ If you have a duplex, triplex, or fourplex you can build one attached ADU and up to two detached ADUs.
■ If you have a multifamily unit with 5 or more units you may build multiple attached ADUs (up to 25% of the number of dwelling units onsite, but at least 1) or two detached ADUs (which can be attached to each other).

Where?
■ Detached ADUs can be built in available rear yard so long as they have 4 feet of setbacks from property lines and 5 feet from primary structure, and meet height requirements. ■ An attached ADU can be an addition or conversion but it cannot be built in any space assigned to existing residential dwelling units in the multifamily structure. This means impact on multifamily dwelling units is minimal since ADUs cannot be built within existing habitable area. Spaces typically converted to ADUs are underutilized storage or garages within the multifamily structure.

Are there any multifamily specific
standards?
Yes, here are some things to keep in mind:
■ ADUs added to you property do not count towards your lot’s density total, so long as they follow ADU standards.
■ A multistory, multifamily dwelling is allowed a height increase to 18 feet for detached ADUs. ■ If adding an attached ADU to a multifamily structure that has setbacks less than 4 feet, you are not required to update the building to meet code.
■ Adding an ADU to your multifamily lot cannot trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in existing multifamily dwelling.

Standards listed previously in this document and in Richmond Municipal Code that are not affected by items mentioned in this section also apply to developing ADUs on multifamily lots.

Design Resource C
ADUs on Multifamily Lots
30 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Why legalize your unpermitted ADU?
Health and safety: Unpermitted structures are often not built to safety standards in the building code which puts both the ADU and primary dwelling residents at higher risk of fire, collapse, poor living conditions, etc. Not having record or legal address for unpermitted ADUs also makes them harder to locate for emergency services.

Higher property value: An unpermitted ADU may diminish the value of a property.

Insurance coverage: Insurance companies may deny a claim when an unpermitted ADU is damaged from fire, floods or earthquakes.

Tenant legal action: Legalizing an ADU reduces legal and financial risk and allows for an aboveboard process to lease and earn income from your ADU.

Process to legalize
Step 1: Pre-Application (8 weeks)
■ Learn about the local process. Explore Richmond’s ADU resources. ■ Determine feasibility. Does the accessory structure meet the minimum features to be considered a safe, legal unit? See zoning and program requirements on pages 10-11.
■ Evaluate the project. Get professional advice from a contractor, private building inspector or architect to get a sense of what might be required to legalize the unit.

This would include them creating as-built plans for the unit including Title 24 (energy code) and structural calculations.

Decision time: Apply for permit? If moving forward with the application know that there is a chance you may not be able to permit your ADU and will have to stop using it as living space.

Design Resource D
Legalizing Unpermitted ADUs
1 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 31 2 3
Step 2: Permit Review (6+ weeks)
■ Submit permit application. Include the as-built plans and proposed plan plus any other documents required as part of the permitting process described in page 16. ■ Review. Expect 3-5 rounds of staff comments and feedback review before the decision to issue a building permit.
■ Cost estimate. At this stage, you will have a more accurate cost estimate of the changes required to decide whether it is feasible to move forward with the project.

Decision Time: Proceed with project? Here are your options:
■ Proceed with work to get permit, pay any applicable fees and connection charges. ■ Negotiate list of modifications required to lower costs. ■ If the unit cannot be remediated, demolish or shut down as residential use. ■ If the unit can be legalized but it is not within your budget, you may request to delay code enforcement for up to five years as long as the noncompliance of the unit is not a health and safety issue.

Step 3: Construction (1-12+ months)
■ Start construction. If you move forward with the project and acquire a building permit, you may start the construction process. If there are any tenants in the unit, they will have to find other accommodations during this time. ■ Ongoing inspections. Expect inspectors to visit the construction site to ensure it is complying with the approved permit.
■ Utilities. Local jurisdiction will approve connections for utilities on behalf of the companies.

Step 4: Final Inspection: Ready for Occupancy
■ Move in. After the inspector has ensured all requirements have been met, they will issue a Certificate of Occupancy for the ADU.
4 32 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 How much will it cost to build an ADU on
my property?
There are multiple factors that may impact the cost of adding an ADU to your property. Your design team will help you get the closest estimate for your individual circumstances. However, the City of Richmond has provided the following cost scenarios in this guidebook as an example of what costs may come up in the process. The City is also working on a customizable cost calculator to help you estimate costs. This tool will be really helpful at the beginning stages of a project to help prepare for potential costs but should not be used as a final quote.

Methodology
The following scenarios were created using cost estimates from ADU companies practicing in southern California and the Bay Area and fee estimates provided by individual departments in the City of Richmond. Appendix B of the guidebook has an example plan check and permit fee estimate for each scenario to provide a better understanding of how the City fees breakdown.

These scenarios are meant to give a general idea of the cost factors involved in adding an ADU to your property in a Richmond context, but they are not representative of every exact situation and can fluctuate based on the lot conditions, ADU type and size, and market costs.

Design Resource E
Cost Estimates for ADUs
Scenario A
Conversion
Total Cost:
$169,875 - $230,485
Scenario B
Detached New Construction
Total Cost:
$364,435 - $494,170
Scenario C
Pre-approved plan
Total Cost:
$341,360 - $446,880

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 33 Scenario A - Conversion
Site Assumptions
Lot: 50 ft x 100 ft
Slope: none
ADU Assumptions
Area: 450 sf
Unit type: 1-Bed
Stories: 1
Construction type:

Conversion
ADU Cost Factors
■ Building Design: Architect fees range from 10-15% of
construction costs, about $11,250 - $23,625.
■ Site Plan Design: This costs about $3,000 and is usually part of the architect fees.
■ Sitework: Assuming the site is relatively flat and all utility tie-ins can occur within property boundaries, this is about $25,000. ■ Construction: California ADU companies estimate hard costs for a conversion to be $250-$350/sf which is about
$112,500 - $157,500 for a 450sf unit.
■ Utilities: Conversions are not required to provide separate utilities, however, PG&E requires separate electrical panels and metering per unit on a lot which can cost about $12,000. ■ Solar Panels: Conversions are not required to install a solar system.
■ Plan Check + Permit Fees: For this size ADU can be about $10,000. See Appendix B for more information on City fees. ■ Property Tax: Homeowner will pay their original yearly property tax plus 1-1.5% of ADU construction cost which is an increase of about $1,125 - $2360 on yearly taxes.

Sources: Revival ADU, SnapADU Design Build , Cottage, Beachfront Property Management Total: $169,875 - $230,485
Potential
Additional Costs

Site plan
Survey: $4,000 - $10,000
Soil report: $3,000
Sitework
Slope (grading, retaining
wall, soil exports):
$25,000 - $40,000
Utilities
Sewage pump: $5,000
34 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Scenario B - Detached New Construction
Site Assumptions
Lot: 50 ft x 100 ft
Slope: none
ADU Assumptions
Area: 745 sf
Unit type: 2-Bed
Stories: 1
Construction type:

New Construction
ADU Cost Factors
■ Building Design: Architect fees range from 10-15% of
construction costs, about $26,075 - $50,290.
■ Site Plan Design: This costs about $3000, and is usually part of the architect fees.
■ Sitework: Assuming the site is relatively flat and all utility tie-ins can occur within property boundaries, this is about $25,000. ■ Construction: California ADU companies estimate hard costs for a new construction to be $350-$450/sf which is about $260,750 - $335,250 for a 745sf unit.
■ Utilities: Estimate $30,000 - $50,000 in separate utility installations.
■ Solar Panels: New construction ADUs are required to install a solar system which can cost around $12,000 - $18,000
■ Plan Check + Permit Fees: For this size ADU can be about $10,600. See Appendix B for more information on City fees. ■ Property Tax: Homeowner will pay their original yearly property tax plus 1-1.5% of ADU construction cost which is an increase of about $2,610 - $5,030 on yearly taxes.

Sources: Revival ADU, SnapADU Design Build , Cottage, Beachfront Property Management Total: $364,435 - $494,170
Potential
Additional Costs

Site plan
Survey: $4,000 - $10,000
Soil report: $3,000
Sitework
Slope (grading, retaining
wall, soil exports):
$25,000 - $40,000
Utilities
Sewage pump: $5,000
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 35 Scenario C - Pre-Approved Plan
Site Assumptions
Lot: 50 ft x 100 ft
Slope: none
ADU Assumptions
Area: 745 sf
Unit type: 2-Bed
Stories: 1
Construction type:

New Construction
ADU Cost Factors
■ Building Design: The ADU plan is already designed so there would be no design fees.
■ Site Plan Design: This costs about $3000 and is required even with the use of the pre-approved plan.
■ Sitework: Assuming the site is relatively flat and all utility tie-ins can occur within property boundaries, this is about $25,000. ■ Construction: California ADU companies estimate hard costs for a new construction to be $350-$450/sf which is about $260,750 - $335,250 for a 745sf unit.
■ Utilities: Estimate $30,000 - $50,000 in separate utility installations.
■ Solar Panels: New construction ADUs are required to install a solar system which can cost around $12,000 - $18,000.
■ Plan Check + Permit Fees: For this size ADU can be about $10,600. See Appendix B for more information on City fees. ■ Property Tax: Homeowner will pay original yearly property tax plus 1-1.5% of ADU construction cost which is an increase of about $2,610 - $5,030 on yearly taxes.

Sources: Revival ADU, SnapADU Design Build , Cottage, Beachfront Property Management Total: $341,360 - $446,880
Potential
Additional Costs

Site plan
Survey: $4,000 - $10,000
Soil report: $3,000
Sitework
Slope (grading, retaining
wall, soil exports):
$25,000 - $40,000
Utilities
Sewage pump: $5,000
36 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 City of Richmond Links
Building Permit Forms
IMS
Richmond’s Pre-Approved ADU Plans
Planning Permit Form
General Educational Resources for ADUs
California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD)
Comprehensive resource for general JADU and
ADU information, including links to funding
options, ADU handbook, and additional guidance
documents.

How-to ADU (YouTube)
Founder Ryan O'Connell provides videos on an
array of ADU-related topics, including state laws.
grants and other funding sources, applicable
building and municipal codes, and answers to
frequently asked questions.

Maxable
Provides a concierge package to support
property owners through all phases of an
ADU project, including services like contractor
recommendations and products like floor plans.

They also offer an ADU E-course and free tools to
start learning about ADUs.

Links
Helpful Resources for ADUs
The following is a list of third-party ADU resources, programs and vendors. Vendors included on this list are not endorsed by or affiliated with the City, and their work is not guaranteed by the City. This list is intended as a helpful starting point for researching different ADU options for your property.

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 37 Financial Resources for ADUs
ADU Financing in California
Information on the costs of building an ADU
and a comprehensive list of options for how to
finance your ADU.

ADU Educational Workshop
Webinars and other resources about ADU
construction, financing, and property
management, as well as a link to an ADU
construction cost calculator.

California Housing Finance Agency ADU
Grant
Information on eligibility, application, and
contacts for the CalHFA ADU Grant Program,
which provides up to $40,000 in assistance to
reimburse homeowners for pre-development
costs necessary to build and occupy an ADU, as
well as general ADU information.

California Community Economic
Development Association (CCEDA)
Additional information for the CalHFA ADU Grant
Program, including assistance with applying and
a helpful FAQ section.

Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Program
Matching funds to local and regional housing
trust funds. Funds may also be used for the
construction, conversion, repair, reconstruction
or rehabilitation of ADUs or JADUs (HCD LHTF
program).

CalHome Program
State funds to local public agencies and
nonprofit corporations for first-time homebuyer
mortgage assistance including a home
purchase with an ADU or JADU; owner-
occupied rehabilitation assistance including
rehabilitation of ADUs or JADUs; ADU/JADU
assistance including construction, repair,
and reconstruction; and homeownership
development project loans including pre-
development and carrying costs during
construction related to ADUs and JADUs (HCD
CalHome program).

Community Development Block Grant
Program (CDBG)
Federal funds allocated to non-entitlement
jurisdictions, and non-entitlement jurisdictions
that partner with non-federally recognized
Native American communities for community
development activities including single- and
multi-family rehabilitation and potential local ADU
rehabilitation and planning programs. Applicants
must be income qualified in low- to moderate-
income households for rehabilitation and areas
for planning. Contact your local jurisdictions for
more information.
38 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 FAQ
ADU Frequently Asked
Questions

1. What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling
Unit (JADU)?
An “Accessory Dwelling Unit” (“ADU”) is an attached or
detached residential dwelling that provides complete
independent living facilities, including permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and
sanitation, and is located on a lot with a proposed or
existing primary residence. These units are sometimes
referred to as “in-law units” or “granny flats.”
A “Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit” (“JADU”) is a unit no larger than 500 square feet and contained entirely within a single-family residence. A JADU includes an efficiency kitchen, sleeping facilities, and may include its own
bathroom or it may share a bathroom within the existing structure.

2. What is the permit process like?
ADU and JADU applications do not require a public
hearing and are reviewed through the City’s building
permit application process. See pages 14-16 for a step- by-step guide.

3. How many ADUs and JADUs are
allowed?
For existing lots with a single-family residence only one JADU or one detached unit (ADU) is allowed unless the
detached ADU is a statewide exemption ADU, then one
JADU and one detached ADU are allowed. For existing
lots with multi-family dwellings, attached ADUs may be
added up to a 25% increase in units (but at least one), and no more than two detached ADUs may be added.

4. What are the setbacks and height
limitations?
Minimum side and rear setbacks for detached ADUs are
four feet (this setback is different than the fire separation distances of the building code), with a general building height of up to 16-feet (certain criteria allow an increase up to 25-feet). All other setback requirements defined by the base zoning district are still applicable.

5. Is parking required?
No parking (including replacement parking) is required
for attached ADUs, JADUs and garage conversions. No
parking (including replacement parking) is required for ADUs located within a half-mile walking distance of public transit (including bus stops, BART stations, or carshare stations). Otherwise, one parking space is required.

6. How do I legalize an existing
unpermitted unit?
The City has created a resource to help you with
this process. See Design Resource C, “Legalizing
Unpermitted ADUs,” on pages 30-31 of this guidebook.

7. Can I convert my garage into an
ADU?
The City has created a resource to help you with this
process. See Design Resource B, “Garage Conversions”
on pages 26-28 of this guidebook.

8. Can I rent my JADU or ADU?
Yes, however, you must comply with the tenancy
restriction set forth in Section 15.04.610.020 of the
Richmond Municipal Code which states no ADU shall be
rented for a term of 30 days or less.

9. What is the process to issue a new
address for an ADU?
The City will issue a new address during the permitting process. Any ADU or JADU attached to the main dwelling
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 39 shall be assigned the parent address and Unit 2. For
example, an attached ADU or JADU at 123 Main Street
will now be assigned 123 Main Street Unit 2. Any ADU
detached from the main dwelling shall be assigned the
parent address and Unit A. For example, a detached ADU
at 123 Main Street will now be assigned 123 Main Street Unit A.

10. What is the Section 8 Housing
Choice Voucher Program?
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is
designed to make market-rate housing affordable for low- income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa
(HACCC), the administrating body for the program
in Richmond, pays a housing subsidy directly to the
landlord on behalf of the participating tenants. Landlord benefits from this program include guaranteed HACCC’s
portion of rent payments, free advertising of units to
families in the program, choosing your own tenants, free inspections, and flexible lease terms. If you are looking to lease your ADU, this is a great way to guarantee tenant payment and increase the pool of affordable housing.

Learn more at Becoming a Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher Program Landlord

11. Can I perform construction work for
an ADU on my property?
Yes. Please confirm with the Building Division as to
whether there are any limitations for your project/lot.

12. If I rent out an ADU on my property,
may I use part of the ADU for my own
storage?
You may not use part of the rental unit as storage unless the storage has exterior access separate from the
tenant’s unit access. JADUs and ADUs are required to
have a dedicated entrance. Your storage access cannot
be through the ADU unit entrance.

13. How do fire separation standards
apply to ADUs?
ADUs located less than 10’ from primary dwelling unit
require fire-rated construction, which may add costs. Fire separation must be noted on site plan and construction
drawings. JADUs do not require fire separation.

14. Are solar panels required for newly
constructed ADUs?
Yes, according to the California Department of Housing
and Community Development’s ADU handbook “newly
constructed ADUs are subject to the Energy Code
requirement to provide solar panels if the unit(s) is a newly constructed, non-manufactured, detached ADU.”
This means if you are doing a garage conversion, using
modular or prefabricated units, or building an addition to the primary dwelling, you do not need to provide solar panels. To meet the requirement, solar panels may be
installed on the ADU or on the primary dwelling.

15. Am I required to provide separate
utilities for my ADU?
Each building must be equipped with utilities as per
the California plumbing and electrical codes. Separate
utilities for an ADU will be determined based on capacity and specific circumstances directly with your local utility provider.

16. How do I apply for a Building Permit
for a JADU or ADU?
You may apply for a building permit online using the
City’s IMS portal. If you have questions on how to use
the City’s eTrakit, please call (510) 620-6868 during
counter hours to speak to a Permit Technician or email
your contact phone number to
[email protected]

17. How do I contact the Planning,
Building, and Engineering Divisions?
• Planning: [email protected]
(510) 620-6706
• Building: [email protected]
(510) 620-6868
• Engineering: [email protected]
(510) 307-8091
40 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 This page intentionally left blank
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 41 Part D
Definitions
42 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 Easement
A portion of land created by grant or agreement for
specific purpose; an easement is the right, privilege, or interest which one party has in the land of another.
(RMC 15.04.104.020)
Efficiency Kitchen
A kitchen including a cooking facility with appliances; and a food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a reasonable size in relation to the size of the junior accessory dwelling unit. (RMC 15.04.610.020)
Floor Area
The total horizontal enclosed area of all the floors below the roof and within the outer surface of the walls of a building or structure, including basements, mezzanines, interior balconies, and upper stories or levels in a
multistory building unless otherwise stipulated.
(RMC 15.04.104.020)
Lot
A parcel, tract, or area of land whose boundaries have
been established by a legal instrument, such as a deed
or map recorded with Contra Costa County, and is
recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of
transfer of title, except public easements or rights-of-way. (RMC 15.04.104.020)
Public Transit Stop
A location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge
set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public. (City of San Rafael)
Major Transit Stop
A site containing an existing rail transit station, a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods.
(CA Public Resources Code)
Statewide Exemption ADUs
An ADU of up to 800 sq. ft., 16 feet in height, as potentially limited by a local agency, and with four-foot side and rear yard setbacks. (Government Code sections 66310-66342)
Definitions
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 43 Appendix A
ADU Application
44 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 1 7.15.21

CITY OF RICHMOND

PLANNING DIVISION
Phone: (510) 620-6706
Fax: (510) 620-6858

450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, California 94804-1630
P.O. Box 4046
www.ci.richmond.ca.us/planning

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU)

APPLICATION
Submittal Checklist

The following materials are required at minimum in order to submit a n application for a new accessory dwelling unit and/or junior accessory dwelling unit . Additional materials may be required by the Community Development Director depending on the complexity of the project.

PLANNING APPLICATION FORM

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FEES

SUBMITTAL PLANS REQUIRED FOR INITIAL REVIEW
• 1 digital planset
• 1 reduced-sized set of plans at 11” by 17”

TITLE SHEET (PAGE #:____) - Include:
• Title block with the project name, address, assessor’s parcel number and contact information • Project description with a proposed scope of work
• Vicinity map with north arrow, project location and major cross streets • Data table with the general plan designation, zoning district, lot size and lot width, as well as the existing and proposed total floor area, building height, percent interior yard space, and number of parking spaces

SITE PLAN (PAGE #:____) (1’-0” = 1/8” min. scale) - Show:
• Property boundaries and dimensions
• Footprints, dimensions and setbacks of existing/proposed structures, decks, stairs and patios • Slope and direction of existing/proposed roofs
• Adjacent streets, sidewalks, curbs, curb cuts, driveways, parking spaces, walks and landscaping • Existing/proposed trash enclosures and storage areas
• Existing/proposed fences and fence heights
• Existing/proposed mechanical equipment
• Easements and waterways, if any

FLOOR PLAN (PAGE #:____) (1’-0” = 1/8” min. scale) - Provide a floor plan of all existing/proposed floors with all rooms, dimensions and floor sizes labeled.

ELEVATIONS (PAGE #:____) (1’-0” = 1/4” min. scale) - Provide elevations of all four existing/proposed exterior walls with all dimensions labeled. Show:
• Exterior features and openings including roofing, roof eaves, roof brackets, siding, doors, trim, sills, windows, vents, gutters, downspouts, scuppers, skylights, chimneys, fences and railings • Window and door types, sizes, models and colors
• Type, finish, material and color of exterior surfaces • Exterior mechanical equipment

City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 45 2 7.15.21
By signing the below line you acknowledge that this application has all the required mate rials and is therefore complete.

SIGNATURE OF PREPARER: _______________________________________ DATE: ____________________

PRINT FULL NAME: ________________________________________________________________________________

- PLANNING DIVISION USE -
Project: Notes:

Location:

Staff :

Date:
46 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 This page intentionally left blank
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 47 Appendix B
Plan Check
+ Permit Fee
Estimate Example
48 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 450 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA • RICHMOND, CA 94804
(510) 620-6868

II NN VV OO II CC EE

CITY OF RICHMOND
,
Permit Number: ESTIMATE-JJ8
Address:

Invoice Date:

OPTICO DESIGN CASE STUDY A ESTIMATE
450 SF CONVERSION; $157,500 V ALUATION
Permit Tech:

January 31, 2025
JJ2
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLD REGULATIONS PERMIT FEES
15063619320248 $295.31TECHNOLOGY FEE 0
15063619340403 $334.50OCCUPANCY PROGRAM FEE 0
15063619320232 $372.00FILING 2 OR MORE RES ADDS ALL OTHERS 0 15063619320232 $0.70COST TO ADMIN SB1473 0
15063619320232 $126.00CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY 0
15063619320232 $3,345.00BLDG - BUILDING PERMIT FEE 0
4,473.51Subtotal for BLD REGULATIONS PERMIT FEES
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
15063619320239 $3,144.00PLAN CHECK RESIDENTIAL 0
3,144.00Subtotal for BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLDG PLUMBING/ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL FEES
15063619320235 $362.00PLUMBING NEW CONSTRUCTION 0
15063619320243 $276.00MECHANICAL NEW CONSTRUCTION 0
15063619320234 $432.00ELECTRICAL NEW CONSTRUCTION 0
1,070.00Subtotal for BLDG PLUMBING/ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL FEES AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

CA STATE BUILDING STANDARDS
150 208812 $20.48SMIP RESIDENTIAL FEES 0
15062019340457 $295.31COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING FEE 0
150 208813 $7.00CAL ADMIN REVOLVING FUND 0
322.79Subtotal for CA STATE BUILDING STANDARDS
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

FD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-NEW BUILDINGS & TENANT IMPROVEM 01203022340439 $659.00FDPR-3.2 MINIMUM PLAN REVIEW BASE FEE. 0 659.00Subtotal for FD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-NEW BUILDINGS & TENANT IMPROVEM AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
40322831320231 $232.00WSTW - WASTEWATER CONTRACT/CONSULTANT 1 232.00Subtotal for WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
~ The City of Pride & Purpose ~
SAMPLE
City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuidebookFinal Draft — June 5, 2025 49 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE:

AMOUNT PAID: .00 $9,901.30
Fees are assessed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the fee schedule adopted by resolution by the City of Richmond.

Visit http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2503/Master-Fee-Schedule The laws of the City of Richmond are codified in its City Charter and Municipal Code, which is comprised of ordinances passed by the City Council.

Visit https://library.municode.com/ca/richmond
EExxppiirraattiioonn ooff PPllaann RReevviieeww.. AApppplliiccaattiioonnss ffoorr wwhhiicchh nnoo ppeerrmmiitt iiss iissssuueedd wwiitthhiinn 118800 ddaayyss ffoolllloowwiinngg tthhee ddaattee ooff aapppplliiccaattiioonn sshhaallll eexxppiirree bbyy lliimmiittaattiioonn,, aanndd ppllaannss aanndd ootthheerr ddaattaa ssuubbmmiitttteedd ffoorr rreevviieeww mmaayy tthheerreeaafftteerr bbee rreettuurrnneedd ttoo tthhee aapppplliiccaanntt oorr ddeessttrrooyyeedd bbyy tthhee BBuuiillddiinngg OOffffiicciiaall.. ~ The City of Pride & Purpose ~
SAMPLE
50 City of Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Final Draft — June 5, 2025 450 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA • RICHMOND, CA 94804
(510) 620-6868

II NN VV OO II CC EE

CITY OF RICHMOND
,
Permit Number: ESTIMATE-JJ9
Address:

Invoice Date:

OPTICO DESIGN CASE STUDY B ESTIMATE
745 SF DETACHED ADU; $335,250 V AL
Permit Tech:

January 31, 2025
JJ2
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLD REGULATIONS PERMIT FEES
15063619320248 $628.59TECHNOLOGY FEE 0
15063619340403 $334.50OCCUPANCY PROGRAM FEE 0
15063619320232 $372.00FILING 2 OR MORE RES ADDS ALL OTHERS 0 15063619320232 $1.40COST TO ADMIN SB1473 0
15063619320232 $126.00CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY 0
15063619320232 $3,345.00BLDG - BUILDING PERMIT FEE 0
4,807.49Subtotal for BLD REGULATIONS PERMIT FEES
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
15063619320239 $3,144.00PLAN CHECK RESIDENTIAL 0
3,144.00Subtotal for BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

CA STATE BUILDING STANDARDS
150 208812 $43.58SMIP RESIDENTIAL FEES 0
15062019340457 $628.59COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING FEE 0
150 208813 $14.00CAL ADMIN REVOLVING FUND 0
686.17Subtotal for CA STATE BUILDING STANDARDS
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
40322831320231 $232.00WSTW - WASTEWATER CONTRACT/CONSULTANT 1 232.00Subtotal for WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
~ The City of Pride & Purpose ~
450 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA • RICHMOND, CA 94804
(510) 620-6868

II NN VV OO II CC EE

CITY OF RICHMOND
,
Permit Number: ESTIMATE-JJ9
Address:

Invoice Date:

OPTICO DESIGN CASE STUDY B ESTIMATE
745 SF DETACHED ADU; $335,250 V AL
Permit Tech:

January 31, 2025
JJ2
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
15063619320239 $3,144.00PLAN CHECK RESIDENTIAL 0
3,144.00Subtotal for BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
40322831320231 $232.00WSTW - WASTEWATER CONTRACT/CONSULTANT 1 232.00Subtotal for WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
~ The City of Pride & Purpose ~
/
450 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA • RICHMOND, CA 94804
(510) 620-6868

II NN VV OO II CC EE

CITY OF RICHMOND
,
Permit Number: ESTIMATE-JJ9
Address:

Invoice Date:

OPTICO DESIGN CASE STUDY B ESTIMATE
745 SF DETACHED ADU; $335,250 V AL
Permit Tech:

January 31, 2025
JJ2
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
15063619320239 $3,144.00PLAN CHECK RESIDENTIAL 0
3,144.00Subtotal for BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

AMOUNT PAID: .00 $10,598.66
Fees are assessed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the fee schedule adopted by resolution by the City of Richmond.

Visit https://library.municode.com/ca/richmond
EExxppiirraattiioonn ooff PPllaann RReevviieeww.. AApppplliiccaattiioonnss ffoorr wwhhiicchh nnoo ppeerrmmiitt iiss iissssuueedd wwiitthhiinn 118800 ddaayyss ffoolllloowwiinngg tthhee ddaattee ooff aapppplliiccaattiioonn sshhaallll eexxppiirree bbyy lliimmiittaattiioonn,, aanndd ppllaannss aanndd ootthheerr ddaattaa ssuubbmmiitttteedd ffoorr rreevviieeww mmaayy tthheerreeaafftteerr bbee rreettuurrnneedd ttoo tthhee aapppplliiccaanntt oorr ddeessttrrooyyeedd bbyy tthhee BBuuiillddiinngg OOffffiicciiaall.. ~ The City of Pride & Purpose ~
450 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA • RICHMOND, CA 94804
(510) 620-6868

II NN VV OO II CC EE

CITY OF RICHMOND
,
Permit Number: ESTIMATE-JJ9
Address:

Invoice Date:

OPTICO DESIGN CASE STUDY B ESTIMATE
745 SF DETACHED ADU; $335,250 V AL
Permit Tech:

January 31, 2025
JJ2
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
15063619320239 $3,144.00PLAN CHECK RESIDENTIAL 0
3,144.00Subtotal for BLDG PLAN CHECK FEES
AmountUnitsAccountFee Description

WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
40322831320231 $232.00WSTW - WASTEWATER CONTRACT/CONSULTANT 1 232.00Subtotal for WASTEWATER HOURLY RATES
~ The City of Pride & Purpose ~
SAMPLE

Richmond City CouncilDecember 2, 2025

Richmond City Council
December 2, 2025