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Richmond District

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Richmond District, CA

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STR Regulations for Richmond District, California

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Richmond-district, CA?

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in the City of Richmond (Contra Costa County) provided the operator obtains the required business license and complies with the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) requirements, along with any applicable county-level regulations if the property falls under Contra Costa County’s short-term rental ordinance (2020-12). The City’s business tax and license are mandatory, and the TOT rate is 10%.

References:

How to start a short-term rental business in this market

  1. Confirm zoning and obtain authorization
  • Apply for a Home Occupation Authorization (RMC Chapter 15.04.810) through the Planning Division.
  • If a building inspection is required, schedule and complete it prior to license issuance.
  • These steps occur during the business license application process and may require additional fees.
  1. Obtain a City Business License
  • Apply online via eTrakit or in person at Richmond City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804.
  • A separate business license is required for each rental property (parcel).
  • The business tax is calculated under Measure U (gross receipts, tiered structure), with STRs classified as Class E (Hotel/Motel).
  1. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
  • TOT is 10% of the rent charged and is due from guests for stays of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.
  • Operators must collect and remit TOT to the City, maintain receipts, and post a registration certificate.
  • Complete the TOT registration and file periodic returns per RMC Chapter 7.88 requirements.
  1. If your property is in unincorporated Contra Costa County
  • Apply for a Short-Term Rental permit (ministerial or discretionary) under Ordinance 2020-12.
  • Meet occupancy, parking, and operational standards, and submit notice to nearby property owners.
  1. Launch operations
  • Post required certificates and disclosures.
  • Implement policies to ensure guest compliance (noise, parking, occupancy limits).
  • Track rental days and remit TOT promptly.

References:

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

City of Richmond (all STR properties in the city)

  • Business License (annual) under Measure U (Class E: Hotel/Motel).
  • Home Occupation Authorization (Planning Division).
  • Building inspection (if required by Planning/Building).
  • TOT registration certificate (post at the property).
  • Receipts, records of rent and tax collected; periodic TOT returns/remittances.

Contra Costa County (unincorporated areas; applies in addition to the city requirements above)

  • STR permit (ministerial) with adherence to the ordinance’s limits.
  • Possible discretionary permit if seeking deviations (e.g., increased days beyond allowed limits).
  • Notice to neighbors within 300 feet; provide responsible party contact and county enforcement contact.

Operational compliance (county ordinance)

  • Rental day limits: non-hosted STR up to 90 days per calendar year; hosted STR up to 180 days; overall cap of 180 days per property.
  • Occupancy: two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons; children under 12 not counted.
  • Parking: STRs with 3 or fewer bedrooms must include at least one off-street parking space; 4+ bedrooms require at least two off-street parking spaces.
  • No more than one STR per lot.
  • Dwelling units in buildings with five or more units cannot be used as STRs.
  • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may not be operated as STRs.
  • Maximum of 20 total persons may gather at the property at any time.
  • No special events allowed (e.g., conferences, weddings).
  • No signage permitted.
  • Prohibited: excessive traffic or noise inconsistent with residential use; obstruction of roads.

References:

Specific regulations: City, County, and State

City of Richmond (municipal)

  • Business tax and license required for each rental property; Measure U methodology applies; Short-term rentals classified as Class E (Hotel/Motel).
  • Home Occupation Authorization required (RMC Chapter 15.04.810).
  • TOT: 10% of rent; applies to rentals of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.
  • Operators must collect TOT from guests, keep records, and remit to the city; registration certificate must be posted.
  • Annual license issuance; separate license per parcel.

County (Contra Costa County Ordinance 2020-12; applies to unincorporated areas)

  • STR permit required before operating.
  • Rental day limits: non-hosted (≤90 days/year), hosted (≤180 days/year), overall cap of 180 days.
  • One STR per lot; no STRs in buildings with five or more dwelling units.
  • Occupancy limits and off-street parking requirements as noted above.
  • ADUs prohibited as STRs.
  • Operational standards: no special events; no signage; traffic/noise restrictions; gathering cap of 20 persons.
  • Discretionary permit available for deviations (e.g., additional rental days, reduced parking); processed like a land use permit with a noticed public hearing if requested.

State (California)

  • Cities and counties may set their own STR requirements. Past statewide caps on certain short-term rentals have expired, restoring full local authority.

References:

Contact information

City of Richmond (Business Licenses, TOT)

  • Revenue Division (Business License, TOT): (510) 620-5555
  • City Hall (Business License Issuance): 450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804
    • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45 am–4:00 pm
    • Planning Division Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–4:00 pm; Friday, 9:00 am–12:30 pm

Contra Costa County (STR Permits, Enforcement)

  • Department of Conservation and Development (planning/permitting): contact via the department’s main office
  • Code Enforcement Division: main number; contact via the department’s main line
    • Note: For direct emails/phone extensions, consult the County’s STR permit page and contact the assigned planner or Code Enforcement as listed.

References:

Links to source pages

Notes

  • Separate licenses are required for each property (parcel). If your property is in an unincorporated area, add the county STR permit to the city requirements.
  • Confirm any additional local standards with the Planning Division and review the county’s STR permit page for the most current enforcement contacts and forms.
Richmond District

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
2/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Richmond District Market Analysis →

Photos of Richmond District

Overview of Richmond District

Richmond is a city in western Contra Costa County, California, United States. The city was incorporated on August 7, 1905, and has a city council. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay region, Richmond borders San Pablo, Albany, El Cerrito and Pinole in addition to the unincorporated communities of North Richmond, Hasford Heights, Kensington, El Sobrante, Bayview-Montalvin Manor, Tara Hills, and East Richmond Heights, and for a short distance San Francisco on Red Rock Island in the San Francisco Bay. Richmond is one of two cities, the other being San Rafael, that sits on the shores of both San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay. Its population was 116,448 as of the 2020 census.

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