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:

• City of Richmond STR page: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3219/Short-Term-Rentals
• Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 7.88 (TOT): www.municode.com/library/ca/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=ARTVIIBU_CH7.88UNTROCTA
• Contra Costa County STR Summary (Ordinance 2020-12): www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67827/STR_Summary

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.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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:

• Richmond STR page and licensing guidance: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3219/Short-Term-Rentals
• eTrakit: etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us/
• County STR ordinance: www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67827/STR_Summary

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:

• Richmond Municipal Code TOT: www.municode.com/library/ca/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=ARTVIIBU_CH7.88UNTROCTA
• County STR Summary: www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67827/STR_Summary

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:

• City STR page: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3219/Short-Term-Rentals
• County STR Summary: www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67827/STR_Summary
• Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 7.88: www.municode.com/library/ca/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=ARTVIIBU_CH7.88UNTROCTA

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:

• City STR page: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3219/Short-Term-Rentals
• County STR Summary: www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67827/STR_Summary

Links to source pages

• City of Richmond – Short-Term Rentals (Business License & TOT): www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3219/Short-Term-Rentals
• Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 7.88 – Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax: www.municode.com/library/ca/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=ARTVIIBU_CH7.88UNTROCTA
• Contra Costa County – Summary of Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2020-12): www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/67827/STR_Summary
• City of Richmond – eTrakit (Business License Portal): etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us/
• City of Richmond – Measure U (Gross Receipts Tax): www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2913/Measure-U---Gross-Receipts-Ballot-Measur
• City of Richmond – Business License Search & Payments: ims.ci.richmond.ca.us/
• City of Richmond – Transient Occupancy Tax Form (PDF): /DocumentCenter/View/36483 (link available via City’s STR page)
• City of Richmond – Laws and Regulations (Rent Program context): www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3476/Laws-and-Regulations

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.