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1. Apply for a building permit?

To apply for a building permit please go on our online eTRAKiT system and follow the how-to submit a building permit application guide. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your building permit please reach out to permittechs@ci.richmond.ca.us or call at 510-620-6868. 

2. Get started on a new planning project?

Please consult a planner for any upcoming planning projects via planning@ci.richmond.ca.us or call at 510-620-6706. To apply for a planning project please go on our online eTRAKiT system and follow the how-to submit a planning project application guide.

3. Apply for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?

To begin the application process for constructing an ADU, you will need to determine if your property qualifies for an ADU. For more information about ADUs and the permitting process for these projects, please reach out to planning@ci.richmond.ca.us. You may review the Accessory Dwelling Unit Checklist and Accessory Dwelling Unit Handout for additional information on what is required in an ADU application prior to submitting on eTRAKiT.

4. Obtain a fence permit?

The first step in obtaining a fence permit is to consult with a planner about the fence you are interested in proposing. To do this you may email planning@ci.richmond.ca.us or call 510-620-6706. Please also review the Fence Permit - Residential Checklist and Residential Fence Design Guidelines and Standards. When you are ready to submit your application you can do this online through eTRAKiT and follow the how-to submit a planning application guide. 

5. Apply for a business license?

To apply for a business license please go on our online eTRAKiT system and follow the how-to submit a business license application guide. If you have any questions or concerns reach out to business_license_revenue@ci.richmond.ca.us or call 510-620-6742.

6. Find my zoning and other information for points of interest?

The Zoning Lookup shows how the zones and overlay districts are applied throughout the City. You may search by address or parcel number (APN) to find more information about a particular point of interest. 

7. Report an issue or concern?

To report a nuisance violation or to request an investigation, call (510) 621-1279 or email the Code Enforcement Unit.

8. Pay required fees through eTRAKiT?

Please follow the how-to pay fees guide to understand how you may pay required fees through eTRAKiT.

9. Schedule or cancel an inspection?

Through the Automated Phone Inspection Scheduling System you may schedule or cancel an inspection. This may also be done through eTRAKiT.

10. Find a permit on record?

In eTRAKiT under Permit Application, select “Search for Permit” to find a permit on record.

11. Attend a Board or Commission meeting?

You may find information on the Design Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission in our Boards & Commissions section. 

12. Request a zoning verification letter?

You may request a zoning verification letter by applying through eTRAKiT under Planning Projects.

13. Find affordable housing in the City of Richmond?

Please refer to the Housing & Community Development’s Affordable Housing section to learn more. You may also reach out to housing@ci.richmond.ca.us for additional questions.

14. Obtain a subordination agreement?

In order to obtain a subordination agreement, please send the following information to housing@ci.richmond.ca.us: property address and APN, type of transaction (sale or refinance), owners’ name, buyers’ name, new lender (as it should appear on the subordination), new loan amount, title company name and address, title company contact, and the copy of agency deed of trust with rider to be subordinated.  

15. Learn more about the Safe Parking Pilot Program?

You may learn more about the Safe Parking Pilot Program and read over the Frequently Asked Questions to get started. For more information reach out to safeparking@ci.richmond.ca.us.

16. Obtain a permit for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)?

First, you need to determine whether the proposed installation is on private or public property (or right of way). EVSE installations on private properties, both commercial and residential installations require only a building permit. To apply for a building permit visit our eTRAKiT system and follow the how-to submit a building permit application guide. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your building permit, please reach out to permittechs@ci.richmond.ca.us or call at 510-620-6868.  

 For EV-charging-specific building permitting requirements, refer to our website https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4125/Electrical-Vehicle-EV-Charging 

 EVSE installations within the public right of way, in addition to the building permit require also an encroachment permit for which the applicant must apply directly to the Engineering Division.