Deck Construction Permits in Richmond

Local Rule

City of Richmond Building Regulations Division

The citys own Work Exempt from Permits handout adopts the California Building Code exemption list largely unchanged, including the standard deck exemption item found in the base state code (200 square feet, 30 inches above grade, freestanding, no required exit door), alongside the 120 square foot accessory-structure exemption and the movable-fixture exemption up to 5 feet 9 inches in height. Building permits in Richmond may be issued only to the property owner, an authorized agent, or a licensed contractor who provides a Contractors State License Card, workers compensation certificate, and current City of Richmond business license at registration.

Source · Verified September 2026

Richmond Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Contra Costa County

Richmond's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Contra Costa County DCD, Building Inspection Division

Per County Ordinance 72-6.202, a deck is exempt only if it is 200 sq ft or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling and does not serve the required exit door. Beyond that, a larger or elevated deck can trigger a Drainage Plan when it adds 1,000 sq ft or more of impervious surface (Ord. 2007-01) or a geotechnical report when construction of 500 sq ft or more sits on a slope over 10 percent, and CalGreen C&D debris rules apply to most new work.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Richmond with a confirmed deck construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:

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