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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Richmond, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are allowed but regulated: operators must obtain a City business license for each rental parcel (RMC Article VII) and may be required to obtain a Planning Division Home Occupation Authorization and/or building inspection before license issuance. A Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% applies to stays of 30 consecutive days or less; STRs are treated under the City’s business-tax classification (Measure U) as Class E: Hotel/Motel.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for a City business license online via the eTrakit portal (https://etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us/) or in person at Richmond City Hall; 2) During application, obtain zoning compliance/Home Occupation Authorization from the Planning Division and complete any required building inspection; 3) Pay annual business tax per Measure U and register/collect and remit the 10% transient occupancy tax as required by RMC Chapter 7.88.

Official Resources

Official Richmond STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Richmond, CA?
Short-term rentals are allowed but regulated: operators must obtain a City business license for each rental parcel (RMC Article VII) and may be required to obtain a Planning Division Home Occupation Authorization and/or building inspection before license issuance. A Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax of 10% applies to stays of 30 consecutive days or less; STRs are treated under the City’s business-tax classification (Measure U) as Class E: Hotel/Motel.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Richmond?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Richmond. 1) Apply for a City business license online via the eTrakit portal (https://etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us/) or in person at Richmond City Hall; 2) During application, obtain zoning compliance/Home Occupation Authorization from the Planning Division and complete any required building inspection; 3) Pay annual business tax per Measure U and register/collect and remit the 10% transient occupancy tax as required by RMC Chapter 7.88.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Richmond?
1) Apply for a City business license online via the eTrakit portal (https://etrakit.ci.richmond.ca.us/) or in person at Richmond City Hall; 2) During application, obtain zoning compliance/Home Occupation Authorization from the Planning Division and complete any required building inspection; 3) Pay annual business tax per Measure U and register/collect and remit the 10% transient occupancy tax as required by RMC Chapter 7.88.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction