RICHMOND, Contra Costa County — October 23, 2026. A Richmond homeowner planning a backyard residence can start with city-provided accessory dwelling unit (ADU) drawings instead of commissioning a completely new layout. The City of Richmond’s Preapproved ADU Plans program lists eight architectural variants: one- and two-bedroom layouts in Bungalow, Spanish Revival, Contemporary and Tudor-related exterior designs. The program may reduce design time, but it does not grant an address-specific building permit.
What has the city preapproved?
Richmond’s program includes architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and Title 24 energy analysis documents. The city says plans have been reviewed by Planning and Building staff for compliance with relevant requirements, and its ADU homeowner guide offers municipal design plans for free. The drawings concern detached ADUs only; attached units, garages or junior ADUs may follow different project paths.
Why does the foundation still need an engineer?
The city’s directions say an owner still needs a site-specific plan and foundation design prepared by an appropriate professional, such as a civil engineer or qualified general contractor. Lot slope, soils, neighboring structures, utilities and fire access can change the feasibility or overall expense. Never assume that a drawing’s standard foundation is approved for a particular address merely because the building itself has a preapproved model number.
What about modifications?
The Richmond plan program explains that units may be mirrored or oriented differently, but generally must otherwise be permitted as designed. Owners who want other changes must submit a written description for city review; a modification may not retain the expedited pathway. Compare the cost of a custom design with any extra reviews instead of paying for a supposed “preapproved” plan that no longer resembles the listed model.
Where and how do you apply?
Applications are handled in the city’s online IMS permitting portal, or through the relevant city planning/building counter. The official ADU guide lists Planning at 510-620-6706 and planning@ci.richmond.ca.us, and Building at 510-620-6868 and permittechs@ci.richmond.ca.us. Ask for the applicable 2026 code set, current fee schedule, utility connections and complete application requirements.
Is money available for construction?
Richmond’s ADU guide expressly states that the city currently has no local ADU construction funding available, though other assistance might exist through state or regional programs. Free municipal drawings are not a subsidy toward labor, materials, utility work or inspections. Homeowners should not represent a loan or grant as approved unless the funding agency actually confirms eligibility and availability.
More regional coverage: Richmond News, Berkeley News. Send corrections or records to the newsroom. Support Richmond’s independent community journalism.
Primary sources: City of Richmond Planning Division ADU Preapproved Plans, Richmond ADU Resource Center and online permit guide. Property-specific permits, design rights and costs require direct city confirmation.
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