Historic homes in Richmond: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Richmond Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Richmond's code says

Richmond code What Richmond's code adds
When a building counts as historic	A demolition permit is required for a building, structure or object more than 45 years old Applies: Any structure subject to an -H or -L overlay, listed in the Richmond Historic Register, or in a federal or state register § 15.04.303.130 · code text A demolition permit is required for any structure subject to an -H or -L overlay district designation, listed in the Richmond Historic Register, or Federal, State register and any building, structure, or object more than 45 years old or older. The demolition application must include an eligibility evaluation Applies: Building, structure or object 50 years old or older and not on the Richmond Historic Register § 15.04.303.130 · code text An application for a permit to demolish a building, structure, or object not listed in the Richmond Historic Register but is 50 years old or older shall include an eligibility evaluation on DPR523 series forms, as necessary, provided by the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP), and prepared according to "Instructions for Recording Historic Resources" provided by the California Office of Historic Preservation.
Changing a historic home	A Certificate of Appropriateness is required Applies: Building, structure or object determined eligible for listing individually or as a contributing element § 15.04.303.130 · code text If the building, structure, or object is determined to be eligible for listing either individually or as a contributing element, a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required.
Demolishing an older or historic home	A demolition permit is required; the decision is discretionary and subject to CEQA review Applies: Structure subject to an -H or -L overlay, listed in the Richmond Historic Register, or listed in a federal or state register § 15.04.303.130 · code text A demolition permit is required for any structure subject to an -H or -L overlay district designation, listed in the Richmond Historic Register, or Federal, State register and any building, structure, or object more than 45 years old or older. The decision to issue a permit to demolish a building, structure, or object or alter a site subject to an -H or -L overlay district or listed in the Richmond Register is discretionary, subject to review under CEQA. Eligibility evaluation on DPR523 series forms required; Zoning Administrator opinion within 30 days Applies: Structure not listed in the Richmond Historic Register but 50 years old or older § 15.04.303.130 · code text An application for a permit to demolish a building, structure, or object not listed in the Richmond Historic Register but is 50 years old or older shall include an eligibility evaluation on DPR523 series forms, as necessary, provided by the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP), and prepared according to "Instructions for Recording Historic Resources" provided by the California Office of Historic Preservation. Based on an initial review of the form, the Zoning Administrator shall render an opinion within 30 days on whether the structure is eligible for listing as a historic resource.
Mills Act tax incentive	Owners may enter into Mills Act contracts and may receive a potential reduction in property taxes Applies: Property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historic Resources, or Richmond Historic Register, and within an -H or -L overlay § 15.04.303.160 · code text Upon execution of the contract, the property owner will henceforth benefit from a potential reduction in property taxes Eligible for Mills Act contracts Applies: Property listed on the City's Historic Register and within an -H overlay, or designated a Landmark with an -L designation § 15.04.303.160 · code text All properties listed on the City's Historic Register and within an -H overlay or designated as a Landmark with an -L designation are eligible for Mills Act contracts.

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What rules apply to a historic home in Richmond?

Richmond's code: A demolition permit is required for a building, structure or object more than 45 years old (Any structure subject to an -H or -L overlay, listed in the Richmond Historic Register, or in a federal or state register) (§ 15.04.303.130); The demolition application must include an eligibility evaluation (Building, structure or object 50 years old or older and not on the Richmond Historic Register) (§ 15.04.303.130).

Historic homes in Richmond

What Richmond's code says

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