Richmond · Land use · Community garden
Where is a community garden allowed in Richmond?
In Richmond, a community garden is allowed in 11 base zones (RH, RL1, RL2, RM1, RM2 and 6 more), needs a permit in 12 (CM-3, CM-5, ILL, IB, IL and 7 more) and not allowed in 9 (Richmond use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RH, RL1, RL2, RM1, RM2, CM-2, LW, CG and 3 more
- Needs a permit: CM-3, CM-5, ILL, IB, IL, PCI, PR, T4N and 4 more
- Not allowed: CM-1, CM-4, CR, IG, IW, AG, T4MS, T5MS and 1 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Richmond Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a community garden can go
Richmond's code calls this use “Community Garden / Community Gardens”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 15.04.610.290 Nurseries and Garden Centers (cited in the Additional Regulations column; section not in packet).
- Not covered here: Key Terms and Definitions (Article 15.04.104) are not in the packet: Community Assembly, Schools, Group Residential, Outdoor Agriculture, Residential Care Limited vs General; Section 15.04.610 use standards (emergency shelters, day care center, community garden, group residential) are not in the packet; LW (Live-Work) cells of the 'Schools' row are blank in S2; Richmond Bay Specific Plan area and the Interim Study (IS) overlay uses (S10-S12 overlays). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Richmond
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a community garden in the CM-3 zone in Richmond?
Only with a conditional use permit. Richmond's use table lists it that way in CM-3 (§ 15.04.202.020).
Can I have a community garden in the CM-1 zone in Richmond?
No. Richmond's use table does not allow it in CM-1 (§ 15.04.202.020).
Can I have a community garden in the RH zone in Richmond?
Yes. Richmond's use table lists it as allowed in RH (§ 15.04.201.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a community garden at an address in Richmond
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
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