Richmond · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in Richmond?
In Richmond, a live-work unit is allowed in 7 base zones (LW, T4MS, T4MS-O, T5MS, T5MS-O and 2 more), needs a permit in 5 (CG, ILL, IB, IL and T4N-O, 2 with a condition) and not allowed in 11 (Richmond use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: LW, T4MS, T4MS-O, T5MS, T5MS-O, T5C and T5C-O
- Needs a permit: CG, ILL, IB, IL and T4N-O
- Not allowed: CM-1, CM-2, CM-3, CM-4, CM-5, CR, CC, IG and 3 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 live-work unit can go
Richmond's code calls this use “Live-Work / Live/Work”. 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.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| LW Live-Work district | Allowed | § 15.04.202.020 |
| T4MS | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T4MS-O | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5MS | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5MS-O | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5C | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| T5C-O | Allowed | § 15.04.402.070 |
| CG | Needs a conditional use permit (not in the industrial buffer zone) — see note Note L9: Requires a conditional use permit and not allowed in the Industrial Buffer Zone shown on the Zoning Map. This Industrial Buffer Zone is functionally equivalent to the Industrial Buffer Zone/Transition Zone established by Ordinance No. 18-18 N.S. | § 15.04.203.020 |
| ILL | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15.04.204.020 |
| IB | Needs a conditional use permit | § 15.04.204.020 |
| IL | Needs a conditional use permit (not in the industrial buffer zone) — see note Note L9: Requires a conditional use permit and not allowed in the Industrial Buffer Zone shown on the Zoning Map. This Industrial Buffer Zone is functionally equivalent to the Industrial Buffer Zone/Transition Zone established by Ordinance No. 18-18 N.S. | § 15.04.204.020 |
| T4N-O | Needs an administrative use permit | § 15.04.402.070 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: § 15.04.610.250 Live-Work Units (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 live-work unit in the CG zone in Richmond?
Only with a conditional use permit (not in the industrial buffer zone). Richmond's use table lists it that way in CG (§ 15.04.203.020). The code adds a condition: “Requires a conditional use permit and not allowed in the Industrial Buffer Zone shown on the Zoning Map. This Industrial Buffer Zone is functionally equivalent to the Industrial Buffer Zone/Transition Zone…”
Can I have a live-work unit 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 live-work unit in the LW zone in Richmond?
Yes. Richmond's use table lists it as allowed in LW (Live-Work district) (§ 15.04.202.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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