Get Quotes from Top Contractors in Richmond, CA

How to Verify a Professional's License in Richmond?

When you have projects requiring professionals in Richmond, ensuring that you only hire the right professional with the appropriate license is a responsibility that you should take seriously. The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is responsible for issuing these licenses to professionals, and before hiring professionals in the city, you should take steps to verify the authenti their licenses. To verify a Professional license in Richmond, carry out a search on the DCA license search portal.

After verifying the license of a professional you intend to hire for your project, the next step is to ensure that all required permits for the project are secured. Richmond's Building Division, which is the authorizing agency for building permits in the city, issues permits for work such as electrical installations, plumbing installations, and mechanical installations. You can apply for a permit online using the eTRAKIT permit portal or in person by appointment. To apply for a permit in person or to present questions you may have on the Richmond building permit process, you can call the Richmond Building Division by phone at (510) 620-6868.

California Contractor License Search:

Do Richmond Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

There are 37 recognized neighborhood councils in Richmond City, and these neighborhood councils do not issue permits for home improvement or construction-related work. These councils are members of the Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council (RNCC), which is an umbrella organization that provides a forum through which members of the neighborhood councils can exchange ideas and help solve neighborhood problems. The RNCC also functions as a source of information from the city government and the legislature to the neighborhood councils.

In October 2021, it was reported that an 18.8-acre plot that was procured to establish 45 marijuana greenhouses in the city would be opening its initial greenhouses by February 2022. This project's planning documents had initially been submitted to the city for development in 2016. In June 2021, it was announced that a confectionary company based in Oakland had applied for a conditional use permit on a 4.65-acre lot from Richmond's planning commission to relocate its factory to the city.

How to File an Unfair Business
Complaint in Richmond?

Complaints on Richmond's unfair and unlawful business activities can be filed with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office's Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) by calling (925) 957-8604. You can also download a complaint form provided by the CPU, and complete and submit this form, along with supporting documents, to:

  • Contra Costa County District Attorney
  • Special Operations Division
  • 900 Ward Street
  • Fourth Floor
  • Martinez, CA 94553

The Consumer Protection Unit investigates and prosecutes complaints received directly from residents, and where appropriate, will initiate enforcement actions. After an attorney has reviewed your complaint, you will be contacted to keep you informed of the CPU's activities. The CPU, however, is prohibited from representing private citizens who desire personal remedies such as a return of their money or other civil restitution. To pursue the refund of your funds, you can file a small claims lawsuit for up to $10,000 at the Small Claims Division of the Richmond Superior Court. The Small Claims Division provides a Small Claims Advisor to help you understand how to prepare for small claims court, file a case, and navigate the court's procedures. You can contact the Small Claims Advisor by email or you can contact the Richmond Superior Court at (925) 608-1000 to direct any court-related questions or for additional information.