Chico, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)
Key Facts
- JADU owner-occupancy
- Required
- Standard ADU owner-occupancy
- Not required
- Max JADU size
- 500 sq ft
- Governing section
- CMC § 19.76.130(A)(2)
Summary
Chico's code requires junior accessory dwelling units to be owner-occupied, but standard ADUs carry no such requirement under the city's current zoning code, consistent with state law.
A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. In accordance with State law, a junior accessory dwelling unit shall be owner-occupied.
B. General requirements. Where a single-family or multi-family use is a permitted use or lawfully exists, a proposed ADU shall comply with all the development standards of this section. Applicants for accessory dwelling units may seek zoning clearance for a site plan depicting a proposed ADU or may directly apply for building permits and compliance with these standards shall be assessed in conjunction with building permit review.
1. ADUs or JADUs may be rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for terms of thirty or more consecutive days but shall not be rented or subleased for shorter terms.
2. Neither the main dwelling nor the ADU shall be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the other unit, except pursuant to California Government Code Section 66341.
3. The provisions of this section shall not apply to property that has been subdivided as a result of an urban lot split and developed with two primary units pursuant to Section
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico's Municipal Code separately defines standard ADUs and Junior ADUs (JADUs) under CMC § 19.76.130(A). JADUs, units up to 500 square feet built entirely within an existing single-family home, must be owner-occupied per subsection A.2, mirroring the state-law JADU rule. Standard attached, detached, and converted ADUs carry no owner-occupancy mandate under the current code; only the smaller JADU option triggers it. Homeowners planning a JADU in Chico should expect owner-occupancy to be an enforceable permit condition, not paperwork.
Violations & Fines
Occupying or renting a JADU in violation of the owner-occupancy requirement can trigger permit denial or code enforcement action by the City of Chico Building Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico require ADU owners to live on-site?
What is a JADU under Chico's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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