Chico processes ADU applications ministerially via Community Development per CMC §19.76.130 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b). No discretionary hearing, no public notice, no CEQA. Statutory clock: 60 days from a complete application. Applicants may request Zoning Clearance for the site plan or submit directly to Building Division. Plans must show floor area, setbacks, height, and utility connections. Permitting fee schedule is set by Council resolution.
Under CMC §19.76.130 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b), Chico must act on an ADU application within 60 days of receipt or it is deemed approved. Submittal package: site plan (showing existing structures, ADU footprint, setbacks, parking if required), floor plan, elevations, structural and Title 24 energy compliance (CALGreen), and utility plans. ADUs converted from existing legal accessory structures (garage conversions) are approved by-right without setback compliance for the existing walls. For new ADUs in the WUI overlay, Chapter 7A wildfire materials specs (CRC R337 / CBC Ch. 7A) are reviewed at plan check. School fee certificates from CUSD apply for units >500 sq ft. No discretionary planning review unless the project exceeds statewide-exempt limits.
Beginning construction without permits violates CMC Title 16 and CBC §105 — stop-work order, double permit fees, possible abatement. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2) prohibits Chico from imposing discretionary conditions on a statewide-exempt ADU; applicants may appeal a wrongful denial to HCD.
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