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Chico, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Minimum rental term
30 consecutive days
Applies to
ADUs and JADUs
Short-term/vacation rental
Prohibited
Section
CMC § 19.76.130(B)(1)

Summary

Chico bans short-term rentals of accessory dwelling units, requiring ADUs and JADUs to be leased for 30 or more consecutive days under the city's zoning code.

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

View official code

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

Under CMC § 19.76.130(B)(1), Chico allows ADUs and JADUs to be rented only for terms of thirty or more consecutive days; shorter-term "overnight lodging" arrangements are barred outright. That closes off vacation-rental and home-sharing use of an accessory unit even though the city separately permits short-term home-sharing of a primary residence elsewhere in the code. The rule applies to every ADU and JADU in the city, regardless of zoning district, and is enforced independent of any Airbnb-style platform's own terms.

Violations & Fines

Renting an ADU or JADU for under 30 days can draw code enforcement citations, fines, and potential revocation of the unit's occupancy approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I list my Chico ADU on a short-term rental site?
No. Chico's code requires ADU and JADU rentals to run 30 days or longer; shorter "vacation rental" terms are prohibited under CMC § 19.76.130(B)(1).
Does this rule apply to the main house too?
No, this specific 30-day minimum governs accessory dwelling units and JADUs; the primary residence is addressed under Chico's separate home-sharing provisions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chico

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsADU RulesSome RestrictionsShed & Carport RulesSome RestrictionsADU Owner OccupancySome RestrictionsGarage ConversionsSome RestrictionsADU Impact FeesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions

All Chico rules

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