ADU rules in Chico, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Chico Municipal Code §19.76.130 authorizes ADUs on every R-zoned lot consistent with state law (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2). Detached ADUs are capped at 16 ft height; attached ADUs may reach 25 ft. Statewide-exempt ADUs up to 800 sq ft are by-right with 4 ft side/rear setbacks. Larger ADUs on multifamily lots are capped at 850 sq ft (1 BR) or 1,000 sq ft (2 BR). Minimum efficiency unit = 150 sq ft. Post-Camp-Fire, Chico stripped out barriers to ADU production.
Under CMC §19.76.130 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2, a statewide-exempt ADU is allowed by-right on any lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Maximum floor area for the statewide-exempt category is 800 sq ft; the minimum efficiency unit interior is 150 sq ft. On lots with multifamily dwellings, detached ADUs above 800 sq ft are limited to 850 sq ft (one bedroom) and 1,000 sq ft (two or more bedrooms). Detached ADU height is capped at 16 ft; attached ADUs may go to 25 ft (matching the primary). Minimum setbacks are 4 ft side and 4 ft rear; alley-adjacent garages converted to ADUs may keep the existing reduced setback. No minimum lot size, no parking required within ½ mile of transit, and conversion of existing space is by-right. Both the standard ADU and a JADU (junior ADU ≤500 sq ft inside the primary) are allowed on the same single-family lot.
Permits issued ministerial under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (60-day clock). Building without a permit triggers CMC Title 16 enforcement: stop-work order, double permit fees, and possible Code Enforcement abatement under CMC §1.32. Conversion of unpermitted ADU back to compliance is the standard remedy.
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