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Chico, CA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

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

Key Facts

Use category
Veterinary Clinics/Animal Hospitals, §19.04.020
Governing table
Table 4-6, § 19.44.020
Key distinction
Indoor vs. outdoor kennel facilities
Related use
Cross-referenced to Kennels/Animal Boarding
Permit range
By-right to discretionary Use Permit

Summary

Chico's zoning code defines veterinary clinics and animal hospitals as a distinct land use and treats indoor versus outdoor kennel facilities differently across its commercial zoning districts.

Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals (land use). Office and medical treatment facilities used by veterinarians, with indoor and/or outdoor kennel facilities. This use includes large and small animal veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. See also "Kennels and Animal Boarding." Visual simulation. An accurate, scaled graphic or other visual depiction of a development project in relation to its environmental setting.

W.   Definitions, "W." Warehouse Retail Stores (land use). Retail stores generally of 100,000 square feet or larger that emphasize the packaging and sale of products in large quantities or volumes, some at discounted prices, where products are typically displayed in their original shipping containers. Sites and structures are usually large and industrial in character. Patrons may or may not be required to pay membership fees. Warehousing (land use). Facilities for the storage of farm products, furniture, household goods, or other commercial goods of any nature. Includes cold storage. Does not include warehouse, storage, or mini-storage facilities offered for rent or lease to the general public, which are included under "Storage, Personal Storage Facility," warehouse facilities where the primary purpose of storage is for wholesaling and distribution, which are included under "Wholesaling and Distribution," or terminal facilities for handling freight, which are included under "Vehicle and Freight Terminals."

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

Chico Municipal Code § 19.04.020 defines "Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals" as office and medical treatment facilities used by veterinarians with indoor and/or outdoor kennel facilities, covering both large- and small-animal practices. Table 4-6 under § 19.44.020 regulates the use by commercial zoning district and splits it into two line items, indoor kennel facilities and outdoor kennel facilities, with permit requirements ranging from a by-right permitted (P) use to a discretionary Use Permit (UP) depending on the district, reflecting greater scrutiny of noise and odor from outdoor animal boarding near other commercial uses.

Violations & Fines

Operating a veterinary clinic or animal hospital, especially one with outdoor kennels, in a district where Table 4-6 requires a Use Permit but none was obtained is a zoning code violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a veterinary clinic anywhere in Chico's commercial zones?
No single answer. Table 4-6 allows the use by right in some districts and requires a discretionary Use Permit in others, and outdoor kennels face stricter review than indoor-only clinics.
What's the difference between indoor and outdoor veterinary kennels under Chico's code?
Table 4-6 treats them as separate line items: indoor kennel facilities get more by-right zoning access, while outdoor kennel facilities require a discretionary Use Permit in more districts.

Sources & Official References

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