Fire Regulations in Chico, CA

If you live in Chico or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Chico has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fireworks

Chico, California bans all fireworks, including state-licensed 'Safe and Sane' fireworks, within city limits: no manufacture, possession, storage, sale, or use is allowed under Chico Municipal Code § 16R.42.100.

Key details: Local citation: Chico Municipal Code § 16R.42.100. Covers: all fireworks, including 'Safe and Sane'. Exception: permitted public displays only, § 16.48.020. Amends: CFC § 5601 and CCR Title 19, Chapter 6.

Possessing, using, selling, or storing any fireworks, including 'Safe and Sane' varieties, without a public-display permit violates the amended CFC Section 5601 and is enforced as a fire regulation violation under Chico Municipal Code Chapter 16.52, subject to correction orders and infraction penalties.

Compared to other cities, Chico takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Outdoor Burning

Chico bans igniting any open fire, indoors or outdoors, throughout the city, allowing only a short list of exempt appliances and fire-marshal-permitted uses under Municipal Code Chapter 16R.42.

Key details: Scope: Applies inside and outside buildings. Automatic exemptions: Matches, barbecues, code-compliant fireplaces. Discretionary fires: Require fire marshal permit. Wood-stove curtailment: Nov 1 - Mar 1 bad-air days.

Fire code violations are enforceable as misdemeanors under City Charter Section 1505, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment, unless a specific section sets a different penalty; the fire marshal may also deny or revoke burn permits.

Compared to other cities, Chico takes a harder line on outdoor burning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildfire Zones

Chico enforces the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code for construction in fire hazard severity zones, adopting the state's fire-hazard building standards by reference under Municipal Code § 16R.41.010.

Key details: Adopted: 2025 CA WUI Code, Ord. 2619. Effective: January 6, 2026. Codified as: Municipal Code Ch. 16R.41. Applies to: very-high fire hazard severity zones. Enforced by: Chico Building Official.

Building in a mapped very-high fire hazard zone without meeting the adopted WUI Code standards can hold up plan check, permit issuance, or final inspection by the Building Official.

Propane Storage

Chico, California caps liquefied petroleum gas storage at 2,000 gallons water capacity per site outside commercial and industrial zones, and requires a fire permit for most LP-gas storage under amended Chico Municipal Code § 16R.42.050 and § 16R.42.010.

Key details: Residential permit exemption: under 125 gal. water capacity, Group R-3. Site-wide storage cap: 2,000 gal. outside commercial/industrial zones. Local citation: Chico Municipal Code §§ 16R.42.050, .010. Amends: CFC §§ 6104.3 and 105.6.27.

Storing LP-gas above the permitted threshold for the zone, or without the required fire permit outside the small-residential-tank exception, is enforced as a fire regulation violation by the fire marshal under Chico Municipal Code Chapter 16.52, which can lead to a correction order, permit revocation, or infraction penalties.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Chico allows wood or gas outdoor fire pits on private property with a 15-foot structure setback, a 36-inch container cap, and a Red Flag Warning burn ban.

Key details: Structure setback: 15 feet minimum. Container size: 36-inch max diameter. Fuel: Gas or dry clean wood only. Red Flag days: Wood fires banned.

A violation is a misdemeanor or infraction, enforced by the city attorney's office or through an administrative citation under Chico Municipal Code Chapter 1.15.

Smoke Detectors

Before a converted condominium unit can be sold in Chico, the building must be certified by the Building Official and each unit equipped with smoke detectors meeting the Title 16-adopted standard.

Key details: Applies to: Condo-conversion dwelling units. Standard cited: UBC § 1310, via Title 16. Certified by: City Building Official. Consequence: Sale barred until certified.

A converted unit lacking certified smoke detectors and other required equipment cannot legally be offered for sale until the Building Official certifies compliance.

The Bottom Line

Chico is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Chico, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Chico's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.