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Property Maintenance

Property Maintenance in Chico, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Chico or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Chico has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Chico treats a vacant parcel with plants, animals, or other items endangering public health or safety as a public nuisance subject to city abatement.

Key details: Covers: Vacant parcels, plants/animals/items. Also covers: Weeds, dead/hazardous vegetation. Standard: Endangers health, safety, welfare. Administered by: Community Development Dept..

A qualifying condition is a public nuisance; the city can issue an abatement order, do the work itself on non-compliance, and recover costs via assessment or a lien against the property under Chapter 1.14.

Property Blight

Chico adopted the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings by reference, letting the building official order repair, vacation, or demolition of any structure that endangers life, health, or safety.

Key details: Adopted code: Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. Edition: 1991 Edition, ICBO. Remedies: repair, vacate, or demolish. Appeal deadline: 15 days to city council. Governing section: Chico Municipal Code § 16.64.010.

Maintaining a building contrary to a final abatement order is unlawful under § 16.64.030; disobeying a final order under § 16.64.080 is also a violation, and the city may proceed to repair, vacate, or demolish the structure.

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

The Bottom Line

Chico's property maintenance rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Chico is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Chico can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.