Chico, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- alteration, repair, remodel, enlargement
- Issued by
- Building Division
- Interior remodel exemption
- zoning-only, not building permit
- Authority
- CMC § 16.10.020
Summary
Chico requires a basic building permit for any alteration, repair, improvement, or remodel of a building or structure, with only a short list of minor exemptions under the Municipal Code.
A basic building permit shall be required for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, improvement, moving, removal, conversion, or demolition of any building or structure in the city; except that a basic building permit shall not be required for the following:
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 § 16.10.020, any enlargement, alteration, repair, improvement, moving, or remodeling of a building or structure in the city needs a basic building permit from the Building Division, unless it falls on the narrow exemption list (tool sheds under 120 sq ft, fences under 6 feet, and similar minor work). A separate zoning exemption in § 19.01.050(D)(2)(e) excuses interior alterations that don't add floor area, rooms, or change the use from a land-use entitlement, but that exemption is only from the zoning permit: the Title 16 building permit is still required for the construction work itself.
Violations & Fines
Remodeling or altering a structure without a permit is a code violation; the City can issue a stop-work order and cite the work as an infraction (up to $1,000) or misdemeanor under the general penalty provision, § 1.04.120, plus require after-the-fact permitting, inspection, and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen in Chico?
Is a purely cosmetic interior remodel exempt from any permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California building safety overview
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