Chico, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RS district cap
- 40% of lot
- R2 district cap
- 60% of lot
- R4 district cap
- 75% of lot
- Excludes
- porches, driveways, uncovered decks
- Governing table
- CMC Table 4-3A/4-3B/4-3C
Summary
Chico caps the share of a residential lot that buildings may occupy: 40% in the RS district, up to 60% in R2, 65% in R3, and 75% in R4, under the Title 19 zone development-standards tables.
Site Coverage (1) 40% ... Notes: (1) Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered with structures (see the definition of site coverage in Chapter 19.04).
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
Site coverage, the percentage of a lot occupied by structures, is capped by zoning district under Chico Municipal Code Title 19: 40% in the RS district, 50% in R1 for single-story homes (40% for multi-story homes, or 50% on R1-10/R1-15 lots), 60% in R2, 65% in R3, and 75% in R4. The limit excludes unenclosed porches and paved surfaces such as driveways, walkways, and uncovered decks, per the site-coverage definition in Chapter 19.04. Planning staff check compliance against the applicable table during building-permit plan review before construction begins.
Violations & Fines
Building beyond the applicable coverage cap without a variance, PD permit, or approved exception can trigger a stop-work order and hold on the building permit until the site plan is revised to comply with the Table 4-3A/4-3B/4-3C limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts toward Chico's site coverage limit?
Does the coverage cap change by zoning district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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