Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Chico

Chico, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)

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

Key Facts

Allowed home-occupation list
excludes auto/vehicle repair
Hazardous materials
barred, § 19.20.060(J)
Catch-all clause
"same general character" only
Auto repair requires
commercial zoning district, use permit
Governing section
§ 19.20.030

Summary

Chico's home occupation ordinance leaves auto and vehicle repair off its closed list of allowed home businesses, and separately bans storing or using hazardous automotive fluids at a residence.

Allowable home occupations shall include the following activities: A. Art, music, and similar lessons; B. Art work; C. Artist's and sculptor's studio activities; D. Dressmaking; E. Millinery; F. Sewing; G. Small handicraft; H. Professional offices for an architect, attorney, counselor, insurance agent, musician, planner, technical advisor, tutor, or writer; and I. Any other use of the same general character as those listed above.

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

Municipal Code § 19.20.030 limits allowable home occupations to a closed list, art, music, and similar lessons; artwork; dressmaking; millinery; sewing; small handicrafts; and professional offices such as architects, attorneys, or writers, plus 'any other use of the same general character.' Auto and vehicle repair, with its noise, fluids, and equipment, doesn't fit that character and isn't a permitted home occupation. Separately, § 19.20.060(J) bars any home occupation from involving 'the storage or use of explosive, flammable, or toxic materials, specifically defined as hazardous materials,' which squarely covers motor oil and solvents. Auto repair in Chico needs a commercial zoning district and use permit, not a home occupation permit.

Violations & Fines

Running an auto repair business from a residence, a use that doesn't qualify for a home occupation permit, or storing hazardous automotive fluids there violates § 19.20.060(J) and can draw code enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run an auto repair shop from my Chico home?
No. It isn't on the closed list of allowable home occupations in § 19.20.030, and § 19.20.060(J) separately bars storing or using hazardous automotive fluids at a home occupation.
What if I only do occasional repairs for friends?
Regular auto repair activity still falls outside the § 19.20.030 home occupation categories and its hazardous-materials standard in § 19.20.060(J); a commercial location and use permit are required.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chico

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions

All Chico rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Auto Repair on Residential Property in Chico, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.