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Chico, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

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

Key Facts

Retailer-storefront cap
4 permits citywide
Cultivation/microbusiness
Banned citywide, no exceptions
Outdoor cultivation
Prohibited in all zoning districts
Permit required
Commercial Cannabis Permit under Ch. 5.42

Summary

Chico is not a cannabis-free city: retail, manufacturing, distribution, and testing businesses can operate in approved commercial zoning districts under a Commercial Cannabis Permit, though cultivation and microbusinesses stay banned everywhere.

A. All commercial cannabis businesses shall be located in an approved land use district pursuant to Division IV of Title 19. ... A. No person shall establish, operate, maintain, conduct, cause, allow or engage in commercial cannabis activity anywhere within the City related to cannabis cultivation or microbusiness uses.

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

Chico Municipal Code § 19.75.120(A) requires every commercial cannabis business to locate in an approved land use district under Title 19's Division IV zoning rules, and businesses must first obtain a Commercial Cannabis Permit under Chapter 5.42. The city caps retailer-storefront permits at four citywide, roughly one per 25,000 residents (§ 5.42.110). By contrast, § 19.75.030(A) bans all commercial cannabis cultivation and microbusiness activity citywide and the City will issue no permit for it, and outdoor cultivation is prohibited outright, so Chico allows retail, manufacturing, distribution, and testing under permit, but is a hard opt-out for growers.

Violations & Fines

Operating a commercial cannabis business outside an approved zoning district, or without a Commercial Cannabis Permit, is a public nuisance abatable under Chapter 1.14 and may draw civil penalties or administrative citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow cannabis commercially in Chico?
No. Chico Municipal Code § 19.75.030(A) prohibits all commercial cannabis cultivation and microbusiness activity citywide, and the city will not issue any permit for it.
How many cannabis retail stores can operate in Chico?
Up to four retailer-storefront permits citywide, per § 5.42.110(D), based on roughly one permit per 25,000 residents under the city's population-density formula.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chico

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBuffer ZonesSome 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 cannabis regulations overview

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