Accessory Structures in Chico, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Chico Municipal Code §19.76.130 authorizes ADUs on every R-zoned lot consistent with state law (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2). Detached ADUs are capped at 16 ft height; attached ADUs may reach 25 ft. Statewide-exempt ADUs up to 800 sq ft are by-right with 4 ft side/rear setbacks. Larger ADUs on multifamily lots are capped at 850 sq ft (1 BR) or 1,000 sq ft (2 BR). Minimum efficiency unit = 150 sq ft. Post-Camp-Fire, Chico stripped out barriers to ADU production.
ADU Standards — CMC §19.76.130
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Chico processes ADU applications ministerially via Community Development per CMC §19.76.130 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b). No discretionary hearing, no public notice, no CEQA. Statutory clock: 60 days from a complete application. Applicants may request Zoning Clearance for the site plan or submit directly to Building Division. Plans must show floor area, setbacks, height, and utility connections. Permitting fee schedule is set by Council resolution.
ADU Permit Process — Ministerial Building Permit
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), ADUs under 750 sq ft are statutorily exempt from impact fees (city, special-district, school, and water-corporation). ADUs at 750 sq ft and larger pay impact fees proportional to the ratio of ADU floor area to the primary dwelling. Chico's 2022–2030 Housing Element documents the City Council's 50% reduction of locally-controlled ADU impact fees on top of the state exemption — a direct post-Camp-Fire housing response.
ADU Impact Fees — Waived Under 750 sq ft; Reduced by Chico
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6) (as amended by AB 587/AB 671), Chico cannot require owner-occupancy for an ADU permitted between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2024. JADUs (junior ADUs ≤500 sq ft inside the primary residence) require owner-occupancy of either the primary or JADU under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.22. Chico codified this dual standard in CMC §19.76.130 — no owner-occupancy for standard ADUs in the current window; owner-occupancy mandatory for JADUs and recorded in a deed restriction.
ADU Owner-Occupancy — Waived for Standard ADUs
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6) and CMC §19.76.130, an ADU may not be rented for terms of less than 30 days. Short-term/vacation rental of an ADU is prohibited in Chico. The primary dwelling and ADU cannot be sold separately (AB 1033 condo-conversion opt-in has not been adopted by Chico). Long-term leases (≥30 days) are unrestricted and not subject to additional licensing beyond the standard CMC Title 5 business license for residential rental property.
ADU Rental Term — 30-Day Minimum, STR Prohibited
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Chico Municipal Code §19.76.020 governs detached accessory structures including tool sheds. Sheds 120 sq ft or smaller without plumbing or electricity are exempt from a building permit but must still comply with zoning setbacks. Detached accessory structures may not exceed 15 ft in height and cannot be located in a front yard setback or closer than 10 ft from any property line adjoining a public street. Architectural compatibility with the main dwelling is required.
Chico Shed Rules: 120 sq ft Building Permit Exemption, 15 ft Height Cap
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Chico Municipal Code §19.76.130 permits conversion of an existing attached or detached garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in R1 and R2 zones. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted as part of ADU creation, the city cannot require replacement off-street parking. This aligns with California Government Code §66323. Conversions still require a building permit and must comply with CALGreen, Title 24 energy, and fire-rated wall standards. Owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs (eliminated post–Camp Fire to encourage housing).
Chico Garage Conversion to ADU: §19.76.130 Permits Conversion, No Replacement Parking
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Chico Municipal Code §19.76.020 defines a carport as an attached or detached accessory building not enclosed on more than two sides, designed to shelter motor vehicles. Carports may not be located in front yard setbacks and must be set back at least 10 ft from any property line adjoining a public street. A garage entrance face approximately parallel to the lot line must be set back at least 20 ft from the property line providing driveway access to preserve off-street parking depth. Building permits are required.
Chico Carport Rules: §19.76.020 — 10 ft Street-Side Setback, 20 ft Garage Door Setback
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Chico has no separate tiny-home ordinance; tiny dwellings are regulated under CMC §19.76.130 (ADUs) and California state law. A tiny home on a permanent foundation that meets the California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) may qualify as an ADU in R1/R2 zones (detached minimum 4 ft side/rear setback, max 1,200 sq ft). Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWs) that do not meet HCD park trailer (HSC §18009.3) or manufactured home definitions are not legal full-time dwellings outside a permitted mobilehome/RV park, per HCD Information Bulletin 2016-01.
Chico Tiny Homes: Permanent Foundation Required (ADU Pathway), THOWs Not Allowed as Dwellings
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Accessory Structures in Butte County →