Accessory Structures in Chico, CA (2026)
6 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 lets ADU applicants get a zoning clearance or apply directly for a building permit, with a 4-foot side/rear setback for new detached units and a 1,200-sq-ft cap.
Chico Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.76.130.B-C
Applicants for accessory dwelling units may seek zoning clearance for a site plan depicting a proposed ADU or may directly apply for building permits and compliance with these standards shall be assessed in conjunction with building permit review. ... Detached, new-construction ADUs shall provide a minimum side and rear yard setback of 4 feet. ... ADUs or JADUs may be rented for the purpose of ...
ADU Impact Fees
Chico cuts development impact fees in half for an ADU that shares its sewer lateral with the main house, under Chico Municipal Code § 3.85.135.
Chico ADU Impact Fee Discount
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 3.85.135(B)
Where a single-family residential unit includes an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), the ADU shall be assessed fifty percent (50%) of the development impact fees, so long as the ADU utilizes the same sewer lateral as the primary residence of the property; and C. In acknowledgement that the number of bedrooms in a new residence correlates to household size, and therefore to impacts on City inf...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Chico's code requires junior accessory dwelling units to be owner-occupied, but standard ADUs carry no such requirement under the city's current zoning code, consistent with state law.
Chico ADU/JADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.76.130(A)(2)
A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. In accordance with State law, a junior accessory dwelling unit shall be owner-occupied. B. General requirements. Where a single-family or multi-family use is a permitted use or lawfully exists, a proposed ADU shall comply with all the development stand...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Chico bans short-term rentals of accessory dwelling units, requiring ADUs and JADUs to be leased for 30 or more consecutive days under the city's zoning code.
Chico ADU 30-Day Rental Minimum
Significant RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.76.130(B)(1)
ADUs or JADUs may be rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for terms of thirty or more consecutive days but shall not be rented or subleased for shorter terms. 2. Neither the main dwelling nor the ADU shall be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the other unit, except pursuant to California Government Code Section 66341. 3. The provisions of this section shall not a...
Shed & Carport Rules
Storage sheds and similar detached accessory structures on Chico single-family lots need 3-foot side, 10-foot street-side, and 5-foot rear setbacks, and can't sit in a front setback or within 10 feet of the street property line.
Chico Storage Shed Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.76.020(D)(1)(c)(2), Table 5-9
TABLE 5-9 REQUIRED SETBACKS FOR DETACHED ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES -- Single-Family Detached Homes: Gazebo, trellis, greenhouse, patio cover, storage shed, workshop, recreation room -- Side: 3 ft. Street side: 10 ft. or as required for main structure. Rear: 5 ft.; 0 ft. for structures adjacent to an alley. Height Limits: 15 ft.; 25 ft. with use permit approval. Size Limits: 25% of the size ...
Garage Conversions
Converting a Chico single-family garage or carport to living space means replacing the lost parking spaces, unless the conversion creates an accessory dwelling unit, per Chico Municipal Code Section 19.70.040.
Chico Garage Conversion Parking Rule
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.70.040(A)
Single-family homes shall retain or provide the required number of parking spaces when a garage or carport is converted to a use other than vehicle parking. However, when a garage, carport or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, or is converted into an accessory dwelling unit, replacement of those off-street parking spaces s...
Looking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Accessory Structures in Butte County →