Business Licensing & Operations in Chico, CA (2026)
4 verified business licensing & operations rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Chico requires adult arcades, bookstores, cabarets, and similar businesses to stay 1,000 feet from schools, parks, and each other, and 300 feet from residential property, with capped operating hours.
Chico Adult Entertainment Spacing Rules
Significant RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.76.030
It is unlawful to cause or allow the establishment of an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, massage parlor, or sexual encounter establishment within: a. 1,000 feet of another similar business; b. 1,000 feet of any religious institution, school, or public park; or c. 300 feet of any property designated for residential use or us...
Massage Establishments
Chico requires a massage establishment permit from the Community Development Department before operating, plus a business license and CAMTC-certified practitioners.
Chico Massage Establishment Permit
Significant RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 5.44.070(A)
It is unlawful for any person to operate a massage establishment or structural integration establishment within the city without first obtaining a massage establishment or structural establishment permit from the Community Development Department, and otherwise complying with the requirements of this code, including but not limited to, obtaining a business license. B. On or after the effective...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Chico classifies tattoo parlors and body-piercing studios as "Personal Services," a use permitted by right in all eight commercial zoning districts, with its own parking standard.
Chico Allows Tattoo Studios as Personal Services
Few RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.04.020
Personal Services (land use). Establishments providing non-medical related services, including beauty and barber shops, clothing rental, small-scale dry cleaners, laundromats (self-service laundries), shoe repair shops, tanning salons, psychic readers, therapeutic (nonsexual) massage services, acupuncture, body piercing, tattooing, electrolysis. These uses may also include accessory retail sale...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
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.
Chico Bars Home-Based Auto Repair
Significant RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.20.030
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 gene...
Looking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Butte County →