Environmental Rules in Chico, CA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Chico prohibits any non-storm water discharge into the city's storm drain system unless specifically exempted, enforcing the ban under Chapter 15.50 of the Municipal Code to protect Butte County watercourses and comply with the city's NPDES permit.
Chico Storm Drain Discharge Ban
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 15.50.040
A. Illicit Discharge. Non-storm water discharges to the City's storm drain system are prohibited except as specifically permitted under Section 15.50.050.
Erosion Control
Before issuing any grading or building permit, Chico requires construction operators to submit an erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) with site-specific best management practices to control storm water pollution from soil-disturbing work.
Chico Construction Erosion Control Plan
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 15.50.075(B)(1)
Prior to issuing a grading or building permit, the City of Chico shall require each operator of a construction activity within the city's jurisdiction to prepare and submit for review and approval an erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) per the city's approved ESCP form.
Flood Zones
Chico bars any development in a special flood hazard area that doesn't meet the city's adopted floodplain standards, and building permit applications there must include elevation and floodproofing data under a companion section.
Chico Floodplain Development Rules
Significant RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 16.37.010
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall cause or permit any development on property within a special flood hazard area of the city which fails to comply with or which violates the floodplain standards adopted by or pursuant to this chapter.
Flood Elevation Requirements
Chico requires new and substantially improved buildings in special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, with stricter rules in AO zones.
Chico Base Flood Elevation Freeboard
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 16R.37.060
A. Residential construction, new or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor, including basement: ... 2. Within a zone designated as A on the approved floodplain maps on file in the office of the building division, elevated to at least one foot above the base flood elevation, as determined by the building official. 3. In all other zones, elevated to at least one foot above the base ...
Looking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Environmental Rules in Butte County →