A building/zoning permit is generally required in Chico for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Building Code. Standard residential fences at the height limit may be permit-exempt.
Chico's fence permitting turns on height and material. A standard residential fence at or under the height limit is often exempt from permits, which covers most backyard projects. The exceptions: fences over 6 feet need building or zoning approval, masonry and retaining walls are reviewed as structures regardless of height, and any fence functioning as a pool barrier must meet the California Building Code's requirements. When a project touches any of those categories, building and planning are the departments to ask before construction.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chico, CA
Chico is a Tree City with a strong tree-preservation ordinance; removing protected or heritage trees, including many on private property, requires a city tre...
Chico, CA
Chico does not ban artificial turf and the City permits it as part of drought-tolerant landscapes. State law (AB 1572, Cal. Water Code §10608.14, eff. 2027) ...
Chico, CA
Under CMC §19.68.050 and §19.68.070, at least 90% of plants in non-turf areas must be suited to Chico's climate and require minimal water once established. S...
Chico, CA
City of Chico parks — including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park — restrict drone operations under CMC Title 12R; advance written permission is required. CARD-man...
Chico, CA
Commercial drone work in Chico requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city does not issue separate commercial UAS permits. Operations on city...
Chico, CA
Chico has no standalone municipal drone ordinance for recreational hobbyists; FAA Part 107 and FAA recreational rules (49 USC §44809) govern airspace citywid...
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