Chico, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted
- 2025 CA WUI Code, Ord. 2619
- Effective
- January 6, 2026
- Codified as
- Municipal Code Ch. 16R.41
- Applies to
- very-high fire hazard severity zones
- Enforced by
- Chico Building Official
Summary
Chico enforces the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code for construction in fire hazard severity zones, adopting the state's fire-hazard building standards by reference under Municipal Code § 16R.41.010.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Wildland-urban Interface Code as published by the International Code Council, including the appendices thereto, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Wildland-urban Interface Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code has been deposited in the office of the building official...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Effective January 6, 2026 under Ordinance 2619, Chico adopted the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, based on the 2024 International WUI Code, appendices included, by reference as Chapter 16R.41 of the Municipal Code, making it the city's official Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Codes of this type set ignition-resistant construction, material, and defensible-space standards for building in mapped fire hazard severity zones. A copy is kept on permanent file with the Chico Building Official for public inspection, and any construction project located within a mapped zone is subject to its requirements as part of the standard building permit process.
Violations & Fines
Building in a mapped very-high fire hazard zone without meeting the adopted WUI Code standards can hold up plan check, permit issuance, or final inspection by the Building Official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico have its own wildfire building code?
Where can I review the adopted code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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