Chico adopts the California Fire Code via CMC 16R.42.010 — including Chapter 49 (Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas). CAL FIRE released updated LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps on March 24, 2025; parts of the eastern Chico foothill fringe (Skyway / Forest Ranch edge) are mapped as High and Very-High FHSZ within or just outside the city. New construction or substantial remodel in any FHSZ must meet California Building Code Chapter 7A (ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents, Class A roofs, enclosed eaves). The 2018 Camp Fire — 10 miles east in Paradise / Magalia — drives unusually rigorous enforcement.
CMC 16R.42.010 adopts the California Fire Code (CFC), including Ch. 49 WUI requirements. CFC §4901-4915 + CBC Ch. 7A impose construction-material standards for any structure in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area: Class A roof assemblies; ignition-resistant exterior wall coverings; ember-resistant vents (≤ 1/8-inch mesh); enclosed eaves; tempered or multi-pane glazing on windows facing wildland fuels; non-combustible decks within 10 ft of structure. CAL FIRE LRA FHSZ maps were updated in 2025; Chico parcels within Very-High FHSZ get the strictest construction and PRC §4291 100-ft defensible-space treatment. Parcels in SRA (State Responsibility Area) east of the city limits are directly regulated by CAL FIRE Butte Unit. AB 38 (HSC §51182, §51189) adds defensible-space inspection disclosure on sale of property in High/Very-High FHSZ.
Building permits in FHSZ are not issued without WUI-compliant plans (Ch. 7A). State PRC §4291 administrative fines up to $5,000/inspection for defensible-space failures. AB 38 sale-disclosure violations are civil actionable. Chico Code Enforcement may issue CMC 1.16 misdemeanor citations for ongoing non-compliance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chico, CA
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 Build...
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...
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