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
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
CMC §9.56.010 prohibits minors under 18 from loitering in public places between 10:00 PM (11:00 PM during Daylight Savings Time) and 5:00 AM unless accompani...
Chico, CA
CMC Chapter 9.54 (Aggressive and Deceptive Solicitation) bars solicitation at bus stops, in public transit vehicles, on public streets to occupied cars, with...
Chico, CA
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 19.23 regulates Mobile Food Vendors with a dedicated permit process covering applications, operating standards, and enforcement....
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...
See how Chico's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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