Chico, CA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed zones
- residential districts, Ch. 19.42
- Also allowed
- OR/OC office districts, Ch. 19.44
- Also allowed
- NE/NG TND dwelling units
- Must remain
- accessory to residential use
- Governing section
- § 19.20.010
Summary
Chico only allows permitted home occupations in residential zoning districts, the OR/OC office districts, and NE/NG TND dwelling units, per Municipal Code § 19.20.010.
The following provisions are intended to permit limited business activities in residential zoning districts as defined in Chapter 19.42 and the OR (Office Residential) and OC (Office Commercial) zoning districts as defined in Chapter 19.44, or in dwelling units located on projects assigned with the NE and NG TND designations when conducted by the occupants of a dwelling, in a manner accessory to and compatible with the residential characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood.
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
Municipal Code § 19.20.010 limits home occupations to residential zoning districts defined in Chapter 19.42, the OR (Office Residential) and OC (Office Commercial) districts defined in Chapter 19.44, and dwelling units within projects carrying the NE or NG Traditional Neighborhood Development designation. The use must be conducted by the property's own occupants and stay accessory to, and compatible with, the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood: it can never become the property's primary use. An activity outside § 19.20.030's allowed list, or proposed in a zoning district not named here, doesn't qualify for a home occupation permit and instead needs a standard commercial use approval.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home business in a zoning district outside the residential, OR/OC, or NE/NG TND list isn't eligible for a home occupation permit and can be cited as an unpermitted commercial use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What zones allow home occupations in Chico?
Can a home business become the main use of my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
How Chico compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California home business overview
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