Chico, CA Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Side setback
- 3 feet
- Street side setback
- 3 feet
- Rear setback
- 3 feet
- Property line rule
- No encroachment permitted
Summary
Chico treats stationary barbecues, fire pits, and built-in outdoor cooking equipment as accessory structures, requiring them to meet the same 3-foot setbacks as sheds and pools under Table 5-9.
Stationary barbecue, fire pit Side 3 ft. Street side 3 ft. Rear 3 ft.
Notes:
(1) Where a parcel is situated so that the front, side, or rear property lines are not readily determinable, required setbacks shall be established by the Director.
(2) In no case shall a structure, projection, or equipment be placed or occur beyond the property lines of the subject parcel. No accessory structures shall be located in a front yard setback or closer than 10 feet from any property line adjoining a public street.
(3) To ensure an adequate space for off-street parking in residential zoning districts, the face of a garage entrance, situated approximately parallel to the lot line, shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the property line providing driveway access.
(4) Additional floor area may be approved with an administrative use permit.
(5) Garage may be located on rear or side property line abutting an alley where the Director determines that adequate turning radius and backup area will be provided. (Ord. 2397 §13, Ord. 2435 §42, Ord. 2439 §188, Ord. 2519 §30)
9. Workshops, Studios, Greenhouses, or Recreation Rooms.
a. Limitation on Use. An accessory structure may be constructed or used as a workshop, studio, greenhouse, or recreation room in any residential zoning district solely for hobbies or amusements; for maintenance of the main
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
Chico's Municipal Code doesn't use the phrase 'outdoor kitchen,' but it regulates the same thing: stationary barbecues, fire pits, and built-in cooking equipment are classified as detached residential accessory structures under § 19.76.020. Table 5-9 sets minimum setbacks of 3 feet from the side, street side, and rear property lines for single-family lots, and a uniform 3-foot setback on all three sides for multi-family properties. No accessory structure, including a built-in grill or fire pit, may cross a property line, sit in a required front yard, or come within 10 feet of a street-facing lot line.
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced as accessory-structure zoning violations by Chico's Community Development Department; noncompliant barbecues, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens built without required setbacks or permits can be ordered relocated or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen in Chico?
How close to my property line can I build a fire pit or built-in barbecue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California outdoor cooking overview
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