Chico, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 1991 Uniform Housing Code, locally amended
- Ceiling height
- 7'6" habitable rooms; 7' halls/baths
- Enforced by
- City building official
- Violation
- Unlawful to maintain noncomplying building
Summary
Chico adopted the 1991 Uniform Housing Code by reference, with local amendments, to set minimum habitability standards, structural safety, ceiling heights, and sanitation, for residential buildings, enforced by the city building official.
For the purpose of providing minimum requirements for the protection of life, limb, health, property, safety and welfare of the general public and the owners and occupants of residential buildings in the city, there is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated as part of this code the Uniform Housing Code, 1991 Edition, as adopted by the International Conference of Building Officials.
B. Nothing herein shall be read to alter the city's obligation to enforce any and all mandatory building, health, safety and sanitation requirements enacted by the state of California, including but not limited to the provisions set forth in Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations. (Prior code § 5.50, (Ord. 1076 §2, Ord. 1220 §5 (part), Ord. 1721 §1, Ord. 1847
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 Municipal Code Chapter 16.62 locally adopts the 1991 Uniform Housing Code to protect the life, health, safety and welfare of residential building owners and occupants, layering the city's own amendments on top. The amended violations clause makes it unlawful to construct, alter, repair, use, occupy, or maintain any building contrary to the Code or a building official's order. A locally amended ceiling-height standard requires at least seven feet six inches in habitable, storage, and laundry rooms, and seven feet in hallways and bathrooms. Compliance is separate from, and doesn't substitute for, the state's own mandatory housing and sanitation requirements under Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.
Violations & Fines
It's unlawful under § 16.62.040 to construct, alter, repair, use, occupy, or maintain any building contrary to the Housing Code or a building official's order; the building official enforces compliance through inspection and correction orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico have its own habitability code for rental housing?
What ceiling height does Chico require in habitable rooms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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