Chico does not publish a stand-alone overnight-guest cap for short-term rentals in its municipal code. STR occupancy is governed by the California Building Code/Title 24 occupancy load for the unit and by CMC Title 16 (Buildings & Construction) and CMC Title 19 (Land Use). Operators must also respect any cap set by the use permit or zoning approval issued for the property under CMC Title 19.
California adopts statewide building standards in Title 24, Calif. Code of Regs., which Chico enforces through CMC Title 16. Title 24 sets occupant-load formulas based on square footage and bedroom count; residential sleeping rooms are generally limited to two occupants plus one per additional 50 sq ft under common building-code practice. Chico's CMC Title 19 (Land Use & Development Regulations) controls short-term rental as a residential use; if the city has issued an STR permit, use permit, or zoning clearance under Title 19, any maximum-guest condition in that approval is binding. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2) and the California Department of Housing & Community Development limit how restrictive local occupancy rules may be for residential dwellings — a flat 'two persons per bedroom' policy is the federal HUD guideline but is not the only lawful standard. Confirm any property-specific guest cap with the Chico Community Development Department before advertising headcounts.
Operating beyond a permit-conditioned occupancy cap is a violation of the Title 19 zoning approval and is enforceable as a code violation under CMC Title 1 general penalty provisions. Overcrowding that violates Title 24/CMC Title 16 building code can also draw building or fire-marshal action.
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