Butte County · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in Butte County?
In Butte County, a duplex is allowed in 4 base zones (MHDR, HDR, VHDR and MU) and not allowed in 24 (Butte County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MHDR, HDR, VHDR and MU
- Not allowed: AG, AS, TM, TPZ, RC, FR, FCR, RR and 16 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Butte County Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a duplex can go
Butte County's code calls this use “Duplex Home”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| MHDR Medium High Density Residential | Allowed Code row: “Duplex Homes” | § 24-19 |
| HDR High Density Residential | Allowed Code row: “Duplex Homes” | § 24-19 |
| VHDR Very High Density Residential | Allowed Code row: “Duplex Homes” | § 24-19 |
| MU Mixed Use | Allowed | § 24-22 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- State law: SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21) allows two homes on most single-family lots with a ministerial permit, also where this table says no.
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development) zone: follows General Plan designation, no use table; Overlay zones such as the Unique Agriculture Overlay Zone (named in S3 note 11). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Butte County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a duplex in the AG zone in Butte County?
No. Butte County's use table does not allow it in AG (Agriculture) (§ 24-13).
Can I have a duplex in the MHDR zone in Butte County?
Yes. Butte County's use table lists it as allowed in MHDR (Medium High Density Residential) (§ 24-19).
General information, not legal advice.
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