Chico · Land use · Child care center
Where is a child care center allowed in Chico?
In Chico, a child care center is needs an use permit in 10 (RS, R1, R2, R3, R4 and 5 more) (Chico use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: RS, R1, R2, R3, R4, RMU, ML, IOMU and 2 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Chico 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 child care center can go
Chico's code calls this use “Day care facilities, child/adult day care centers”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RS | Needs an use permit | § 19.42.020 |
| R1 | Needs an use permit | § 19.42.020 |
| R2 | Needs an use permit | § 19.42.020 |
| R3 | Needs an use permit | § 19.42.020 |
| R4 | Needs an use permit | § 19.42.020 |
| RMU | Needs an use permit | § 19.42.020 |
| ML | Needs an use permit | § 19.46.020 |
| IOMU | Needs an use permit | § 19.46.020 |
| PQ | Needs an use permit | § 19.50.020 |
| OS2 | Needs an use permit | § 19.50.020 |
What else applies
- Large and small family day care homes are separate rows: P in all residential zones (S2), UP in all commercial/office zones (S3).
- State law: A licensed family child care home in a house is a residential use under state law (Health and Safety Code § 1597.45); this page covers child care centers only.
- Not covered here: Airport zones (S6 section has no table text); Agricultural / other districts whose tables are not in the text; TND zone designations NE/NG/NC/CORE (S10) not given as base cells. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Chico
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a child care center in the RS zone in Chico?
Only with an use permit. Chico's use table lists it that way in RS (§ 19.42.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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