Chico · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in Chico?
In Chico, a duplex is allowed in 11 base zones (R2, R3, R4, RMU, OR and 6 more, 3 with a condition) (Chico use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R2, R3, R4, RMU, OR, OC, CN, CC and 3 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 duplex can go
Chico's code calls this use “Two-family housing/duplexes”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| R2 | Allowed | § 19.42.020 |
| R3 | Allowed | § 19.42.020 |
| R4 | Allowed | § 19.42.020 |
| RMU | Allowed | § 19.42.020 |
| OR | Allowed | § 19.44.020 |
| OC | Allowed | § 19.44.020 |
| CN | Allowed — see note Note 4: Use allowed only on second floor or above, or in basements. A use permit is required for ground-level occupancy, except for accessible units required by the Building Code, which are allowed by right. | § 19.44.020 |
| CC | Allowed | § 19.44.020 |
| DN | Allowed — see note Note 4: Use allowed only on second floor or above, or in basements. A use permit is required for ground-level occupancy, except for accessible units required by the Building Code, which are allowed by right. | § 19.44.020 |
| DS | Allowed — see note Note 4: Use allowed only on second floor or above, or in basements. A use permit is required for ground-level occupancy, except for accessible units required by the Building Code, which are allowed by right. | § 19.44.020 |
| CR | Allowed | § 19.44.020 |
What else applies
- R1 cell is 'P/UP(3)' (P or UP within General Plan density; not readable for sure, left out). 'Two-unit housing development' (19.76.220, SB 9 type): RS P(5), R1 P(5).
- 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: 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 duplex in the R2 zone in Chico?
Yes. Chico's use table lists it as allowed in R2 (§ 19.42.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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