Chico · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Chico?
In Chico, a single-family home is allowed in 9 base zones (RS, R1, R2, R3, RMU and 4 more, 4 with a condition) (Chico use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RS, R1, R2, R3, RMU, OR, OC, CN and 1 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 single-family home can go
Chico's code calls this use “Single-family housing”. 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 | Allowed | § 19.42.020 |
| R1 | Allowed | § 19.42.020 |
| R2 | Allowed — see note Note 3: Allowed only within density requirements of General Plan Designation. | § 19.42.020 |
| R3 | Allowed — see note Note 3: Allowed only within density requirements of General Plan Designation. | § 19.42.020 |
| RMU | Allowed — see note Note 3: Allowed only within density requirements of General Plan Designation. | § 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 |
What else applies
- R4 and DN-CR (except those given) are blank = not allowed. TND zone (S10) lists 'Single-family dwelling' by designation NE/NG/NC P, CORE not allowed.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- 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 single-family home in the RS zone in Chico?
Yes. Chico's use table lists it as allowed in RS (§ 19.42.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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