Chico · Zoning · CN
Chico CN zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Chico's CN zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is None required and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq.ft. interior lots; 7,000 sq.ft. corner lots, with the conditions listed below (Chico code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (For main buildings.)
- Minimum front setback: None required (where the block is partly in an R district, the same front setback as the R district applies)
- Minimum side setback: None required (20 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (20 ft where the rear of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq.ft. interior lots; 7,000 sq.ft. corner lots (Interior lots require 6,000 sq.ft.; corner lots require 7,000 sq.ft.)
- Maximum lot coverage: 90%
- Maximum density: 6 to 22 units per gross acre (The code sets a range: at least 6, at most 22. Exclusively residential projects must also meet the residential setback and landscape standards)
CN is a zoning district in Chico. Every value below was read from the Chico Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in CN
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 35 ft Applies: For main buildings. § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Height Limits”, column “CN”: 35 ft. for main buildings; 15 ft. for accessory structures; 25 ft. for accessory structures, with use permit approval. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | None required Applies: where the block is partly in an R district, the same front setback as the R district applies See note 1 below the table in the code. § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Setbacks Required (1) Front”, column “CN”: None required, except where the block is partly within an R zoning district, the same front setback shall be required as in the R district. Note 1: A minimum 6-foot landscape buffer shall be included along the rear or side property line abutting the residential use. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: 20 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Sides”, column “CN”: 20 ft. where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere. |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: 20 ft where the rear of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “CN”: 20 ft. where the rear of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere. |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq.ft. interior lots; 7,000 sq.ft. corner lots Applies: Interior lots require 6,000 sq.ft.; corner lots require 7,000 sq.ft. § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size Minimum area”, column “CN”: 6,000 sq.ft., interior lots 7,000 sq.ft., corner lots |
| Maximum lot coverage | 90% § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage, Maximum”, column “CN”: 90% |
| Maximum density | 6 to 22 units per gross acre Applies: The code sets a range: at least 6, at most 22. Exclusively residential projects must also meet the residential setback and landscape standards See note 3 below the table in the code. § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Residential Density (affordable housing projects, refer to (3))”, column “CN”: 6-22 units per gross acre. Exclusively residential projects shall comply with the residential setback requirements in Table 4-3C and the landscape standards in Chapter 19.68 based upon the project density and corresponding residential zoning district. Note 3: Multi-family residential uses are permitted to develop up to 30 dwelling units per acre if at least 15% of the units are deed restricted housing affordable to low-incomes at or below 80% of AMI. |
Uses in CN
Uses the code's use tables allow in CN, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Senior or assisted living — Needs an use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs an use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs an use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CN:
- Minimum front setback: same front setback as in the R district — Where the block is partly within an R zoning district. § 19.44.030
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft — Where the side of the parcel abuts an R district. § 19.44.030
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — Where the rear of the parcel abuts an R district. § 19.44.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for CN in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Chico Municipal Code.
Other Chico zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Chico's CN zone?
35 ft (for main buildings) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Chico's CN zone?
None required (where the block is partly in an R district, the same front setback as the R district applies) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Chico's CN zone?
None required (20 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Chico's CN zone?
None required (20 ft where the rear of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Chico's CN zone?
6,000 sq.ft. interior lots; 7,000 sq.ft. corner lots (interior lots require 6,000 sq.ft.; corner lots require 7,000 sq.ft) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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