Chico · Zoning · OC
Chico OC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Chico's OC zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft tall, the front setback is None required and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq.ft., with the conditions listed below (Chico code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Minimum front setback: None required (where the side of the parcel abuts an R district, the same front setback as the R district applies)
- Minimum side setback: None required (10 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (10 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere)
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq.ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 85%
- Maximum density: 6 to 20 units per gross acre (The code sets a range: at least 6, at most 20. Exclusively residential projects must also meet the residential setback and landscape standards)
OC 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 OC
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 | 45 ft § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Height Limits”, column “OC”: 45 ft.; 25 ft., within 25 ft. of an abutting R zoning district boundary. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | None required Applies: where the side of the parcel abuts 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 “OC”: None required, except where the side of the parcel abuts 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: 10 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Sides”, column “OC”: 10 ft. where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: 10 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “OC”: 10 ft. where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq.ft. § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size Minimum area”, column “OC”: 10,000 sq.ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 85% See note 2 below the table in the code. § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage, Maximum”, column “OC”: 85% (2) Note 2: The Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board may require less coverage and more landscaped open area to provide visual relief or contrast, or to screen incompatible or obtrusive features. |
| Maximum density | 6 to 20 units per gross acre Applies: The code sets a range: at least 6, at most 20. 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 “OC”: 6-20 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 OC
Uses the code's use tables allow in OC, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Duplex — Allowed
- 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
- Emergency shelter — Needs an use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in OC:
- Maximum building height: 25 ft — Within 25 ft. of an abutting R zoning district boundary. § 19.44.030
- Minimum front setback: same front setback as in the R district — Where the side of the parcel abuts an R zoning district. § 19.44.030
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Where the side of the parcel abuts an R district. § 19.44.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Where the parcel abuts an R district (the code cell says side in the rear row; check the code) § 19.44.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for OC 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 OC zone?
45 ft — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Chico's OC zone?
None required (where the side of the parcel abuts 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 OC zone?
None required (10 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 OC zone?
None required (10 ft where the side of the parcel abuts an R district; none elsewhere) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Chico's OC zone?
10,000 sq.ft. — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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