Chico · Zoning · OR
Chico OR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Chico's OR zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft 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: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district)
- 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: 70%
- 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)
OR 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 OR
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 “OR”: 35 ft. for main buildings; 25 ft. for accessory structures. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft See note 1 below the table in the code. § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Setbacks Required (1) Front”, column “OR”: 15 ft. 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 | 5 ft Applies: plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Sides”, column “OR”: 5 ft.; plus 5 ft. for each story over the first where setback abuts an RS or R1 district. |
| 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 “OR”: 6,000 sq.ft., interior lots 7,000 sq.ft., corner lots |
| Maximum lot coverage | 70% § 19.44.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage, Maximum”, column “OR”: 70% |
| 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 “OR”: 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 OR
Uses the code's use tables allow in OR, 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 OR:
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft plus 5 ft. for each story over the first — Where setback abuts an RS or R1 district. § 19.44.030
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — Rear yard not abutting an alley. § 19.44.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Abutting an alley. § 19.44.030
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft plus 5 ft. for each story over the first — Where setback abuts an RS or R1 district. § 19.44.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR limit for OR 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 OR zone?
35 ft (for main buildings) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Chico's OR zone?
15 ft — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Chico's OR zone?
5 ft (plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Chico's OR 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.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Chico's OR zone?
70% — Chico Municipal Code § 19.44.030.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Chico property in OR
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question