Chico R1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R1 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 R1

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: Primary housing units § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Height Limits”, column “R1”: 35 ft. for primary housing units; 15 ft. for accessory structures; 25 ft. for accessory structures, with use permit approval; 25 ft. for garages with an ADU above 25 ft. for detached garages without an ADU above.
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: Lots of 4,500 sq.ft. or more; main buildings § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Setbacks Required Front”, column “R1”: Lots of 4,500 sq.ft. or more : 15 ft. for main buildings and 20 ft. for garages/carports. Lots of 3,500 - 4,499 sq.ft. : See Section 19.76.150 (Small-lot subdivisions). Lots less than 3,500 sq.ft.: See Section 19.76.220 (Urban Lot Split).
Minimum side setback	4 ft § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Sides (each)”, column “R1”: 4 ft.; 10 ft. for R1-10 and R1-15
Minimum rear setback	15 ft Applies: Main buildings § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “R1”: 15 ft. for main buildings. Lots of 3,500 - 4,499 sq.ft. : See Section 19.76.150 (Small-lot subdivisions). Lots less than 3,500 sq.ft.: See Section 19.76.220 (Urban Lot Split).
Minimum lot size	4,500 sq.ft. Applies: Interior lots; or as determined by Section 19.42.040-A (minimum lot area and density) § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Size Minimum Area”, column “R1”: Interior lots : 4,500 sq.ft., or as determined by Section 19.42.040 -A. Corner lots : 5,500 sq.ft., or as determined by Section 19.42.040 -A. Small lot subdivisions : 3,500 to 4,499 sq.ft., in compliance with Section 19.76.150 . Parcels smaller than 3,500 sq.ft. may be created through PD permit approval ( Chapter 19.28) or an urban lot split (Section 19.76.220).
Maximum lot coverage	50% Applies: Single-story primary housing units § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Site Coverage (see definitions in Chapter 19.04 )”, column “R1”: 50% single-story primary housing units; 40% multi-story primary housing units; 50% R1-10, and R1-15.

Uses in R1

Uses the code's use tables allow in R1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed
Senior or assisted living — Needs an use permit
Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs an use permit
Child care center — 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 R1:

Minimum side setback: 10 ft — R1-10 and R1-15 § 19.42.030
Minimum lot size: 5,500 sq.ft. — Corner lots § 19.42.030
Maximum lot coverage: 40% — Multi-story primary housing units § 19.42.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for R1 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Chico's R1 zone?

35 ft (primary housing units) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Chico's R1 zone?

15 ft (lots of 4,500 sq.ft. or more; main buildings) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Chico's R1 zone?

4 ft — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Chico's R1 zone?

15 ft (main buildings) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Chico's R1 zone?

4,500 sq.ft. (interior lots; or as determined by Section 19.42.040-A (minimum lot area and density)) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

General information, not legal advice.