Chico R3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R3 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 R3

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 Applies: Primary housing units § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Height Limits”, column “R3”: 45 ft. for primary housing units; 15 ft. for accessory structures and detached garages; 25 ft. for accessory structures and detached garages, with a minimum setback distance of 10 feet from all property lines.
Minimum front setback	10 ft Applies: Main buildings § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Setbacks Required Front”, column “R3”: 10 ft. for main buildings; 20 ft. for garages/carports.
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: Plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district. § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Sides (each)”, column “R3”: 5 ft.; plus 5 ft. additional for each story over the first where setback abuts an RS or R1 district.
Minimum rear setback	15 ft Applies: Main buildings; plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district. § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “R3”: 15 ft. for main buildings; plus 5 ft. additional for each story over the first where setback abuts an RS or R1 district.
Minimum lot size	4,000 sq.ft. Applies: Interior lots § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Size Minimum area”, column “R3”: Interior lots : 4,000 sq.ft.; 3,960 sq.ft. w/parkway. Corner lots : 4,400 sq.ft., 4,250 sq.ft. w/parkways.
Maximum lot coverage	65% See note 1 below the table in the code. § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Site Coverage (1)”, column “R3”: 65% Note 1: Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered with structures (see the definition of site coverage in Chapter 19.04).

Uses in R3

Uses the code's use tables allow in R3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed — see note
Duplex — Allowed
Senior or assisted living — Needs an use permit
Child care center — Needs an use permit
Church or place of worship — Needs an use permit
Community garden — Allowed

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for R3 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 R3 zone?

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

What is the minimum front setback in Chico's R3 zone?

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

What is the minimum side setback in Chico's R3 zone?

5 ft (plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Chico's R3 zone?

15 ft (main buildings; plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Chico's R3 zone?

4,000 sq.ft. (interior lots) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

General information, not legal advice.