Chico RMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RMU 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 RMU

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 in the RMU district § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Height Limits”, column “RMU”: 85 ft. for primary housing units in the R4 district; 45 feet for primary housing in the RMU district, and up to 65 feet in the Corridor and Downtown Opportunity Site overlay zones: 15 ft. for accessory structures; 25 ft. for accessory structures with use permit approval; 25 ft. for detached garages with a second floor dwelling unit; 25 ft. for detached garages without a second floor dwelling unit, 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 “RMU”: 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 “RMU”: 5 ft.; plus 5 ft. additional for each story over the first where setback abuts an RS or R1 district.
Minimum lot size	7,500 sq.ft. § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Size Minimum area”, column “RMU”: 7,500 sq.ft.
Maximum lot coverage	75% See note 1 below the table in the code. § 19.42.030 · code text Table row “Site Coverage (1)”, column “RMU”: 75% 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 RMU

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

Single-family home — Allowed — see note
Duplex — Allowed
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 RMU:

Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — Main buildings not abutting an alley; plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district. § 19.42.030
Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Main buildings abutting an alley; plus 5 ft for each story over the first where the setback abuts an RS or R1 district. § 19.42.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR, density limit for RMU 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 RMU zone?

45 ft (primary housing in the RMU district) — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

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

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

What is the minimum side setback in Chico's RMU 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 lot size in Chico's RMU zone?

7,500 sq.ft. — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Chico's RMU zone?

75% — Chico Municipal Code § 19.42.030.

General information, not legal advice.