ADU Regulations in Chico, California
Butte County · CA · Pop. 110,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$130,000 – $265,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. CSU Chico creates exceptional student rental demand year-round. Post-Camp Fire regional housing shortage has accelerated ADU construction throughout Butte County.
Source: City of Chico — ADU / Accessory Dwelling Units · Chico Municipal Code Chapter 19.82 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,200
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling
side
4 ft
rear
4 ft
Max height: 16 ft (detached single-story); 24 ft for two-story where allowed by zone
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; R1 zones generally permit up to 40% coverage
Chico's older neighborhoods near CSU Chico often have large lots with mature trees; site plan must account for tree protection ordinance requirements.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of Chico Development Services Center — Planning Division
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$5,000 – $10,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold
Required Documents
- ›Site plan (to scale) showing existing and proposed structures
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance (CalGreen)
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Tree protection plan (if applicable)
Chico has prioritized ADU production post-Camp Fire to address regional housing shortage. Permit fees are among the most affordable in Northern California. CSU Chico student housing demand creates reliable rental income for ADU owners.
Visit City of Chico Development Services Center — Planning Division →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in Chico
Typical Build Cost
$130,000 – $265,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$185 – $245
Monthly Rental
$1,200 – $1,900/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $150,000 – $260,000 to property value
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000 pre-development)
- ★Butte County CDBG housing programs may apply
- ★Disaster recovery housing grants may be available for Camp Fire-affected properties
Among the most affordable ADU markets in California. Student-facing ADUs near campus consistently achieve 95%+ occupancy. Post-Camp Fire in-migration from Paradise and Magalia sustains off-campus demand beyond typical student cycles.
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Chico Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$130,000 – $265,000
- Rental income$1,200 – $1,900/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Chico — ADU / Accessory Dwelling UnitsChico Municipal Code Chapter 19.82 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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