Chico shall be divided into zoning districts which implement the General Plan. The following zoning districts are established, and shall be shown on the official Zoning Map.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2231; Ord. 2320 §1, Ord. 2358 §10, Ord. 2427 §10)

 

(Ord. 2427 §10, Ord. 2440 §22, Ord. 2494, §17; Ord. 2583, §4; Ord. 2600; Ord. 2610)

   A.   Purpose. Chapters 19.42 through 19.52 determine which land uses are allowed in each zoning district described therein, what land use entitlement is required to establish each use, and the basic development standards that apply to allowed land uses in each zoning district.

   B.   Determination of Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements. The uses of land allowed by these Regulations in each zoning district are identified in various tables in this Title as being:

      1.   "P," a permitted use, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of these Regulations, subject to first obtaining a zoning clearance (Section 19.16.070), and any building permit or other permit required by the Municipal Code;

      2.   "UP," a conditional use, allowed subject to approval of a use permit (Chapter 19.24);

      4.   "TU," a temporary use, subject to the provisions of Chapter 19.22.

   Note: Where the last column of a table (Subject to Standards in Section/Chapter:) includes a section or chapter number, the regulations in the referenced section/chapter apply to the use; however, provisions in other sections/chapters may apply as well.

   C.   General Development Standards.

      1.   Site Divided by Zoning District Boundary. Where a site is divided by one or more district boundaries, the site shall be developed in compliance with the requirements of each district, as applicable.

      2.   Zoning of Vacated Streets and Alleys. Where a public street or alley is officially vacated, the zoning regulations applicable to the abutting property shall apply to the vacated street or alley. Exception: For sites where one of the district areas constitutes less than ten percent of the site, and is not a Special Purpose Zoning District (e.g., OS1, OS2), development of the site may occur in compliance with the predominant district or as described above, at the owner's discretion.

      3.   Conflicts Between Provisions.

         a.   In the event of any conflict between the zoning district regulations of this division and the provisions of Division V (Site Planning and General Development Standards) the provisions of Division V shall control; and

         b.   In the event of any conflict between the zoning district regulations of this division and the provisions of any applicable development agreement or specific plan, the provisions of the development agreement or specific plan shall control.

      4.   Enclosed Buildings. Unless otherwise expressly permitted, all goods displayed and sold and all services performed shall be within an enclosed building.

   D.   Consolidated Lots in Two Zoning Districts. In the event two or more lots are proposed for consolidation through the approval of a lot line adjustment, parcel map, or tentative map in compliance with Title 18 (Subdivisions) of the Municipal Code so that a single lot is substantially covered by two or more zoning districts, the application for adjustment or map approval shall be accompanied by an application for rezoning of the lot into a single zoning district. Exception: No rezone application shall be required for lot line adjustments where the transfer area is less than ten percent of the receiving parcel.

(Ord. 2185, Ord. 2358 §11; Ord. 2378, Ord. 2494, §18)

   All zoning districts may be compatible with the Special Planning Area General Plan designation if the zoning district is adopted as part of a specific plan or other comprehensive master plan for a Special Planning Area.

(Ord. 2427 §11)

   Mixed use developments are allowed in all zoning districts, so long as each component of the mixed use is an allowed land use in that zoning district. A use permit must be obtained for those components of a mixed use development for which a use permit is required in the underlying zoning district. Land uses which are prohibited in a particular zoning district may not be a component of a mixed use development in that district. Exception: Mixed use development resulting from the addition of either single-family or multi-family residential units to existing non-residential development may be allowed in those zoning districts where residential uses are not normally permitted, subject to use permit approval.

(Ord. 2440 §24)

   This chapter provides regulations applicable to development and new land uses in the residential zoning districts established by Section 19.40.010. The purposes of the individual residential zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

   A.   RS (Suburban Residential) District. The RS zoning district is applied to areas that remain predominantly rural or agricultural in character. Typical parcel sizes range from 20,000 square feet to 2 acres; clustered development with smaller parcel sizes may be allowed where average density does not exceed 2 units per acre. The RS zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Very Low Density residential land use designation of the General Plan. An RS zoning district may include specific minimum parcel size requirements for new subdivisions, expressed as a suffix to the RS zoning map symbol (for example, RS-2 and RS-1 mean 2-acre and 1-acre minimum lot areas, respectively; RS-20 means 20,000 square foot minimum lot areas).

   B.   R1 (Low Density Residential) District. The R1 zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for traditional neighborhoods consisting of attached or detached single-family housing units. Permitted densities range from a minimum of 2.1 to a maximum of 7 units per acre. The R1 zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Low Density Residential land use designation of the General Plan.

   An R1 zoning district may include specific minimum parcel size requirements for new subdivisions, expressed as a suffix to the R1 zoning map symbol (for example, R1-10 and R1-15 mean 10,000-square-foot and 15,000-square-foot minimum lot areas, respectively).

   C.   R2 (Medium Density Residential) District. The R2 zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for medium density residential development with a mixture of housing types, including single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family residential projects. The development standards and permit requirements of the R2 district are intended to preserve existing neighborhoods while providing for additional compatible development. Permitted densities range from a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 14 units per acre. The R2 zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Medium Density Residential land use designation of the General Plan.

   D.   R3 (Medium-High Density Residential) District. The R3 zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for medium-high density residential neighborhoods. Permitted densities range from a minimum of 14.1 to a maximum of 22 units per acre. Multi-family residential uses may be permitted to develop up to 30 dwelling units per acre when at least 15% of the units are deed restricted housing affordable to low-income households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The R3 zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Medium-High Density Residential land use designation of the General Plan.

   E.   R4 (High Density Residential) District. The R4 zoning district is applied to parcels appropriate for high density residential living. Permitted densities range from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 70 units per acre. The R4 zoning district is primarily intended to implement the High Density Residential land use designation of the General Plan.

   F.   RMU (Residential Mixed Use) District. The RMU district is characterized by predominantly residential development at medium to high densities. It allows for commercial or office uses on the same property as residential uses, either vertically or horizontally. It does not preclude development that is entirely residential or entirely commercial. Other primary uses, including certain commercial uses, may be allowed by right or with approval of a use permit in compliance with Table 4-2. The RMU zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Residential Mixed Use designation of the General Plan. Permitted densities range from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 20 units per acre. Multi-family residential uses may be permitted to develop up to 30 dwelling units per acre when at least 15% of the units are deed restricted housing affordable to low-income households at or below 80% of AMI.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2320 §2; Ord. 2378; Ord. 2427 §12, Ord. 2494 §19; Ord. 2600)

   Table 4-2 identifies the uses of land allowed by these Regulations in each residential zoning district, and the land use entitlement required to establish the use.

   Where the last column of the table (“Subject to Standards in Section/Chapter”) includes a section or chapter number, the regulations in the referenced section/chapter apply to the use. Provisions in other sections/chapters may apply as well.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2223; Ord. 2232; Ord. 2280; Ord. 2342; Ord. 2397 §6; Ord. 2427 §13 )

 

 

 

(Ord. 2440 §23, Ord. 2461 §2, Ord. 2494, §20, Ord. 2511, §9, Ord. 2519, §15; Ord. 2549, §5; Ord. 2850, §8; Ord. 2600; Ord. 2610)

   The requirements in Tables 4-3A, 4-3B and 4-3C shall apply to new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, in addition to any applicable development standards (such as landscaping, parking and loading) in Division V.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2223; Ord. 2243; Ord. 2263; Ord. 2378, Ord. 2427 §14, Ord. 2511, §10)

 

 

(1)   Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered with structures.

 

   The minimum area for each parcel and the maximum density of residential development are determined by Section 19.42.030, except where otherwise determined by this section.

   B.   Exemptions to Minimum Residential Density. The minimum density requirements shall not apply to developed parcels 15,000 square feet or smaller in size, so long as any additional development or redevelopment results in a greater density than what existed on the parcel at the time the most recent General Plan was adopted. For undeveloped parcels 15,000 square feet or smaller in size, density may be calculated using net site acreage rather than gross acreage when so doing substantially advances General Plan goals of infill development and neighborhood compatibility.

   C.   Exemptions to Maximum Residential Density. The maximum density requirements shall not apply to subdivisions of infill parcels 15,000 square feet or smaller in size, so long as all newly created lots comply with the minimum lot sizes established in that same table.

(Ord. 2381 §1)(Ord. 2435 §25; Ord. 2600)

 

Notes:

(1)   Minimum lot area may be reduced for eligible RS and R1 zoned properties in compliance with Section 19.76.220.

(Ord. 2427 §15; Ord. 2850, §10 (part))

   This chapter provides regulations applicable to development and new land uses in the commercial zoning districts established by Section 19.40.010. The purposes of the individual commercial zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

   A.   OR (Office Residential) District. The OR zoning district is applied to areas of existing and future office and residential development. The district permits office/residential mixed-use development in areas where retail and other community commercial uses are not appropriate. The density range for residential development within the OR district is 6 to a maximum of 20 dwelling units per acre. The OR zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Office Mixed Use land use designation of the General Plan.

   B.   OC (Office Commercial) District. The OC zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for administrative, financial, business, professional, medical, and public offices, together with supporting commercial uses. The density range for residential development within the OC district is 6 to a maximum of 20 dwelling units per acre. The OC zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Office Mixed Use land use designation of the General Plan.

   C.   CN (Neighborhood Commercial) District. The CN zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for retail sales, businesses, institutions, and services serving the daily needs of nearby residents. This district may also permit mixed-use developments with residential uses above the ground floor. Vertical or horizontal mixed use is required on sites of two acres or greater. The density range for residential development within the CN district is 6 to a maximum of 22 dwelling units per acre. The CN zoning district is primarily intended to implement Neighborhood Commercial land use designation of the General Plan.

   D.   CC (Community Commercial) District. The CC zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a wide range of retail businesses. This district also accommodates mixed-use developments with residential uses above the ground floor. The residential density range for mixed use development in the CC zoning district is 6 to a maximum of 22 units per acre. The CC zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Commercial Mixed Use land use designation of the General Plan.

   E.   DN (Downtown North) District. The DN zoning district is applied to the central downtown area north of 6th Street. Appropriate uses include a wide range of retail, personal service, educational, cultural, and recreational uses, with office and residential uses above the ground floor. The density range for residential development within the DN district is 6 to 22 units per acre. The DN zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Commercial Mixed Use land use designation of the General Plan. The DN zoning district permits development of retail or other uses that contribute to increased pedestrian activity on the ground-floor and requires use permit approval for other ground- floor uses.

   F.   DS (Downtown South) District. The DS zoning district is applied to the central Downtown area south of 6th Street. Appropriate uses may include a wide range of retail with limited commercial service and auto-oriented uses. Residential uses above the ground floor are allowed at a density range of 6 to a maximum of 22 units per acre. The DS zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Commercial Mixed Use land use designation of the General Plan.

   G.   CS (Commercial Services) District. The CS zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for commercial businesses not allowed in other commercial areas because they attract high volumes of vehicle traffic or may have adverse impacts on other surrounding uses. The CS zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Commercial Services land use designation of the General Plan.

   H.   CR (Regional Commercial) District. The CR zoning district is applied to sites appropriate for larger retail and service businesses that serve residents from the City and the region. Mixed-use projects integrating office or residential uses are allowed. The density range for residential development within the CR district is 6 to a maximum of 50 units per acre. The CR zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Regional Commercial land use designation of the General Plan.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2223, 2427 §16, 2440 §25)

   Table 4-6 identifies the uses of land allowed by these Regulations in each office and commercial zoning district, and the land use entitlement required to establish each use.

   Where the last column of the table (“Subject to Standards in Section/Chapter”) includes a section or chapter number, the regulations in the referenced section/chapter apply to the use; however, provisions in other sections/chapters may apply as well.

(Ord. 2205; Ord. 2223; Ord. 2231; Ord. 2272; Ord. 2340; Ord. 2406, 2427 §17, Ord. 2519, §16)

 

 

 

(Ord. 2427 §17, Ord. 2440 §26, Ord. 2459 §1, Ord. 2461 §3, Ord. 2494 §23, Ord. 2504 §§2, 3, Ord. 2519 §16, Ord. 2553 §2, Ord. 2580 §11; Ord. 2600; Ord. 2610)

   The requirements in Table 4-7 shall apply to new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, in addition to any applicable development standards (such as landscaping, parking and loading) in Division V.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2223, Ord. 2427 §19, Ord. 2519 §17)

 

 

 

 

(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.

(Ord. 2427 §19, Ord. 2435 §23, Ord. 2440 §27, Ord. 2494 §24, Ord. 2519 §17, Ord. 2580 §12; Ord. 2600)

   Limitation on Use - Alcoholic Beverage Establishments. No bar or drinking establishment shall be allowed in the DN (Downtown North) zoning district except:

   A.   Continued use of a building or a portion of a building as an alcoholic beverage establishment as defined in Section 19.04.020 of this title, or the resumption of the use of a building or portion of a building as an alcoholic beverage establishment if the building or portion thereof was operated as an alcoholic beverage establishment as of January 1, 1995; and

   B.   Use of a building or portion of a building for fund-raising activities by a non-profit organization, including the use of a building or portion of a building for such purposes where the consumption of beer and/or wine is incidental to the fund-raising activity; and

   C.   The relocation of an existing alcoholic beverage establishment, enlarging the occupied space of an existing alcoholic beverage establishment, and increasing the intensity of use of an existing alcoholic beverage establishment, and/or the structural alteration of the building space containing the alcoholic beverage establishment beyond repairs that are part of normal necessary maintenance, if permitted by use permit.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2223, Ord. 2427 §23, Ord. 2446 §1)

   This chapter provides regulations applicable to development and new land uses in the manufacturing/industrial zoning districts established by Section 19.40.010 (Zoning districts, generally). The purposes of the individual manufacturing/industrial zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

   A.   ML (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) District. The ML zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for light assembly and manufacturing, wholesaling, warehousing and distribution, agricultural and industrial processing within structures, and support commercial services. The ML zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Industrial Office Mixed Use and the Manufacturing and Warehousing land use designations of the General Plan.

   B.   MG (General Manufacturing/Industrial) District. The MG zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a full range of manufacturing, agricultural, and industrial processing, general services and distribution uses, including uses with outdoor equipment and outdoor storage. The MG zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Manufacturing and Warehousing land use designation of the General Plan.

   C.   IOMU (Industrial Office Mixed Use) District. The IOMU zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a wide range and combination of light industrial and office development with commercial and other support services integrated vertically and horizontally. Residential uses may be permitted at a density range from 14 to 35 dwelling units per acre. The IOMU zoning district is primarily intended to implement the Industrial Office Mixed Use land use designation of the General Plan.

(Ord. 2185, Ord. 2427 §24, Ord. 2600)

   Table 4-8 identifies the uses of land allowed by these Regulations in each industrial/manufacturing zoning district, and the land use entitlement required to establish the use. Where the last column of the table (“Subject to Standards in Section/Chapter”) includes a section or chapter number, the regulations in the referenced section/chapter apply to the use; however, provisions in other sections/chapters may apply as well.

(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2205; Ord. 2223, Ord. 2342, Ord. 2427 §25)