Butte County · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in Butte County?
In Butte County, a live-work unit is allowed in 1 base zone (MU), needs a permit in 6 (GC, NC, CC, LI, GI and 1 more, 1 with a condition) and not allowed in 21 (Butte County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: MU
- Needs a permit: GC, NC, CC, LI, GI and RBP
- Not allowed: AG, AS, TM, TPZ, RC, FR, FCR, RR and 13 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Butte County Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a live-work unit can go
Butte County's code calls this use “Live/Work Unit”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| MU Mixed Use | Allowed | § 24-22 |
| GC General Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-22 |
| NC Neighborhood Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-22 |
| CC Community Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-22 |
| LI Light Industrial | Needs a minor use permit | § 24-26 |
| GI General Industrial | Needs a minor use permit | § 24-26 |
| RBP | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 3: Permitted only as an accessory use. The maximum number of units shall not exceed one (1) unit per acre of gross project area. | § 24-29 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 24-164 Live/work units.
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development) zone: follows General Plan designation, no use table; Overlay zones such as the Unique Agriculture Overlay Zone (named in S3 note 11). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Butte County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a live-work unit in the GC zone in Butte County?
Only with a conditional use permit. Butte County's use table lists it that way in GC (General Commercial) (§ 24-22).
Can I have a live-work unit in the AG zone in Butte County?
No. Butte County's use table does not allow it in AG (Agriculture) (§ 24-13).
Can I have a live-work unit in the MU zone in Butte County?
Yes. Butte County's use table lists it as allowed in MU (Mixed Use) (§ 24-22).
General information, not legal advice.
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