Butte County · Land use · Private school
Where is a private school allowed in Butte County?
In Butte County, a private school is allowed in 2 base zones (PB and RBP, 1 with a condition), needs a permit in 17 (TM, FR, FCR, RR, RCR and 12 more) and not allowed in 9 (Butte County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: PB and RBP
- Needs a permit: TM, FR, FCR, RR, RCR, VLDR, LDR, MDR and 9 more
- Not allowed: AG, AS, TPZ, RC, VLDCR, REC, SE, HI and 1 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 private school can go
Butte County's code calls this use “Schools, Public and Private”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| PB | Allowed — see note Note 5: Use shall be owned and operated by governmental agencies or recognized 'not for profit' agencies. Privately owned, for-profit facilities are prohibited. | § 24-29 |
| RBP | Allowed | § 24-29 |
| TM Timber Mountain | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-16 |
| FR Foothill Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| FCR Foothill Country Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| RR Rural Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| RCR Rural Country Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| VLDR Very Low Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| LDR Low Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| MDR Medium Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| MHDR Medium High Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| HDR High Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| VHDR Very High Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit | § 24-19 |
| 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 |
| MU Mixed Use | 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 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- 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 private school in the TM zone in Butte County?
Only with a conditional use permit. Butte County's use table lists it that way in TM (Timber Mountain) (§ 24-16).
Can I have a private school 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 private school in the PB zone in Butte County?
Yes, with a condition. Butte County's use table lists it as allowed in PB (§ 24-29). The code adds a condition: “Use shall be owned and operated by governmental agencies or recognized 'not for profit' agencies. Privately owned, for-profit facilities are prohibited.”
General information, not legal advice.
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