Local zoning · Chico

Chico — Parking

Parking under the Chico local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Chico's zoning regulations require for parking, off‑street loading, and bicycle parking in local development. It interprets the operative rules in the Chico Municipal Zoning Regulations (Title 19) — primarily Chapter 19.70 and related TND and building‑type standards — and points to where district‑specific placement/spacing rules apply. For design and architectural review requirements see Chico Design Review.

(Links: the first time each related topic appears it is linked to the City's menu page for that topic: Chico Zoning for parking, Chico Development Standards for setbacks/standards, Chico Design Review for architectural review, Chico Overlay Districts for overlays, Chico ADUs for accessory dwelling unit notes, California Building Standards Code for Title 24, and Chico Landscaping and Screening for parking landscaping requirements.)

Core rules and where they live (quick map)

  • Basic purpose and applicability: § 19.70.010 – § 19.70.020 (purpose; every permanent use must provide off‑street parking; architectural/site design review applies except single‑family).
  • How many spaces: use Table 5‑4 under § 19.70.040 (parking by land use; Downtown Parking Area special rules in Subsection G).
  • Layout, surfacing, stall and aisle dimensions: Table 5‑5 and Figures (minimum stall/aisle geometry) and related design rules in § 19.70.070 (driveways / site access) and adjacent subsections.
  • Bicycle parking and support (including showers/lockers and design): § 19.70.080 (and TND bicycle rules § 19.88.070 for TND zones).
  • Off‑street loading: § 19.70.090 (required loading spaces and Table 5‑7).
  • Landscaping, shading, and maximum parking area: interior landscaping and shading targets (minimum 5% interior landscaping; 50% shading at maturity on June 21) and maximum lot parking area 75% of site: contained in the parking chapter.

District-by-district practical breakdown

Below are Chico districts and TND/building‑type standards that have decision‑relevant parking rules. The summaries point to the local code paragraphs where the rule text appears; always confirm for a parcel‑specific project.

R-1 (single‑family residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: conventional low‑density single‑family homes. See small‑lot rules that reference R-1.
  • Key parking rules: single‑family dwellings must provide required off‑street parking; garage/carport conversions generally must retain required parking except where an ADU is created (parking replacement for garages converted/demolished for ADUs is treated specially — see ADU rules). The chapter states single‑family projects are excluded from some design review requirements for parking design. § 19.70.020–.040.
  • Where it applies: citywide R‑1 parcels; small‑lot subdivision rules allow reduced lot standards in R‑1 (see § 19.76.150).

R-2 (two‑unit / medium density residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: duplexes, small multi units; small‑lot options reference R‑2.
  • Key parking rules: off‑street parking required per Table 5‑4; tandem parking may be allowed for single‑family/duplexes subject to maneuvering requirements § 19.70.030.M. Driveway lengths and dimensions follow Title 18R design standards referenced by § 19.70.070.D.

DN, DS, RMU, and -COS (downtown/center/mixed‑use districts)

  • Purpose / typical uses: compact downtown and mixed‑use areas where street frontage and pedestrian orientation are emphasized.
  • Key parking placement standards: surface parking (except single‑family/duplex) is allowed but generally must be set back a minimum of 5 ft behind front and street‑side property lines in these zones; landscaped buffer between sidewalk and parking counts differently toward interior landscape requirement (see § 19.70.050.B.4). Downtown has a special Downtown Parking Area relief: no parking required for non‑residential uses and for projects creating fewer than 20 new residential units in the Downtown Parking Area — see § 19.70.040.G and accompanying Figure 5‑9 (Downtown Parking Area).

TND designations / Transit Neighborhood (NE, NG, NC, CORE, SD, etc.)

  • Purpose / typical uses: form‑based neighborhood/mixed‑use building types (Chapter 19.86). Each TND building type (e.g., mixed‑use liner, apartment, tuck‑under rowhouse) includes explicit parking placement distances from sidewalk/back of sidewalk (commonly 20–40+ ft depending on building type), and rules that parking be accessed from alleys where possible. Examples: mixed‑use liner parking at 22 ft behind back of sidewalk (Table references in Chapter 19.86), tuck‑under rowhouses require parking 20 ft from back of sidewalk, and some building types require parking 28–40 ft behind the sidewalk. See the tables in 19.86 for the applicable building type.
  • Bicycle/TDM: TND chapter includes Transportation Demand Management measures and bicycle standards (see 19.88).

Planned Development / -PD overlay

  • Purpose / application: the -PD overlay allows deviations from base parking standards when an approved planned development permit exists; the PD permit may set alternative parking ratios and site design. Verify planned development approvals for parcel. § 19.28.040.C (parking may deviate under PD).

Key numeric standards (decision‑relevant)

Requirement Typical value / rule Code reference
Minimum parking by use See Table 5‑4 (vehicle spaces; many uses include a bicycle % column) — required counts set by land use in § 19.70.040 and Table 5‑4 § 19.70.040
Downtown Parking Area exception No parking required for non‑residential uses and projects creating < 20 new units in Downtown Parking Area; residential >20 units use Corridor Opportunity Site rate or entitlement § 19.70.040.G
Bicycle parking Minimum bicycle counts follow Table 5‑4 (or 20% of vehicle spaces for some settings) and design/layout standards in § 19.70.080; TND bicycle standards in § 19.88.070 § 19.70.080
Parking stall dimensions Standard stall: 20 ft (length) × 9 ft (width); compact stalls allowed (residential up to 50% compact; non‑residential up to 33% compact). See Table 5‑5 for angles/aisles. Table 5‑5 / § 19.70.(lot dims)
Maximum paved parking area on site No more than 75% of site area for off‑street parking § 19.70.040.F
Interior parking landscaping Minimum 5% of total interior parking area; shading goal: 50% of paved area shaded at tree maturity (15 yrs) on June 21 § 19.70.050.E.1–2
Deferral of parking installation Director may allow deferral for non‑residential ≥ 10,000 sq ft if certain conditions met § 19.70.030.A
Loading spaces Required for non‑residential uses (except hotels/motels) per Table 5‑7 in § 19.70.090 § 19.70.090
Tandem parking Allowed for single‑family/duplex; for multi‑family only if on‑site maneuvering allows forward exit § 19.70.030.M

(Always consult Table 5‑4 for the specific land use and its vehicle/bicycle ratios; Table 5‑5 for exact stall and aisle geometry.)

How the code treats alternatives, reductions, and shared parking

  • Shared parking, TDM, and use permits: reductions can be approved based on a shared parking study or a Transportation Demand Management plan; the zoning administrator may approve reductions if criteria are met. § 19.70.050 (shared parking / reductions and 19.88.060–.070 for TDM/bicycle).
  • Parking in PD, specific plan or Project approvals: where a planned development permit, development agreement or specific plan establishes parking requirements, those provisions supersede the code. § 19.70.040.C.

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

  • Start with Table 5‑4: compute vehicle and bicycle counts for your use (rounding rules: fractions rounded down per § 19.70.040.E; other rounding rules in general regs). § 19.70.040.
  • If your site is in the Downtown Parking Area, confirm the map and whether your project qualifies for no‑parking relief for non‑residential uses or small residential projects (see Figure 5‑9 and § 19.70.040.G).
  • Layout is as important as counts: setbacks from sidewalk, alley access preference, maneuvering to allow forward exit, drainage, surfacing, landscaping, and shading are regulated and tied to issuance of certificate of occupancy (CO). See § 19.70.020, § 19.70.070, and landscaping shading rules.
  • Bicycle spaces and shower/locker provisions can reduce required vehicle spaces (shower/locker gives a 5% reduction). Provide clearly marked, secure racks meeting dimensions in § 19.70.080 / § 19.88.070.

Checklist

  • Calculate required vehicle spaces from Table 5‑4 for your use and rounded per § 19.70.040.E.
  • Provide required bicycle spaces; design racks per § 19.70.080 (2'×6' each; 5' aisle).
  • Confirm whether your parcel is inside the Downtown Parking Area (Figure 5‑9) — if so, check § 19.70.040.G for exceptions.
  • Site layout: place parking per district/building‑type requirements (e.g., TND tables in 19.86, DN/DS/RMU setbacks, alley access preferred).
  • Dimension stalls and aisles per Table 5‑5; show surfacing, drainage, wheel stops/curbing.
  • Provide required landscaping and show shading calculations (5% interior landscaping; 50% shade target at maturity) and indicate how porous/pavers or pervious surfaces will be used if proposed.
  • If requesting a parking reduction or deferral, prepare a shared parking study or TDM plan per § 19.70.030 and 19.88.060.
  • Show loading spaces per § 19.70.090 and Table 5‑7 (for non‑residential uses).
  • Confirm whether a PD, specific plan, or previous entitlement alters requirements (those supersede the chapter). § 19.70.040.C.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Downtown Parking Area boundary ambiguity The Downtown exception (no parking for many non‑residential uses and <20‑unit projects) can remove expensive stalls — but only inside the defined area Verify the parcel is inside the official Downtown Parking Area map (Figure 5‑9) and confirm with Planning; cite § 19.70.040.G.
Which Table row applies to a “new” or unusual use Table 5‑4 lists many specific uses; unlisted uses default to Director determination and may change required counts If a use is not listed, ask the Director for a determination under § 19.70.040.D and document the comparison.
TND/building‑type parking distances vary by building type TND chapter tables prescribe different distances (e.g., 22 ft, 28 ft, 37 ft, 40 ft) — applying the wrong building type yields non‑compliant layouts Identify the applicable TND designation and building type in Chapter 19.86 and use its Table (e.g., mixed‑use liner 19.86.280, apartment 19.86.180) for the correct parking setback.
Bicycle parking calculations in multiple places Bicycle requirements appear both in § 19.70.080 and TND 19.88.070 with different phrasing Use the most specific/stricter standard that applies to your zone (TND sections for TND zones); confirm with planner.
ADU garage conversion exceptions ADU creation can exempt replacement of garage parking in certain situations — this affects required spaces Verify ADU parking exceptions under the ADU chapter and cross‑check § 19.70.040 conversion/expansion rules; parcel‑specific. Not found in retrieved materials: exact cross‑references in the ADU text (see ADU page).

Plain‑English summary

Chico’s zoning code requires most projects to provide a minimum number of off‑street vehicle spaces set in Table 5‑4, plus bicycle parking and loading where applicable, but downtown and some TND building types have specific placement and relief rules; site layout, surfacing, landscaping and design review requirements are as important as the raw count. Key rules live in § 19.70.010–.090 and the TND/building‑type chapters.

Source References

  • § 19.70.010 – Purpose (Chapter 19.70, Parking and Loading Standards)
  • § 19.70.020 – Applicability (off‑street parking and review)
  • § 19.70.030 – General parking regulations (deferral, RV storage, tandem rules)
  • § 19.70.040 – Number of parking spaces required; Table 5‑4 (Parking Requirements)
  • Table 5‑5 (Minimum parking stall and lot dimensions; Figures 5‑10/5‑11) — stall and aisle dimensions and compact limits.
  • § 19.70.070 – Driveways and site access (sight distance, spacing, driveway width/length)
  • § 19.70.080 – Bicycle parking and support facilities (design, counts, showers/lockers)
  • § 19.70.090 – Off‑street loading (required loading spaces; Table 5‑7)
  • TND / building‑type parking placement distances (see Chapters 19.86 tables for mixed‑use liner, apartment, tuck‑under, etc.)
  • TND bicycle parking standards and TDM measures: § 19.88.070 and 19.88.060.
  • Planned development deviations (‑PD overlay): § 19.28.040 (parking may be modified under PD).

Also consult these menu pages for related processes and standards:

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Chico Zoning Code (section for) High relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (chapter are) High relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (§43) High relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (§47) High relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (§22) Medium relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (Section 19.70.040) Medium relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (§41) Medium relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (§ 490-495.) Medium relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (Chapter 19.06) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 22 (§22) Medium relevance
  • Chico Zoning Code (Chapter 19.18) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What counts as the “required number” of parking spaces for a new Chico project?

Use the land‑use table (Table 5‑4) in § 19.70.040 to compute required vehicle spaces and the bicycle percentages; rounding rules are stated in § 19.70.040.E and reductions or alternative counts require an entitlement or approved shared‑parking/TDM plan.

Do TND (form‑based) zones change how close parking can be to the sidewalk?

Yes. TND building types in Chapter 19.86 set parking placement distances by building type (examples include 22 ft, 28 ft, 37–40 ft behind the back of sidewalk depending on the type). Use the specific building‑type table in 19.86 to pick the correct distance.

Can bicycle parking count reduce vehicle parking requirements in Chico?

Yes — bicycle support measures and shower/locker facilities can reduce vehicle parking; specifically, providing showers/lockers can reduce required vehicle parking by 5% where Table 5‑6 and § 19.70.080.C apply. Also follow bicycle design and counts in § 19.70.080 and § 19.88.070 (TND).

Is parking required in downtown Chico for every commercial project?

Not always. The Downtown Parking Area rules in § 19.70.040.G state that no parking is required for non‑residential uses and for residential projects creating fewer than 20 new units inside the downtown area; larger residential projects must follow the Corridor Opportunity Site rate or entitlement. Confirm the parcel is inside the Downtown Parking Area map.

Can I use tandem parking or compact stalls to reduce area needed?

Tandem parking is allowed for single‑family/duplexes and conditionally for multi‑family where forward maneuvering is provided (see § 19.70.030.M). Compact stalls are allowed up to 50% of residential stalls and up to 33% for non‑residential projects; compact stalls must be clearly marked.

What surfacing, drainage, and landscaping will staff check before CO?

All off‑street parking must be paved with an all‑weather surface (concrete, asphalt, double chip seal, or approved porous materials) with storm drainage per Public Works; interior parking areas must meet minimum 5% landscaping and 50% shading at maturity (15 years) rules. These are enforced under § 19.70.030.L and the landscaping/shading subsections.

If my project is part of a planned development or specific plan, which rule applies?

If a planned development permit, use permit, development agreement, or specific plan establishes a parking standard, that standard supersedes the chapter’s default requirements (§ 19.70.040.C). Always check the entitlement language.

Are loading spaces required for retail or office uses?

Yes — loading spaces for non‑residential uses (except hotels/motels) are required per Table 5‑7 and § 19.70.090; a use permit may modify this requirement in certain cases.

How is bicycle parking sized and sited?

Bicycle parking spaces must be at least 2 ft × 6 ft with a 5 ft access aisle; when more than five spaces are required, at least 25% must be covered. Bicycle parking must be conveniently located near the main entrance and separated from vehicle aisles by curb, fence, or 5 ft open space. See § 19.70.080 and § 19.88.070. ---

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