Chico · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Chico?
In Chico, an emergency shelter is allowed in 2 base zones (IOMU and PQ) and needs an use permit in 5 (OR, OC, CC, CS and ML) (Chico use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: IOMU and PQ
- Needs a permit: OR, OC, CC, CS and ML
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Chico Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where an emergency shelter can go
Chico's code calls this use “Emergency shelters”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| IOMU | Allowed | § 19.46.020 |
| PQ | Allowed | § 19.50.020 |
| OR | Needs an use permit | § 19.44.020 |
| OC | Needs an use permit | § 19.44.020 |
| CC | Needs an use permit | § 19.44.020 |
| CS | Needs an use permit | § 19.44.020 |
| ML | Needs an use permit | § 19.46.020 |
What else applies
- 'Temporary emergency shelters' (Chapter 19.22) is P in all residential zones (RS-RMU), all commercial/office zones (OR-CR) and ML, MG, IOMU. 'Low barrier navigation center' is a separate row.
- State law: State law (Gov. Code § 65583, SB 2) requires every city to allow emergency shelters by right in at least one zone.
- Not covered here: Airport zones (S6 section has no table text); Agricultural / other districts whose tables are not in the text; TND zone designations NE/NG/NC/CORE (S10) not given as base cells. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Chico
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the OR zone in Chico?
Only with an use permit. Chico's use table lists it that way in OR (§ 19.44.020).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the IOMU zone in Chico?
Yes. Chico's use table lists it as allowed in IOMU (§ 19.46.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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