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Chico, CA Code of Ordinances
CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE
THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF CHICO
Title 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Title 2 ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Title 3 REVENUE AND FINANCE
Title 4 (RESERVED)
Title 5 BUSINESS REGULATIONS1
Title 6 (RESERVED)
Title 7 ANIMALS
Title 8 HEALTH AND SANITATION1
Title 9 PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS
Title 10 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Title 11 AIRPORT1
Title 12 PARKS
Title 13 (RESERVED)
Title 14 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
Title 15 UTILITY SERVICES
Title 16 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION1
Title 17 (RESERVED)
Title 18 SUBDIVISIONS
Title 19 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS1
Title 2R ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS RULES
Title 3R REVENUE AND FINANCE RULES AND PROCEDURES
Title 5R BUSINESS RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 8R SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RULES
Title 10R VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC RULES AND PROCEDURES
Title 11R CHICO MUNICIPAL AIRPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS1
Title 12R RULES AND REGULATIONS OF BIDWELL PARK AND OTHER PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS1
Title 14R BUILDING IN STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES
Title 15R WATER AND SEWERS
Title 16R BUILDING STANDARDS
Title 18R DESIGN CRITERIA AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS1
TABLES
Chico, CA Comprehensive Ordinance Table
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19.48.030   Airport zone land uses and permit requirements.
   Table 4-10 identifies the uses of land allowed by these Regulations in each airport zoning district, and the land use entitlement required to establish the use, in compliance with Section 19.40.020-B (Zoning district regulations).
   Note: 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)
19.48.040   Interference with aircraft operations prohibited.
   No use shall be permitted in any airport zoning district that would interfere with aircraft takeoffs or landings at the Chico Municipal Airport or otherwise would constitute an airport hazard, whether or not the use would otherwise be permitted by Table 4-10.
(Ord. 2185)
19.48.050   Use permit findings.
   The Airport Commission, Planning Commission, or Zoning Administrator may issue a use permit for uses not included in Table 4-10, or uses which are included in the table, but which are not indicated as being permissible in a particular zoning district, if the following findings are made in addition to the required findings in Section 19.24.040 (Decision and findings):
   A.   That the proposed use would not be incompatible with the other existing or allowable uses in the district;
   B.   That the proposed use would enhance the economic vitality of the airport area and further its continuing development;
   C.   That the proposed use would not create any adverse parking problems adjacent to the site of the proposed use;
   D.   That the proposed use, if located in the A Aviation district, is aviation-related; and
   E.   That the proposed use, if located in the AC Airport commercial district, is related to airport activities or will serve employees working in one or more of the Airport zoning districts, or is otherwise compatible with the operational characteristics of the airport.
   In issuing a use permit, the Airport Commission, Planning Commission, or Zoning Administrator may include conditions that it deems necessary for the purposes of this chapter.
(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2205; Ord. 2223; Ord. 2309, Ord. 2427 §29)(Ord. 2435 §27)
TABLE 4-10 - ALLOWED USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR AIRPORT ZONING DISTRICTS
KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
 
Symbol
Permit Requirement
Procedure is in Section/Chapter:
P
Permitted use, zoning clearance required.
UP
Conditional use, use permit required.
TU
Temporary use.
Use not allowed.
 
LAND USE (1)
PERMIT REQUIREMENT BY ZONE
Subject to Standards Section/Chapter:
A(2)
AC(3)
AM(4)
AP
LAND USE (1)
PERMIT REQUIREMENT BY ZONE
Subject to Standards Section/Chapter:
A(2)
AC(3)
AM(4)
AP
MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING USES
Aviation parts and equipment
P
UP
P
 
 
Beverage production
 
 
P
 
 
Boats and watercraft
 
 
P
 
 
Cannabis distributor
 
P
P
 
19.75
Cannabis manufacturer
 
 
P(6)
 
19.75
Chemical products
 
 
UP
 
 
Clothing products
 
 
P
 
 
Communications components and systems
UP
 
P
 
 
Computer products and systems
UP
 
P
 
 
Electrical and electronic equipment, instruments
 
P
P
 
 
Food products
 
 
UP
 
 
Furniture/fixtures manufacturing, cabinet shops
 
 
P
 
 
Glass products
 
 
UP
 
 
Handicraft industries, small-scale manufacturing
 
 
P
 
 
Laundries and dry cleaning plants
 
 
UP
 
 
Lumber and wood products
 
 
P
 
 
Lumber processing and molding
 
 
P
 
 
Machinery manufacturing
UP
UP(3)
UP
 
 
Metal fabrication, machine, and welding shops
UP
 
P
 
 
Motor vehicles and transportation equipment
 
 
UP
 
 
Paper products (excluding pulping)
 
 
P
 
 
Paving materials
 
 
UP
 
 
Pharmaceuticals
 
 
P
 
 
Plastics and rubber products
UP
 
P
 
 
Printing and publishing
 
 
P
 
 
Recycling - Large collection facility
 
 
UP
 
 
Recycling - Reverse vending machines
 
 
UP
 
 
Recycling - Small collection facility
 
 
UP
 
 
Stone and cut stone products
 
 
P
 
 
Structural clay and pottery products
 
 
P
 
 
Wholesaling and distribution
UP
UP
P
 
 
RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES
Health/fitness clubs
 
UP
UP
 
 
Libraries and museums
UP
UP
P
 
 
Membership organization facilities
UP
UP
 
 
 
Model/radio-controlled aircraft courses
UP
 
 
 
 
Schools - Specialized education and training
UP
P
P
 
 
RESIDENTIAL USES
Caretaker and employee housing
 
P
P
 
 
RETAIL TRADE USES
Accessory retail sales
P
P
P
 
Alcoholic beverage establishments
UP
UP
 
 
Cannabis retailer - delivery only
 
P
P
 
19.75
Gas stations
UP
UP
 
 
Restaurants – less than 2,500 sq. ft.
P
P
P
 
 
Restaurants – more than 2,500 sq. ft.
P
P
 
 
 
Restaurant with full bar
UP
UP
UP
 
SERVICES
Automated teller machines (ATMs)
P
P
UP
UP
 
Banks and financial services
 
P
P
 
 
Business support services
UP
P
P
 
 
Cannabis testing laboratory
 
P
P
 
19.75
Equipment and vehicle rental
UP
UP
UP
UP
 
Hotel or motel
 
UP
 
 
 
Kennel and animal boarding
 
UP
UP
 
 
Offices, business and professional
 
UP
UP
 
 
Offices, industrial
 
P
UP
 
 
Offices, temporary
 
TU
TU
TU
Personal services
 
P
 
 
 
Printing and publishing - Computer/electronic
 
P
P
 
 
Public safety and utility facilities
P
P
P
P
 
Repair and maintenance - Consumer products
 
P
P
 
 
Repair and maintenance - Vehicle
 
 
UP
 
 
Research and development (R&D)
UP
P
P
 
 
Storage, accessory
 
 
UP
 
 
Storage, outdoor
 
 
UP
 
Warehousing
 
 
P
 
 
TRANSPORTATION & COMMUNICATIONS
Airports
P
UP
UP
P
 
Heliports
P
UP
UP
P
 
Parking facilities/vehicle storage
P
UP
UP
UP
 
Pipelines and utility lines
UP
P
P
UP
 
Telecommunications facilities
(5)
(5)
(5)
(5)
Transit stations and terminals
P
 
 
 
 
Vehicle and freight terminals
UP(3)
UP
UP
 
 
 
Notes:
(1)   See Chapter 19.04 for definitions of the listed land uses.
(2)   All land uses in the A zone must be aviation-related.
(3)   All land uses permitted by use permit in the AC zone must be either related to airport activities, serve employees working in the airport zones, or otherwise compatible with the operational characteristics of the airport and the economic development goals of the airport.
(4)   Permitted uses in the AM zone must be conducted entirely within a building or sight-obscuring fence that has been reviewed by the review authority.
(5)   See Chapter 19.78 for districts in which telecommunications facilities are permitted.
(6)   Manufacturing involving non-volatile manufacturing techniques, and premises under 5,000 s.f. permitted; Manufacturing involving volatile manufacturing techniques, and/or premises of 5,000 s.f. or greater requires use permit approval.
(Ord. 2427 §29, Ord. 2461 §5, Ord. 2494 §28, Ord. 2553 §4, Ord. 2600)
19.48.060   Airport zone general development standards
   The requirements in Table 4-11 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 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).
   A.   Site Planning Standards.
TABLE 4-11
AIRPORT ZONE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
 
Development Feature
Requirement by Zoning District
A
AC
AM
AP
Minimum Lot Area (1)
As necessary to comply with all applicable requirements of these Regulations.
Setbacks Required (2)
   Front
20 ft., at least 10 ft. of which shall be landscaped. No vehicle parking shall be allowed within any front setback less than 40 ft. in depth, and parking shall be located a minimum of 10 ft. from the street right-of- way.

In the case of a corner parcel, the property owner shall have the option of choosing the yard which shall be the front setback, except that all property adjacent to Airpark Boulevard shall have its front setback on Airpark Boulevard.
   Sides, rear
10 ft.
Site Coverage (3)
70%
Height Limits (4)
40 ft.
 
Notes:
(1)   Minimum area for lots proposed in new subdivisions.
(2)   Minimum setbacks required for all structures. See Section 19.60.090 (Setback regulations and exceptions) for the measurement of and exceptions to these setback requirements. The Airport Commission, Planning Commission, or Zoning Administrator may modify or eliminate setback requirements through the use permit process (Chapter 19.24).
(3)   Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered with structures (see the definition of site coverage in Chapter 19.04). The remaining portions of the site that may not be covered with structures shall be permanently maintained as landscaped open space. The Airport Architectural Committee or Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board may require less coverage and more landscaped open area to provide visual relief or contrast, or to screen incompatible or obtrusive features.
(4)   Maximum height of structures. See Sections 19.52.020 (Airport overflight overlay zones) and 19.60.070 (Height measurement and height limit exceptions). The Airport Commission, Planning Commission, or Zoning Administrator may approve higher structures, up to a maximum of 387 feet above mean sea level, through the use permit process (Chapter 19.24).
(Ord. 2427 §30)(Ord. 2435 §28, Ord. 2494 §29)
   B.   Fences and Walls. A fence or wall of 8 feet or less in height may be located within a required side or rear setback except where the Director determines that the fence would be a hazard because of inadequate sight distance (see Section 19.60.060, Fencing and screening).
   C.   Electronic and Radio Interference. No use shall emit electrical, electronic, or radio emissions that may interfere with, obstruct, or adversely affect the operation of air navigation aids and radio communications or which in any manner violate regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration.
   D.   Design Standards. Proposed projects shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Chico Municipal Airport and Industrial Park Development Plan and the City of Chico Design Guidelines Manual.
(Ord. 2185)
19.48.070   Site design and architectural review for airport projects.
   A.   Design Review Required. No building permit shall be issued for any structure, addition or exterior remodel in any airport zoning district until the project has first obtained site design and architectural review approval in compliance with Chapter 19.18 (Site Design and Architectural Review), and this section.
   B.   Review Authority.
      1.   Airport Commission or Architectural Committee. Site design and architectural review for projects within the A and AP zoning districts shall be conducted by the Airport Commission or, if appointed, the Airport Architectural Committee. Site design and architectural review for projects within the AM and AC zoning districts shall be conducted by the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board or Director as established in Chapter 19.18 (Site Design and Architectural Review).
   C.   Procedure for Review and Decision. In determining whether to approve or conditionally approve the architectural design of a structure, the Airport Architectural Committee shall meet and consult with the Architectural Review Board at a joint meeting. If the Airport Architectural Committee does not approve the architectural design of the structure, the architectural design of the structure shall be considered by the Airport Commission as a whole, which shall either approve, conditionally approve, modify, or disapprove the architectural design.
   D.   Standards and Criteria. The action of the Airport Commission or the Airport Architectural Committee, if appointed, shall comply with the requirements of the Chico Municipal Airport and Industrial Park Development Plan and the City of Chico Design Guidelines Manual, and shall take into consideration the following additional factors:
      1.   The compatibility of the structure and grounds with adjacent properties or with future development of adjacent properties;
      2.   The extent which natural features including trees, shrubs, rocks, and the natural grade of the site are retained;
      3.   The accessibility and relationship of off-street parking and loading areas with respect to adjacent street and on-site uses;
      4.   The development of landscaping areas and fencing for the purposes of separating or screening service and storage areas from the street and adjoining building sites;
      5.   The development of landscaping or mounding to break up large expanses of paved areas, and to separate and screen parking lots from adjoining building sites;
      6.   The location of on-site lighting to provide for the on-site safety needs without interfering with adjacent uses or aviation uses in the area, or posing any traffic hazard on adjacent streets; and
      7.   Any other factors relating to the project under consideration that the review authority deems necessary.
(Ord. 2185, Ord. 2427 §31)(Ord. 2435 §29, Ord. 2439 §178)
19.48.080   Effect of prior agreements, leases, and licenses.
   In any case in which property is owned by the City of Chico or the Chico Redevelopment Agency, the requirements of a use permit or variance may be met through the lease, license, sale, or other appropriate agreement. If such lease, license, sale, or other agreement provides for a particular use of such property, any use permit or variance required for that particular use shall be deemed to be granted.
(Ord. 2185)
19.48.090   Nonconforming uses under prior agreements.
   A use existing on the effective date of this chapter under an agreement between the City and the property owner or predecessors in interest, which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, shall not continue beyond the terms of the agreement, or any termination of the use by any provisions of the agreement, including any provision that provides for termination of the use upon the adoption of this chapter or any amendment to this chapter.
(Ord. 2185)