Building Permits in Chico
Chico's Community Development Department, Building Division handles building permits, plan review and construction inspections.
Current code framework
California's 2025 Building Standards Code is the current statewide triennial code cycle for permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2026. Chico also applies its municipal building-code amendments. Older City handouts referring to the 2022 cycle should not be read as establishing the current code edition for a new 2026 application.
Permits and inspections
The Building Division provides online permit services and permit-record tools. Permit records show fees, inspections, conditions and reviews by permit. Required inspections depend on the work authorized; no generic inspection sequence is stated.
Fees and permit validity
Chico publishes a master fee schedule with Building Division charges by permit/service category. A City permit-expiration handout based on the prior code cycle contains useful administrative history, but its old code citation is not used here to state current 2026 requirements. Applicants should confirm current application/permit expiration rules directly with the Building Division.
Official sources
- Chico permits and licensing / Building Division contact: https://chico.ca.us/Departments/City-Managers-Office/Economic-Development/Permits--Licensing/
- Chico online permit-record instructions: https://chico.ca.us/documents/Departments/Community-Development/Building-Division/Online-Permit-Services/Building%20hidden%20resource%20docs/Searching-Permit-Records.pdf
- Chico master fee schedule: https://chico.ca.us/documents/Departments/Administrative-Services/Finance/Fee%20Schedule/FY-2024-2025-Master-Fee-Schedule.pdf
- California Building Standards Commission: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes
Disclaimer: Verify Chico's current local amendments, fee schedule, permit exemptions and project-specific inspection/design requirements before filing.