Chico City Plaza

Licensing and Permitting

For broader information about city, county, and state regulations see Permitting.

Newly Adopted Economic Vision

Chico is the haven for innovation and entrepreneurship in the North State. As a university community Chico brings together the educational entities, the City and community resources to assist entrepreneurs and businesses to invest in Chico and create career pathways that yield a quality of life that includes economic prosperity. Chico is a magnet to individuals seeking an environment where you can live and work while enjoying unparalleled access to outdoor recreation and the social spirit of a vibrant community.

Unanimously Endorsed Economic Strategy

Description: The City council unanimously approved the City’s 10 point economic strategy to create the conditions in Chico that foster investment to occur within the community.

Inventory of Vacant Land for Business Use

A primary role for the City in the economy is to ensure the readiness of physical conditions for investment to occur in Chico. One aspect of readiness is the availability of vacant land. The City has created an inventory of vacant land in Chico as well as an assessment of regulatory readiness to develop the land.

Early and Free Project Review Assistance

The City offers a free service in which businesses and builders may have their projects reviewed and guidance given by various City officials (Building, Planning, Fire, Engineering, Economic Development, etc.) to assist the project through the regulatory process.

Redevelopment Agency

Chico has a Redevelopment Agency that is very active in utilizing public investment to spur investment that would otherwise not occur to eliminate blight and stimulate the economy.

Commercial Façade Improvement Loan Program

This program is intended to help rehabilitate, upgrade and generally improve the appearance of commercial building facades within the redevelopment area.

Priority Industrial Permitting

City Policy allows for prioritizing industrial permit processing that generate new and/or expanded job opportunities.

Recycling Market Development Zone

Chico has one of 33 zones in the State in which the California Integrated Waste Management Board encourages the diversion of waste from landfills by offering economic incentives to recycling based businesses or businesses that use recycled materials located in the zone.

FAA Certified Municipal Airport

Chico’s airport has a 24 hour control tower, 6700′ runway, and a 54 acre apron. Flight line access is available for aviation-related businesses located in the Airport Industrial Park.

Foreign Trade Zone

Chico has a Foreign Trade Zone in the Airport Industrial Park vicinity that provides various benefits to export/import businesses.