City Temporarily Expands Outside Commerce for Non-Food Establishments

In order to assist local businesses impacted by State Public Health Orders, the City of Chico has issued Emergency Order 2020-004 temporarily expanding outdoor commerce for non-food businesses on private property.

This new order will allow businesses to utilize additional outdoor areas for commerce, including private sidewalks (non-public right of way), parking lots, recreation space, and other space on private property that is conducive to such operations. To apply, eligible businesses must complete a Temporary Use for COVID-19 Outdoor Commerce (Non-Food) application and return to the City Planning Division. No fee will be required for this application.

These expansion areas must be adjacent to the existing non-food business and may occupy up to 100% of the square footage of usable floor space of the business’ building, but may not occupy more than 50% of the available parking area on site. Such use must be in compliance with ADA regulations, and cannot eliminate any ADA parking spaces. Businesses must operate during their regular operating hours.

Expanding Non-Food Service Onto Public Space

In order to assist local businesses impacted by State Public Health Orders, the City of Chico has issued Emergency Order 2020-005 temporarily expanding outdoor commerce for non-food businesses on public property.  This new order will allow businesses to utilize additional outdoor areas for commerce, including public sidewalks.  To apply, eligible businesses must complete a Outdoor Cafe and Service License application.  For any questions about this application, contact Public Works-Engineering at (530) 879-6900.

For more general information about the program, you can call our City Manager’s Economic Development Division at (530) 869-7299 or email at TeamChico@chicoca.gov.