Explore zoning districts, official map resources, and recent rezoning activity in Butte County, CA. ZoneWire monitors council meetings to track every zoning change.
Zoning classifications used in this jurisdiction, from the adopted local code.
Base agriculture zone protecting productive agricultural land; applied at varying minimum parcel sizes (e.g., AG-160, AG-80, AG-40, AG-20).
Provides for agriculturally related commercial and service uses supporting the county's farming operations.
Low-density rural residential zone in foothill areas.
Rural country residential zone in foothill areas allowing limited agricultural use.
Low-density residential zone in rural areas of the unincorporated county.
Rural residential zone allowing limited agricultural and country living uses.
Very low density single-family residential development.
Very low density residential with a rural/country character allowing limited agricultural uses.
Low density single-family residential development.
Medium density residential development.
Medium-high density residential development.
High density residential development including multi-family housing.
Very high density multi-family residential development.
Small-scale commercial uses serving surrounding neighborhoods.
Commercial uses serving the broader community.
A wide range of general retail, service, and commercial uses.
Commercial recreation and visitor-serving uses.
Sports, entertainment, and related large-venue commercial uses.
Combined residential and commercial mixed-use development.
Research, office, and business park development.
Light manufacturing, assembly, and industrial uses.
General manufacturing and industrial uses.
Heavy manufacturing and intensive industrial uses.
Mountainous timber and resource lands zone.
Timberland production zone for the growing and harvesting of timber under state timberland provisions.
Conservation of natural resources and open space lands.
Public and quasi-public facilities and uses.
Airport and airport-related uses.
Planned development combining base zone uses with a specific development plan.
These parcels came up for a zoning decision in Butte County in the last 30 days, often before they hit the market. See what changed, how the vote went, and hear the moment it happened. According to ZoneWire's analysis of official public meeting records, each decision below links to its timestamped source.
Butte County · Sep 24, 2026
ApprovedParcels near Chico Municipal Airport, North Chico Specific Plan area
Zoning change from RR-5 to RR-10 (112 acres), approved on Sep 24, 2026 in Butte County.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Butte County · Sep 24, 2026
Approved13 lots near Ranchero Airport
Zoning change from MDR to VLDR (1.9 acres), approved on Sep 24, 2026 in Butte County.
Your move: Downzoned. Existing entitlements may now be non-conforming; verify before you transact.
Butte County · Sep 24, 2026
ApprovedParcels near Oroville (Ororville Minnesota) Airport, northeast/southeast/west areas including APN 030260018 (58 acres)
Zoning change from RR-5 to RR-10, approved on Sep 24, 2026 in Butte County.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Applicant
Unlock who filed this with ProThe official Butte County zoning map is maintained by the local planning department. You can access the interactive GIS map at https://www.buttecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2892. ZoneWire also tracks rezoning activity discussed in council meetings.
Zoning districts in Butte County include AG (Agriculture), AS (Agricultural Services), FR (Foothill Residential), FCR (Foothill Country Residential), RR (Rural Residential), RCR (Rural Country Residential), VLDR (Very Low Density Residential), VLDCR (Very Low Density Country Residential). Each district has specific permitted uses, setbacks, and density requirements set by the local code.
ZoneWire reads every council meeting in Butte County to detect rezoning discussions, variances, and zoning amendments. Start a free trial to receive alerts when rezoning activity is detected.
Zoning and land-use planning for unincorporated Butte County are administered by the Planning Division of the Butte County Department of Development Services. The Planning Division coordinates review of development projects and develops and implements the Butte County General Plan and other advance planning programs. The Zoning Ordinance is adopted to implement the General Plan and to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of County residents. Zoning questions can be directed to the Development Services Permit Center Planner.
Chapter 24 (Zoning) of the Butte County Code organizes zoning districts into seven categories: Agriculture Zones, Natural Resource Zones, Residential Zones, Commercial and Mixed Use Zones, Industrial Zones, Special Purpose Zones, and Overlay Zones. Each property is assigned a base zone (and may carry one or more overlay zones) that lists the permitted uses and sets development standards such as minimum lot size, maximum building height, and setbacks. Overlay zones in the County include Airport Compatibility, Deer Herd Migration, and Military Airspace overlays.
The Butte County Planning Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of every month, with special sessions called as needed. The Commission reviews and acts on matters related to planning and development and advises the Board of Supervisors on land-use matters. It is made up of five commissioners appointed by the Board of Supervisors to represent the various geographical areas and the commercial, industrial, and agricultural interests of the County.
Under the County Code, the Development Services Director, or designee, serves as the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator is the hearing authority for project applications such as Minor Use Permits, Minor Variances, and Parcel Maps, and can approve or deny those projects. The role is intended to handle minor and non-controversial public hearing items so the Planning Commission can focus on more complex matters. A Zoning Administrator decision to approve or deny may be appealed to the Planning Commission, and the Zoning Administrator may also refer projects to the Planning Commission.
Yes. Butte County's Zoning Ordinance establishes agricultural buffers to conserve and stabilize agricultural land uses and protect them from encroachment and conversion to residential uses. Within an agricultural buffer area, the setback for a dwelling is 300 feet from any property line that abuts an Agriculture zone. Applicants for ministerial permits may request an adjustment to the 300-foot buffer requirement through an Unusual Circumstances Review, where factors such as parcel size and shape, the location of existing residences and infrastructure, and natural topography may make the setback infeasible or unnecessary.
Yes. ZoneWire Free sends New Meeting Alerts for Butte County at no cost, with the agenda for each meeting. ZoneWire Pro adds full transcripts, zoning and development analysis, and keyword alerts for $39 per market per month.
Our Butte County record holds 3 land-use decisions heard in the last 60 days, with the vote where one was recorded.
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