Bike Parking Regulations for Chico, CA

In Chico, CA, bicycle parking regulations are clearly outlined in the municipal code, and the design standards specify the requirements bike parking spaces, along with associated support facilities such as showers and lockers.

Long-Term and Short-Term Bike Parking Requirements

Short-Term Parking

Short-term bicycle parking is required for visitors and customers. Parking spaces must be located near the entrances of buildings, within 50 feet. The parking must provide a secure way to lock both the frame and one wheel, typically through U-lock compatible racks. Spaces must be clearly visible, accessible, and protected from interference from motor vehicle traffic.

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking is intended for residents, employees, and other regular users who need secure, weather-protected parking for extended periods. Long-term bicycle parking spaces are typically located in secure areas such as lockers, bike rooms, or restricted access enclosures. Current Chico, CA, bike parking regulations do not distinguish between short-term and long-term bike parking requirements. Rather, the regulations reference covered bike parking. Covered bicycle parking shall be provided for at least one-half of the minimum number of required bicycle spaces for multi-family, commercial and industrial uses where 10 or more bicycle parking spaces are required.

Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type

Facility Type	Bicycle Spaces Required
Residential (multi-family units)	1 space per unit
Office	10% of required vehicle spaces
Retail	5% of required vehicle spaces
Shopping Center	10% of required vehicle spaces
Restaurants	10% of required vehicle spaces
Schools (K-12)	1 space for every 4 students
Industrial	10% of required vehicle spaces

The information above is a partial listing of property uses. Chico, CA, has highly detailed requirements for the number of spaces required by different property uses. Please refer to the regulations via the links below for detailed information.

Showers and Personal Lockers

According to Chico municipal code, shower and locker facilities are required for certain large office, retail, and manufacturing developments to support bicycle commuting. Specifically, the code requires:

One shower for each gender for office buildings between 50,000 and 150,000 sq. ft., and an additional shower for each additional 100,000 sq. ft.
For retail and service uses between 100,000 and 300,000 sq. ft., 1 shower is required for each gender, with an additional shower for every additional 200,000 sq. ft.
Manufacturing uses follow similar rules as office spaces, with 1 shower required for each gender for spaces between 50,000 and 150,000 sq. ft.
The minimum number of required vehicle parking spaces may be reduced by 5 percent if shower and locker facilities are provided.

Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements

In the downtown area, no bicycle parking is required for non-residential projects that create fewer than 20 residential units. In other cases, specific bicycle parking requirements must be adhered to as indicated in the city’s general standards.