Planning
The Planning Division coordinates the review of development projects; develops and implements the Butte County General Plan and other advance planning programs; and provides information to assist in the orderly growth and development of the County.
Advance Planning Projects
General Plan 2040 Update - The General Plan establishes the community's long-term vision for the future, including where people in Butte County will live, work, shop, learn, and recreate. It will shape future housing, support job growth, foster healthy and resilient neighborhoods, protect and manage natural resources and agricultural lands, ensure community safety, and promote social and economic equity.
Climate Action Plan - The Butte County CAP is a long-term strategic document to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Butte County. Reduction targets in the CAP call for a 15% reduction below baseline 2006 GHG emission levels by 2020 consistent with State guidelines, and a 42% reduction below baseline 2006 levels by 2030.
Upper Ridge Community Plan - The Upper Ridge Community Plan will set a vision and provide policy guidance for the areas within the unincorporated portion of Butte County north of the Town of Paradise, including the Magalia and Paradise Pines area, collectively known as the Upper Ridge.
General Information
View Applications, Forms and Handouts
Zoning Ordinance
- The Zoning Ordinance lists allowed uses and development standards for properties in each zone in the County.
Visit the Zoning Ordinance page for more information.
Upper Ridge Community Plan
The Upper Ridge Community Plan will set a vision and provide policy guidance for the areas within the unincorporated portion of Butte County north of the Town of Paradise, including the Magalia and Paradise Pines area, collectively known as the Upper Ridge.
Visit the Upper Ridge Community Plan page for more information.
General Plan
Guides overall growth and development and provides a vision for the County.
Visit the General Plan page for more information.
Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan provides goals, measures and actions to sustain natural resources, grow efficiently, and ensure long-term resiliency to a changing environmental and economic climate. The Butte County Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Strategy won an Award of Excellence and the Butte Utility-Scale Solar Guide won an Award of Merit from the 2018 American Planning Association Sacramento Valley Section Awards.
Visit the Climate Action Plan page for more information.
Butte Utility Scale Solar Guide
The Butte Utility-Scale Solar Guide is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about utility-scale solar facilities within unincorporated Butte County, including landowners, developers, community members, and decision-makers.
Visit the Butte Utility Scale Solar Guide page for more information.
Neighborhood, Community & Specific Plans
Neighborhood, Community and Specific Plans have been adopted (or are under consideration) for several geographic areas in Butte County to guide growth and development in their respective areas.
Visit the Neighborhood, Community and Specific Plans page for more information.
Ordinances & Resolutions
Access the Ordinances and Resolutions administered by the Department of Development Services.
Visit the Ordinance and Resolutions page for more information.
Project Status
View searchable information on applications for development projects.
Visit the Butte County eTRAKiT website for more information.
Environmental Review Documents
Environmental documents on planning and development projects are available for public review and comment.
Visit the CEQA Documents page for more information.
Planning Commission
Access meeting agendas and staff reports.
Visit the Planning Commission page for more information.
Zoning Administrator
Access meeting agendas and staff reports.
Visit the Zoning Administrator page for more information.
Meetings
Access meetings of other commissions and committees associated with the Department of Development Services in the Agenda Center.
Notable Projects
Discover links to major advance and current planning projects being undertaken by the Department of Development Services.
Visit the Notable Projects page for more information.
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Planning
Phone: 530-552-3701
- Can I subdivide my property?
- Do I need a business license for a business in my home?
- Is my parcel in the city or county?
- How can I find the zoning for a specific property?
- How do I determine property boundaries as shown on a map?
- How do I establish a business in my home?
- How do I find easements on my property?
- How do I obtain a Temporary Housing Permit as a result of the Camp Fire or North Complex Fire?
- How tall can I build a fence?
- How would I obtain an easement from a neighbor?
- What does multi-zoned mean on the Parcel Look-Up? What are the zones on the property?
- What is a use permit?
- What type of land uses are allowed on a property?
- What is zoning?
- Where is my septic system located? How do I get a septic system for my property? How do I apply for a well?