The Planning Division coordinates 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.

Do you have a planning question?  Call us at (530) 552-3701 or send us an email.

You can check out our new FAQs page.

Advance Planning Projects Underway

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.

Advance Planning Projects

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 percent reduction below baseline 2006 GHG emission levels by 2020 consistent with State guidelines, and a 42 percent reduction below baseline 2006 levels by 2030.

North Chico Specific Plan – The County of Butte is revising the North Chico Specific Plan (NCSP) with a focus on re-visioning the North Chico Village. This process will explore conceptual land use options that are formed by community and stakeholder collaboration and input. The revised NCSP will be used to guide the preparation of development plans for the North Chico Village.

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 Magalia and Paradise Pines area, collectively known as the Upper Ridge.

What's New in Planning

We have a new FAQs page.

November 22, 2023
Butte County Resolution No. 22-157 goes into effect January 1st, 2023 and will result in a 3.36% fee increase for Development Services.  Please click here to view the updated fees.

General Information

Applications, Forms & Handouts

Zoning Ordinance – lists allowed uses and development standards for properties in each zone in the County. 

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 Magalia and Paradise Pines area, collectively known as the Upper Ridge.

General Plan – guides overall growth and development and provides a vision for the County.

Climate Action Plan – provides goals, measures and actions to sustain natural resources, grow efficiently, 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.

North Chico Specific Plan – The County of Butte is revising the North Chico Specific Plan (NCSP) with a focus on re-visioning the North Chico Village. This process will explore conceptual land use options that are formed by community and stakeholder collaboration and input. The revised NCSP will be used to guide the preparation of development plans for the North Chico Village.

Butte Utility Scale Solar Guide - The Butte Utility-Scale Solar Guide is a 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.

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.

Ordinances & Resolutions – administered by the Department of Development Services.

Project Status – Searchable information on applications for development projects.

CEQA Documents – Environmental documents on planning and development projects available for public review and comment.

Planning Commission – Meeting agendas and staff reports.

Zoning Administrator – Meeting agendas and staff reports.

Meetings – of other commissions and committees associated with the Department of Development Services

Notable Projects - links to major advance and current planning projects being undertaken by the Department of Development Services