Chico Council Tightens Overnight Camping Rules
Revised public nuisance ordinances extend clearing notice to 48 hours and limit camping and occupation of restoration areas.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Camping
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The Chico City Council formally adopted two revisions to the city's public nuisance ordinances at its regular Tuesday meeting, restricting overnight camping and occupation of designated restoration areas. The changes raise the clearing notice timeframe from 24 to 48 hours and increase the recreational vehicle stay allowance from three to five days.
Why it matters
Councilmember Mike O'Brien argued that without his revisions, a camper could move 100 feet down the creek and restart the 48-hour process, creating a whack-a-mole situation. His amendments require the 48-hour notice be given once per individual and that a cleared site remain clear.
The council's vote to approve the revisions passed 4-3 at the Oct. 20 meeting, while a motion to table the proposal failed 3-4. Councilmembers Katie Hawley and Bryce Goldstein voted no on the amendment, and the enforcement timeline beyond the adopted notice periods was not specified.
The players
Chico City Council
The governing body of the city of Chico that adopted the revised public nuisance ordinances.
Mike O'Brien
A Chico city councilmember who proposed the amendments requiring per-individual notice and that cleared sites remain clear.
Addison Winslow
A Chico city councilmember who made an unsuccessful motion to table the proposal.
The details
The council adopted the revisions at its regular meeting Tuesday after Councilmember Mike O'Brien's motion, seconded by Tom van Overbeek, passed 5-2. Councilmember Addison Winslow's substitute motion to table the proposal, seconded by Hawley, failed 3-4.
Timeline
Oct. 20: Council agreed to the proposed revisions 4-3.
Tuesday (Nov. 3, 2026): Council formally adopted the two ordinance revisions.
Nov. 17, 6 p.m.: Next Chico City Council meeting at 421 Main St.
Season Trajectory
The revisions extend the city's prior 24-hour clearing notice and three-day recreational vehicle allowance to 48 hours and five days. The change responds to concerns that displaced campers could simply relocate nearby and restart the notice period.
Campers in Chico now have 48 hours' notice before a site is cleared, and recreational vehicles may stay up to five days. Overnight camping and occupation of designated restoration areas are restricted under the adopted rules.
The takeaway
Campers in Chico should check the revised clearing notice and RV stay limits before setting up in city-managed areas. Those affected can follow the Nov. 17 council meeting for any further changes.
What happens next
The Chico City Council will next meet Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at 421 Main St.
Further reading
Explore more local context in the Camping section for Chico.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Orion.
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