Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Invasive Plant Rules

How Chico Handles Invasive Plant Rules: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Chico maintains 133 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with invasive plant rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Chico falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Chico's tree preservation ordinance specifically excludes Ailanthus, commonly called tree of heaven, from the definition of a protected tree, so removing one doesn't require a permit or trigger replacement.

Key details: Protected status: Excluded from ordinance's 'Tree' definition. Permit to remove: None required. Also excluded: Russian olive, black locust, more. Governing section: § 16.66.050(L).

None applies to removal specifically: because tree of heaven is excluded from the ordinance's 'Tree' definition, no Chapter 16.66 permit is required and no civil penalty under § 16.66.130 attaches to removing it.

Chico is more permissive than most cities when it comes to tree-of-heaven removal. That said, there are still limits.

Prohibited Species

Qualifying new landscape projects in Chico must stick to non-invasive plant species drawn from the state WUCOLS classification list, rather than high-water, weedy, or invasive plants.

Key details: Applies to: New landscapes 2,500-5,000+ sq ft. Species standard: Non-invasive per state WUCOLS list. Alt. method: State Model Water Efficient Ord.. Approval required: Before installation begins.

Landscape plans using invasive species are disapproved or sent back for revision by the Director or Board, and landscaping may not be installed until an approved final plan is on file: installing without approval is a zoning violation under §§ 19.68.020, .030.

The Bottom Line

Chico's invasive plant rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Chico is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Chico's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.