Chico's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Chico, California, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Protected Tree Species

Under CMC Ch. 16.66 (Tree Preservation Regulations), Native Oak (Quercus) species or Sycamore (Platanus) species at 36-inch DBH (single trunk) or 36-inch cumulative DBH (multi-trunk) in good health and structure are protected — they cannot be removed without a permit and trigger automatic Heritage Tree status. This local layer is substantially more protective than the California state forestry baseline (CCR Title 14).

Key details: Protected species: Native oak (Quercus) and sycamore (Platanus). DBH threshold: 36-inch single trunk or cumulative multi-trunk. Condition: Good health and structure. Automatic status: Heritage tree (CMC 16.68). Removal: Permit required under CMC 16.66.060.

Unpermitted removal or significant damage to a protected oak/sycamore is a CMC violation; mitigation under 16.66.085 (1:6 DBH replacement) plus potential code enforcement, criminal nuisance abatement, or development-condition non-compliance.

This is one of the stricter rules in Chico's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Parkway Planting

Planting a tree in the parkway (the strip between sidewalk and curb) or anywhere in the public right-of-way requires a permit from the City of Chico Public Works (Park Division) under CMC Ch. 14.40 (Street Trees). Species must be selected from the city's Approved Street and Parking Lot Tree List, adopted by the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission under CMC 14.40.080. Subdivision and development projects also trigger street tree planting under CMC 18R.08.090 and CMC 19.68.

Key details: Ordinance: CMC Ch. 14.40 + 14.40.080 (species list). Permit: Required from Public Works (Park Division). Species source: Approved Street & Parking Lot Tree List (2009) + UFMP App. H. Insurance for ROW work: $1M/$2M GL + endorsements. Permit validity: 60 calendar days.

Planting a non-listed species or planting without a permit in the ROW is a CMC violation; city may require removal and replacement at owner's expense. Damaging a city street tree triggers restitution under CMC Ch. 14.40.

Heritage & Protected Trees

CMC Ch. 16.68 (Voluntary Heritage Tree Program), established by CMC 16.68.010, identifies, promotes public awareness of, maintains, and protects designated Heritage Trees on public and private property. Any person may apply (with property owner's signed consent if not the owner). The Urban Forest Manager reviews and forwards to the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission, which recommends to City Council for designation. Designated heritage trees may only be removed under Ch. 16.66.

Key details: Ordinance: CMC Ch. 16.68 (Voluntary Heritage Tree Program). Auto-protected: Native oak or sycamore at 36-inch DBH. Designation path: Application → Urban Forest Mgr → BPPC → City Council. Owner consent: Required if applicant is not the owner. Removal: Only under CMC Ch. 16.66 permit.

Removing or damaging a designated heritage tree without a Ch. 16.66 permit is a violation. Replacement at 1 new 15-gallon tree per 6 inches DBH removed under CMC 16.66.085, with similar species unless approved by the urban forest manager; in-lieu fee available where on-site replanting infeasible.

Tree Replacement Requirements

CMC 16.66.085 (Tree Replacement) requires that for every six inches in DBH (diameter at breast height) removed, a new 15-gallon tree shall be planted on-site. If on-site replanting is infeasible, payment of an in-lieu fee per the Council-adopted fee schedule is required. Replacement species must be similar to those removed unless the urban forest manager approves an alternative.

Key details: Ordinance: CMC 16.66.085. Ratio: 1 new 15-gallon tree per 6 inches DBH removed. Species: Similar to removed, unless Urban Forest Mgr approves alternative. In-lieu fee: Set by Council fee schedule (historically ~$368 per 6-inch DBH). Street tree list: CMC 14.40.080 + Approved Street & Parking Lot Tree List (2009).

Failure to plant required replacements or pay the in-lieu fee is a CMC violation; the Urban Forest Manager may withhold final permit sign-off and pursue code enforcement.

Compared to other cities, Chico takes a harder line on tree replacement requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Removal Permits

Chico Municipal Code Ch. 16.66 (Tree Preservation Regulations) requires a permit from the Urban Forest Manager before removing any protected tree on regulated property. CMC Ch. 14.40 governs trees in the public right-of-way (street trees), which also require a city permit to remove or plant. Emergency hazard removals authorized by the city manager, fire chief, police chief, public works director, community development director, urban forest manager, or code enforcement officer are exempt.

Key details: Primary ordinance: CMC Ch. 16.66 (Tree Preservation) + Ch. 14.40 (Street Trees). Permit required: Yes — Urban Forest Manager / Public Works. Permit validity: 60 calendar days (street trees). Hazard exemption: Yes — immediate hazard, declared by city/fire/police/PW official. Insurance for ROW work: $1M/$2M GL + endorsements.

Unpermitted removal is a CMC violation; replacement at 1 new 15-gallon tree per 6 inches DBH removed (CMC 16.66.085) or in-lieu fee. Removing or damaging a street tree without a permit can result in code enforcement action and restitution.

This is one of the stricter rules in Chico's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Chico is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Chico, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.