Chico's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Chico, California, there are 3 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

Chico protects specific native tree species by size, plus any tree tied to a development approval, before removal is allowed.

Key details: 12-inch DBH tier: oaks, sycamores, ash, big leaf maple. 6-inch DBH tier: blue/canyon/interior oak, buckeye, madrone, more. Major damage penalty: 2x appraised value or $5,000/tree. Enforcing agency: Public works director.

Removing a protected tree without a permit exposes the responsible party to civil penalties: twice the tree's appraised value or $5,000 per tree for major damage, $1,000 per tree for minimal damage, and escalation to major-damage penalties after three minimal-damage violations in 24 months.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Chico lets residents nominate landmark trees for Heritage Tree status, triggering a recorded notice and removal protection.

Key details: Program type: Voluntary, owner or resident nomination. Size threshold (oak/sycamore): 36 inches DBH or greater. Review body: Bidwell Park and Playground Commission. Final decision: Chico City Council.

Removing a designated Heritage Tree without the required Chapter 16.66 tree removal permit exposes the responsible party to the same civil penalties as unlawful removal of any protected tree: twice the appraised value or $5,000 per tree for major damage.

Parkway Planting

Chico requires a Bidwell Park and Playground Commission permit to plant or remove any tree or shrub in the street parkway strip, under the city's Tree Law.

Key details: Permit authority: Bidwell Park & Playground Commission. Governing chapter: CMC Chapter 14.40. Planting area defined: right-of-way to curb line. Conforming plan: no extra permit needed.

Planting or removing a parkway tree without authorization violates Chapter 14.40; the commission can order corrective replanting, bill the property owner for city-performed work, and unpaid costs become a special assessment lien added to the property tax bill.

The Bottom Line

Chico's tree protection 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.