Environmental Rules in Chico, CA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Chico is enrolled in the State Water Board's statewide Phase II Small MS4 General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ, as amended). The city must prohibit non-stormwater discharges into the municipal storm-drain system and implement a six-program-element stormwater program (public education, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction BMPs, and good housekeeping).
Chico Stormwater & Illicit Discharge (Phase II MS4)
Some RestrictionsErosion Control
Erosion control in Chico is enforced through the State Construction General Permit (Order 2022-0057-DWQ) for projects disturbing 1+ acre, the city's Phase II MS4 program for smaller sites, and California Building Code Appendix J for grading. SWPPPs and rainy-season BMPs are required to prevent sediment-laden runoff from entering the MS4 and creeks.
Erosion & Sediment Control on Construction Sites
Some RestrictionsCoastal Development
No local rule. Chico is an inland city in Butte County, roughly 100 miles from the Pacific coast, and is entirely outside the California Coastal Zone. The California Coastal Act (Public Resources Code §30000 et seq.) and Coastal Commission jurisdiction do not apply.
Coastal Development (Not Applicable — Inland City)
Few RestrictionsFlood Zones
Chico participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and adopts FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Butte County. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs — Zones A, AE, AO) along Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, Lindo Channel, Mud Creek, and Sycamore Creek must comply with California Code of Regulations Title 23 Division 5 floodplain management standards.
Chico Floodplain Management (NFIP / CCR Title 23)
Some RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Grading in Chico is regulated under California Building Code Appendix J as adopted in Chico Municipal Code Title 16, plus engineering and drainage standards administered by Public Works. A grading permit is required for cuts exceeding 5 feet, fills exceeding 1 foot on slopes >5:1 or supporting structures, and any disturbance of 50 cubic yards or more (CBC App. J §J103).
Grading Permits & Drainage Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Environmental Rules in Butte County →