Invasive Plant Rules in Chico, CA (2026)
2 verified invasive plant rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Chico Bars Invasive Species In New Landscaping
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.68.070(B)(3)
B. General Water Efficient Design Method. Projects using this method shall submit landscape plans and make improvements in compliance with this Title... 3. Plant species shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones and limited to non-invasive species as specified in the most recent Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS), University of California Cooperative Extension, availa...
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.
Tree Of Heaven Unprotected In Chico
Few RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 16.66.050(L)
“Tree” or “trees” does not include the following tree species: Ailanthus, Chinese Tallow, Freemont Cottonwood or Poplar, Privet, Box Elder, Silver Wattle, Black Acacia, English Hawthorn, Russian Olive, Olive, Red Gum, Tasmanian Blue Gum, Edible Fig, English Holly, Cherry Plum, Black Locust, Peruvian Peppertree, Brazilian Peppertree, Western Catalpa, Chinese Elm or Winged Elm...
Looking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Invasive Plant Rules in Butte County →