Landscaping Rules in Chico, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Chico bans letting private tree or shrub branches hang within 10 feet of the ground over a sidewalk or street.
Chico Tree Branch Clearance Rule
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 14.40.300
It shall be unlawful for any person in the city to permit branches of trees or shrubs growing or being on private property to extend within ten feet from the ground over any portion of the sidewalk or street.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Chico lets owners, or applicants with owner consent, petition to designate qualifying oaks, sycamores, and other significant trees as Heritage Trees, which are then recorded on title and removable only through the standard tree permit process.
Chico Heritage Tree Designation Program
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 16.68.010
The purpose and intent of the Voluntary Heritage Tree Program is to identify, promote public awareness of, maintain, and protect designated trees within the City of Chico. This program acknowledges that Heritage Trees, whether located on public or private property, are distinct and unique living resources of the City of Chico. ... Heritage trees may only be removed pursuant to Chapter 16.66 of ...
Weed Ordinances
Chico sets no specific inch or foot height for weeds and grass; Municipal Code § 1.14.030 instead makes hazardous or unsightly overgrown vegetation a nuisance subject to notice and city abatement.
No Fixed Grass Height Limit in Chico
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 1.14.030(B)(20), (C)(4)
Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds or other vegetation constituting a danger to public safety and welfare; ... Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds or other vegetation constituting unsightly appearance detrimental to neighboring property or property values.
Rainwater Harvesting
Chico counts rain barrels and cisterns as an approved site design measure: developments adding 2,500 to 5,000 square feet of impervious surface can meet the city's runoff-reduction requirement in part by installing a system that collects and stores storm water from a roof.
Chico Rain Barrels As Storm Design Option
Light RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 15.50.080(A)(1)(f)
All projects that create and/or replace...between 2,500 square feet and 5,000 square feet of impervious surface...are required to implement one or more of the following site design measures to reduce project site runoff: ... f. Rain barrels and cisterns – system that collects and stores storm water runoff from a roof or other impervious surface.
Native Plants
New commercial and multi-family landscaping in Chico must be at least 90% drought-tolerant or native plants suited to the local climate, per Chico Municipal Code Section 19.68.050.
Chico Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Rule
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.68.050(B)(2)
Plant materials shall emphasize drought-tolerant and/or native species; a. At least 90 percent of the plants selected in non-turf areas shall be suited to Chico's climate and require minimal water once established. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted in situations where non-potable private well water is used for irrigation purposes; and b. Up to 10 percent of the plant materials may b...
Composting
Chico has no separate backyard compost-bin ordinance, but its zoning code sets real on-site composting standards for community gardens: onsite materials only, five-foot setbacks, and a nuisance limit.
Chico Composting Rules for Community Gardens
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 19.76.190(E)
E. Composting. Composting biomass waste within a contained area on site is allowed subject to all of the following: 1. Composted materials shall be only those materials generated onsite or contributed by active members of the community garden. 2. Composting areas shall be located at least five feet from property lines. 3. Odors and fly-breeding shall not create a nuisance nor be greater than cu...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
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