Landscaping Rules in Chico, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Chico has no fixed grass-height number in its code. Instead, weeds, rubbish, and dry vegetation are declared a public nuisance and abated each year through the City's annual Lot Clearing and Weed Abatement Program, authorized by California Government Code §39501 et seq. and administered through CMC Chapter 1.14 nuisance abatement procedures.
Tall Weeds and Grass in Chico
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Chico has one of the stronger urban-forest ordinances in inland California. CMC Chapter 16.66 (Tree Preservation Regulations) requires a Tree Removal Permit for protected and heritage trees, and CMC Chapter 14.40 governs the urban forestry program covering street trees. Topping, severe pruning, or removal without a permit is a violation.
Tree Trimming and Removal Rules in Chico
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Each year the Chico City Council declares weeds, rubbish, refuse, and debris on private parcels a public nuisance and orders abatement under Cal. Gov't Code §§39501-39588. The program runs through Code Enforcement and CMC Chapter 1.14 procedures. Owners receive notice, a hearing, and a deadline; missed parcels are mowed by City contractors and billed back as a tax-roll lien.
Weed Abatement Ordinance in Chico
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Most Chico residents are served by California Water Service (Cal Water). Under Cal Water's Water Shortage Contingency Plan (CPUC Rule 14.1), outdoor irrigation is limited to two days per week, watering between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. is prohibited, no watering within 48 hours of rain, and leaks must be repaired within 5 days of notification.
Outdoor Watering Restrictions in Chico
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Chico has no ordinance prohibiting rainwater catchment. California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750, Cal. Water Code §10574) authorizes residential, commercial, and government landowners to install rooftop rainwater capture systems without a state water-right permit. Small rain barrels are unregulated; larger cisterns must meet California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5) and city building-permit thresholds.
Rainwater Harvesting in Chico
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Under CMC §19.68.050 and §19.68.070, at least 90% of plants in non-turf areas must be suited to Chico's climate and require minimal water once established. Species must be drawn from the 'very low' or 'low' WUCOLS categories (with limited 'moderate'), and turf areas must be under 10% of total landscape area. New landscapes meeting MWELO thresholds must submit a Landscape Documentation Package.
Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Rules in Chico
Heavy RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Chico does not ban artificial turf and the City permits it as part of drought-tolerant landscapes. State law (AB 1572, Cal. Water Code §10608.14, eff. 2027) prohibits potable water for irrigating purely ornamental turf at CII properties, and AB 1164 (Civil Code §1940.10) protects homeowners from HOA bans on synthetic grass. Local landscape standards under CMC §19.68.070 still cap living turf at under 10% of landscape area.
Artificial Turf in Chico
Some RestrictionsLooking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Butte County →