Tree Protection in Chico, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Chico lets residents nominate landmark trees for Heritage Tree status, triggering a recorded notice and removal protection.
Heritage Tree Designation in Chico
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 16.68.010(B)-(C)
The City Council may designate a tree as a Heritage Tree if it meets any of the following criteria: 1. Any native Oak (Quercus) species or Sycamore (Platanus) species, having a diameter at breast height of thirty-six (36) inches or greater when a single trunk... Once a tree is designated as a Heritage Tree, a Notice of Heritage Tree Designation shall be recorded against the property on which th...
Protected Tree Species
Chico protects specific native tree species by size, plus any tree tied to a development approval, before removal is allowed.
Protected Tree Species in Chico
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 16.66.050(K)(2)
Any tree that meets the following criteria: 12-inch DBH or greater: All Oaks (Quercus), Sycamores (Platanus racemosa), Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). 6-inch DBH or greater: Blue oak (Q. douglassii), Canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepsis), Interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), Madrone, Toyon, Redbud, California bay, Pacific...
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.
Chico Street Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsChico Municipal Code § 14.40.120
No trees or shrubs shall be planted in or removed from any planting area in the city unless: A. A written permit therefor is authorized by the commission or the city council and is issued by the director; or B. Such planting or removal is required by order of the commission or the city council.
Looking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Tree Protection in Butte County →