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Chico, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Municipal Code § 15.50.075
Trigger
Any soil-disturbing construction project
State overlay
1+ acre needs state general permit
Required document
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Timing
Filed before grading/building permit issues

Summary

Before issuing any grading or building permit, Chico requires construction operators to submit an erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) with site-specific best management practices to control storm water pollution from soil-disturbing work.

Prior to issuing a grading or building permit, the City of Chico shall require each operator of a construction activity within the city's jurisdiction to prepare and submit for review and approval an erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) per the city's approved ESCP form.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chico Municipal Code § 15.50.075 applies to all projects that disturb soil; projects disturbing one acre or more, or smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan, also trigger the State Water Board's construction general permit. Before the city issues a grading or building permit, the operator must prepare and submit an ESCP containing site-specific BMPs meeting CASQA Best Management Practices Handbook standards, list every permit tied to the grading work (construction general permit, 401 certification, Army Corps 404 permit, CDFW streambed alteration agreement), and prove those permits were obtained before disturbing soil. A SWPPP developed for the state permit may substitute for the ESCP. The city inspects sites and enforces compliance.

Violations & Fines

Grading or building permits are withheld until an approved ESCP is on file; violations of the underlying discharge prohibitions expose operators to abatement orders, fines, and civil enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every construction project in Chico need an erosion control plan?
Yes - Chico Municipal Code § 15.50.075 requires an ESCP for any project that disturbs soil, submitted before the city issues a grading or building permit, regardless of project size.
Can a state SWPPP replace Chico's local erosion plan?
Yes - for projects that already develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan under the state's construction general permit, that SWPPP may substitute for the city's ESCP.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chico

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions

All Chico rules

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