Chico, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- New landscapes 2,500-5,000+ sq ft
- Species standard
- Non-invasive per state WUCOLS list
- Alt. method
- State Model Water Efficient Ord.
- Approval required
- Before installation begins
Summary
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.
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, available from the Department of Water Resources;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico's water-efficient landscaping standards apply to developer-installed landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more and homeowner-installed landscapes of 5,000 square feet or more. Projects using the General Water Efficient Design Method must group plants by hydrozone and limit species to non-invasive plants as classified in the University of California's Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS), drawing from the 'very low,' 'low,' or limited 'moderate' water-use categories for the Chico region; species outside WUCOLS need case-by-case director approval. Projects instead following the state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance must comply with that state standard.
Violations & Fines
Landscape plans using invasive species are disapproved or sent back for revision by the Director or Board, and landscaping may not be installed until an approved final plan is on file: installing without approval is a zoning violation under §§ 19.68.020, .030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant invasive species in a new Chico landscape project?
Which Chico projects have to follow this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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