Chico, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected status
- Excluded from ordinance's 'Tree' definition
- Permit to remove
- None required
- Also excluded
- Russian olive, black locust, more
- Governing section
- § 16.66.050(L)
Summary
Chico's tree preservation ordinance specifically excludes Ailanthus, commonly called tree of heaven, from the definition of a protected tree, so removing one doesn't require a permit or trigger replacement.
“Tree” or “trees” does not include the following tree species: Ailanthus, Chinese Tallow, Freemont Cottonwood or Poplar, Privet, Box Elder, Silver Wattle, Black Acacia, English Hawthorn, Russian Olive, Olive, Red Gum, Tasmanian Blue Gum, Edible Fig, English Holly, Cherry Plum, Black Locust, Peruvian Peppertree, Brazilian Peppertree, Western Catalpa, Chinese Elm or Winged Elm...
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 Municipal Code § 16.66.050(L) lists the species that don't count as a protected 'Tree' under the city's Tree Preservation Regulations, and Ailanthus, tree of heaven, heads that list, alongside other fast-spreading or undesirable species such as Chinese tallow, Russian olive, black locust, and Tasmanian blue gum. Because tree of heaven falls outside the definition, Chapter 16.66's permit requirement, discretionary review criteria, and replacement/mitigation duties in §§ 16.66.060 and 16.66.085 don't apply to it, a property owner may remove one without director approval, unlike a native oak or sycamore, which needs a permit and possible replacement plantings.
Violations & Fines
None applies to removal specifically: because tree of heaven is excluded from the ordinance's 'Tree' definition, no Chapter 16.66 permit is required and no civil penalty under § 16.66.130 attaches to removing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree of heaven in Chico?
Why does Chico's tree code leave out tree of heaven?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.