Chico, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum clearance
- 10 feet above sidewalk/street
- Applies to
- Private trees and shrubs
- Enforcement
- Misdemeanor or infraction
- Governing chapter
- CMC Ch. 14.40, Tree Law
Summary
Chico bans letting private tree or shrub branches hang within 10 feet of the ground over a sidewalk or street.
It shall be unlawful for any person in the city to permit branches of trees or shrubs growing or being on private property to extend within ten feet from the ground over any portion of the sidewalk or street.
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 Tree Law makes it unlawful for anyone in the city to permit branches of trees or shrubs growing on private property to extend within ten feet from the ground over any portion of a sidewalk or street. The city's public works director otherwise maintains and prunes street trees, but clearance over the public right-of-way from private trees is the property owner's obligation to keep clear.
Violations & Fines
Violating the Tree Law is a misdemeanor or infraction, enforceable by a criminal action from the city attorney or an administrative citation under CMC Chapter 1.15.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree branches be trimmed over a Chico sidewalk?
Who enforces Chico's tree branch clearance rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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