Chico has one of the stronger urban-forest ordinances in inland California. CMC Chapter 16.66 (Tree Preservation Regulations) requires a Tree Removal Permit for protected and heritage trees, and CMC Chapter 14.40 governs the urban forestry program covering street trees. Topping, severe pruning, or removal without a permit is a violation.
Under CMC §16.66.060, a Tree Removal Permit is required before any protected tree (including heritage species such as valley oak, blue oak, and California sycamore) is removed, relocated, or damaged. CMC §16.66.070 sets the application requirements; §16.66.080 sets the review standards (the City evaluates species, size, condition, and alternatives). The urban-forestry chapter (CMC Ch. 14.40) governs trees in the public right-of-way: street-tree planting, pruning, and removal require a permit from the Park Division. Chico's Bidwell Park (3,670 acres) has additional protections under Title 12. Routine trimming on private property by a homeowner is allowed, but topping or severe canopy reduction on a protected tree generally requires permit review by the Urban Forester.
Removing or fatally damaging a protected tree without a permit is a misdemeanor and a public nuisance under CMC Ch. 1.14, with mitigation/replacement trees ordered. Damaging a street tree can also trigger civil cost-recovery for the appraised value of the tree under the City's adopted ISA Trunk Formula Method.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chico, CA
CMC §9.56.010 prohibits minors under 18 from loitering in public places between 10:00 PM (11:00 PM during Daylight Savings Time) and 5:00 AM unless accompani...
Chico, CA
CMC Chapter 9.54 (Aggressive and Deceptive Solicitation) bars solicitation at bus stops, in public transit vehicles, on public streets to occupied cars, with...
Chico, CA
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 19.23 regulates Mobile Food Vendors with a dedicated permit process covering applications, operating standards, and enforcement....
Chico, CA
City of Chico parks — including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park — restrict drone operations under CMC Title 12R; advance written permission is required. CARD-man...
Chico, CA
Commercial drone work in Chico requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city does not issue separate commercial UAS permits. Operations on city...
Chico, CA
Chico has no standalone municipal drone ordinance for recreational hobbyists; FAA Part 107 and FAA recreational rules (49 USC §44809) govern airspace citywid...
See how Chico's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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