Planting a tree in the parkway (the strip between sidewalk and curb) or anywhere in the public right-of-way requires a permit from the City of Chico Public Works (Park Division) under CMC Ch. 14.40 (Street Trees). Species must be selected from the city's Approved Street and Parking Lot Tree List, adopted by the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission under CMC 14.40.080. Subdivision and development projects also trigger street tree planting under CMC 18R.08.090 and CMC 19.68.
CMC Ch. 14.40 is the general policy authority; CMC 14.40.080 ('Street tree list') is the species list adopted by the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission, kept on file with Public Works and Community Development. CMC 14.40.090 ('Street tree plan') sets the planting plan for designated areas. The Approved Street and Parking Lot Tree List (2009) divides trees into small (<30 ft), medium (30–60 ft), and large (>60 ft) categories chosen for pest/disease resistance and Sacramento Valley climate suitability. The Urban Forest Master Plan (2013) Appendix H is the current reference species list. CMC 18R.08.090 requires street trees in new subdivisions, and CMC 19.68 (Landscaping Standards) and 19.68.050/19.68.060 set tree preservation and landscape requirements for development. Permit applicants must provide $1M/$2M general liability insurance with Additional Insured Endorsement (CG 20 12 or CG 20 26) and Primary & Non-Contributory Endorsement before approval. Permits remain valid 60 calendar days. California state code (MWELO, AB 1881) sets a parallel water-efficient landscape baseline for landscapes ≥500 sq ft.
Planting a non-listed species or planting without a permit in the ROW is a CMC violation; city may require removal and replacement at owner's expense. Damaging a city street tree triggers restitution under CMC Ch. 14.40.
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