Under CMC Ch. 16.66 (Tree Preservation Regulations), Native Oak (Quercus) species or Sycamore (Platanus) species at 36-inch DBH (single trunk) or 36-inch cumulative DBH (multi-trunk) in good health and structure are protected — they cannot be removed without a permit and trigger automatic Heritage Tree status. This local layer is substantially more protective than the California state forestry baseline (CCR Title 14).
Chico's protected species rule directly reflects the Bidwell Park / Sacramento Valley ecology: valley oaks (Quercus lobata), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), and western sycamore (Platanus racemosa) dominate the local riparian and oak woodland. CMC 16.66.085 applies the 1:6 DBH replacement ratio when a protected specimen must be removed under permit. Trees subject to development conditions (general plan biological mitigation, subdivision conditions of approval under Title 18) are also protected regardless of species or DBH. Arborist reports are commonly required for development sites containing protected oaks — the 2023 Oakleaf Estates project (1010 Main Street) is a current Chico example. California Endangered Species Act and CCR Title 14 forestry rules layer above local protection but do not preempt it; the city's 36-inch DBH oak/sycamore threshold is the binding rule in Chico.
Unpermitted removal or significant damage to a protected oak/sycamore is a CMC violation; mitigation under 16.66.085 (1:6 DBH replacement) plus potential code enforcement, criminal nuisance abatement, or development-condition non-compliance.
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