Chico, CA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- 12-inch DBH tier
- oaks, sycamores, ash, big leaf maple
- 6-inch DBH tier
- blue/canyon/interior oak, buckeye, madrone, more
- Major damage penalty
- 2x appraised value or $5,000/tree
- Enforcing agency
- Public works director
Summary
Chico protects specific native tree species by size, plus any tree tied to a development approval, before removal is allowed.
Any tree that meets the following criteria: 12-inch DBH or greater: All Oaks (Quercus), Sycamores (Platanus racemosa), Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). 6-inch DBH or greater: Blue oak (Q. douglassii), Canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepsis), Interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), Madrone, Toyon, Redbud, California bay, Pacific dogwood.
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 Chapter 16.66 protects two tiers of native trees by diameter at breast height (DBH): oaks, sycamores, Oregon ash, and big leaf maple at 12 inches or greater, and blue oak, canyon live oak, interior live oak, California buckeye, madrone, toyon, redbud, California bay, and Pacific dogwood at 6 inches or greater. Any tree required to be preserved under a building, grading, or subdivision approval is also protected regardless of species. Common ornamentals, invasive species (Ailanthus, black locust, Russian olive, and others), and fruit/nut trees are expressly excluded from protection. A tree removal permit from the public works director is required before removing any protected tree from qualifying property.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected tree without a permit exposes the responsible party to civil penalties: twice the tree's appraised value or $5,000 per tree for major damage, $1,000 per tree for minimal damage, and escalation to major-damage penalties after three minimal-damage violations in 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fruit trees protected in Chico?
Does a permit apply to every tree on my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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