Chico Municipal Code Ch. 16.66 (Tree Preservation Regulations) requires a permit from the Urban Forest Manager before removing any protected tree on regulated property. CMC Ch. 14.40 governs trees in the public right-of-way (street trees), which also require a city permit to remove or plant. Emergency hazard removals authorized by the city manager, fire chief, police chief, public works director, community development director, urban forest manager, or code enforcement officer are exempt.
Two ordinances control removals. CMC 16.66.060 requires a tree removal permit before any person removes, causes to be removed, or effectively removes a protected tree from regulated property. CMC 16.66.070 sets the application requirements; CMC 16.66.080 governs permit review. Street trees in the parkway/right-of-way are separately controlled under CMC Ch. 14.40 — permits are issued by Public Works (Park Division, 530-896-7800) and remain valid 60 calendar days. Property owner or contractor must carry $1M/$2M general liability insurance with Additional Insured Endorsement (CG 20 12 or CG 20 26) and Primary & Non-Contributory Endorsement before approval. Exemption: no permit required for a tree presenting an immediate hazard to life or property as determined by the city manager, director, police chief, fire chief, public works director, community development director, urban forest manager, code enforcement officer, public utility companies, or their designees. Chico is WUI-adjacent (Camp Fire 2018, ~10 mi east) but standard removal rules still apply — defensible space removals under PRC §4291 in Very High FHSZ are coordinated with the city.
Unpermitted removal is a CMC violation; replacement at 1 new 15-gallon tree per 6 inches DBH removed (CMC 16.66.085) or in-lieu fee. Removing or damaging a street tree without a permit can result in code enforcement action and restitution.
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