CMC 16.66.085 (Tree Replacement) requires that for every six inches in DBH (diameter at breast height) removed, a new 15-gallon tree shall be planted on-site. If on-site replanting is infeasible, payment of an in-lieu fee per the Council-adopted fee schedule is required. Replacement species must be similar to those removed unless the urban forest manager approves an alternative.
The 1:6 ratio applies cumulatively — a 36-inch DBH heritage oak removed under permit triggers six 15-gallon replacement trees. The in-lieu fee was historically set at $368 per six inches of DBH (2017 Park Division agenda packet); current rate is set by Council resolution. CMC 16.66 governs the underlying removal permit; CMC Ch. 14.40 sets parallel requirements for trees in the public right-of-way — replacements there must come from the city's Approved Street and Parking Lot Tree List (2009, codified by 14.40.080 'Street tree list' adopted by the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission). For new development, CMC 19.68 (Landscaping Standards) and 18R.08.090 (Street trees and landscaping in subdivisions) layer additional planting requirements. Chico's Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP, 2013) Appendix H lists the Recommended Species Planting List used to select replacements.
Failure to plant required replacements or pay the in-lieu fee is a CMC violation; the Urban Forest Manager may withhold final permit sign-off and pursue code enforcement.
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