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Chico · Building on your lot

Tree removal in Chico

Chico's own rules on tree removal, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Chico Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Chico's code says

Chico code What Chico's code adds
Permit to remove
  • Director must issue a removal permit if a tree is dead, dying, diseased, a danger, or blocks utilities or development.
    Applies: Danger means to health, safety or structures; dying or diseased needs arborist advice; utilities only if pruning cannot work; development only without a feasible alternative.
    § 16.66.080 · code text
    2. The tree is dying or diseased and removal is recommended by an arborist;
  • Yes, a permit from the director is required.
    Applies: Anyone who wants to remove 1 or more trees.
    § 16.66.070 · code text
    Any person wishing to remove one or more trees shall apply to the director for a permit.
Replacement trees
  • Moving or replacing trees may be required; more than 1-for-1 if the replacement trees are smaller.
    Applies: As a condition of a land use approval.
    § 19.68.060 · code text
    As a condition of permit approval, the relocation of trees proposed for removal, or replacement of the removed trees with other trees planted elsewhere on the site, may be required. Replacement trees may be required on a more than one-for-one basis if the replacement trees are smaller than the trees being removed.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Chico?

Chico's code: Director must issue a removal permit if a tree is dead, dying, diseased, a danger, or blocks utilities or development. (Danger means to health, safety or structures; dying or diseased needs arborist advice; utilities only if pruning cannot work; development only without a feasible alternative.) (§ 16.66.080); Moving or replacing trees may be required; more than 1-for-1 if the replacement trees are smaller. (As a condition of a land use approval.) (§ 19.68.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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