Chico Times

The Butte County Board of Supervisors has extended the deadline for submitting a Right-of-Entry permit for the State-led Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program. Initially set for January 15, 2025, the new deadline is March 14, 2025. This decision aims to accommodate a significant number of residents who have yet to enroll in either program. The Board has also established March 14, 2025, as the deadline for participation in the Alternative Debris and Hazard Tree Removal programs.

An urgency ordinance was adopted by the Board on September 26, 2024, addressing a Public Health emergency due to numerous burned structures and hazard trees. According to this ordinance, properties with qualifying structures of at least 120 square feet or hazard trees must join a debris removal program to ensure community safety.

Residents can participate in the State-led Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program by submitting a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form. Alternatively, property owners who wish to hire their own contractors can opt for the County’s Alternative Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program. More details and applications are available on Butte County's official website at buttecounty.net.

To assist residents further, an informational meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm. It will cover details about Phase II of the process and answer any questions from residents. Attendees will include Butte County staff, Supervisor Doug Teeter, PG&E representatives, and Cal OES officials. The meeting venue is the Department of Employment and Social Services building at 765 East Ave., Chico.

For those needing help with filling out the ROE form, assistance is available at the ROE Center located at 765 East Ave., Suite 130 in Chico. The center operates Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Residents can also reach out via phone at (530) 552-6264.