Santa Clara County and partner cities follow a coexistence model led by SCC Vector Control and CDFW: hazing, attractant removal, and lethal control only for sick or aggressive animals. Title C and city codes ban intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife.
Urban coyotes are a permanent presence across SCC. The county's coexistence approach, supported by SCC Vector Control District, SCC Animal Services, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), prioritizes hazing (loud noise, eye contact, throwing objects) and attractant removal over lethal control. CDFW handles permits for lethal removal where coyotes show aggression, sickness, or repeated pet predation. SCC Title C and most city codes prohibit intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife, including leaving pet food outside and unsecured trash. Cities such as Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Los Altos run resident-education programs.
Intentional wildlife feeding under Title C or city codes brings administrative citations starting near one hundred dollars, escalating with repeats. Chronic attractant problems can trigger nuisance abatement orders requiring secure trash, compost, and fruit-tree management.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Palo Alto's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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