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.
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara regulates amplified sound and music through City Code Chapter 9.10, requiring permits for amplified events and prohibiting audible music at 50 fe...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara regulates outdoor music at venues including Levis Stadium and Santana Row under City Code Chapter 9.10 and conditional use permits, with amplifie...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara requires encroachment permits for new driveways, limits driveway width by zoning, and prohibits parking across sidewalks regardless of property o...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara tows abandoned vehicles after 72 hours under CVC 22651(k) and participates in the Santa Clara County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program for priv...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara limits recreational vehicle street parking to 72 hours, requires permits for extended street storage, and restricts driveway RV storage under zon...
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara fences must meet height, material, setback, and visibility standards under City Code Title 18 Zoning, with special rules for corner lots, histori...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Santa Clara's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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