Fence Regulations in Sunnyvale, CA

If you live in Sunnyvale or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Sunnyvale has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Material Restrictions

Sunnyvale bans electrically charged fences and any barbed wire, razor wire, or injury-designed fencing on or near residential property, and prohibits new chain link fences in front yards of residential lots built after January 1, 2010.

Key details: Electrified fences: Banned near residential use. Barbed/razor wire: Banned near residential use. Chain link cutoff date: January 1, 2010. Chain link restriction area: Front/reducible front yard only. Applies regardless of zoning: Yes, per Sec. 19.48.020(c).

Installing an electrified fence, barbed wire, or razor wire on or adjacent to a residential use, or building a new chain link fence in a residential front or reducible front yard after the January 1, 2010 cutoff, violates Section 19.48.020(c) and is enforceable under the city's general code enforcement and penalty provisions in Chapter 1.04, which can require the fence's removal.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Sunnyvale actively enforces its material restrictions requirements.

Height Limits

Sunnyvale measures fence height from the highest adjoining grade in rear and side yards not on a street, and from the top of curb in front and reducible front yards, with by-right caps of 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side, rear, and reducible front yards.

Key details: Rear/side yard measurement: From highest adjoining grade. Front yard measurement: From top of curb. Front yard by-right cap: 4 ft.. Side/rear by-right cap: 8 ft.. Open fence definition: Up to 4.5 ft., 50% open above 3.5 ft..

Constructing a fence that exceeds the by-right height cap for its yard location under Table 19.48.025 without the required permit, or building a solid fence within a required vision triangle in violation of Section 19.48.020(e), is enforceable under Chapter 1.04 and can require the property owner to modify or remove the noncompliant fence.

Fence Permit Requirements

Sunnyvale requires a miscellaneous plan permit (MPP) or use permit (UP) for taller fences depending on yard location and height, under SMC Table 19.48.025. Front-yard fences over 4 feet need an MPP; fences over 6 feet in most yards need a UP.

Key details: Front yard by-right height: 4 ft. or less. Front yard 4-6 ft.: Requires MPP. Front yard over 6 ft.: Requires use permit. Side/rear yard by-right height: Up to 8 ft.. Reducible front yard 6-8 ft.: By-right with setback formula.

Building or installing a fence above the by-right height for its yard location without first obtaining the required MPP or UP under Table 19.48.025 is a violation enforceable under the city's general code enforcement provisions in Chapter 1.04, which can require removal or modification of the unpermitted structure and impose penalties for continued noncompliance.

Neighbor Fence Rules

California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires adjoining property owners to share the cost of boundary fences equally absent written agreement, and 30-day written notice before construction.

Key details: Governing law: CA Civil Code 841. Default cost split: 50 / 50. Written notice: 30 days minimum. Dispute forum: Small claims court. Survey: Highly recommended.

The Bottom Line

Sunnyvale's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Sunnyvale is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Sunnyvale can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.