Animal Ordinances in Sunnyvale, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Sunnyvale, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Sunnyvale allows up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft with no roosters. Coops must be set back at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings under the Municipal Code animal provisions.
Sunnyvale Backyard Chicken and Small Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in all public Sunnyvale areas except designated off-leash dog parks like Las Palmas Dog Park and Fair Oaks Park off-leash area.
Sunnyvale Dog Leash Laws and Off-Leash Areas
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Sunnyvale does not impose breed-specific bans on pit bulls, Rottweilers, or other dogs. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts breed-specific licensing bans by local agencies.
Sunnyvale Dog Breed Restrictions and State Preemption
Few RestrictionsCA Food and Agricultural Code 31683
31683. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except ...
Beekeeping
Sunnyvale allows backyard beekeeping with setback requirements from property lines and flyway barriers. Hives must be registered with the Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner under state apiary law.
Sunnyvale Backyard Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Sunnyvale follows California Fish and Wildlife restricted species rules. Native wildlife, large constrictors, primates, and big cats are banned. Ferrets remain illegal statewide in California.
Sunnyvale Exotic and Restricted Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife — Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR § 671)
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). ... Animal Care (Detrimental Species) $652.25. Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally po...
Wildlife Feeding
Intentionally feeding coyotes, raccoons, skunks, deer, feral cats, or non-songbird wildlife is prohibited in Sunnyvale as a public nuisance due to the risk of human-wildlife conflict in Baylands-adjacent neighborhoods.
Sunnyvale Wildlife Feeding Ban and Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Goats, pigs, sheep, cattle, and horses are not permitted in Sunnyvale residential zones. Only small animals like hens, rabbits, and pets are allowed, matching the urban character of Silicon Valley.
Sunnyvale Livestock Restrictions in Residential Zones
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sunnyvale city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Santa Clara County →