Fence Regulations in Sunnyvale, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Sunnyvale, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Fence Height Limits in Sunnyvale
Some RestrictionsSunnyvale, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 19.48.020(d) (General fence requirements - Measurement of Fence Height)
Measurement of Fence Height. Fence height in the rear and side yard (not located on a street) is measured from the highest adjoining grade to the highest point of the fence. Fence height in the front and reducible front yard is measured from the top of curb, or street if there is no curb to the highest point of the 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.
Fence Permit Rules in Sunnyvale
Some RestrictionsSunnyvale, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 19.48.025 (Fence requirements by location), Table 19.48.025
Table 19.48.025 stipulates the permitting and height requirements for fences. Location | 4 ft. or less in height | Greater than 4 ft. up to 6 ft. in height | Greater than 6 ft. up to 8 ft. in height | Greater than 8 ft. in height Front Yard: Permitted | MPP | UP | UP Reducible Front Yard: Permitted | Permitted | See Section 19.48.020(h) | UP Side or Rear Yard: Permitted | Permitted | Permitted ...
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.
Sunnyvale Shared Fences and Good Neighbor Law
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 841(a)-(b) (Good Neighbor Fence Act)
(a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b) (1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maint...
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.
Prohibited Fence Materials in Sunnyvale
Heavy RestrictionsSunnyvale, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 19.48.020(c) (General fence requirements - Prohibited Materials)
Prohibited Materials. It is unlawful to erect any electrically charged fence or any fence composed of barbed wire, razor wire or other material which is designed to cause injury upon contact on or adjacent to any residential use regardless of the underlying zoning. Chain link fences may not be constructed after January 1, 2010 in the front or reducible front yard of residential uses and residen...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sunnyvale city rules.
Fence Regulations in Santa Clara County →