Landscaping Rules in Sunnyvale, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Sunnyvale, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Sunnyvale requires property owners to maintain lawns and weeds under roughly six inches as a nuisance and fire prevention measure under Municipal Code Chapter 9.48 weed abatement provisions.
Grass Height Rules in Sunnyvale
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Sunnyvale has a strong Heritage Tree Ordinance under Municipal Code Chapter 19.94 requiring permits to trim large trees. Routine pruning is allowed but heavy cuts on protected trees need city approval.
Tree Trimming Rules in Sunnyvale
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code § 4291(a)(2)-(5)
(2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials. (5) Before constructing a new building or structure or rebuilding a building or structure da...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing any heritage tree in Sunnyvale requires a permit from the city arborist under Municipal Code Chapter 19.94. Unauthorized removal triggers fines up to 10000 dollars plus mandatory replacement.
Tree Removal Rules in Sunnyvale
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 9.48 declares overgrown weeds a public nuisance. Property owners must abate weeds that create fire hazards, harbor pests, or obstruct public ways within the stated deadline.
Weed Ordinance Rules in Sunnyvale
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Sunnyvale follows Valley Water drought stage rules and enforces permanent outdoor watering limits. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional turf at commercial and HOA sites starting in 2027.
Water Restriction Rules in Sunnyvale
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater collection is legal in Sunnyvale under California AB 1750. Rain barrels under 50 gallons are exempt from permits. Larger cistern systems require plumbing permits for potable or irrigation use.
Rainwater Harvesting Rules in Sunnyvale
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 (2012) — Rainwater Capture Act, Legislative Counsel's Digest
AB 1750, Solorio. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. (1) Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board (state board) and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements for the discharge of stormwater in accordance with the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit program and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act...
Native Plants
Sunnyvale encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping and complies with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. No permit is required for native plantings in residential yards.
Native Plant Rules in Sunnyvale
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Sunnyvale residential yards without a special permit. California AB 1572 will ban potable irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial sites starting 2027, accelerating turf conversions.
Artificial Turf Rules in Sunnyvale
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 4735(a)
Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have t...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sunnyvale city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Santa Clara County →