Landscaping Rules in Sunnyvale, CA (2026)

California 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...

Sunnyvale, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 19.94.030, 19.94.040, 19.94.050 (Definitions; Actions prohibited; Permits required), Chapter 19.94 Tree Preservation

"Protected tree" means a tree of significant size... "Significant size" means a tree thirty-eight inches or greater in circumference measured four and one-half feet above ground for single-trunk trees... (a) It is unlawful to damage or kill any protected tree. (b) It is unlawful to remove any protected tree from private property in any zoning district or from any city owned golf course or park,...

Sunnyvale, CA, Municipal Code § 8.20.010, Chapter 8.20 Weeds

No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the city shall permit weeds to remain upon the premises, or public sidewalks, or streets, or alleys between the premises and the centerline of any public street or alley. "Weeds," as used in this chapter, means all weeds growing upon streets, alleys, sidewalks, or private proper...

Sunnyvale, CA, Municipal Code § 12.34.020(a)(3)-(4), Chapter 12.34 Water Conservation Restrictions

(a) To prevent the waste and unreasonable use of water and to promote water conservation, the following actions are hereby prohibited, except where necessary to address an immediate health or safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a state or federal agency: ... (3) The use of potable water to irrigate outdoor landscaping between the hours of nine a.m. and six p....

California 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...

California 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 ...

California 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...