Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
πŸ” Animal Ordinances/Breed Restrictions

Breed Restrictions: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale

How do breed restrictions rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?

Mountain View and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.

Mountain View, CA

Santa Clara County

Few Restrictions

Mountain View does not impose breed-specific restrictions, consistent with California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 which preempts breed-based bans, but regulates dangerous dogs by behavior.

View full Mountain View rules β†’

Sunnyvale, CA

Santa Clara County

Few 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.

View full Sunnyvale rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactMountain ViewSunnyvale
City breed banNone-
State preemptionF&A Code 31683CA F and A Code 31683
Dangerous dog lawBehavior-based-
HOA restrictionsAllowed-
Hearing agencySVACA-
City breed bans-None
Dangerous dog process-Behavior-based hearing
Mandatory steps-Containment, muzzle, insurance
HOA / landlord rules-Can still restrict breeds

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Mountain View FAQ

Can I own a pit bull in Mountain View?

Yes. There is no breed ban in the city, though landlords and HOAs may impose their own restrictions.

What happens if my dog bites someone?

SVACA will investigate and may hold a hearing to declare the dog potentially dangerous or vicious with specific restrictions.

Sunnyvale FAQ

Can Sunnyvale ban pit bulls?

No. State law bars local breed bans on ownership. The city only regulates specific dogs based on their documented behavior, not their breed.

Can my apartment refuse my Rottweiler?

Yes. Private landlords and HOAs are not bound by the state preemption and can set breed restrictions in leases and CCRs.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool