Brush Clearance: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do brush clearance rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Property owners must maintain defensible space and remove dry vegetation that poses a fire hazard. Mountain View follows Santa Clara County weed and fire abatement standards.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale requires property owners to maintain defensible space and remove dead vegetation as a fire hazard. The city conducts annual weed abatement inspections under Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 9.48.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible space | 100 feet in fire zones | - |
| Lean clean green | First 30 feet | - |
| Inspection season | Spring and early summer | Spring annual notice |
| Authority | PRC 4291 and Fire Code | - |
| Non-compliance | Owner-billed abatement | City abates and bills owner |
| Code reference | - | SMC Chapter 9.48 |
| VHFHSZ status | - | None, valley floor |
| Weed height limit | - | 6 inches typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Does my flat lot need brush clearance?
Flat urban lots must still be free of tall dry weeds as a nuisance, though the 100-foot rule mainly applies to hillside properties near open space.
Who inspects my property?
The Santa Clara County Fire Marshal and Mountain View Fire Department conduct inspections, usually annually in late spring.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Does Sunnyvale require 100 feet of defensible space?
No, Sunnyvale is not in a state-designated fire hazard zone, so the 100-foot defensible space law does not apply. Standard weed abatement still applies.
What happens if I ignore the abatement notice?
The city will contract the work and place the cost on your property tax bill, plus administrative fees.
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