Brush Clearance: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do brush clearance rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose enforces defensible space requirements under California Public Resources Code §4291 in the East Foothills, Alum Rock, Almaden Valley, and Silver Creek WUI zones. Property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures, with annual inspections by San Jose Fire Department and Cal Fire in mapped hazard areas.
View full San Jose 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 | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code reference | - | SMC Chapter 9.48 |
| VHFHSZ status | - | None, valley floor |
| Weed height limit | - | 6 inches typical |
| Inspection season | - | Spring annual notice |
| Non-compliance | - | City abates and bills owner |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
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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