Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are prohibited on Sunnyvale residential properties. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, masonry, and composite are all permitted residential fence materials.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code restricts fence materials primarily for safety and aesthetic reasons. Barbed wire, concertina (razor) wire, broken glass tops, and electrified fences are banned on all residential properties and are allowed only on permitted industrial and utility parcels with Planning Division approval. Common permitted residential materials include wood (redwood, cedar, pressure-treated), vinyl, wrought iron, composite, stucco over masonry, and concrete block. Chain link is allowed in most residential side and rear yards but not in front yards facing the street in many zoning districts. Corrugated metal, shipping pallets, tarps, and temporary fencing left in place for more than 90 days can trigger property maintenance violations. HOAs in developments such as Santa Clara Square and the Apple-adjacent neighborhoods often restrict acceptable materials further than the city code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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