Fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards do not require a building permit in Sunnyvale, but fences over 7 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers always need permits.
Sunnyvale follows California Building Code section 105 exemptions and local amendments. Wood, vinyl, or wire fences 7 feet or shorter in side or rear yards do not require a building permit, though they must still comply with zoning setbacks and height rules. Fences over 7 feet, masonry walls over 3 feet 6 inches, and retaining walls over 4 feet measured from footing always require a building permit and engineering review for wind and seismic loads. Pool barrier fences under Health and Safety Code 115920 must be permitted and inspected separately as part of the swimming pool permit package. Commercial and industrial fences, electrified fences, and fences with razor wire or barbed wire require discretionary approval from Planning. Permits are issued by the Building Division at Sunnyvale One Stop Permit Center.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale permits construction noise Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. No construction on Sundays or major holidays without ...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale was one of the earliest California cities to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, ahead of statewide AB 1346. Only electric or battery blowers are allowed...
Sunnyvale, CA
Aircraft noise from Moffett Federal Airfield, NASA Ames, and San Jose International is preempted by federal FAA rules. Sunnyvale cannot regulate overflight n...
Sunnyvale, CA
Street parking in Sunnyvale is governed by SMC Title 10 and California Vehicle Code. The 72-hour rule (CVC 22651(k)) applies, and posted permit zones restric...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale driveway construction and use are governed by SMC Title 19 zoning and Title 16 encroachment rules. Blocking sidewalks or the public right-of-way is...
Sunnyvale, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats over 6 feet tall or 22 feet long are restricted on Sunnyvale streets under SMC Title 10. Short-term loading is allowed with limits; ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle permit requirements.
See how Sunnyvale's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.