California Penal Code section 26350 bans open carry of unloaded handguns in incorporated areas, and section 26400 bans openly carried unloaded long guns. All fifteen Santa Clara County cities are incorporated; loaded open carry is barred everywhere countywide.
Penal Code section 26350 makes it a misdemeanor to openly carry an unloaded handgun in any public place in an incorporated area, and section 26400 extends the rule to long guns. All fifteen Santa Clara County cities, including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Cupertino, are incorporated, so open carry is illegal in those jurisdictions. In unincorporated areas like the Stanford foothills, the New Almaden hills, and South County rangeland, sections 26350 and 26400 do not apply, but loaded open carry is still barred by Penal Code section 25850 on any public street or in a prohibited area. Sheriff's deputies enforce countywide. Hunting on permitted land, target ranges, and on-duty peace officers are exempt.
Open carry is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 26350 or 26400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines; loaded open carry under section 25850 carries equivalent penalties countywide.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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 Sunnyvale's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.