Sunnyvale, CA Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

The Sunnyvale Municipal Code does not regulate lawn ornaments, garden statues, fountains, flagpoles, or other yard art on private residential property. SMC Title 19 (Zoning) sign rules exempt non-commercial decorative items from sign permits. For Sunnyvale's many condo and townhome HOAs, the Davis-Stirling Act applies and the CC&Rs and architectural guidelines typically regulate lawn ornaments. Typical Sunnyvale HOA rules cap ornament height (often 3-4 feet), require muted natural colors, prohibit ornaments visible from the street without board approval, require pre-approval for fountains and large sculptures, and limit total count. California Civil Code 4710 protects 'noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners' - this includes flags and political signs but NOT lawn ornaments, so HOAs may regulate ornaments more strictly. Civil Code 4715 separately protects religious displays on entry doors and door frames (not free-standing yard statues). Lawn ornaments must not block driveway sight triangles required under SMC Title 19 Single Family Home zoning standards or municipal street design standards. Items in the public right-of-way (sidewalk, parkstrip) violate SMC Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks). Fountains or water features with plumbing or electrical may require a building permit under SMC Title 16. Sunnyvale's diverse residential character - from Cherry Chase Eichlers to newer condos around Downtown - means HOAs vary widely in how strictly they enforce ornament rules.