California AB 2561 (2022) protects front-yard vegetable gardens. Santa Clara County residents can grow food in front yards. The county and many cities encourage drought-tolerant landscaping, including edible gardens, through the MWELO and water district rebate programs.
California AB 2561 prohibits local agencies and HOAs from banning residential vegetable gardens. This applies throughout Santa Clara County. The county's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) encourages water-efficient landscaping, which can include edible gardens. Santa Clara Valley Water District offers rebates for removing turf and replacing it with water-efficient landscaping. Many cities in the county, including San Jose and Sunnyvale, actively support community and residential gardens. Raised beds, container gardens, and in-ground plots are all permitted. Gardens must be maintained and not create nuisance conditions.
No penalties for front-yard food gardens. Local ordinances banning gardens are preempted by AB 2561. Unmaintained gardens may be cited under property maintenance codes.
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 front yard gardens rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.