Sunnyvale encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping and complies with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. No permit is required for native plantings in residential yards.
Sunnyvale supports native and California-friendly landscaping as a water conservation strategy. Residential yards may be planted entirely with native grasses, wildflowers, and drought-tolerant shrubs without any permit, provided weed abatement rules and setback visibility rules are met. New construction and significant landscape renovations over 500 square feet must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance setting limits on turf area, requiring efficient irrigation, and mandating soil amendments. Sunnyvale Environmental Services offers plant lists and rebate programs through Valley Water. Invasive species such as pampas grass and Scotch broom are discouraged and may be treated as nuisance weeds. The city also protects certain native trees including coast live oak and California bay under the Heritage Tree Ordinance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Sunnyvale, CA
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Sunnyvale, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
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