Sunnyvale has a strong Heritage Tree Ordinance under Municipal Code Chapter 19.94 requiring permits to trim large trees. Routine pruning is allowed but heavy cuts on protected trees need city approval.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.94 protects trees meeting the city definition of heritage, including single-trunk trees 38 inches or greater in circumference measured 54 inches above grade and multi-trunk trees of specified sizes. Any pruning that removes more than 25 percent of the canopy of a protected tree requires a permit from the city arborist. Routine maintenance pruning such as deadwood removal, clearance from buildings, and shaping under the 25 percent threshold is allowed without a permit. Trees in the public right of way are maintained by Sunnyvale Urban Forestry and residents must not trim them without permission. Violations of heritage tree rules can result in fines up to 10000 dollars plus replacement costs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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