Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 9.48 declares overgrown weeds a public nuisance. Property owners must abate weeds that create fire hazards, harbor pests, or obstruct public ways within the stated deadline.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 9.48 sets out the weed and rubbish abatement program. Each spring the Neighborhood Preservation division identifies properties with overgrown weeds, dry grasses, or invasive brush and issues abatement notices. Owners typically have 10 to 30 days to cut and remove vegetation to grade or to an acceptable height generally under six inches. If the owner fails, city contractors enter the property, perform the work, and bill the cost plus administrative fees through the Santa Clara County tax roll. Common violations include vacant lots with dry grass, parcel edges along sidewalks, and neglected side yards. The program focuses on fire prevention, vector control, and neighborhood aesthetics rather than ornamental lawns.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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 other cities in Santa Clara County handle weed ordinances.
See how Sunnyvale's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.