Sunnyvale requires owners of vacant lots to maintain properties free of weeds, debris, and fire hazards with seasonal weed abatement enforced by the fire marshal.
Owners of vacant parcels in Sunnyvale must keep them free of weeds, rubbish, debris, and fire hazards under Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.40 and the Santa Clara County Weed Abatement Program. Annual weed abatement notices are mailed each spring, and properties must be cleared (weeds cut to under 3 to 6 inches) by early summer. Vacant lots must also be secured against unauthorized entry and dumping, with perimeter fencing required in some cases. Standing water, attractive nuisances (pools, wells, open excavations), and accumulated combustible materials are prohibited. If owners fail to abate, the county or city can enter the property to perform the work and assess costs plus administrative fees as a property tax lien. Repeat violators face additional penalties of up to 1000 dollars per violation.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
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