Municipal code
Sunnyvale Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Sunnyvale, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-09-27
- Contents
- 245 chapters · 3,639 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Sunnyvale
Contents
- § 1.05.130. Judicial review.
- § 1.08.050. Section and subsection defined.
- § 1.08.130. Definitions.
- Chapter 1.04 — GENERAL PENALTY
- Chapter 1.05 — ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
- Chapter 1.06 — ADMINISTRATIVE FINES AND PENALTIES
- Chapter 1.07 — ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS
- Chapter 1.08 — RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 2.04 — DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY
- Chapter 2.07 — PURCHASE, SALE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.08 — PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SERVICES
- Chapter 2.09 — PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING
- Chapter 2.10 — PUBLICATION OF LEGAL NOTICES
- Chapter 2.12 — OFFICIAL BONDS
- Chapter 2.16 — EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS
- Chapter 2.20 — HEALTH OFFICER
- Chapter 2.24 — EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS CODE
- Chapter 2.28 — ELECTIONS
- Chapter 2.29 — ELECTRONIC FILING
- Chapter 2.30 — APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO FILL VACANCIES ON THE CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.31 — REDISTRICTING
- Chapter 3.04 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.08 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.12 — UTILITY USERS TAX
- Chapter 3.16 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.24 — SPECIAL GAS TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND
- Chapter 3.36 — CONSTRUCTION TAX
- Chapter 3.50 — TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 3.52 — LAWRENCE STATION AREA PLAN TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 3.54 — EL CAMINO REAL SPECIFIC PLAN TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 3.56 — MOFFETT PARK SPECIFIC PLAN TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 3.60 — DOWNTOWN SUNNYVALE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 3.70 — SUNNYVALE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES REVENUE BOND LAW
- Chapter 3.80 — MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 5.04 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
- Chapter 5.12 — AMBULANCES
- Chapter 5.16 — AUCTIONS
- Chapter 5.20 — ITINERANT MERCHANTS
- Chapter 5.24 — JUKE BOXES, CIGARETTE MACHINES AND OTHER AMUSEMENT DEVICES
- Chapter 5.26 — VENDING
- Chapter 5.28 — PEDDLERS
- Chapter 5.32 — PRIVATE PATROL SERVICE
- Chapter 5.36 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.38 — PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAGS
- Chapter 5.39 — ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE FOOD CONTAINERS AND SERVICE WARE
- Chapter 5.40 — CATV SYSTEMS—FRANCHISE PROCEDURE CODE
- Chapter 5.44 — CATV SYSTEMS—STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS
- Chapter 5.46 — CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 5.48 — STATE VIDEO FRANCHISES
- Chapter 6.01 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 6.02 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 6.03 — SALE OF ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.04 — DOGS
- Chapter 6.05 — IMPOUNDMENT OF ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.06 — DANGEROUS OR DISEASED ANIMALS
- Chapter 6.07 — ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND FACILITIES
- Chapter 6.08 — BEEKEEPING STANDARDS
- Chapter 6.09 — SMALL ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK
- Chapter 6.10 — ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES
- Chapter 8.04 — GENERAL SANITATION REGULATIONS
▸Chapter 8.16 — SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLE MATERIALS AND ORGANIC MATERIALS
- Chapter 8.18 — CHLOROFLUOROCARBON-PROCESSED FOOD PACKAGING
- Chapter 8.20 — WEEDS
- Chapter 8.24 — MOSQUITO ABATEMENT
- Chapter 9.24 — PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY OR WELFARE
- Chapter 9.26 — ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES
- Chapter 9.28 — REGULATION OF SMOKING AND FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
- Chapter 9.30 — SHOPPING CART CONTAINMENT
- Chapter 9.32 — GAMBLING MACHINES AND COIN OPERATED DEVICES
- Chapter 9.36 — POOL AND BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS—GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.37 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 9.38 — UNLAWFUL EXPOSURE OF PRIVATE PARTS OR FEMALE BREASTS
- Chapter 9.40 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS—LICENSES
▸Chapter 9.41 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND PROFESSIONALS
- Chapter 9.42 — NEWS RACKS
- Chapter 9.43 — FIREARMS SALES
- Chapter 9.44 — FIREARMS
▸Chapter 9.45 — SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS
- Chapter 9.46 — PUBLIC DANCES
- Chapter 9.47 — EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE LIABILITY
- Chapter 9.48 — LOUDSPEAKERS
- Chapter 9.50 — JUVENILE ALCOHOL PARTIES
- Chapter 9.52 — UNAUTHORIZED PRESENCE IN PRIVATE PARKING LOTS
- Chapter 9.56 — SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS OR CONTRIBUTIONS OF MONEY
- Chapter 9.58 — SIGNS ON CITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.60 — ADVERTISING AND PRINTED MATTER
- Chapter 9.62 — PUBLIC PARKS
- Chapter 9.63 — CAMPING AND STORAGE OF PROPERTY IN PUBLIC AREAS
- Chapter 9.64 — MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES
- Chapter 9.66 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- Chapter 9.72 — DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FAMILIES WITH MINOR CHILDREN IN HOUSING
- Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BASED ON ACQUIRED IMMUNE
- Chapter 9.84 — MINORS IN POOL AND BILLIARD HALLS
- Chapter 9.86 — MARIJUANA
- Chapter 9.88 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC AND OTHER PARAPHERNALIA
- Chapter 9.90 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 9.94 — PUBLIC ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
▸Chapter 10.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 10.08 — TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.12 — DRIVING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.16 — PARKING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.20 — PARKING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 10.24 — PROHIBITED AND LIMITED PARKING
- Chapter 10.26 — PREFERENTIAL PARKING ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS
- Chapter 10.28 — SPEED LIMITS
- Chapter 10.30 — CRUISING
- Chapter 10.32 — THROUGH STREETS, STOP AND YIELD INTERSECTIONS
- Chapter 10.36 — LOADING AND SPECIAL ZONES
- Chapter 10.40 — TRUCK ROUTES
- Chapter 10.44 — FREEWAY ACCESS
- Chapter 10.48 — TRAINS AND RAILROAD CROSSINGS
- Chapter 10.52 — PEDESTRIANS AND CROSSWALKS
- Chapter 10.56 — BICYCLES
- Chapter 10.60 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 10.62 — EXHIBITION OF SPEED AND CONTESTS.
- Chapter 10.66 — PEDESTRIAN MALL ON SOUTH MURPHY AVENUE
▸Chapter 12.04 — SEWERAGE SYSTEM
- Chapter 12.08 — SEWER CONNECTIONS
▸Chapter 12.12 — SEWER USE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 12.16 — WASTEWATER CHARGES AND FEES
▸Chapter 12.18 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 12.20 — WATER DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 12.24 — WATER SYSTEM REGULATIONS
- Chapter 12.28 — CROSS-CONNECTIONS AND BACKFLOW PROTECTION
- Chapter 12.34 — WATER CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 12.36 — AGREEMENT FOR FURNISHING WATER
- Chapter 12.40 — WASTEWATER CAPACITY ALLOCATION
- Chapter 12.50 — PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING DELINQUENT UTILITIES ACCOUNTS
- Chapter 12.60 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
▸Chapter 13.08 — RIGHT-OF-WAY ENCROACHMENTS
- Chapter 13.12 — SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR
- Chapter 13.16 — CITY TREES
- Chapter 14.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 14.08 — GENERAL PROCEDURE
- Chapter 14.12 — CURATION
- Chapter 14.16 — LIEN
▸Chapter 14.20 — ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
- Chapter 14.24 — ASSESSMENT BOND PROCEDURE
- Chapter 14.25 — MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS
- Chapter 14.26 — ALTERNATE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS
- Chapter 14.28 — MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT REVENUE BOND LAW
- Chapter 15.04 — ELECTRICAL UNDERGROUNDING CODE
▸Chapter 15.08 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 15.12 — PUBLIC UTILITY FRANCHISES
- Chapter 16.08 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
- Chapter 16.10 — SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
▸Chapter 16.16 — BUILDING CODE
Overview- 0.5 inch in width. They shall be installed on a contrasting background and be plainly visible …
- 1705.3 Concrete Construction. Special inspections and tests of concrete constructions shall be
- 2.2 The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7.
- 2.3 The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength f'c,
▸Chapter 16.17 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
Overview- 0.5 inch in width. They shall be installed on a contrasting background and be plainly visible …
- 2.1. The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in
- 2.2. The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers.
- 2.3. The accessory detached dwelling unit does not exceed 1,200 square feet in
- 2.4. The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.
▸Chapter 16.18 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
▸Chapter 16.24 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 16.28 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 16.34 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 16.42 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 16.46 — SOLAR HEATING
- Chapter 16.50 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
▸Chapter 16.52 — FIRE CODE
Overview- 1.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire
- 1.2. Fire apparatus roads cannot be installed because of location on property,
- 13.1 General building information that includes: property name, address, the number
- 13.2 Building emergency contact information that includes: a list of the building's
- 13.3 Building construction information that includes: the type of building
- 13.4 Exit stair information that includes: number of exit stairs in the building, each
- 13.5 Building services and system information that includes: location of mechanical
- 13.6 Fire protection system information that includes: locations of standpipes,
- 13.7 Hazardous material information that includes: location of hazardous material,
- 1032.32 Vehicular obstructions. Where means of egress doors are located such that the
- 1103.2 Emergency responder communications enhancement in existing buildings.
- 1202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
- 3.1. NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
- 3.2. NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.
- 3.3. NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems.
- 3.4. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire-Extinguishing Systems.
- 3.5. NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems.
- Section 5004.10.
- 4106.1 Immersion heaters. All electrical immersion heaters used in dip tanks, sinks, vats
- 3303.5 Fire watch. Where required by the fire code official or the site safety plan
- 3303.7 Fire walls. When firewalls are required in combustible construction, the wall
- 5001.1 Scope. Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to the
- 5001.7 Biosafety level 3 and biosafety level 4 operations. The fire code official shall be
- § 5004.2
- 5707.2 Mobile fueling vehicle. An on-demand mobile fueling vehicle shall be one of the
- 5707.5 Equipment. Mobile fueling equipment shall comply with Sections 5707.5.1
- 6004.2 Indoor storage and use. The indoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic
- 6004.4 Additional indoor requirements. Additional requirements applicable to the indoor
- 1.3 Approved containment vessels or containment systems are provided in
- Chapter 16.55 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 16.62 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 16.66 — EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR SMALL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
- Chapter 16.70 — EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
- Chapter 16.72 — PERMIT PROCESS FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 16.74 — CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DIVERSION
- Chapter 16.80 — RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 18.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 18.08 — REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 18.10 — PARKS AND OPEN SPACE DEDICATION
- Chapter 18.12 — DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 18.16 — COST SHARING, CHARGES AND FEES
- Chapter 18.20 — MAPS
- Chapter 18.22 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 18.24 — LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS
- Chapter 18.26 — URBAN LOT SPLITS
- Chapter 18.28 — REVERSION TO ACREAGE
- Chapter 18.30 — CORRECTION AND AMENDMENT OF MAPS
- Chapter 18.34 — MERGER OF PARCELS
- Chapter 18.38 — COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 18.40 — COVENANT OF EASEMENT
- Chapter 18.50 — SUMMARY VACATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE EASEMENTS
- Chapter 19.02 — ADOPTION AND PURPOSE
- Chapter 19.04 — GENERAL PLAN
- Chapter 19.06 — OFFICIAL PLAN LINES
- Chapter 19.12 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 19.16 — PRECISE ZONING PLANS—ZONING DISTRICTS—ZONING MAPS
▸Chapter 19.18 — RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 19.20 — COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 19.22 — INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 19.24 — OFFICE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES ZONING DISTRICTS
▸Chapter 19.26 — COMBINING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 19.27 — SITE AND PROJECT-BASED SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICTS
▸Chapter 19.28 — DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
▸Chapter 19.29 — MOFFETT PARK SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
- Chapter 19.30 — LOT AREA AND LOT WIDTH
- Chapter 19.32 — BUILDING HEIGHTS, LOT COVERAGES AND FLOOR AREA RATIOS
- Chapter 19.34 — FRONT, SIDE AND REAR YARDS
▸Chapter 19.35 — LAWRENCE STATION AREA PLAN DISTRICT
- Chapter 19.36 — EL CAMINO REAL SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
▸Chapter 19.37 — LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION AND USEABLE OPEN SPACE
- Chapter 19.38 — REQUIRED FACILITIES
- Chapter 19.39 — GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS
▸Chapter 19.40 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
- Chapter 19.42 — OPERATING STANDARDS
- Chapter 19.44 — SIGN CODE
- Chapter 19.45 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
▸Chapter 19.46 — PARKING
- Chapter 19.47 — OFF-SITE STADIUM EVENT PARKING
- Chapter 19.48 — FENCES, DISTANCES BETWEEN BUILDINGS AND EXTENSIONS INTO YARDS
▸Chapter 19.50 — NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS AND USES
- Chapter 19.52 — ART IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 19.54 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES
- Chapter 19.56 — ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 19.58 — FAMILY DAYCARE HOMES
- Chapter 19.60 — ADULT BUSINESSES AND MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 19.61 — TEMPORARY UNENCLOSED USES
- Chapter 19.62 — MARIJUANA
- Chapter 19.64 — RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES AND CONGREGATE RESIDENCES
- Chapter 19.65 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURES
- Chapter 19.66 — SAFE PARKING SITE
- Chapter 19.67 — INCLUSIONARY BELOW MARKET RATE OWNERSHIP HOUSING PROGRAM
- Chapter 19.68 — MOBILE, ACCESSORY, AND SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY LIVING UNITS
- Chapter 19.69 — EXISTING BELOW MARKET RATE RENTAL HOUSING
- Chapter 19.70 — CONVERSION OF RENTAL HOUSING TO COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECTS
- Chapter 19.71 — RESIDENTIAL TENANT PROTECTIONS PROGRAMS
- Chapter 19.72 — MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSIONS
- Chapter 19.73 — BY-RIGHT APPROVAL
- Chapter 19.74 — PARK DEDICATION FEES FOR RENTAL HOUSING PROJECTS
- Chapter 19.75 — HOUSING IMPACT FEES
- Chapter 19.76 — SHORT-TERM RENTAL OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 19.77 — INCLUSIONARY BELOW MARKET RATE RENTAL HOUSING
- Chapter 19.78 — DUAL URBAN OPPORTUNITY HOUSING
▸Chapter 19.79 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 19.80 — DESIGN REVIEW
- Chapter 19.81 — STREAMSIDE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
- Chapter 19.82 — MISCELLANEOUS PLAN PERMIT
- Chapter 19.84 — VARIANCES
- Chapter 19.88 — USE PERMITS
- Chapter 19.90 — SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
- Chapter 19.92 — GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 19.94 — TREE PRESERVATION
- Chapter 19.96 — HERITAGE PRESERVATION
- Chapter 19.98 — GENERAL PROCEDURES
- Chapter 20.10 — CERTIFIED UNIFIED PROGRAM AGENCY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
▸Title CR — CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE