Local zoning · Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What buffer and wall do I need when a commercial property abuts a residential zone?

A landscaped buffer at least 10 ft wide is required, with planted trees/shrubs spaced at intervals not to exceed 20 ft , plus a decorative masonry wall 6 ft high (or 8 ft if the adjacent nonresidential building is two stories or more). § 19.37.040(b)

Q: Are there minimum tree sizes and counts for new projects?

Yes. Trees must be at least 15‑gallon at planting (the Director can require 24 ‑ or 36‑inch box sizes) and there must be one tree per 1,000 sq ft of required landscaped area in addition to required street and parking lot trees. § 19.37.060(a)(2)–(3)

Landscaping and Screening under the Sunnyvale local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Sunnyvale Zoning Code requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences and tree protection. The city’s landscape rules live primarily in Chapter 19.37 (landscaping and water-efficiency), with related standards for screening in § 19.38.020, fences in Chapter 19.48, tree protection in § 19.94.120, and El Camino Real specific-plan rules in § 19.36.130. See the city’s general zoning overview and the detailed Sunnyvale Zoning menu for context.

Key takeaways up front:

Minimum landscaped area and a landscaped frontage strip are required for most non‑single‑family projects; specifics are set in § 19.37.040.
Where a nonresidential property abuts residential zoning, a landscaped buffer (minimum 10 ft) with planted trees/shrubs and a decorative masonry wall is required; details at § 19.37.040(b).
Planting size, tree counts and irrigation efficiency requirements are in § 19.37.060 and § 19.37.050; irrigation audits and maintenance schedules may be required at occupancy per § 19.37.130.
Screening for mechanical equipment is mandatory and must be as high as the equipment; rules in § 19.38.020.
Fences are regulated in Chapter 19.48 (including prohibited materials, measurement of height and vision triangle rules).

Where this page cites a district-specific numeric standard it is taken from the cited Sunnyvale code section; if the exact numeric table cell was not present in the retrieved materials the page identifies that as "Not found in retrieved materials" and directs you to verify with the City. Verify site/parcel specifics with the Director of Community Development.

Chapter-level standards (what the code actually says)

Minimum landscaped area and usable open space are set by table and text in § 19.37.040; areas not used for buildings, parking, driveways or pedestrian walkways must be landscaped unless the review authority finds it unnecessary. Director may allow reduced landscaping for partial‑site projects. § 19.37.040
Landscaped buffer: any property with a nonresidential use in a residential zoning district that abuts residential use, or any use in a nonresidential district abutting residential zoning, must provide a landscaped buffer with: width at least 10 ft, planted screen of trees/shrubs spaced no more than 20 ft apart, and a decorative masonry wall 6 ft high (or 8 ft where the adjacent nonresidential building is two stories or more). § 19.37.040(b)
Frontage strip: a 15‑ft landscaped frontage strip is required for all properties except single‑family frontages; measured from inside edge of sidewalk (or curb if no sidewalk). § 19.37.040(c)
Plant materials and spacing: trees must be minimum 15‑gallon at planting (larger sizes may be required), and there must be one tree per 1,000 sq ft of required landscaped area in addition to street/parking trees. § 19.37.060
Water efficiency: landscape water budgets, hydrozones and maximum applied water allowance calculations are required for applicable projects under § 19.37.050. § 19.37.050
Irrigation design and audits: irrigation design requirements and third‑party irrigation audits are required for applicable projects prior to occupancy; maintenance schedules must be submitted and landscaping maintained in accordance with the approved plan. §§ 19.37.110, 19.37.120, 19.37.130
Screening of equipment: exterior mechanical, electrical or other equipment must be screened from view, screening height must equal the highest point of the item, and screening must be architecturally compatible; see § 19.38.020.
Fences: fences are permitted in all zoning districts but are subject to permitting rules in Table 19.48.025; chain link is restricted in residential front yards and electrically charged or barbed/razor materials are prohibited adjacent to residential uses. Fence height measurement rules and vision triangle restrictions are in Chapter 19.48.
Tree protection: arborist tree surveys, tree protection plans during construction, and replanting plans when protected trees are removed are required for discretionary permits and many development applications; see § 19.94.120.
El Camino Real Specific Plan (ECRSP): ECR districts have their own landscape/open-space percentages and parking‑lot landscape minimums in § 19.36.130 and Table 19.36.130; Chapter 19.37 otherwise applies unless the specific plan prescribes modified requirements. § 19.36.130

District-by-district breakdown (how landscaping/screening rules apply across Sunnyvale districts)

Below each subsection lists what the zoning code ties landscaping/screening to for that district. For many districts the Chapter 19.37 baseline rules (minimum landscaped area, frontage strip, buffers, planting/irrigation) apply; where the code provides distinct standards those are cited.

R-1, R-1.5, R-1.7, R-2 (Single‑family and lower-density residential)

Purpose / where it applies: These R‑ districts are the single‑family and low‑density residential zones used throughout the city. Specific district purpose text is not found in the retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials for detailed purposes; verify with the City.
Landscaping/screening rules that apply:
- Single‑family yards are not required to be landscaped, but when landscaping is provided it must meet Chapter 19.37 rules (applicability and installation standards) — § 19.37.040(e).
- Tree protection and tree survey rules apply for discretionary development — § 19.94.120.
- Fences in front/reducible front yards cannot be chain link; fence measurement rules apply — Chapter 19.48.

R-3, R-4, R-5, R-MH (Medium‑/higher‑density residential)

Purpose / where it applies: Multi‑family residential districts; specific multi‑family landscaping rules are tied to Chapter 19.37 and to citywide objective design standards for multi‑family projects where noted. § 19.37.020 (cross‑reference)
Landscaping/screening rules that apply:
- Minimum landscaped area and usable open space per Table 19.37.040; multi‑family projects are also subject to the Citywide Objective Design Standards for multi‑family and mixed‑use projects. § 19.37.040 and cross‑reference in § 19.37.020(d).
- Required irrigation design, audits and maintenance schedules apply for covered projects. §§ 19.37.110–130.

O (Office) and P-F (Public/Facility) districts

Purpose / where it applies: Office and public/facility zoning are subject to Chapter 19.37 landscaping minima; the code references the Frontage/yard table for setbacks and notes special rules for P‑F via footnotes in the yard tables. Specific district‑purpose language is Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the City.
Landscaping/screening rules that apply:
- 15‑ft frontage strip generally applies (except for single‑family) § 19.37.040(c).
- If these districts abut residential zones, the 10‑ft landscaped buffer + masonry wall requirement applies § 19.37.040(b).

Commercial districts (examples: C‑17, C‑27, C‑37, C‑47)

Purpose / where it applies: Commercial zones are listed in the yards table for setback standards; specific commercial allowed uses are in the zoning chapters not extracted here. Not found in retrieved materials for permitted uses; verify with the City.
Landscaping/screening rules that apply:
- Parking‑lot landscaping and perimeter planting requirements are enforced via Chapter 19.37 and, where present, by district tables (e.g., parking lot landscaping percentages in ECRSP). § 19.37.040 and § 19.36.130 for ECRSP.
- Screening of ground‑level equipment and roof protrusions is required under § 19.38.020.

Industrial / Manufacturing (examples: M‑3, M‑37, M‑S)

Purpose / where it applies: Industrial zones are listed in the setback/yard tables; detailed permitted uses not included in the retrieved snippets. Not found in retrieved materials for permitted uses; verify with the City.
Landscaping/screening rules that apply:
- Where industrial or commercial uses abut residential zoning, the § 19.37.040(b) buffer applies. Screening of mechanical and exterior equipment is required per § 19.38.020.

El Camino Real Specific Plan (ECR‑C, ECR‑MU and related ECR districts)

Purpose / where it applies: The ECR Specific Plan establishes district‑specific landscaping/open‑space percentages and parking‑lot landscape minimums. See § 19.36.130 and Table 19.36.130 for ECR‑specific numeric standards; Chapter 19.37 applies for items not covered in the specific plan. § 19.36.130 and cross‑reference to § 19.37.

Quick decision‑relevant standards (table)

Requirement / item	Key rule/value	Code Reference
Landscaped buffer where nonresidential abuts residential	Minimum 10 ft width; planted screen (trees/shrubs at ≤ 20 ft intervals); decorative masonry wall 6 ft (or 8 ft if adjacent nonresidential building is 2+ stories)	§ 19.37.040(b)
Frontage strip	15 ft required except for single‑family frontages; measured from inside edge of sidewalk or curb	§ 19.37.040(c)
Tree size at planting	Minimum 15‑gallon; 24" or 36" box may be required at Director’s discretion	§ 19.37.060(a)(2)
Tree quantity	1 tree per 1,000 sq ft of required landscaped area (in addition to street/parking trees)	§ 19.37.060(a)(3)
Irrigation audit + maintenance schedule	Third‑party irrigation audit and maintenance schedule required for applicable projects before occupancy	§ 19.37.130
Screening of equipment	Screening height equal to highest point of item; screening must be architecturally compatible	§ 19.38.020(a)(3)–(4)
Fence materials & limits	Electrified, barbed/razor wires prohibited adjacent to residential; chain link banned in residential front/reducible front yards; height measurement rules in Chapter 19.48	Chapter 19.48 / § 19.48.020
ECRSP parking lot & landscape minimums	District‑specific percentages (e.g., parking lot landscape 20% in parts of ECR) — see Table 19.36.130	§ 19.36.130 and Table 19.36.130
Permit for installation/modification	Miscellaneous plan permit required except where exempt; landscaping/irrigation plans and certified professional signature required above thresholds	§ 19.37.120

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Confirm whether your project falls under Chapter 19.37 applicability (exemptions exist for many single‑family projects) § 19.37.020.
Prepare a landscaping plan and irrigation plan; have them signed by a certified professional when thresholds are exceeded § 19.37.120.
Show minimum landscaped area and usable open space per Table 19.37.040 (site‑specific) § 19.37.040.
Provide required 15‑ft frontage strip (unless single‑family) and 10‑ft buffers where nonresidential abuts residential with required trees/shrubs and masonry wall per § 19.37.040(b–c).
Size and count trees to meet 1 tree / 1,000 sq ft of landscaped area and minimum 15‑gallon planting size (or larger when required) § 19.37.060.
Design irrigation to meet § 19.37.050 water‑efficiency calculations and be prepared for a third‑party irrigation audit if required § 19.37.050, 19.37.130.
Provide screening for mechanical equipment per § 19.38.020 (height/compatibility) and show it on site plan § 19.38.020.
If the project triggers discretionary review or removes protected trees, include a certified arborist tree survey, protection plan and replanting plan per § 19.94.120.
Confirm fence location, height measurement and materials comply with Chapter 19.48; show on site plan Chapter 19.48.

While you assemble materials, check the project’s zoning and any overlay districts that may modify landscaping/yard rules; interact with the City early if you expect deviations or need a Special Development Permit.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact numeric landscaping minima per district	Table 19.37.040 contains district‑by‑district minima but the complete table entries were not provided in the retrieved excerpts	Pull Table 19.37.040 from the City’s code and confirm required % or square‑foot minima for the specific zoning district and parcel size § 19.37.040
Whether a single‑family yard is regulated	Single‑family yards are exempt in many cases but when landscaping is provided Chapter 19.37 applies; exemptions and exceptions can be subtle	Confirm whether your project is exempt under § 19.37.020 or subject to full plan submittal § 19.37.020
Where masonry wall is required	The buffer rules require a masonry wall in certain adjacencies and change with building height; wall ownership/maintenance and location can be disputed	Verify whether the wall must be on the residential parcel, on the commercial parcel, or can be a joint condition as described in § 19.37.040(b)
Tree preservation values and bonds	Director/approving body can require tree bonds and determine tree value — this affects project cashflow and phasing	Request city guidance on tree valuation, timing for bonds and the appeals process under § 19.94.120
Conflicts between specific plans and Chapter 19.37	ECRSP and other specific plans may prescribe different landscape/open‑space percentages	If project is inside a specific plan area use the specific‑plan standards (e.g., § 19.36.130) and cross‑check against Chapter 19.37
Whether screening counts toward required landscaped area	Some landscape used for screening may or may not count toward usable open space — ambiguous without full plan language	Confirm with the Director whether screening meets the usable open space/landscaped area definitions in § 19.37.040 and related definitions § 19.12.130

Plain‑English summary

Sunnyvale requires most non‑single‑family projects to provide minimum landscaped area, a 15‑ft frontage strip, and to plant trees (about one per 1,000 sq ft of landscaping) with efficient irrigation; where commercial/industrial sites touch residential neighborhoods they must add a 10‑ft planted buffer and a masonry wall. Prepare a landscape + irrigation plan signed by a certified pro, expect an irrigation audit for larger projects, and show screening for all equipment and fences on your site plan. Verify parcel specifics with the City’s planning staff. §§ 19.37.040, 19.37.060, 19.37.120, 19.37.130, 19.38.020, 19.48.020

Information Gaps

Full numeric entries of Table 19.37.040 (district‑by‑district minimum landscaped area / usable open space) are not present in the retrieved excerpts — retrieve the table from the City code for parcel‑specific numbers. Not found in retrieved materials.
Comprehensive permitted uses and district purpose statements for each zoning district were not included in the retrieved snippets; consult the zoning chapter for each district for full purpose and use lists. Not found in retrieved materials.
Table 19.48.025 (permit requirements by district for fences) was referenced but not fully included in the search results — obtain the table for fence permitting specifics. Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

Sunnyvale Municipal Code — Chapter 19.37 (Landscaping, Water Efficiency) — § 19.37.040, § 19.37.050, § 19.37.060, § 19.37.110, § 19.37.120, § 19.37.130.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code — Chapter 19.38 (Required Facilities) — Screening of equipment § 19.38.020.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code — Chapter 19.48 (Fences, Distances Between Buildings and Extensions into Yards) — general fence rules Chapter 19.48 and § 19.48.020.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code — Chapter 19.94 (Tree protection and related requirements) — § 19.94.120 (tree survey, protection, bonds).
Sunnyvale Municipal Code — El Camino Real Specific Plan District — § 19.36.130 and Table 19.36.130 (ECRSP landscape/open space standards).

Note: For related operational or discretionary processes see the City’s materials on Design Review, Development Standards, and Parking. If your project will alter structures or systems that trigger construction permits check the California Building Standards Code and consult the City for permit coordination. Use the ADU page if your project is associated with an accessory dwelling; overlay rules may change landscape rules (see Overlay Districts).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Sunnyvale Zoning Code (§ 19.37.040.) High relevance
Sunnyvale Zoning Code (§ 19.70.050) High relevance
Sunnyvale Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Sunnyvale Zoning Code (Chapter 19.82) High relevance
Sunnyvale Zoning Code (§ 19.54.040) High relevance
CBC § 19.54.050 (§ 19.54.050) High relevance
Sunnyvale Zoning Code (§ 19.54.040) High relevance
Sunnyvale Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Sunnyvale code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to install or change landscaping in Sunnyvale?

If the work is not an exempt single‑family landscaping project you must obtain approval (a miscellaneous plan permit or as part of any discretionary permit) and submit landscape and irrigation plans; certified professional signatures are required above certain thresholds. § 19.37.120

What buffer and wall do I need when a commercial property abuts a residential zone?

A landscaped buffer at least 10 ft wide is required, with planted trees/shrubs spaced at intervals not to exceed 20 ft, plus a decorative masonry wall 6 ft high (or 8 ft if the adjacent nonresidential building is two stories or more). § 19.37.040(b)

Are there minimum tree sizes and counts for new projects?

Yes. Trees must be at least 15‑gallon at planting (the Director can require 24‑ or 36‑inch box sizes) and there must be one tree per 1,000 sq ft of required landscaped area in addition to required street and parking lot trees. § 19.37.060(a)(2)–(3)

Do I have to include an irrigation audit or maintenance schedule?

For applicable projects a third‑party irrigation audit and an approved maintenance schedule are required prior to final occupancy; maintenance must follow the approved plan. § 19.37.130

How must mechanical equipment (HVAC, generators, etc.) be screened?

Exterior mechanical, electrical and other equipment exceeding specified dimensions must be screened from view; screening must be as high as the equipment and be architecturally compatible. § 19.38.020(a)(1)–(4)

What fence materials and heights are allowed next to a residence?

Electrified fences and fences with barbed/razor wire are prohibited adjacent to residential uses; chain link is not permitted in residential front or reducible front yards; fence heights are measured per Chapter 19.48 and vision triangle rules apply. § 19.48.020

Are there special landscape standards in the El Camino Real Specific Plan?

Yes. The ECR Specific Plan provides district‑specific landscape and parking lot landscape percentages (see Table 19.36.130); Chapter 19.37 still applies for items not modified by the specific plan. § 19.36.130

What happens if I must remove a protected tree for development?

You must submit a tree survey by a certified arborist, explain why removal is necessary, provide a replanting plan, and the approving body may require tree bonds or require relocation of trees. § 19.94.120

Does screening count toward required usable open space or landscaped area?

The code allows landscaped areas used for screening to contribute toward the minimum landscaped area in many cases, but exact crediting can vary by project and district; confirm with the Director and reference definitions and Table 19.37.040. § 19.37.040

Where do I show landscaping, trees and fences on my application?

A site plan is required to include landscaping, tree preservation, walls and fences—or other devices used for screening—per the site plan content requirements in the code. § 19.12.130(13)

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