The rules that turn a weekend project into a fine
Sunnyvale's tree penalties are among the steepest in the area: up to $50,000 per tree. Most permits for routine work cost $130.
Last checked Oct 20, 2026 · Fees from Sunnyvale's FY 2026–27 fee schedule
Trees
A tree is protected if its trunk is 38 inches or more around at 4½ feet (or multiple trunks adding up to 113 inches). Removing one without a permit can cost $10,000 to $50,000 per tree, plus the city's legal fees. An unpaid fine becomes a lien on the house.
| Tree permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Protected tree removal | $402 |
| With a certified arborist report | $223 |
| Liquidambar street tree removal | $39 |
| Work required by PG&E | Free |
File at least 10 working days ahead. Replacement trees may be required; the in-lieu fee is $551 (24" box) to $2,205 (48" box).
Street trees: the city maintains about 40,000 of them. You water yours and clear debris, and may hand-prune branches under 1 inch thick from the ground. Anything more needs a free street tree work permit, done at your cost.
Common permits
| Project | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plumbing or mechanical permit (water heater, furnace, AC) | $0.15/sq ft, $130 minimum |
| Rooftop solar | $388 |
| Re-roof up to 3,000 sq ft | $364 |
When one appliance needs several permits but one inspection, fees can be cut 50%. Unpermitted work must be disclosed when you sell.
ADUs
State law bans city impact fees on ADUs of 750 sq ft or less; Sunnyvale's ADU guide says school fees apply from 500 sq ft. With an ADU, water and sewer switch to multi-family rates and garbage needs at least the medium cart.
Sidewalks
The code lets the city order owners to fix sidewalks and lien the cost, but in practice the city repairs them, funded by the general fund and Measure B. There's a backlog of about 4,500 locations, so report trip hazards early through Access Sunnyvale or 408-730-7415.
Flood zone and wood smoke
Homes in a flood zone get a 15% discount on federal flood insurance thanks to the city's floodplain program. Between Nov 1 and Feb 28, burning wood on a Spare the Air day costs $100 for a first ticket and $500 for a second.
Facts are checked against the public sources listed on each page. Rates change every year; each page shows when it was last checked. Individual bills are confidential in California, so personal numbers are estimates from public rates. Nothing here is legal, tax or insurance advice.