Keeping vision triangles free of obstructions promotes safety by providing drivers a better view of pedestrian and vehicular traffic while exiting a driveway or approaching a corner. Well-maintained vision triangles provide a better line of sight for drivers, reducing the potential for accidents and possible injuries.

Corner Vision Triangles

The corner vision triangle is formed by measuring 40 feet along each property line from the corner where the two street side of the property meet. Connecting these two lines with a diagonal line completes the triangle and forms the corner vision triangle. Diagrams of Corner Vision Triangles (PDF) are available in Adobe Acrobat format.

Driveway Vision Triangle

The driveway vision triangle is created by measuring ten feet along the outer edge of a driveway and ten feet along the back edge of a public sidewalk from the point where the driveway and sidewalk meet. Connecting these two lines with a diagonal line completes the triangle and forms the driveway vision triangle. Diagrams of Driveway Vision Triangles(PDF) are available in Adobe Acrobat format.

Front Property Line

In most cases, the front property line is located 11 feet from the face of the curb toward the house. The face of curb is the side of the curb next to the street. In some areas of Sunnyvale, the property line is not 11 feet from the face of the curb. Private streets in planned developments do not have public right-of-way areas. Contact the Public Works Department at City Hall to determine the location of specific property lines.

Objects Within the Vision Triangle

Only fences, hedges, shrubs or other natural objects 3 feet or less in height may be located within a vision triangle. Single stem trees are permitted only if all the foliage between 3 feet and 8 feet in height is removed. The height measurement is the vertical distance between the top of the nearest curb and the top of the fence, shrub or tree.

Questions?

Call or visit the One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall. Planners are available to assist you between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.