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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sunnyvale, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Hosted STRs are restricted to residential zones where the host resides on-site as their primary residence throughout the stay; un-hosted rentals are prohibited. Occupancy is capped at four overnight lodgers per unit, and rentals to unaccompanied minors under 18 are forbidden. Hosts must include their city approval number in all advertisements and comply with all health, safety, and fire codes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete the Short-term Rental Application including host/owner info and owner/HOA consent. 2) Submit the application and $137 fee via the E-OneStop Online Services portal or in person at the One-Stop Permit Center. 3) Register with the Finance Department for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and obtain a business license if listing three or more spaces.

Regulatory Updates — Sunnyvale

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2022

Primary Residence STR Ordinance Enacted

Sunnyvale's STR ordinance requires all operators to use the property as their primary residence and to be present or designate an on-site host for any rental periods exceeding 30 consecutive days. Non-hosted rentals are subject to an annual night cap. Investment properties and absentee-owned homes are ineligible for STR permits.

PassedSeptember 2023

Annual Permit Renewal with Residency Verification

Sunnyvale's STR permit renewal process requires re-verification of primary residency status each year. Operators who no longer occupy the permitted property as their primary home must cease STR operations and surrender their permit. The city uses utility billing records and voter registration to verify residency claims.

PassedJuly 2024

Enforcement Sweep Targets Non-Compliant Listings

The city conducted targeted enforcement sweeps using listing platform data to identify STR properties operating without a valid Sunnyvale permit or in violation of the primary residence requirement. Non-compliant operators received citation notices and were required to cease operations pending compliance.

Official Resources

Official Sunnyvale STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide landlord and rental property advocacy organization tracking STR regulations in Sunnyvale and other Silicon Valley cities with primary residence requirements.

Sunnyvale Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business regulations including STR ordinance changes affecting Sunnyvale property owners and hospitality businesses.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and compliance guidance for operators in Bay Area markets with primary residence restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Sunnyvale, CA?
Hosted STRs are restricted to residential zones where the host resides on-site as their primary residence throughout the stay; un-hosted rentals are prohibited. Occupancy is capped at four overnight lodgers per unit, and rentals to unaccompanied minors under 18 are forbidden. Hosts must include their city approval number in all advertisements and comply with all health, safety, and fire codes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Sunnyvale?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sunnyvale. 1) Complete the Short-term Rental Application including host/owner info and owner/HOA consent. 2) Submit the application and $137 fee via the E-OneStop Online Services portal or in person at the One-Stop Permit Center. 3) Register with the Finance Department for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and obtain a business license if listing three or more spaces.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Sunnyvale?
1) Complete the Short-term Rental Application including host/owner info and owner/HOA consent. 2) Submit the application and $137 fee via the E-OneStop Online Services portal or in person at the One-Stop Permit Center. 3) Register with the Finance Department for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and obtain a business license if listing three or more spaces.
Can I operate a short-term rental in Sunnyvale if I don't live there full-time?
No. Sunnyvale requires STR operators to use the property as their primary residence. Investment properties, second homes, and absentee-owned rentals are ineligible for the city's STR permit. Operating without a permit or in violation of the primary residence requirement carries citation fines and an order to cease operations. If you are evaluating a Sunnyvale property purchase specifically for STR investment purposes, the current ordinance does not permit that use case.
What permits are required for a Sunnyvale short-term rental?
Eligible primary residents apply for a Sunnyvale STR permit through the city's planning or finance department. The application requires proof of primary residency, property ownership documentation or a lease authorizing subletting, and payment of the permit fee. Annual renewal requires re-verification of residency. Santa Clara County transient occupancy tax registration is also required. The permit number must be displayed in all listing platform postings.
What taxes apply to Sunnyvale short-term rental income?
Sunnyvale levies a transient occupancy tax (TOT) on short-term rental income; the city TOT rate should be confirmed with Sunnyvale's finance department as it is subject to change. There is no California statewide lodging tax. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the applicable TOT on behalf of hosts in most California cities including Sunnyvale. Operators booking directly must register and remit to the City of Sunnyvale independently.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction