Tiny home rules in Sunnyvale, CA — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Tiny homes on foundations qualify as ADUs in Sunnyvale under state law. Tiny homes on wheels are regulated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings outside of RV parks or approved JADU setups.
In Sunnyvale, a tiny home on a permanent foundation meeting the California Building Code and ADU size limits is treated as an ADU and processed ministerially under Government Code Section 65852.2. Minimum size is 150 square feet with a separate sleeping area. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles or park model trailers. Under California Health and Safety Code Section 18009.3, movable tiny houses may not be used as permanent residences on residential lots except in specific circumstances, though some cities pilot programs allowing them as caregiver dwellings. RVs cannot be occupied as dwellings on Sunnyvale residential lots. Those pursuing tiny living should build a permitted ADU or JADU. Utility connections, egress windows, and ceiling height must comply with code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale permits construction noise Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. No construction on Sundays or major holidays without ...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale was one of the earliest California cities to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, ahead of statewide AB 1346. Only electric or battery blowers are allowed...
Sunnyvale, CA
Aircraft noise from Moffett Federal Airfield, NASA Ames, and San Jose International is preempted by federal FAA rules. Sunnyvale cannot regulate overflight n...
Sunnyvale, CA
Street parking in Sunnyvale is governed by SMC Title 10 and California Vehicle Code. The 72-hour rule (CVC 22651(k)) applies, and posted permit zones restric...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale driveway construction and use are governed by SMC Title 19 zoning and Title 16 encroachment rules. Blocking sidewalks or the public right-of-way is...
Sunnyvale, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats over 6 feet tall or 22 feet long are restricted on Sunnyvale streets under SMC Title 10. Short-term loading is allowed with limits; ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle tiny homes.
See how Sunnyvale's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.