Short-Term Rentals in Sunnyvale, CA (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Sunnyvale, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Sunnyvale requires city approval before any STR operates or advertises under SMC Chapter 19.76. Only hosted rentals where the owner lives on-site are allowed.
Short Term Rentals: Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
Sunnyvale STR hosts must enforce the city noise ordinance (SMC 19.42) with guests. Quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM with 50 dBA nighttime limit at property lines.
Short Term Rentals: Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Sunnyvale imposes a 10.5 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on all STR stays under 30 days. Hosts must register, collect TOT from guests, and remit monthly or quarterly.
Short Term Rentals: Taxes Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Sunnyvale STRs must provide at least one off-street parking space per rented bedroom and cannot use RV parking or overflow street parking for guests under SMC 19.76.
Short Term Rentals: Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Vehicle Code § 22651(a), (b), (d), (k)
A peace officer ... may remove a vehicle ... under the following circumstances: (a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway ... (b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway. ... (d) If a vehicle is illegally parked ...
Occupancy Limits
Sunnyvale STR occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional, not to exceed the building code maximum. Commercial events and parties are prohibited.
Short Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 17920.3(a)(9), (12), (16)
Any building or portion thereof including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public or the occupants thereof shall be deemed and hereby is declared to be a substandard building: (a) Inadequ...
Insurance Requirements
Sunnyvale STR operators must carry liability insurance of at least 500000 dollars covering the rental use, or operate exclusively on a platform that provides equivalent host protection coverage.
Short Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsNight Caps
Unhosted nights are effectively zero in Sunnyvale because only hosted STRs are allowed. Hosts must be on-site during the entire guest stay under SMC 19.76.
Short Term Rentals: Night Caps
Heavy RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Sunnyvale STR registration requires proof of primary residency, HOA consent if applicable, TOT account, insurance, and a 24-hour local contact. Approval numbers must appear in all ads.
Short Term Rentals: Registration Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sunnyvale city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Santa Clara County →