Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Home occupations in Mountain View require a zoning clearance and business license, must be secondary to residential use, and cannot generate customer traffic, employees, or outward signs of business activity.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale permits home occupations as accessory to residential use under SMC 19.70.040. No walk-in customers, no outside employees, and no more than 25 percent of dwelling may be used for the business.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Where allowed | All residential zones | - |
| Employees on site | Residents only | - |
| Customer visits | Restricted or prohibited | - |
| Signage | Not permitted | - |
| Business license | Required | - |
| Floor Area Cap | - | 25 percent or 400 sq ft |
| Employees | - | Residents only |
| Customer Traffic | - | Not permitted |
| Business License | - | Required |
| Code | - | SMC 19.70.040 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I run an online business from my Mountain View home?
Yes. Online and remote-work businesses with no client visits, no employees, and no outward signs of activity are generally allowed with a business license.
Can clients come to my home office?
Client visits are heavily restricted. Check the zoning ordinance for limits on frequency and hours, and whether your specific use is permitted.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can clients come to my Sunnyvale home office?
No. Home occupations prohibit walk-in client traffic. Meet clients at their location or at a coworking space.
How much is a Sunnyvale business license?
Home occupations pay a base business license tax starting around 60 dollars annually, plus applicable per-employee fees. Rates are adjusted each year.
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