Permit Requirements: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do permit requirements rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose has fewer restrictions than Sunnyvale.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose regulates STRs under SJMC §20.80 Part 2.5. Hosts must obtain a business tax certificate. Owner-occupied rentals have unlimited days; non-owner-occupied are capped at 180 days per year.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cap (Unhosted) | 180 days | - |
| Hosted Cap | Unlimited | - |
| Max Occupants | 10 guests | - |
| Code | SJMC §20.80 Part 2.5 | SMC Ch 19.76 |
| Type Allowed | - | Hosted only |
| Pre-Approval | - | Mandatory |
| Primary Residence | - | Required |
| Max Fine | - | 1000 dollars per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in San Jose?
San Jose regulates STRs under SJMC §20.80 Part 2.5. Hosts must obtain a business tax certificate. Owner-occupied rentals have unlimited days; non-owner-occupied are capped at 180 days per year.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in San Jose?
Annual Cap (Unhosted): 180 days. Hosted Cap: Unlimited. Max Occupants: 10 guests. Code: SJMC §20.80 Part 2.5.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I rent my whole Sunnyvale home on Airbnb when I travel?
No. Unhosted whole-home rentals are prohibited. The host must be on-site as their primary residence during the guests stay.
Can I use my new ADU as an Airbnb?
No. ADUs permitted on or after January 1, 2020 cannot be used as short-term rentals under Sunnyvale SMC 19.76.
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