Santa Clara vs Sunnyvale
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Santa Clara, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Santa Clara and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara requires a home occupation permit and business license for residents operating a business from a dwelling, with limits on signage, employees, customer visits, and external evidence of commercial activity.
View full Santa Clara 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 | Santa Clara | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Home occupation permit required | - |
| Business license | Required from Finance Dept | - |
| Employees | Residents only | Residents only |
| Signage | Not permitted | - |
| Contact | (408) 615-2000 | - |
| Floor Area Cap | - | 25 percent or 400 sq ft |
| Customer Traffic | - | Not permitted |
| Business License | - | Required |
| Code | - | SMC 19.70.040 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I hire an employee who does not live with me?
No. Santa Clara home occupations must be operated by residents of the dwelling, with no non-resident employees on-site.
Can customers visit my home business?
Limited customer visits are allowed, but activity must not generate traffic or parking demand beyond normal residential levels.
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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