Street Parking Limits: Santa Clara vs Sunnyvale
How do street parking limits 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 limits continuous street parking to 72 hours under CVC 22651(k), posts time zones near downtown, and operates residential permit districts near SCU and Levi's Stadium.
View full Santa Clara rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
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 restrict certain neighborhoods.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Clara | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Time Limit | 72 hours continuous parking maximum per CVC 22651(k) | - |
| Permit Zones | Near SCU campus and Levi's Stadium neighborhoods | - |
| Sweeping | Weekly posted routes, citation for non-compliance | - |
| Hydrant Distance | 15 feet clearance required per CVC 22514 | - |
| Contact | Police Parking Unit (408) 615-4831 | - |
| 72-hour limit | - | CVC 22651(k); same spot |
| Hydrant clearance | - | 15 feet required |
| Crosswalk clearance | - | 20 feet required |
| Permit districts | - | Downtown, Heritage, near Caltrain |
| Parking enforcement | - | Sunnyvale DPS, (408) 730-7100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I leave my car on the street while on vacation?
No, California law prohibits parking the same vehicle in one spot over 72 hours, even in residential areas.
How do I get a residential parking permit?
Apply online through the Santa Clara Police Parking Unit if you live in an established permit district.
Sunnyvale FAQ
How long can I park on the street?
Up to 72 consecutive hours in the same spot; after that the vehicle must be moved or it may be cited and towed.
How do I get a residential permit?
Apply through Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety if your street is in a designated Permit Parking District.
Compare other topics
See how Santa Clara and Sunnyvale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool