Sunnyvale allows home occupations in residential zones under Municipal Code Chapter 19.68 with a home occupation permit. The business must be secondary to residential use and cause no neighborhood impact.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.68 regulates home occupations in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 residential zones. Residents may operate a home business if they obtain a home occupation permit and business license, use no more than 25 percent of the dwelling area for business, and ensure the use is clearly subordinate to residential use. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, kennels, retail storefronts, medical clinics, food preparation for off-site sale beyond cottage food limits, and any use generating significant truck traffic. Employees outside the household members are generally not allowed. The home occupation cannot be visible from the street, including outdoor storage, signs, or displays. Violations can result in revocation of the permit and administrative penalties.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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