Sunnyvale, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Formula
- 2 per bedroom plus 2
- 3-Bedroom Cap
- 8 overnight guests
- Events
- Prohibited
- Posting
- Required on-site
- Code
- SMC 19.76
Summary
Sunnyvale STR occupancy is capped at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional, not to exceed the building code maximum. Commercial events and parties are prohibited.
Any building or portion thereof including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public or the occupants thereof shall be deemed and hereby is declared to be a substandard building: (a) Inadequate sanitation shall include, but not be limited to, the following: ... (9) Room and space dimensions less than required by this code. ... (12) Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents as determined by a health officer ... (16) Lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage and removal facilities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Sunnyvale SMC 19.76 sets STR occupancy at two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, subject to state building code (CBC) limits based on square footage and egress. A three-bedroom home is generally capped at eight overnight guests. Commercial events, weddings, and party-house uses are prohibited. Day guests and non-registered visitors are limited and must leave by quiet hours. Hosts must post the approved occupancy on-site and disclose it on listings. Exceeding occupancy is a strict liability violation of SMC 19.76 and is a common trigger for citations or permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do infants count toward the Sunnyvale STR occupancy cap?
Can I host a small wedding at my Sunnyvale STR?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunnyvale
California rules heatmap·Compare Sunnyvale to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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Occupancy Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle occupancy limits.