Short-term rental permit rules in Sunnyvale, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
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.
Ordinance 3192-22 (May 2022) added Chapter 19.76 to the Sunnyvale Municipal Code. Applicants must submit an STR application through the One-Stop Permit Center, pay fees, provide proof of primary residency, and obtain HOA written consent if applicable. Only hosted STRs are permitted, meaning the host must reside on-site as their primary residence during the guest stay. Two-family dwellings may rent one unit if the owner lives in the other. ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 cannot be used as STRs. The city-issued approval number must appear in every advertisement or listing. Violations carry fines up to 1000 dollars per day.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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