Sunnyvale, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Santa Clara County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredTax: 12.5%Business License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026
12.5%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT12.5%

Official Sources

sunnyvale.ca.gov/business-and-development/your-business-center/short-term-rentals
Data confidence: 93%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Sunnyvale, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Sunnyvale, California are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit. A lodging/occupancy tax of 12.5% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Sunnyvale, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Sunnyvale, California.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Sunnyvale?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Sunnyvale?

Short-term rentals in Sunnyvale are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 12.5%.

Where do these Sunnyvale short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Sunnyvale's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.