This permit is available for appropriately zoned residential properties where condenser units will be installed on the ground.

• View air conditioner requirements

All audible alarm systems require registration and annual renewal.

• Obtain or renew alarm permit

A Tub and Shower Permit is required for bathroom remodels which include the replacement of the tub or shower, or the installation or relocation of additional plumbing fixtures or cabinets. Permit is required prior to the start of work.

• View bathroom remodel requirements

You need to obtain a block party permit if your party requires the closure of one or two neighborhood streets.

• Visit Block Party Permit

A building permit gives you legal permission to start a new construction or remodeling project. To find out about your project's specific requirements, contact the Permit Center.

• View building and fire permit application

Anyone doing business in the City is required to have a business license. Some businesses are also required to obtain special permits to operate (e.g., massage establishments and therapists).

• Visit Business Licenses
• Visit Business License Central
• Visit Special Business Permits for operating permits

You must visit the One-Stop Permit Center for a permit for the following:

• building a new chimney
• adding a gas appliance
• adding a fireplace insert

The online permit will allow the repair of an existing fireplace or chimney.

To view requirements select Minor Building Permits

A demolition permit gives you legal permission to demolish a structure or building. To find out about your project's specific requirements, contact the Permit Center.

• View demolition permit requirements

This permit is available online if the charging equipment will be connected to an existing electrical panel or meter. If a separate panel or meter will be installed, you must visit the One-Stop Permit Center.

• View electric vehicle charger permit requirements

If a project or activity is going to be performed within the public right-of-way, an Encroachment Permit is required.

• View encroachment permit application

You will also need:

• Temporary Traffic Control Checklist

A film permit application is required to film in the City of Sunnyvale.

• Apply for a film permit

Large daycares (for nine or more children), places of assembly that accommodate 50 or more people or businesses storing combustible materials may need to obtain a permit from Fire Prevention. Operating and construction permits may be required for activities related to the storage, use or handling of hazardous materials.

To inquire about a Fire or HazMat permit, call 408-730-7212.

• For fees, see Fire Prevention Permits and Fees in the City Budget's current Master Fee Schedule.

This permit will allow the replacement of an existing residential furnace in the same location.

• View furnace permit requirements

This permit will allow the installation of a new gas line from the gas meter directly to an appliance.

• View gas line permit requirements

A General Plan Amendment is required if a project is proposed which is not consistent with the established General Plan designation for a property. In Sunnyvale, only the City Council can initiate proceedings to consider changes to the General Plan.

• View the General Plan Amendment Process

This online permit will allow installation of exterior irrigation sprinklers. You must visit the One-Stop Permit Center if you are replacing the water meter at the sidewalk.

 To view requirements select Minor Building Permits

A permit is not required for kitchen countertop replacement or refacing existing cabinets. A permit is required for kitchen remodels that include replacement of kitchen cabinets.

If you are moving or replacing walls or windows you must visit the One-Stop Permit Center.

• View kitchen remodel permit requirements

You need a permit to operate a child care home that will provide care for nine to 14 children. Large family child care homes must be reviewed by the Planning Division before starting operations.

• View child care facilities permit requirements

This permit allows the installation of new lighting switches or receptacles in appropriately zoned residential properties.

 To view requirements select Minor Building Permits

The City requires a permit for movement of oversized vehicles on roads, streets and overcrossings within its jurisdiction.

• View oversized vehicle permit requirements and application

 You must apply for a Planning permit for:

• All residential and nonresidential exterior changes
• Additions
• New construction

Submit your application through E-OneStop Online Services. You must include the following:

Planning Application Required Signatures

Contact the Permit Center about your project's specific requirements.

This permit allows the replacement of existing residential sewer- and water-lines and piping.

View sewer- and water-lines replacement permit requirements.

A permit is required when more than 100 square feet of roof covering is installed, repaired or replaced. Permit is required prior to start of work.

• View re-roof permit requirements

Residents may apply for street parking permits for the Alturas Avenue and Train Station areas in Sunnyvale.

• View residential parking permit requirements and application

A permit is required to rent out space in your home for periods of 30 days or less.

• View short-term rental permit application

You need a permit to display a sign promoting your business.

• View sign permit requirements

A permit is required for the installation or replacement of a skylight (including solar tubes), prior to start of work.

• View skylight permit requirements

This permit allows the addition of a new spa, or replacement of an existing spa, that is portable, completely above ground and in the backyard.

• View spa permit requirements

You need a special event permit if your event takes place on public property, or requires traffic or crowd control except for such events taking place at Baylands Park, which requires a separate permit application.

• Visit Special Event Permits

This permit allows an existing swimming pool to be removed or filled in.

• View swimming pool removal permit requirements

This permit allows the use of temporary electrical power and lighting installations during construction and remodeling activities.

To Remove a Tree on Private Property

• View private tree removal permit requirements
• Apply for a tree removal permit for a private tree

To Prune or Remove a Street Tree

If you want to hire a licensed arborist to prune or remove a street tree adjacent to your home:

• Obtain a Street Tree Work Permit

To Remove a Liquidambar Street Tree

The City has a program to replace 200 liquidambar street trees per fiscal year, on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Find out about application availability

A Wastewater Discharge Permit Application must be completed to help determine or verify that a facility is a Significant Industrial User or another type of wastewater generator. Mail applications to:

Compliance Inspection Group
1444 Borregas Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94089

• View wastewater discharge permit requirements and application
• View groundwater discharge permit requirements and application

This permit allows the replacement of an existing residential water heater, under 150 gallons, in the same location.

• View water heater replacement permit requirements