Welcome to the City of Sunnyvale’s Building Division web site. The Building Division provides plan checking, permitting, and inspection services for new construction, additions, and remodels within the City of Sunnyvale. The Building Division is located at City Hall, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale.

Our goal in presenting this web site is to provide an effective and efficient way to provide general information on the following:

·        The One-Stop Permit Center, which providing fast and convenient development related services including obtaining permits, licenses, information of developing properties and operating businesses in Sunnyvale.

·        The E-OneStop, which offers on-line building permit services include E-Permits, building inspection scheduling, building plan check status, building permit history, and zoning information. E-OneStop offers on-line building permit services include E-Permits, building inspection scheduling, building plan check status, building permit history, and zoning information. All of these services are provided entirely on-line without having to visit or contact the One-Stop Permit Center.

·        Requirements for common residential projects.

·        Plan check process, including building permit submittal requirements and turnaround times. Please note that 90% of all permits are issued or reviewed at the One-Stop Permit Center within one business day.

If you do not find what you are looking for or have further questions, please feel free to contact us at (408) 730-7444 or e-mail us at building@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us.

Sincerely,

Ali Fatapour,

Chief Building Official

• Sunnyvale is located mostly in Seismic Design Category D.
• Basic wind speed is 85 mph, this can be verified with ASCE 05, Table 16-1. Most areas of Sunnyvale can be classified as wind exposure category B. However, some areas may meet the criteria for exposure C. The design professional is responsible for justifying the exposure selected for the specific area of construction.
• For additions and remodels, the soil bearing pressure is based on 1,500 pounds per square foot, unless a higher value is justified by a soils report. All new construction and basement additions require a soils report regardless of the soil bearing pressure used.
• For retaining walls, lateral soil bearing pressure is based on 100 pounds per square foot per foot below natural grade, unless a higher value is justified by a soils report.
• The climate zone is Zone 4.
• Rainfall design is based on two inches of rainfall per hour.
• All new projects include the Blueprint for a Clean Bay plan sheet with the approved set of plans. The Blueprint for a Clean Bay (PDF) contains requirements for storm drain and storm water runoff protection during construction.
• Seismic Hazards Mapping
• Flood Zone Information
• Licensed Professional Designer Requirements