The Building Division provides building permit, plan checking, and inspection services for new construction, additions, and remodels within the City of 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.
  

Current Codes

The City of Sunnyvale has adopted the following building codes:

• 2010 California Building Code
• 2010 California Residential Code
• 2010 California Mechanical Code
• 2010 California Plumbing Code
• 2010 California Electrical Code
• 2010 California Green Building Code (CALGreen)
• 2010 California Fire Code (with local amendments)
• 2009 International Property  Maintenance Code
• 2008 State of California Title 24 Energy Regulations
• Sunnyvale Municipal Code (including local amendments to the above adopted codes and local green building requirements)

  General Design Criteria

• 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 contains requirements for storm drain and storm water runoff protection during construction.
• Flood Zone Information
• Licensed Professional Designer Requirements