BUSINESS LICENSES

The City of Sunnyvale requires a Business License to operate any business in the City.  The Business License Application may also be obtained at City Hall Annex, located at 650 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale.  If you plan to operate your business from your home, the One Stop Permit Center located at 456 W. Olive Ave. can assist you with any requirements specified in the "Other Requirements" section below.  You may also print out the online version and bring it back or mail it.  If mailing the application, please send it to:

City of Sunnyvale
Department of Finance/Business Licensing
650 W. Olive Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

The Business License Certificate will be mailed to you after all appropriate City Departments have reviewed the application.  You should not operate the business until all City requirements are met.

The City has a two-year tax cycle.  In order to receive your Business License Tax Certificate, the tax for both years and the application processing fee MUST be paid.  If you have questions about how much you owe or the status of your application, please call (408) 730-7620.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

If your business is physically located in Sunnyvale, there may be other requirements.  These requirements must be met before you license will be mailed toyou.

Depending on the type of business you propose to operate, where it will be located and whether you plan alterations to the builidng or property, other permits and fees may be required.  To assure that you meet all requirements, you should check the following at the One Stop Permit Center:

• Confirm the zoning of the property where you plan to operate the business and whether the use is allowed by right or requires a Use Permit in that zone.
  [For more information please contact the Planning Division at (408) 730-7444] 
   
• Determine whether any building, grading, demolition, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, occupancy, or Sign Permits/Inspections are required.
  [For more information please contact the Building Division at (408) 730-7444] 
   
• Obtain information on home occupations, parking requirements, setback requirements, sign requirements, design/architectural guidelines, land divisions, and possible City fees.
  [For more information please contact the Planning Division at (408) 730-7444] 
   
• Check with Public Safety Department, Fire Prevention Division, as to whether you meet Fire Prevention Codes.
  [For more information please contact the Fire Prevention Division at (408) 730-7444]

Business License Tax Ordinance

Business License Application