IMPORTANT: Effective March 24, all activities allowed under the State’s Orange Tier, including indoor dining, can resume in Santa Clara County. State capacity limits and safety protocols still apply. The County’s Oct. 5, 2020 Risk Reduction Order also remains in effect. This requires everyone to follow all State orders and guidance, maintain distance, and wear face coverings as much as possible. Our staff reviews any new guidelines and makes relevant changes. We update the information on this page to reflect any changes on an ongoing basis.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Sunnyvale residents 75+
For help with how to make a vaccination appointment call a Senior Center care manager: 408-730-7360.
COVID-19 Testing
Download the CA Notify App - Stop the spread and save lives by getting COVID-19 exposure notifications
If you need help, here are some resources:
Check the City’s calendar for specific event listings and this page and City social media channels for service updates.
Shelter in place County orders
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelter in Place and COVID-19
Visit Silicon Valley Strong - Find out how to get help, volunteer your time or donate.
Register for AlertSCC to get emergency notifications.
Plan your family's response to emergencies.
Monitor the latest updates and get facts and answers to frequently asked questions about novel coronavirus from these reputable sources:
These resources are currently available for all older adults:
For in-person and online services, or if you have a need not listed, email Senior Services or call at 408-730-7360.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Provides emergency assistance, financial assistance, referral services and food programs to families, individuals and seniors living in Sunnyvale. Call 408-738-4321 if:
Sunnyvale Community Services - 408-738-4321
Find out if you qualify for emergency food assistance, financial help or other benefits. (Sunnyvale residents only – referrals for other cities available)
You could qualify for help if you are:
Gather the following documentation to speed up the process:
Destination: Home
This agency has temporary financial assistance available to help low-income residents who have lost income and are unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-related impacts.
Emergency Eviction Moratorium
The City Council approved a temporary emergency eviction moratorium on March 31, 2020. This moratorium ("freeze") is for tenants unable to pay rent during the pandemic. Since then, the state passed an eviction moratorium (AB 3088) which overrides the City's.
Santa Clara County COVID-19 Assistance Navigation
Questions about unemployment insurance, disability, paid family leave and other programs? Need help applying for these and other safety net programs? Call
the County's new free hotline, leave a message and you'll get a call back within 24 hours. Support is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese with more languages to come. Call: 408-809-2124.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief
Helps households pay rent and utilities for past due and future payments. Households must be impacted financially by COVID-19 and meet income-eligibility. Income-eligibility is less than or equal to 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Priority given to those at or below 50% AMI.
Contact Project Sentinel to help you navigate the State’s program and see if you qualify.
State of California Labor & Workforce Development Agency
Provides coronavirus guidance and information on reduced work hours, potential closure or layoffs, and tax assistance, and more.
State Department Employment Development Department
Workers may qualify for unemployment or disability benefits if they are impacted by COVID-19.
As of June 15, capacity and distancing restrictions are lifted. This includes most businesses and activities. The new order has limited restrictions that are only related to:
See also:
Temporary Outdoor Dining
Temporary Outdoor Business
If you need to change your garbage and recycling services, or have questions about other utilities, call 408-730-7400.
Supporting Sunnyvale Businesses
In partnership with the Sunnyvale Downtown Association, the City is sharing information with the community on open essential businesses. If your business isn't on the list, email us.
Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is processing Economic Injury Disaster Loans to assist small businesses and non-profit agencies.
Local resources are available to assist with loan paperwork preparation. Contact any of the following agencies for free assistance.
National Restaurant Association
Find information for restaurants on how to operate safely, and restaurant-specific resources.
California Rebuilding Fund
The California Rebuilding Fund is a new program opened on Nov. 20 to support California’s small business owners as they adapt, reopen safely, and recover from the effects of COVID-19.
California Grants Portal
Subscribe to the California Grants Portal newsletter to receive information on future business grants and loan opportunities.
Shop Safe Shop Local
From the State of California find resources for your small business to operate safely and grow with offers and special technology tools to expand online with e-commerce.
State of California Labor & Workforce Development Agency
Provides coronavirus guidance and information on reduced work hours, potential closure or layoffs, and tax assistance, and more.
Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from COVID-19
Workplace safety and health regulations require employers to protect employees from infectious diseases by following safety requirements. Find the safety requirements for your business.
CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers
Guidance for businesses on how to plan, prepare and respond to the coronavirus.
Sunnyvale Senior Center
City Café meals available for pick-up for adults 50+. Pickup between 11 a.m. and noon.
See details and current menu.
Santa Clara County Food Resources Searchable Map
Type in your address to get a list of food distribution sites – food banks and free meal pickup locations – close to your home. Map covers Santa Clara County.
Great Plates Meal Delivery Enrollment
Seniors and other adults at high risk from COVID-19 can stay home, stay healthy and get two nutritious meals delivered daily at home.
Support the many Sunnyvale restaurants and businesses that are open providing essential services.
Community Center Registration Office is Open
The Recreation Center front desk is OPEN for in-person or phone registration Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer any questions or take registrations: 408-730-7350. The Community Center buildings, restrooms and offices remain CLOSED to the public except for scheduled in-person classes.
Participation and COVID-19
We care about the health of our residents and participants and are implementing health and safety measures in response to COVID-19. We encourage you to consider personal health conditions and current public health authority recommendations before participating in live programs. Please review the Participant Illness & Wellness Requirements Policy. If you are uncomfortable with, or unable to attend live programs, check out our new virtual course offerings.
Holiday Gatherings and Travel Advisory
For the health of yourself, fellow participants and Sunnyvale staff, please adhere to the following holiday gatherings and travel advisories:
Virtual Activities
Virtual activities are now being offered by the Library, Senior Center and Recreation Services. Subscribe to their newsletters for upcoming virtual activities.
In-person Activities
The Activity Guide is updated frequently as guidelines change and new classes are added. Registration is ongoing.
Staff reviewed the protocols for Santa Clara County’s newest Order (May 18) and to have modified services to align with all safety guidelines and requirements.
Events
All in-person events are CANCELED until further notice, including: Family Fall Fest, Hands on the Arts, Evenings of Cultural Arts and Breakfast with Santa.
For scheduled virtual events, refer to the City’s Calendar.
Sunnyvale Splash Aquatics
Summer Classes
Visit Activities Registration to see available classes.
Summer Camps
Visit Classes and Activities to view Camp Sunnyvale Splash 2021 for available programs.
Senior Center Classes and Activities
We have developed free online classes and programs for our community. To learn more view the current Senior Center Newsletter or subscribe to receive updates.
The Senior Center facility is OPEN for limited services and in-person programs.
City Council meetings are being held. Board and Commission meetings are subject to cancellations. Check the City’s Legislative Meetings Calendar for updates.
Ways to watch City Council meetings
Ways to make public comments
The City closed City Hall facilities to the public effective March 17 until further notice. We are continuing to provide essential services such as public safety and utilities.
One-Stop Permit Center: The permit counter is CLOSED. See Permit Center and Development Services for more details.
NOVA Job Center is CLOSED to the public until further notice. Visit NOVA for more information.
The Recreation Center is OPEN on a limited basis to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for information and registration (see Classes, Activities, and Events for current program offerings). Access is limited to one patron at a time. Restrooms are available to the public in the Recreation Center Lobby.
The following Community Center Facilities are CLOSED to the public until further notice, except for scheduled classes, including:
The Columbia Neighborhood Center is OPEN on a limited basis to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for information and registration (see Classes, Activities, and Events for current program offerings). Access is limited to one patron at a time. Restrooms are not available to the public.
The Library facility is OPEN. Learn about their hours, services and protocols.
Baylands Park is OPEN 8 a.m. to one half hour after sunset. Keep social distancing while walking on trails and in parking lot. Season passes are available for purchase at the park entrance.
The museum is CLOSED until further notice.
Regular curb-side collection of garbage and recycling materials will continue, including on-call bulky item collection for single-family homes. On-call collection appointments include up to two cubic yards of non-hazardous household goods, plus two bulky items.
Residents of single-family homes:
During the pandemic you were able to set out two extra bags of garbage. This service helped manage extra household waste while sheltering-in-place. We are stopping this service after June 30. If you have more garbage than fits in your carts, you must buy extra garbage bag tags.
The SMaRT Station® Recycling Center is OPEN to the public.
Read about SMaRT Station services, hours and safety protocols.
The CRV Buy-back Center is OPEN by appointment ONLY.
Schedule an appointment online or call 408-752-8530.
Businesses with Reduced Hours or Closed
If you need to change your garbage and recycling services, or have questions about other utilities, call 408-730-7400.
City Employment Opportunities:
NOVA Job Center: Remote services are available while the NOVA facility is CLOSED. Visit NOVA for more information.
We are evaluating what services can be phased in at the One-Stop Center at City Hall as a result of the updated County Health Order. Please check back frequently for updates on available services.
We continue to provide virtual support for existing permit applications and in-progress projects. Services includes Public Works, Planning, Building and Fire Prevention. Staff will review electronic applications remotely while the shelter in place order is in effect. Please be patient with delays. See below for the essential services being provided.
Permit Center Access During Civic Center Construction
The City Hall building entrance and parking area on Olive Avenue are not available due to construction. Please use the entrance and parking area on All America Way. For project and construction details, visit Civic Center Modernization.
Construction Site Protocols
All construction sites must adhere to the following protocols:
Building Permits
Planning Permits
The Planning Division is accepting all staff-level, public hearing and emergency tree removal applications electronically.
Submit completed applications to Planning:
Outdoor Uses
Temporary Outdoor Dining
Temporary Outdoor Business
Encroachment Permits
We are accepting all encroachment permit applications electronically. Submit completed applications as a PDF (no larger than 5 MB) or send using a file-sharing link to Public Works. Incomplete applications will delay processing.
Public Improvement Plans
After Planning approval, submit public improvement plans associated with development projects to Public Works.
For initial submittals, attach a completed offsite checklist and plans as a PDF (no larger than 5 MB) or send using a file-sharing link. We will contact you within two to three business days to schedule a virtual meeting to review the submittal.
Inspections
For more information email or call:
Building and Fire Prevention / One-Stop Permit Center - 408-730-7444
Planning - 408-730-7440
Public Works and Engineering Services - 408-730-7415
Housing – 408-730-7250
Effective June 22, the Utility Billing office is OPEN to the public from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers must wear face coverings and observe social distancing requirements.
Payments can be placed in the payment drop box – please do not leave cash.
Utility Customer Service is available by phone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For daytime service, and after-hours water and sewer emergencies, call 408-730-7400.
