Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Monitor the latest updates and get facts and answers to frequently asked questions about novel coronavirus:

• State of California COVID response

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.

Sunnyvale Senior Center Services

Daily lunch service and care management services continue to be available. Visit the Senior Center for status of all services.

Sunnyvale Community Services

Provides emergency assistance, financial assistance, referral services and food programs to families, individuals and seniors living in Sunnyvale. Call 408-738-4321 if:

• You are a resident of Sunnyvale or Alviso
• You don’t have money to buy food after paying your rent and utility bills

Sourcewise
Provides services and support to seniors in Santa Clara County.

Local Assistance

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:

• Off work without pay because your workplace closed due to the coronavirus
• Working less hours or have less income because of canceled events due to the coronavirus

Gather the following documentation to speed up the process:

• Verification of Job Impact:
  • Notice from employer about workplace closure or reduction in hours
  • Verification of employment in an industry that is impacted by event cancellations (catering, staffing large events, etc.)
• Verification of Loss of Income:
  • Pay stubs or bank statements showing loss of income without sick or vacation pay

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.

• State's eviction law FAQs
• County Eviction Moratorium Information for Landlords and Tenants
• Project Sentinel - tenant-landlord help

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.

State Assistance

Housing is Key
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief and resources for renters, landlords and homeowners. 

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.

• Details and forms to apply for benefits
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions

Updated Orders and Requirements

Order of the Health Officer of the County of Santa Clara requiring use of face coverings indoors by all persons
Effective August 3 at 12:01 a.m. all businesses and governmental entities must enforce this face covering requirement for all personnel and for all customers or members of the public entering their facilities, regardless of vaccination status. All businesses and governmental entities must post clearly visible and easy-to-read signage at all entry points for indoor settings to communicate the face covering requirements to all persons entering the facility. Read more at Santa Clara County Public Health.

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:

• Masking and mega-events
• Settings serving children and youth

See also:

• Revised Risk Reduction Order
• State COVID-19
• Santa Clara County Public Health - COVID-19

Temporary Outdoor Dining
Temporary Outdoor Business

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.

Local Assistance

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.

COVID-19 Relief Options
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is processing Economic Injury Disaster Loans to assist small businesses and non-profit agencies.

Loan Paperwork Preparation Help

Local resources are available to assist with loan paperwork preparation. Contact any of the following agencies for free assistance.

• Small Business Relief Fund - This fund will provide immediate support to struggling self-employed and small business owners.
• Small Business Development Center - 408-248-4800
• SCORE - 408-453-6237
• Minority Business Development Center - 408-998-8058
• AnewAmerica Women's Business Center - 408-326-2669

State and Federal Assistance

California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
Office of the Small Business Advocate announced a new round of funding for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. Round 9 will be available to new applicants that meet eligibility criteria. If you applied during rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7, you do not need to re-apply since your application will be moved into Round 9. Applications will be accepted from Sep. 9 to Sep. 30

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.

California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)
CalOSBA provides information on critical resources available through state-funded small business technical assistance program and other state resources.

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.

Support the many Sunnyvale restaurants and businesses that are open providing essential services.

Business listings and information

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.

IMPORTANT: By signing up online, over the phone or in-person for classes or activities offered by the City of Sunnyvale, you agree to each of the policies listed on Classes & Activities above, including the Release, Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement + COVID 19 Informed Consent and Participant Illness & Wellness Requirements Policy. If you are uncomfortable with, or unable to attend live programs, check out our new virtual course offerings.

Travel Advisory
California no longer has a travel advisory in effect. There is now no state recommendation to test and quarantine before and after travel. However, please review the CDC's latest recommendations for travel.

Camps, Classes and Activities

Visit Classes and Activities for current summer Classes, Activities, Camps and Swim Lessons, including those for older adults (50+).

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 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
Our number one priority to keep your child and our staff as safe as possible.

Lap Swim: Available at Sunnyvale Swim Center at Fremont High School. Visit Lap Swim to make an appointment and buy a lap swim pass.

Swim Lessons:
COVID-19 Protocol: Aquatic staff will teach all swim lessons on the pool deck and will not enter the water.
Available for youth at Columbia Middle School, Sunnyvale Middle School, Sunnyvale Swim Complex at Fremont High School and Washington Community Swim Center (August).

• For Level 1A, Level 1B and Level 1C Youth Swim Lessons: A parent or guardian is REQUIRED to be in the water with EACH swimmer. The swim instructor will TEACH the lesson from the POOL DECK. If a parent or guardian is not able to enter the water we will not be able to accommodate your child.
• Level 2A, Level 2B and Level 4 Youth Swim Lessons: A parent or guardian is REQUIRED to be on-site during the lesson.

Private lessons are available for both youth and adults. Email the aquatics team for availability.

Adult Water Fitness: Visit Classes and Activities above to view classes in the Activities guide.

Recreation Swim: Not available for summer 2021.

City Council and Board and Commission Meetings

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

• Sunnyvale City Clerk YouTube Channel
• Online Streaming
• Television Channel 15 (Comcast subscribers)

Ways to make public comments

• Submit your written comment to Council by email.
• Submit your verbal comment during a meeting:
  • Zoom Online Meeting
  • Call-in: 833-548-0276 | Meeting ID 961 1158 0540

City Hall

City Hall is OPEN.

One-Stop Permit Center: The permit counter is OPEN. See Permit Center and Development Services for more details.

NOVA Job Center is OPEN for in-person services by appointment only. Remote services will also continue to be available. Visit NOVAworks for more information.

Community Center Facilities

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). 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:

• Indoor Sports Center
• Sunnyvale Theatre
• Dance Studio
• Open Pottery and Painting Studio
• Fitness Room, Billiard and Computer Lab are available by appointment only.

Senior Center

The Senior Center is open offering limited in-person programs by appointment only. You must be registered for a class or have an appointment and an activity pass to enter the facility. Care management resources as well as City Café daily lunch service continues to be available. Senior Meals: Make reservations by calling 408-730-7371. Pick up pre-ordered meals from 11 a.m. to noon inside the Senior Center. Drive-thru pickup is not available. Visit the Senior Center for schedules and operating hours.

Columbia Neighborhood Center

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 MayView Community Health Center is OPEN.

Sunnyvale Public Library

The Library facility is OPEN. Learn about their hours, services and protocols.

Recreation Facilities

• Both Sunnyvale Golf Course and Sunken Gardens Golf Course are OPEN with safety protocols in place.
• Sunnyvale Tennis Center is OPEN for limited singles play for members of the same family. Read the requirements before making reservations.
• All other public tennis courts in the city are now OPEN for singles play with members of the same household. Players must follow county recreational guidelines.
• The skateparks at Fair Oaks and Lakewood parks are OPEN. Please maintain social distancing.
• Facility rentals, including meeting rooms, are NOW AVAILABLE to rent. Visit Reservations and Rentals for details.
• City pools: Columbia Middle School Pool, Sunnyvale Middle School Pool, Sunnyvale Swim Complex at Fremont High School are OPEN for select activities. Learn more about hours, services and protocols.
• Washington Community Swim Center is currently undergoing a major renovation. The pool is CLOSED and is expected to open later in the summer.

Parks and Trails

• City parks and restroom facilities are OPEN.
• ALL picnic areas and basketball courts are OPEN.
• Picnic reservations are AVAILABLE and are being accepted through October.
• Park playgrounds are OPEN.
• Drinking fountains and park water features are OPEN.
• Dog parks are OPEN. Only use the dog parks if you are able to remain six feet apart from other people. Wear face coverings at all times, unless you are exempt from this requirement.
• All trails are OPEN - please maintain safe distancing.
• Field rentals are AVAILABLE during the scheduled reservation periods. Contact 408-730-7350 for information.

Baylands Park is OPEN 8 a.m. to one half hour after sunset. Season passes are available for purchase at the park entrance.

Heritage Park Museum

The museum is OPEN. View hours, events and activities.

The Heritage Museum Patio is available to rent for special events. Contact Facility Coordinator at 408-730-7335. Note: a special event application may be required depending on size and nature of event.

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.

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:

• Job opportunities
• Job applications are being accepted online.
• Oral and written exams are being scheduled as advertised.

NOVA Job Center: Remote services are available while the NOVA facility is CLOSED. Visit NOVA for more information.

We are Providing Virtual Services During COVID-19

Beginning Monday, Aug. 2, the OneStop Permit Center will OPEN to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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:

• Protocol for COVID-19 Positive Test at Construction Site
• Inspection Safety Protocol

Building Permits

Plan Checks
Beginning Aug. 2, over-the-counter plan checks will be performed in the morning by appointment. Email to request an appointment. Appointments will be accepted starting July 26.

• We are accepting new digital residential and nonresidential plan checks. Email Plan Check Submittals for directions or see handouts below.
• Minor permits are available online through E-OneStop.
• You must complete a Building and Fire Permit application.
• Refer to the following handouts from the One-Stop Permit Center for instructions on how to submit plan checks, plan check resubmittals and project addendums.
  • Electronic Plan Check Submittals
  • Tents and Stage Permits

Planning Permits

The Planning Division is accepting all staff-level, public hearing and emergency tree removal applications electronically.

Submit completed applications to Planning:

• Attach applications as a PDF (no larger than 3 MB) or send using a file-sharing link.
• Any application that requires a face-to-face meeting or site visit cannot be considered at this time. All meetings must be held as virtual meetings.
• Find application, fees, submittal checklists and general zoning information
• Questions? Email a planner.

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

• Building inspections for all types of construction will be provided. We may not be able to accommodate all inspections as requested. Priority will be given for emergency repairs or developments at critical phases of construction.
• Online inspection requests are temporarily suspended. Call the One-Stop Permit Center (below) to schedule an inspection.
• Encroachment permit inspections - Schedule inspections for emergency repairs, utilities and select residential projects by contacting Public Works (below).

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.