Sunnyvale, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Sunnyvale.

Department

One-Stop Permit Center, Building Safety Division

Website

https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/business-and-development/planning-and-building/permit-center

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create or re-register an E-OneStop Online Services account.
2. Use the online help page to find the correct project type.
3. For building and fire permits, complete and upload the Building and Fire Permit Application.
4. For projects requiring plan check, submit plans and supporting PDFs through E-OneStop. Typical submittals include permit application, plans, structural calculations if applicable, and other supporting documents such as energy documents and special inspection forms.
5. Respond to plan review comments and resubmit through the portal as needed.
6. Pay fees through the portal.
7. After issuance, print or use the permit card / job card and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Allow 5 to 10 business days for submittal acceptance confirmation for online building permit submissions requiring plan check.

Source: One-Stop Permit Center, Building Safety Division

General Requirements

Building permits shall be obtained before erection, construction, reconstruction, installation, moving, or alteration of any building or structure unless the work falls within listed exemptions.

Required Documents

• Building and Fire Permit Application
• Plans
• Structural calculations (where applicable)
• Energy documents
• Special inspection forms
• Project-specific checklists

Building code

2022 California Building Code (exempt-work handout); 2025 California code editions for current submittals

Owner-builder

The Building and Fire Permit Application includes an owner-builder declaration section.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$157 (valuation $1 to $2,000)

Plan check fee

70% of building permit fee; energy plan check 10% of building permit fee; fire prevention permit 70% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Building permit fee table starts at $157 for valuation $1 to $2,000, then scales by valuation

Trade permit fee

Mechanical/electrical/plumbing: residential $0.14/sq ft with $125 minimum; non-residential $0.24/sq ft with $374 minimum. Re-roof $350-$615 depending on area. Solar PV (single-family/duplex) $389. Demolition $440.

Reinspection fee

$370.00

Payment note

Permit issuance: $41.00. Technology surcharge: 5% of permit fee. Grading permit: $285 for single-family/duplex; $1,224 for other building types.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 18, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Cosmetic work such as painting, papering, tiling, floor coverings, trim work, some low-mounted cabinets, and countertops
• One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet with no utilities
• Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwellings
• Retrofit window replacements where the new window is the same configuration and the manufactured frame remains unchanged
• Roof repair or replacement of 100 square feet or less within any 12-month period
• Fences not over 7 feet high, except concrete walls
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high when no other structure is attached
• Certain shade cloth structures and window awnings for single-family homes and duplexes
• Certain walks and driveways meeting the city's height/route limitations
• Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Certain prefabricated above-ground pools for single-family or duplex properties meeting depth/volume limits
• Limited electrical, plumbing, appliance, and fixture replacement work such as same-location replacement of receptacles, switches, lights, toilets, faucets, and sinks

Important: This exemption list is specifically for single-family homes and duplexes. Exemptions do not authorize work that violates building codes or other laws. Separate Planning or Public Works approval may still be required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• E-OneStop portal (online)
• (408) 730-7790 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required for all building permits. The general contractor is responsible for scheduling and being present. Fire inspections are scheduled by email. HazMat inspections by phone at (408) 730-7212. Public Works inspections by phone at (408) 730-7415 ext. 6.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2022 California Building Code (exempt-work handout); 2025 California code editions for current submittals
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Exempt Work Handout (Single-Family & Duplex)
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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