REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance Amending Section 10.16.120 (Use of Streets or Public Parking Facilities for Storage of Vehicles Prohibited) and Adding Section 10.16.180 (Rental of Vehicles for Human Habitation Prohibited) to the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
Report
BACKGROUND
On February 3, 2026, the City Council considered Study Issue DPS 24-02 (RTC 26-0123). At that meeting, Council directed staff to amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.16 to:
• Require vehicles to be moved at least 1,000 feet to comply with the 72-hour parking limit
• Prohibit vehicles from returning to the same parking space within 24 hours
• Prohibit “vanlording”
• Prohibit inoperable trailers on city streets
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not require review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that it may have an impact on the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)).
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.16.120 (Use of Streets or Public Parking Facilities for Storage of Vehicles Prohibited) and Add Section 10.16.180 (Rental of Vehicles for Human Habitation Prohibited) to Chapter 10.16 (Parking Regulations) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
2. Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.16.120 (Use of Streets or Public Parking Facilities for Storage of Vehicles Prohibited) and Add Section 10.16.180 (Rental of Vehicles for Human Habitation Prohibited) to Chapter 10.16 (Parking Regulations) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, with modifications.
3. Do not Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.16.120 (Use of Streets or Public Parking Facilities for Storage of Vehicles Prohibited) and Add Section 10.16.180 (Rental of Vehicles for Human Habitation Prohibited) to Chapter 10.16 (Parking Regulations) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.16.120 (Use of Streets or Public Parking Facilities for Storage of Vehicles Prohibited) and Add Section 10.16.180 (Rental of Vehicles for Human Habitation Prohibited) to Chapter 10.16 (Parking Regulations) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Peter Hoang, Sr. Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Daniel Pistor, Chief of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. RTC 26-0123
2. RTC 26-0123 Meeting Minutes
3. Draft Ordinance