Sunnyvale updates 72-hour parking ordinance to address public safety concerns

Gives more specifics on where vehicles need to move, when they can return.

admin August 2, 2026 2 minutes read

Abandonment issues

The Sunnyvale City Council recently updated the city’s 72-hour parking ordinance to address public safety concerns.

The previous ordinance did not specify how far a vehicle had to be moved after 72 hours or how long it had to stay away before returning to the same spot. A recent citywide parking review identified concerns about oversized vehicles, including blocked sidewalks, reduced visibility, sanitation issues and inoperable RVs being rented as unregulated living spaces on public streets.

Per the updated ordinance, vehicles must move at least 1,000 feet after the 72-hour limit and cannot return to the same parking space for at least 24 hours. Vehicles cannot be rented or leased for human habitation on public streets.

Vehicle abatement officers began enforcing the new rules in June. Vehicles that violate the ordinance may receive citations or be towed at the owner’s expense. To learn more or file a complaint, visit the abandoned vehicles webpage at https://bit.ly/4yPTjoY.

Recreation survey

Sunnyvale Recreation has launched a brief survey to learn how community members prefer to receive information and what they want in the future. The survey ask for feedback about Sunnyvale Recreation’s communication channels, including social media, seasonal activities guides, email updates and promotional materials.

The community survey is available at https://bit.ly/4bdGFG7 and takes 3 to 5 minutes to complete. It is available in English, Spanish and simplified Chinese. Responses will be collected through Oct. 31.