Mountain View, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

95(a)(6) removes the single biggest obstacle to garage conversions: when an existing garage, carport or covered parking structure is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, or demolished and rebuilt as one, the city may not require any replacement parking spaces. 80 entirely if the ADU sits in the place of, and at the same dimensions (including height) as, the existing accessory structure being converted, provided the remaining side and rear setbacks are still sufficient for fire and life-safety access. Owners who need a bit more room to add a legal entrance get a further break under (b)(2): an existing accessory structure being converted may expand by up to 150 square feet solely to accommodate ingress and egress, without triggering the standard development limits on lot coverage or floor area.

115(b) exempts ADUs and JADUs converted from the existing space of a garage or other accessory structure from having to install a new or separate water and sewer connection, and from paying the connection or capacity fees that apply to newly built detached units. 110 unless those conditions pose a threat to health or safety, or unless work on the primary dwelling is needed to protect health or safety. A building permit through the city's Building Division is still required for the conversion itself; these code sections only remove zoning-standard and parking obstacles, not the permit requirement.