Shed permit rules in Mountain View, CA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Sheds under 120 square feet do not require a building permit in Mountain View but must meet zoning setbacks and height limits. Larger sheds need a permit.
Under California Residential Code Section R105.2 as adopted by Mountain View, a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed that does not exceed 120 square feet of floor area is exempt from building permit requirements. Zoning rules still apply: typical R1 zones require a 3-foot setback from side and rear property lines for small sheds, and 5 feet or more for larger ones, with maximum height generally 10 feet at the wall and overall height not exceeding the zoning district accessory limit. Sheds cannot be placed in required front yards, easements, or over utilities. Electrical or plumbing service to any shed, even one under 120 square feet, requires separate permits. Oversize sheds near 120 square feet that cover large portions of the yard may also be limited by rear-yard coverage standards.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View prohibits disturbing noise between 10pm and 7am weekdays and 10pm to 8am weekends, with enforcement by police and code enforcement officers.
Mountain View, CA
Amplified music from speakers, DJs, and live bands requires compliance with decibel limits and quiet hours; Shoreline Amphitheatre operates under a separate ...
Mountain View, CA
Industrial and commercial properties in Mountain View must comply with stationary noise source limits measured at property lines, with conditions enforced th...
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View Chapter 21 sets specific decibel thresholds varying by zoning district and time of day, measured at property lines with standardized equipment.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB ...
Mountain View, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats in Mountain View cannot park on public streets over 72 hours and face Large Vehicle Ordinance limits. Residential storage must be on...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle shed rules.
See how Mountain View's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.