Mountain View, CA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Conditional use permit
- Allowed zones
- CN, CS, CO, CRA, MM
- Animal shelter visibility
- Not visible from right-of-way
- Care standard
- Chapter 5 animal control
- Parking requirement
- 1 space per 200 sq ft
Summary
Veterinary clinics fall under Mountain View's "animal service establishment" category. City Code Section 36.30.35 allows them in commercial and general industrial districts only with a conditional use permit, and requires them to control noise and odor and shelter animals out of public view.
Animal service establishments, as defined in Section 36.60.05, shall be allowed in all commercial (CN, CS, CO, CRA) districts and the General Industrial (MM) district and shall require approval of a conditional use permit with consideration of the following: a.Noise and odor. Businesses caring for animals on-site shall limit noise and odor impacts to neighboring properties and businesses.b.Shelter and care. All facilities keeping animals during daytime and/or nighttime shall provide adequate permanent shelter, which is not visible from the public right-of-way, and appropriate care in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Code.c.Operational requirements. All businesses shall operate in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and meet all requirements of Chapter 5 of the City Code. ... Animal service establishment. Any commercial business providing services and care to animals, including, but not limited to, pet day care, pet hotel, kennel, veterinary clinic, animal hospital and pet grooming. Does not include retail pet stores (see "Retail, general merchandise") and exempts private animal kennels in accordance with Chapter 5 of the city code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 34 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
05 defines an "animal service establishment" as "any commercial business providing services and care to animals, including, but not limited to, pet day care, pet hotel, kennel, veterinary clinic, animal hospital and pet grooming," while excluding retail pet stores and private animal kennels regulated under Chapter 5 of the City Code. 35 allows animal service establishments in the CN, CS, CO and CRA commercial districts and the General Industrial (MM) district, but only with an approved conditional use permit, considering three factors: noise and odor impacts on neighboring properties and businesses must be limited; facilities keeping animals during the day or overnight must provide adequate permanent shelter that is not visible from the public right-of-way, with appropriate care under Chapter 5 of the City Code (animal control); and the business must operate consistent with all local, state and federal laws and Chapter 5's requirements.
20(i), allows animal service establishments as a conditional use in the Agricultural (A) district too, so long as they don't impinge on existing or proposed residential uses. Off-street parking for the use is set at one space per 200 square feet of gross floor area.
Violations & Fines
A veterinary clinic or other animal service establishment operating without the required conditional use permit, or failing to control noise, odor, or animal shelter visibility as Section 36.30.35 requires, is a Chapter 36 violation. Section 36.58.80 makes it a misdemeanor under City Code Section 1.7, allows the city to abate it as a public nuisance under Chapter 25, and the conditional use permit can be revoked for continued noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a veterinary clinic need a special permit to open in Mountain View?
Which zones allow veterinary clinics in Mountain View?
Can a vet clinic keep animals outdoors overnight?
Are pet grooming shops regulated the same way as vet clinics?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mountain View
California rules heatmap·Compare Mountain View to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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