Mountain View's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business a little differently. In Mountain View, California, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Signage Rules
Home Occupations in Mountain View may not display exterior business signage. The residence must retain its residential appearance from the street.
Key details: Exterior sign: Not allowed. Window sign: Not allowed. Yard sign: Not allowed. Appearance: Must look residential. Penalty: Permit loss and fines.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Mountain View's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Home Occupation Permits
Home occupations in Mountain View require a zoning clearance and business license, must be secondary to residential use, and cannot generate customer traffic, employees, or outward signs of business activity.
Key details: Where allowed: All residential zones. Employees on site: Residents only. Customer visits: Restricted or prohibited. Signage: Not permitted. Business license: Required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Zoning Restrictions
Mountain View allows Home Occupations in residential zones subject to standards that keep the business clearly secondary to the dwelling and compatible with neighbors.
Key details: Allowed zones: All residential. Max floor area: About 25 percent. Outside change: None. Employees: One non-resident. License: Required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Cottage Food Operations
Mountain View follows the California Homemade Food Act allowing Cottage Food Operations at home. State law sets product, revenue, and registration rules.
Key details: Authority: CA Homemade Food Act. Classes: A direct, B indirect. Revenue cap: Around 150,000 dollars. Registration: SCC Environmental Health. Employees: One non-household.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around cottage food operations in Mountain View lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Home Daycare
Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) and large family daycare homes (up to 14 children) are permitted by right in Mountain View residential zones under California H&S Code 1597.45.
Key details: Small daycare capacity: Up to 8 children (licensed). Large daycare capacity: Up to 14 children (licensed). Zoning treatment: Residential use by right. State law: H&S Code 1597.40-1597.465. Use permit required: No, preempted by state.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Mountain View is more permissive than most cities when it comes to home daycare. That said, there are still limits.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Home Occupations must not generate significant customer or client traffic. Only limited client visits by appointment are typically permitted.
Key details: Client visits: Appointment only. Open houses: Not allowed. Group classes: Generally not. Parking: On-site or residential. Enforcement: Revocation possible.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Mountain View gives residents more room on home business. 2 of the 6 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
This guide is based on Mountain View's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.