Mountain View's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business a little differently. In Mountain View, California, there are 4 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.
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.
Mountain View is more permissive than most cities when it comes to home daycare. That said, there are still limits.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Mountain View allows home occupations as an accessory use in every residential zoning district, but City Code Section 36.28.80 requires a business license, and Section 36.28.85 imposes operating standards keeping the business clearly secondary to the residence.
Key details: Business license: Required before operating. Allowed zones: All residential districts. Use status: Must stay secondary to residence. Exterior visibility: None from street/neighbors. Vehicle limit: 1 vehicle, up to 3/4 ton.
A home occupation operating without the required business license or outside these zoning standards is a Chapter 36 violation: Section 36.58.80 makes it a misdemeanor under City Code Section 1.7, declares the noncomplying use a public nuisance abatable under Chapter 25, and the city may issue a stop-work order or revoke the business license tied to the signed compliance statement.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Mountain View caps the traffic a home occupation can add: City Code Section 36.28.85(f) limits most home businesses to five extra vehicle or pedestrian trips per day beyond what the residence would normally generate, plus no more than two deliveries a day.
Key details: Extra trips allowed: 5 per day, max. Deliveries allowed: 2 per day, max. MEHKO exemption: Not subject to trip cap. Applies to: All licensed home occupations. License condition: Signed compliance statement.
Exceeding the trip or delivery cap is a violation of Chapter 36's home occupation standards: Section 36.58.80 makes it a misdemeanor under City Code Section 1.7, treats the noncomplying use as a public nuisance abatable under Chapter 25, and the city can revoke the business license tied to the operator's signed compliance statement.
Signage Rules
Mountain View bars any signage for a home-based business. City Code Section 36.28.85(c) states there is "no window display, advertising sign or other identification of the home occupation on the premises," a flat ban that applies to every licensed home occupation citywide.
Key details: Signage allowed: None, zero exceptions. Window displays: Prohibited. Street visibility: Use must be invisible. Applies to: Every home occupation type. Enforcement risk: License revocation.
Posting a sign, window display or other identification for a home occupation violates Section 36.28.85(c). Section 36.58.80 makes the violation a misdemeanor under City Code Section 1.7, allows the city to treat it as a public nuisance abatable under Chapter 25, and the city may revoke the business license issued on the operator's compliance statement.
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.
The Bottom Line
Mountain View's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Mountain View is broadly strict or permissive.
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.