Accessory Structures in Mountain View, CA (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for Mountain View, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
A single-family lot in Mountain View can add one accessory dwelling unit plus one junior ADU under Sec. 36.12.75(a). Sec. 36.12.80 caps a single-family ADU at 850 square feet (one bedroom or fewer) or 1,000 square feet (two-plus bedrooms), with a 4-foot side and rear setback and a 28-foot height limit.
Mountain View ADU Zoning Standards
Some RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code §§ 36.12.75(a)-(b), 36.12.80
a.One (1) accessory dwelling unit and one (1) junior accessory dwelling unit per lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 65852.2(A). b.One (1) detached, new construction, accessory dwelling unit that does not exceed four (4) foot side- and rear-yard setbacks for a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling... Gross ...
ADU Impact Fees
Mountain View exempts accessory dwelling units from its citywide transportation impact fee under City Code Sec. 43.8.a.3. The fee otherwise applies per new dwelling unit for residential development citywide, but ADUs defined in Chapter 36 are carved out entirely, alongside affordable housing units and temporary uses.
Mountain View ADU Transportation Impact Fee Exemption
Few RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code Sec. 43.8.a.3 (Exemptions and Reductions, Citywide Transportation Impact Fee)
a.The following are exempt from the fee:1.Government and nonprofit facilities. Public park facilities and buildings which are owned and at least seventy-five (75) percent occupied by governmental or nonprofit agencies and organizations.2.Affordable housing. Because affordable housing is an important community need, the affordable housing units included in new development projects shall not be i...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Building a junior accessory dwelling unit in Mountain View requires at least one legal owner to occupy one of the dwellings on the property, per Sec. 36.12.90. A deed restriction recording that requirement at the Santa Clara County Recorder's office must be on file before the city issues a building permit for the JADU.
Mountain View JADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code § 36.12.90 (Owner occupancy; Deed restriction)
Owner occupancy. One (1) of the dwellings on the property must be occupied by at least one (1) legal owner of the property, unless the property is owned by a governmental agency, land trust or housing organization... Deed restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a junior accessory dwelling unit, a deed restriction, in a form satisfactory to the city attorney and zoning administra...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Mountain View lets owners rent an accessory dwelling unit or junior ADU independently of the main house under City Code Sec. 36.12.100, but forbids selling either unit separately from the primary dwelling. Section 36.12.105 then bars short-term rentals of 30 days or less in most of those same units, including every JADU and every ADU of 800 square feet or smaller.
Mountain View ADU Rental Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code Sec. 36.12.100; Sec. 36.12.105
SEC. 36.12.100. - Sale of units. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units may be rented independently of the primary single-family dwelling or multi-family dwelling structure but may not be sold or conveyed separately from the primary dwelling(s) on the lot except as provided in Government Code Section 65852.26. SEC. 36.12.105. - Short-term rentals. Short-term rentals with a...
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed under 120 square feet in Mountain View needs no zoning permit if it stays one story and skips a building or grading permit under Chapter 8, per City Code Sec. 36.06.50(b). Bigger sheds fall under Sec. 36.12.50: a 500 square-foot size cap, 16-foot height with a 9-foot wall plate, and a 7-foot side setback that drops to zero if the shed sits entirely in the rear yard.
Mountain View Shed Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code §§ 36.06.50(b), 36.12.50(c), (e), (g)
b.Accessory structures with less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet in floor area. One (1) story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet, and the structure is not required to have building or grading permits by Chapter 8 (Buildings) of the City Code... c.Maximum size: An ...
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage into living space in Mountain View is regulated as an accessory dwelling unit conversion under City Code Sec. 36.12.95. The city waives replacement parking entirely when a garage is converted, and lets the converted structure keep its existing height, setbacks and footprint instead of meeting current standards, so long as the new use fits the old walls.
Mountain View Garage Conversion ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code Sec. 36.12.95(a)(6), (b)(2)-(3)
b.Development standard exceptions...3.The height and setback standards listed in Section 36.12.80 do not apply to accessory dwelling units located entirely within a single-family dwelling, nonlivable space of a multi-family dwelling structure, or accessory structure; or in the place of and to the same dimensions, including height, as an existing accessory structure. The side and rear setbacks m...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mountain View city rules.
Accessory Structures in Santa Clara County →