Lot Coverage Limits: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than Palo Alto.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View R1 zoning limits lot coverage to 40 percent for the main structure plus accessory buildings. Floor Area Ratio caps vary from 0.45 for standard lots to 0.55 for smaller lots under special provisions.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto limits lot coverage and floor area ratio (FAR) in residential zones, with R-1 typically capped at 35 to 45 percent lot coverage and FAR formulas based on lot size.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| R1 building coverage | 40 percent max | - |
| R1 FAR large lots | 0.45 | - |
| R1 FAR small lots | 0.55 | - |
| ADU exemption | 800 sq ft not counted | - |
| Impervious target | 50 percent max | - |
| R-1 Lot Coverage | - | 35-45% typical |
| FAR | - | Sliding scale by lot size |
| Mansionization | - | Reduced FAR on larger lots |
| ADU Exemption | - | Up to 1,200 sq ft exempt |
| Impervious Surface | - | Separate stormwater limit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Does my garage count toward lot coverage?
Yes, detached garages, carports, and sheds over 120 square feet count toward the 40 percent building coverage limit along with the main house footprint.
What is FAR?
Floor Area Ratio is total enclosed floor area divided by lot size. A 6,000 sq ft lot at 0.50 FAR allows up to 3,000 sq ft of house, with the ADU exempt up to 800 sq ft.
Palo Alto FAQ
Does my driveway count toward lot coverage?
Driveways typically count toward impervious surface but not structural coverage. Check Title 18 definitions for specific calculations including patios and decks.
Does an ADU count against my FAR?
Under state law ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are exempt from FAR calculations, allowing homeowners to add square footage beyond base zoning.
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