Buffer Zones: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do buffer zones rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View and Palo Alto have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
California Business and Professions Code §26054 prohibits cannabis licensees within 600 feet of schools, daycares, and youth centers. Santa Clara County Title C zoning may impose larger buffers in unincorporated areas.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
California Business and Professions Code §26054 prohibits cannabis licensees within 600 feet of schools, daycares, and youth centers. Santa Clara County Title C zoning may impose larger buffers in unincorporated areas.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| State minimum | 600 feet from schools | 600 feet from schools |
| Statute | BPC §26054(b) | BPC §26054(b) |
| County buffers | Often 1,000 feet sensitive uses | Often 1,000 feet sensitive uses |
| Measurement | Property line to property line | Property line to property line |
| Sensitive uses | Schools, daycares, youth centers | Schools, daycares, youth centers |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Does the buffer apply if a school opens after I'm licensed?
No. The 600-foot rule applies only to schools, daycares, and youth centers existing at the time of license application. Later openings don't retroactively invalidate the license.
Can the County impose buffers larger than 600 feet?
Yes. State law sets the floor; counties and cities may impose larger buffers and add sensitive-use categories like parks, libraries, or treatment facilities through local zoning.
Palo Alto FAQ
Does the buffer apply if a school opens after I'm licensed?
No. The 600-foot rule applies only to schools, daycares, and youth centers existing at the time of license application. Later openings don't retroactively invalidate the license.
Can the County impose buffers larger than 600 feet?
Yes. State law sets the floor; counties and cities may impose larger buffers and add sensitive-use categories like parks, libraries, or treatment facilities through local zoning.
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