Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do scaffold & sidewalk shed rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Scaffolding in Mountain View requires a building permit when used on projects exceeding Cal/OSHA thresholds or when encroaching on public right-of-way. Contractors must comply with CCR Title 8 safety standards.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County scaffolding follows CA Labor Code 7150 through 7157 and Title 8 CCR 1635 to 1662. Scaffolds over 36 feet need engineered plans. All must have guardrails, toeboards, and pre-shift inspection.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Permit threshold | Over 10 feet or in right-of-way | - |
| Fall protection | Required above 6 feet | - |
| Guardrail height | 42 inches with mid-rail | 42 inches |
| Engineered design | Required above 125 feet | - |
| Inspection frequency | Daily by competent person | - |
| Statute | - | Labor Code 7150-7157 |
| Regulations | - | Title 8 CCR 1635 |
| Engineer plans | - | Over 36 feet |
| Fatal report | - | 8 hours to Cal/OSHA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need a permit for homeowner scaffolding?
Short residential scaffolds under 10 feet used by homeowners typically do not need a permit, but any encroachment onto public sidewalks requires authorization from Public Works.
Who enforces scaffold safety on commercial sites?
Cal/OSHA holds primary jurisdiction over worker safety, while Mountain View Building Division inspects structural compliance and permit conditions.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 2 story exterior scaffold?
Santa Clara County does not issue separate scaffold permits for typical residential work, but the scaffold must comply with Cal/OSHA standards and be inspected by a competent person. Scaffolds above 36 feet require engineered plans.
Can a homeowner build their own scaffold to paint?
Yes for true DIY work on your own home, but rented or employer-erected scaffolds used by any paid worker must meet Cal/OSHA standards including guardrails, toeboards, and daily inspections.
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