Home Cultivation: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do home cultivation rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
San Jose has fewer restrictions than Mountain View.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Adults 21 and older in Mountain View may grow up to 6 cannabis plants per residence under California Proposition 64. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited; plants must be inside a locked, secure area.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Under California Proposition 64 and SJMC Chapter 6.88, adults 21+ may cultivate up to six cannabis plants per residence for personal use. Plants must be grown indoors or in a secure, enclosed area not visible from public right-of-way. San Jose does not require a permit for personal cultivation within these limits. Medical patients with a physician's recommendation may cultivate additional plants as allowed under state law (Health & Safety Code §11362.77).
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Proposition 64 | - |
| Plant limit | 6 per residence | - |
| Outdoor grows | Prohibited | - |
| Indoor rule | Locked, secured, odor-controlled | - |
| Minimum age | 21 | - |
| Plant Limit | - | 6 plants per residence for personal use |
| Age Requirement | - | 21+ years old (or medical patient with recommendation) |
| Visibility | - | Plants must not be visible from public right-of-way |
| Location | - | Indoor or locked enclosed outdoor area |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 6.88; CA HSC §11362.1 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I grow cannabis in my backyard?
No. Mountain View bans outdoor cultivation. Plants must be grown inside the home or a locked, fully enclosed accessory structure.
Do I need a permit to grow 6 plants indoors?
Not for the plants themselves, but electrical upgrades, new ventilation, or structural changes may trigger building and electrical permit requirements.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a permit to grow cannabis at home in San Jose?
No permit is required for personal cultivation of up to six plants per residence, but you must comply with building and fire codes, and plants cannot be visible from public areas.
Can my landlord prohibit cannabis cultivation?
Yes. Landlords may include lease provisions prohibiting cannabis cultivation on the property. Prop 64 does not override private property restrictions.
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