Driveway Rules: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do driveway rules rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View driveways require encroachment permits for new curb cuts through Public Works, with maximum widths of 20 feet for single-family and 30 feet for multi-family. Parking must be on paved surfaces only.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, driveways must not block sidewalks or public rights-of-way, and curb cuts require an encroachment permit from Roads and Airports.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Permit issuer | Public Works Department | - |
| SF driveway width | 20 ft max at property line | - |
| Multi-family width | 30 ft max | - |
| Paved surface required | No parking on lawns | - |
| Corner clearance | 5 feet minimum | - |
| Permit | - | Encroachment permit for curb cuts |
| Fire access | - | 20 ft clear width minimum |
| Sidewalk | - | Vehicles cannot overhang sidewalk |
| Agency | - | Roads and Airports Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I pour a concrete driveway without a permit?
Replacing an existing driveway on private property may not need a building permit, but any new curb cut or sidewalk work requires a Public Works encroachment permit.
Can I park on my front lawn?
No. Mountain View zoning requires all vehicle parking to be on paved or approved surfaces. Parking on turf or unpaved areas is a code violation.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a permit to pave my driveway?
Paving within your property line typically does not need a permit, but any work in the public right-of-way including the curb cut and sidewalk apron requires an encroachment permit from Roads and Airports.
Can I park across my own driveway?
You may block your own driveway, but not if vehicles extend into the sidewalk or street. CVC 22500(f) prohibits sidewalk obstruction regardless of ownership.
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