Street Parking Limits: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do street parking limits 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
On-street parking in Mountain View is limited to 72 consecutive hours per CVC 22651(k), with time-limit zones downtown and permit parking districts in several neighborhoods. Street sweeping restrictions apply weekly.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 11.36 governs on-street parking. Residential streets are swept once per month on a posted day; high-traffic and downtown streets are swept 2–4 times per month between 2:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Vehicles parked in posted no-parking zones during sweeping receive a citation, and tow-zone violators are towed.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Max continuous parking | 72 hours (CVC 22651k) | - |
| Downtown meters | 2-hour limit, Mon-Sat | - |
| Permit districts | Old MV, Monta Loma, Rex Manor | - |
| Hydrant clearance | 15 feet | - |
| Driveway clearance | 3 feet | - |
| Code Reference | - | SJMC 11.36.190 and 11.36.430 |
| Residential Sweep | - | 1× per month, fixed day |
| Commercial Sweep | - | 2–4× per month, 2 AM – 11 AM |
| Enforcement | - | SJ DOT Parking Compliance |
| Temp Sign Notice | - | 72 hours (CVC §22651(n)) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
How do I report a car parked over 72 hours?
Call Mountain View Police non-emergency at (650) 903-6344 or use the SeeClickFix app to submit an abandoned vehicle report.
Can I park my work van on the street overnight?
Passenger vehicles and work vans under 22 feet may park overnight, but commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW are prohibited from street parking between 2 AM and 6 AM.
San Jose FAQ
When is street sweeping in my San Jose neighborhood?
Most residential streets are swept once per month on a fixed day. Enter your address at the City of San José Collection Day Look-Up page (linked from the Street Sweeping page) to find the exact day and time window for your block.
What happens if I park during San Jose street sweeping hours?
Vehicles parked in posted no-parking zones during sweep hours are cited under SJMC 11.36.190. Tow-away zones (red signs) authorize impound under SJMC 11.36.430. Fines are set annually by City Council.
How much notice does San Jose give for new no-parking signs?
Permanent street-sweep signs are posted indefinitely once approved by Council. Temporary no-parking signs (for paving or special events) must be posted at least 72 hours in advance per California Vehicle Code §22651(n), or the tow is invalid.
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