Shed & Outbuilding Permits: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do shed & outbuilding permits 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
In Santa Clara County, one-story detached accessory structures (sheds) not exceeding 120 square feet do not require a building permit if they have no utilities. Larger sheds require permits. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose requires a building permit for sheds 120 square feet or larger. Sheds under 120 sq ft are exempt if they have no plumbing or electrical, are single-story, and meet setback requirements. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| No Permit | 120 sq ft or less, no utilities | - |
| Permit Required | Over 120 sq ft | - |
| Setback | 5 ft from property lines | - |
| Location | Rear yard only | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | 120 sq ft or larger |
| Under 120 sq ft | - | Exempt (no utilities) |
| Setbacks | - | 5 ft from rear/side lines |
| Review Time | - | 10-40+ weeks |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Santa Clara County?
Sheds of 120 square feet or less, single-story, without utilities, do not require a permit. Larger sheds require a building permit.
Can I put a shed in my front yard?
No, sheds and accessory structures must be located in the rear yard per the county zoning ordinance.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small shed in San Jose?
Sheds under 120 square feet are generally exempt if they have no electrical or plumbing, are single-story, and meet setback requirements.
How long does it take to get a shed permit in San Jose?
Plan review times in San Jose currently range from 10 to 40+ weeks due to high application volumes and limited staff.
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