Occupancy Limits: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View short-term rentals must comply with building and fire code occupancy rules based on dwelling size and bedroom count, typically two persons per bedroom plus two additional.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose caps short-term rental occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, with an absolute ceiling of 10 guests regardless of bedroom count. The limit appears on the Business Tax Certificate and must be posted inside the unit. Daytime gathering limits further restrict guest counts during events.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| City numeric cap | Not universally set | - |
| Common formula | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| Egress required | Each sleeping room | - |
| Smoke/CO alarms | Required | - |
| Overcrowding | Code enforcement risk | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
How many guests can I host in my Mountain View STR?
Use a reasonable formula based on bedrooms and ensure you meet fire egress and building code. Document the cap in your listing.
Can I rent out the living room as a sleeping area?
Only if it meets building code for a sleeping room, including window egress. Most living rooms do not qualify.
San Jose FAQ
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See how Mountain View and San Jose compare on other ordinance categories.
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