Shed Rules: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do shed rules rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Sheds under 120 square feet do not require a building permit in Mountain View but must meet zoning setbacks and height limits. Larger sheds need a permit.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Sheds 120 sq ft or less in Santa Clara usually do not need a building permit but must meet setbacks and height limits. Larger sheds require a building permit and zoning review.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Permit exempt | Under 120 sq ft | - |
| Typical setback | 3 ft small, 5 ft larger | - |
| Height | Accessory limit | - |
| Front yard | Not allowed | Generally prohibited |
| Electrical | Permit required | - |
| No-permit size | - | 120 sq ft or less |
| Side/rear setback | - | Typically 3 ft minimum |
| Utilities | - | Permit required if added |
| Max height | - | About 12 ft peak exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I put a 10 by 12 shed next to my fence?
A 120 sq ft shed is permit exempt but still needs at least a 3-foot setback from the property line and cannot be in an easement.
Do I need a permit for a wired shed?
Yes. Any electrical service to a shed requires an electrical permit regardless of the shed size exemption.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I put a shed against my fence?
Not directly. Most residential zones require at least 3 feet of clearance to maintain access for maintenance and fire safety.
Does a prefab shed need a permit?
Only if it exceeds 120 square feet, has utilities, or is a habitable space. A simple storage shed within limits is exempt.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and Santa Clara compare on other ordinance categories.
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