Tiny Homes: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do tiny homes 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
Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs in Mountain View. Movable tiny houses on wheels may be allowed as ADUs if they meet state movable tiny house standards.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
In Santa Clara, permanent tiny homes on foundations may be approved as ADUs. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as long-term residences on private lots.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation tiny | ADU-regulated | - |
| Movable tiny | May qualify as ADU | - |
| Min size | 150 sq ft efficiency | - |
| RV as home | Not allowed | - |
| Utilities | Permanent connections | - |
| On foundation | - | ADU path available |
| On wheels | - | Treated as RV, not dwelling |
| Modular | - | HCD-certified units OK |
| Min bath/kitchen | - | Required for ADU |
| Occupying RV | - | Not long-term allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I live in an RV on my property?
No. Mountain View does not permit occupancy of recreational vehicles as dwellings on residential lots.
How is a tiny home on wheels different from an RV?
A Movable Tiny House meets HCD and ANSI standards and anchors to utilities; an RV is built for travel and is not a dwelling.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in my backyard?
Not as a permanent residence. State and local rules treat wheeled tiny houses as RVs, which cannot be used as long-term housing on private residential lots.
What is the smallest ADU Santa Clara will approve?
A JADU is 150 to 500 square feet within an existing home, and detached ADUs have practical minimums around 150 to 200 square feet when designed to include all required systems.
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