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πŸ”§ Building Safety/Anti-Mansionization

Anti-Mansionization: Mountain View vs Santa Clara

How do anti-mansionization 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

Some Restrictions

Santa Clara County has no countywide mansionization ordinance, but Title C zoning sets floor area ratio caps, lot coverage limits, and tiered setbacks in residential and rural districts of unincorporated areas, including hillside, scenic, and AP-Agricultural Preserve overlays.

View full Mountain View rules β†’

Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara County

Some Restrictions

Santa Clara County has no countywide mansionization ordinance, but Title C zoning sets floor area ratio caps, lot coverage limits, and tiered setbacks in residential and rural districts of unincorporated areas, including hillside, scenic, and AP-Agricultural Preserve overlays.

View full Santa Clara rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactMountain ViewSanta Clara
Zoning codeSCC Title C residential rulesSCC Title C residential rules
R-1 FAR range0.40 to 0.45 typical0.40 to 0.45 typical
Hillside overlayHS slope-based height limitsHS slope-based height limits
Reviewing agencyCounty Planning and DevelopmentCounty Planning and Development
Scenic reviewArchitectural and Site ApprovalArchitectural and Site Approval

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Mountain View FAQ

Does Santa Clara County have a Baseline Mansionization Ordinance?

No single BMO exists. The county uses district-specific FAR caps, hillside slope-density rules, and Architectural and Site Approval in scenic corridors instead, with each unincorporated zone applying tailored bulk standards.

How do I find the FAR cap for my parcel?

Use the County Planning Department's online parcel viewer to identify base zoning and overlays. The applicable Title C section then provides FAR, lot coverage, height, and setback figures for that specific district.

Santa Clara FAQ

Does Santa Clara County have a Baseline Mansionization Ordinance?

No single BMO exists. The county uses district-specific FAR caps, hillside slope-density rules, and Architectural and Site Approval in scenic corridors instead, with each unincorporated zone applying tailored bulk standards.

How do I find the FAR cap for my parcel?

Use the County Planning Department's online parcel viewer to identify base zoning and overlays. The applicable Title C section then provides FAR, lot coverage, height, and setback figures for that specific district.

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